How To Prepare Artwork For Storage

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If you have works of art you no longer have room for in your home or art gallery, you don't have to sell or give them away. It is possible to place them in storage for safe keeping. Art is often costly, and the last thing you want to do is throw them in the closet. Here are tips to safely store your artwork.

Prepare to Store

For this project, you need:

  • microfiber cloth
  • masking tape
  • packing tape
  • cardboard boxes
  • telescopic boxes (optional) 
  • acid-free paper
  • corrugated cardboard, mat board, or carpet padding
  • tissue paper
  • bubble wrap
  • foam peanuts (optional)
  • rust protector

Remove the artwork from the wall, and lay it on a flat surface. Wipe hardware, glass, and frames with a microfiber cloth. Dab some rust protector on metal parts to prevent rust.

Pack Unframed Artwork

Don't be tempted to roll up unframed artwork, such as prints, as it may crease the paint or make wrinkles in the material. Add tissue paper on the front and back of the piece.

Make triangle shapes out of acid-free paper, and slide them on each corner. Support the sides with sturdy cardboard. It will usually require two pieces of cardboard to keep the artwork secured

Tape the cardboard triangles to the artwork, and set it in the box. To guard against moisture, place the artwork in a plastic bag. If the piece is too large for standard boxes, use a telescopic box.

Ensure the artwork isn't able to move by gently moving the box. Add more packing material, if needed. Label the box, and close the box with packing tape.

Pack Framed Artwork

Framed artwork should be stored in boxes with three inches of packing space around it. Add a strip of masking tape in the form of an "x" to pieces with glass frames or covers to help keep the glass secured during moving. Tape cardboard triangles to the corners.

Lay a piece of corrugated cardboard over the glass. If you don't have cardboard, use carpet padding or mat board. Wrap the artwork in tissue paper.

Wrap a layer of bubble wrap around the artwork. Add more cushioning material such as wadded paper or foam peanuts to the sides. Secure the packing material on the back of the piece with masking tape. Seal the box, and write "fragile" on it.

Choose an appropriate storage facility. An ideal storage unit has a temperature of 70 degrees F and 50% humidity. Do not place anything on tops of the artwork, and store it upright, so it won't get damaged. Public storage units are often the best way to store artwork.

For more info on your storage facility options, contact a company like Westview Public Mini-Storage.

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