How to Store Art Ever wonder why museums display art in such meticulous conditions? It’s not just because those pieces are historical or priceless – it’s because art materials are incredibly sensitive and can deteriorate or fade if stored incorrectly. Read on to learn more about the best way to store art depending on the […]
Ever wonder why museums display art in such meticulous conditions? It’s not just because those pieces are historical or priceless – it’s because art materials are incredibly sensitive and can deteriorate or fade if stored incorrectly.
Read on to learn more about the best way to store art depending on the medium, format, and condition.
Art materials are sensitive to light, temperature, pressure, chemicals, and even the oils on your fingertips. That’s why knowing how to store and display fine art and decorative art requires careful consideration.
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Framed art can be stored in a very similar way to the steps listed above for unframed paintings. However, because of the glass frame and additional weight, they will require a little more protective padding. And because the painting is protected by glass, it’s safe to first clean off the frame using a safe glass cleaner.
Next, apply a mat board or heavy paper overtop of the glass. Once that mat is secure, apply frame protectors on the corners of the frame. From there, follow the same bubble wrapping and tight-fitting cardboard box steps listed above. Just make sure that the cardboard box is sturdy enough to hold the additional weight of the frame.
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Art prints are incredibly sensitive to light, humidity, and acidic materials. For this reason, it’s important to store them individually inside acid-free folders and storage units. This includes taking them outside of any frame, avoiding wooden materials to store them in, keeping them separate from one another, and using only acid-free paper to protect them.
So, when storing, each print should be removed from any frame and placed inside metal cabinets, folders, or collector boxes. Place each print in an acid-free folder and position them horizontally.
When it comes to paper art, the most important thing to consider is its delicacy. Because paper art can easily tear, bend, crumple, or curl, it should be stored in a flat, secure position. This can be done by either matting and framing the piece first or by storing it in an archival box.
If the art is framed, be sure to consider potential chemical interactions or wear that can happen between the drawing material and the glass in the frame. Certain inks or charcoal materials may require an acid-free or pH-neutral paper protectant laid overtop of the art to avoid chemical interactions or wear. From there, the pieces can be wrapped and stored following the steps listed above.
Before storing away sculptures, be sure to first dust off any buildup that could result in damage or wear. Just be careful that no fibers are left behind. And before handling them, always wear protective gloves. Because of their delicacy and often times heavy weight, it’s important that sculptures are thoroughly protected with bubble wrap or padding and placed inside a secure box or container.
For taxidermy, always store them inside wooden crates and be sure they’re arranged so that they don’t overlap. The most important consideration, however, is protecting them from pests. This can be done by putting silicone sealant along the seams of the crates and using pest control products in the area where they’re being stored.
Photographs should be stored in an archival box or arranged in a photo album in a stable climate and away from light. However, plastic, glue, or tape used in photo albums to secure the photos can be damaging. So, avoid these adhesives and consider acid-free plastic sleeves. Also, keep them stored on a high shelf away from potential flood or water damage.
However, the best way to ensure photographs are fully protected against loss is by also digitizing them.
Even with the best storage and display practices, art can still show signs of wear or damage over time. Count on the professionals at Prism Specialties to take care of any type of art with expert cleaning, restoration, storage, and framing solutions! Call (888) 826-9429 or submit a claim online to get started.
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