Storing Art

Fine art pieces are a personal expression of the artist. These highly-valued decorative pieces are usually found in mansions and galleries. Some establishments, like restaurants, hotels, and even office buildings, have these hanging on their walls to present an air of sophistication.

These articles are investments, much like stocks and bonds, increasing in value over time. To protect them, some people have opted to have vaults in their homes or lease a highly-secured self storage unit.

Whether you’ll be storing your fine art collection because of an ongoing renovation or saving it for gallery openings, you need to know how to preserve it in a self storage unit. Here are tips that can help you store your collection securely.

Prepare Your Fine Art Pieces for Storage

There’s a proper approach to preparing your fine art pieces for storage; but first, here are tips on how to store artworks in a self storage unit. 

• Document each piece. Like all stored items, fine art pieces should be documented. This will help you keep track of the art that you are keeping inside the storage unit. It can also protect you from the risk of loss during storage. Keep a detailed description of each piece, including photos and videos, in a safe place

• Consider insuring your artwork. Purchasing insurance for your fine art before placing it inside a storage unit is highly advisable. You will be protected from loss in case of theft or damage while inside a storage facility.
• Use protective covering. Fine art should always be kept in its pristine form. Use high-quality packing materials that can protect it from dust and moisture.

Select a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

An article published by Art Business News last year recommended a climate-controlled self storage unit to keep fine artwork safe. The article also mentioned five factors to consider when selecting the perfect storage unit for any fine artwork.

• Temperature
• Humidity
• Light
• Pests
• Atmospheric pollutants

A temperature-controlled self storage unit may keep some furniture in top condition. However, it can only regulate temperature and not humidity. A climate-controlled self storage unit, on the other hand, can regulate both humidity and temperature. It will keep humidity levels at 55%, which helps protect fine art pieces.

Use Sturdy Containers to Keep your Fine Art Pieces Organized 

Other than investing in a climate-controlled self storage unit, adding storage containers can keep your valuable art pieces more organized and protected from dust and humidity, much the same as storing books in a self storage unit. Following are several storage ideas for your artwork.

• Air-tight plastic containers to tightly seal any smaller fine art pieces 
• Customized large vertical shelves to store canvases 
• Small horizontal shelves to store unframed paintings on paper
• Flat file drawers

The containers should be resistant to absorbing dampness. You need to clean and dry any containers before using them, or residue and moisture can compromise your art. It’s also advisable to install wheels on larger shelves so that they are easily moveable.

Securely Pack Your Fine Art 

Both framed and unframed art require suitable packing. 

To prepare unframed fine art paintings and drawings, there are two priorities to keep in mind.

• Be sure that they become smudged or smeared due to rubbing against each other.
• Prevent them from crumpling or bending.

The following measures will prevent art from rubbing or touching other pieces.

• Add fixative to your art to prevent smudging.
• Place a sheet of wax in-between your artwork.
• Use an art portfolio case for extra protection.

To prevent damage from crumpling and bending.

•  keep your art in appropriately-sized, airtight containers. 

Don’t forget about your canvases.

• Wrap each art piece with a cloth to protect it from dust, cobwebs, or grime build-up. 
• Store large art pieces in mirror boxes. Fill the bottom and the top part with crumpled packing paper and paper pads before placing the painting inside and sealing it with packing tape.
• Use crates for larger fine art pieces. These are more likely to protect artwork. The crate should be 10% bigger than the art piece and lined with cardboard inside. You should also add crumpled packing paper before placing the artwork inside. Fasten it with nails or screws to hold the crate together.

Place your art pieces properly inside the storage unit

Now that you’re finished documenting and packing your artwork, it’s time to place it properly inside the storage unit. 

• Place acid-free boards on top of each shelf and inside the drawers before placing art portfolios and art papers on top.
• A climate-controlled storage unit is a must to avoid moisture and temperature extremes. Moisture can cause mold and mildew and heat can cause valuable art to warp.
• Don’t place canvases on the floor. This makes them vulnerable to different kinds of damage like pests and dampness.
• Small art papers, pads, and canvases can be stored vertically on shelves. 
• Store large art paper flat on shelves and drawers leaving plenty of space.
• Have oversized large vertical shelves for storing large canvases. 

Final Thoughts

Fine art is an investment as well as a source of personal enjoyment. If you take the time and use precautions needed to store it properly, it will last indefinitely and be enjoyed by future generations.