Knowing how to store artwork safely is essential for preserving the beauty and value over time. Whether you have a home studio or rent a studio space in your community, proper storage techniques are crucial. You may be an artist with a growing collection or a collector looking to safeguard your investments. In this article, we will explore practical tips to ensure your artwork remains in pristine condition, ready to be enjoyed for years to come.
Tips on Storing Artwork Safely
The ideal environment to store art safely is cool, dry, and stable. Temperature fluctuations and high humidity can cause significant damage to artwork, so maintaining a consistent climate is crucial. Aim for a temperature between 65-70°F (18-21°C) and a relative humidity of 40-50%. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade and degrade art over time. Ensure the storage area is clean and free from dust, pests, and pollutants that could harm the artwork. Proper ventilation is important to prevent mold and mildew growth. Using archival-quality materials such as acid-free paper, boxes, and portfolios provides additional protection. Keeping artwork off the floor and using racks or shelves designed for art storage can further prevent physical damage.
Utilize Unused Spaces
Most homes have unused spaces that can be utilized more effectively. From a coat closet to a formal dining room to a garage, these spaces can be decluttered and reorganized to serve as excellent storage areas for your artwork. By making use of underutilized spaces, you can keep your artwork safe and easily accessible. This is particularly useful for smaller homes or studios where space is at a premium. Find space under furniture, add shelving above doorways, or ask Grandma if she has an extra closet you could use. Ensure the area is clean, dry, and free from potential hazards such as pests or water leaks.
Enjoy Your Work
Until your work sells, put it up for all to see. Use whatever space you have in a gallery-style floor-to-ceiling. Use your space like it’s a gallery, and practice sharing and talking about your work to those who see it, even if it’s your cat or dog. Consider putting it up from your earliest work to your newest so you can see how far you have grown in your skills.
Use Standard Sizes
When purchasing canvases, it's wise to stick to standard sizes. This not only makes it easier to find frames but also simplifies storage. Non-standard sizes can be challenging to store, hang, and frame. By using standard sizes, you can ensure your artwork is safely stored and protected. Standard sizes also facilitate easier transport and display, whether at home, in galleries, or at art shows. Framing can become a challenge for you and your collectors if you use non-standard sizing, being an added expense requiring custom framing.
Choose the Right Surfaces to Paint On
Selecting the right surface for your artwork is crucial for its longevity. Opt for archival materials that are designed to withstand the test of time. Here's a breakdown of some common surfaces and how to store them:
Canvases
Store canvases vertically in a cool, dry place, and keep them off the floor if possible. This prevents warping and damage. If space allows, use canvas storage racks that hold paintings vertically and provide adequate support. Avoid stacking canvases horizontally, as the pressure can cause distortion and stretching. Make sure your art is fully dry before storing it to prevent canvases from sticking together.
Sketchbooks and Large Paper
Sketchbooks can be stored vertically on a shelf, while large papers should be stored horizontally in a drawer, portfolio, or on a shelf. This prevents bending and creasing. For added protection, use archival-quality boxes or portfolios. Keep paper products away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Use acid-free interleaving paper between works to prevent them from sticking together.
Wood
Ensure you prime wooden surfaces with white or clear gesso to prevent the wood from absorbing too much paint, which can lead to deterioration. Store wood panels vertically, and if possible, use spacers between each piece to allow air circulation and prevent sticking or warping.
Cold Pressed Paper
Use high-quality cold-pressed paper and store it in a portfolio. This type of paper is more durable and can be easily stored flat. To further protect your paper, interleave with acid-free tissue paper. Store portfolios in a flat, dry area to avoid bending or damage.
*Consider Using Environmentally Friendly Materials
Environmentally conscious artists can opt for canvases made from recycled materials and paints derived from sustainable sources. These options not only benefit the environment but also ensure the longevity of your artwork. Recycled canvases and paints are often just as durable as traditional materials and can provide peace of mind that your creative process is eco-friendly. Liquitex is now offering canvases derived from plastic. “Tomorrow Artist” creates recycling paint from leftovers to prevent extra paint from being dumped into landfills.
How and Where to Store
When it comes to storing artwork safely, there are several effective storage ideas that can help protect your pieces from damage and ensure longevity:
Use Archival Storage Boxes
Archival storage boxes are made from acid-free materials that prevent deterioration over time. These boxes are perfect for storing smaller works, such as drawings, prints, and photographs. Ensure the boxes are sturdy and fit the artwork snugly to avoid shifting during handling.
Vertical Storage Racks
Vertical storage racks are ideal for canvases and framed artworks. These racks keep the pieces upright, reducing the risk of warping and other damage. Ensure the racks have padded dividers to prevent artwork from touching each other, which could cause scratches or abrasions. Ensure that shelves are strong enough to hold the weight of your pieces and that work is not stacked directly on top of each other. Use shelf liners or padding to prevent scratches and other damage.
Climate-Controlled Storage
If you have valuable or sensitive artwork, consider climate-controlled storage units. These units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, protecting your art from environmental fluctuations. This is especially important for work on paper, textiles, and other sensitive materials.
Hanging Systems
For artwork that you may want to display occasionally, consider using hanging systems with adjustable hooks and supports. This allows you to easily rotate pieces between storage and display without causing damage. Ensure that the hanging system is secure and that artwork is hung away from direct sunlight and areas with high humidity.
Protective Wraps and Covers
Use protective wraps, such as bubble wrap or foam sheets, to cover artwork before placing them in storage. For added protection, consider using custom-made covers or blankets that fit your pieces snugly. Avoid using plastic wraps directly on artwork, as they can trap moisture and cause damage over time.
Storage Cabinets
Lockable storage cabinets provide an added layer of security for valuable artworks. These cabinets can be fitted with custom racks or shelves to accommodate different sizes and types of art. Ensure that the cabinets are placed in a location that is free from environmental hazards, such as leaks or pests.
Rolling Carts
For flexible storage and easy access, rolling carts with padded shelves can be a practical solution. These carts can be moved around as needed, allowing you to easily access your artwork and reconfigure your storage space.
Wall-Mounted Storage
For small or lightweight pieces, wall-mounted storage systems, such as pegboards with hooks or grid panels, can be a convenient option. This keeps your artwork off the floor and easily accessible while maximizing vertical space.
Additional Protection
To ensure artwork doesn't stick together during storage, it's essential to use proper interleaving materials that provide a protective barrier.
Acid-free tissue paper is a popular choice for separating artwork. It provides a soft, protective layer that prevents pieces from sticking together and protects against dust and dirt. Acid-free tissue paper is safe for most types of artwork, including drawings, prints, and photographs.
Another great option is glassine paper, a smooth, glossy paper that is air, water, and grease-resistant. It is ideal for separating artwork because it is non-abrasive and won't stick to the surface of the art. This material is often used for prints, drawings, and paintings.
Archival interleaving paper is specifically designed for protecting artwork. It is acid-free and lignin-free, ensuring it won't cause any chemical reactions that could damage the artwork over time. This type of paper is suitable for various art forms, including photographs and documents.
Mylar or polyester film is a transparent, durable material that is often used to protect artwork. It provides a barrier that prevents pieces from sticking together while allowing for visibility, making it especially useful for delicate works on paper.
Foam sheets can be used to provide cushioning between larger pieces of artwork, such as canvases or framed pieces. Ensure the foam is acid-free and safe for use with art. Foam sheets help prevent pressure points and scratches.
Silicone release paper is another great option for separating artworks. It has a non-stick surface that ensures pieces do not adhere to each other. This paper is often used in printmaking and other fine art applications.
Finally, buffered paper contains an alkaline reserve that neutralizes acids that may form over time. This type of paper is ideal for storing artwork made from acidic materials or those that may be exposed to acidic environments. By using these materials, you can protect your artwork from sticking, scratching, and other potential damage.
*How to Use These Materials:
Cut to Size: Ensure the interleaving material is cut to the appropriate size, slightly larger than the artwork, to provide complete coverage.
Layering: Place a sheet of interleaving material between each piece of artwork, making sure there is no direct contact between the pieces.
Handling: Handle artwork with clean hands or wear gloves to prevent oils and dirt from transferring to the interleaving material and artwork.
Storage Environment: Store the interleaved artworks in a cool, dry, and stable environment to further prevent sticking and other potential damage.
Off-load Unnecessary Art
It's okay to let go of pieces that no longer fit your voice or brand. Donating artwork to local non-profits or using it for giveaway promotions can be a great way to declutter while building your following or giving back to the community. Remember to take high-quality photos of your work before offloading them. This can preserve a record of your artistic journey or allow you to create prints for future sales. This can also help build your portfolio and showcase your evolution as an artist.
Photo Credit gross.net artist Andrea Williams
Put Your Art to Work
One of the scariest steps for artists is getting their work out into the public. We can help you with proven tips on how to sell your art. Here are some ways:
Displaying your artwork in local coffee shops can be an excellent way to reach a broader audience. Many local coffee shops welcome art displays, allowing your work to adorn their walls and gain exposure. This opportunity can also lead to potential sales and brand recognition, so be sure to make purchasing easy by including your contact information and pricing details alongside your artwork.
Connecting with local realtors is another effective strategy. Realtors often appreciate having art displayed in their listings, which can enhance the appeal of the property. You can even negotiate an art opening on the same day as an open house, allowing prospective buyers to see your work and providing an excellent opportunity to engage with them directly.
The hospitality industry, particularly hotels, can be a lucrative market for artists. Navigating this market can be challenging, but once you're in, it can provide a fruitful stream of income. Hotels frequently change out their art during rebranding efforts, and big franchises often include regional artists in their new decor to create a local feel. The growing trend of art-focused hotels means fresh art is in high demand, presenting a valuable opportunity for artists.
Make it a goal to regularly apply for shows and commissions. Whether it's a gallery show or commission work, actively seeking out these opportunities can significantly increase your visibility. Keeping an updated portfolio and being prepared to present your work professionally is crucial. Networking with other artists and art professionals can also open doors to new opportunities and further your career.
More Time to Do What You Love
By following these tips, you can ensure that your artwork is stored safely, preserving its beauty and value. Proper storage not only protects your investment but also allows you to enjoy your collection for many years to come. Taking proactive steps to store and display your art properly reflects your dedication to your craft and helps maintain the integrity and longevity of your pieces.
The most successful artists today are disciplined, and studio organization plays a big role in being disciplined. The more organized and disciplined you are, the more time you’ll have to paint, dream, and focus on becoming a professional artist. You can do this! You can master the art of organization!
If you’d like more tips on organizing and on becoming a professional artist, join our Milan Art community for inspiration, new tutorials, and connections with other artists from around the world.
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