How to Safeguard Your Artwork: A Thorough Painting Storage Guide

Moving to a new house can be an exciting adventure. But it always comes with its own share of challenges. Take paintings, for example. The process of storing them can be tricky. Paintings are delicate and vulnerable to damages like light exposure, humidity, and even the way they’re handled.

In this post, you will learn some tips and best practices on how to store paintings. It’s so much more than just wrapping them in newspapers and stacking them in a corner. In fact, that’s what you should never do. And what should you do? For starters…

Find where to store your art safely

Without the right storage conditions, your artwork can suffer from fading colours, warping canvases, or even mould growth. To avoid these headaches, you should think carefully about where to store the paintings.

Temperature and humidity changes can easily damage your artwork. So, choose a spot in your home that has a consistent temperature. A spare room or a closet away from exterior walls will do nicely. To keep your paintings safe, aim to maintain a consistent temperature of around 18-24°C (65-75°F). Relative humidity should be around 40-50%. This is especially important for oil and acrylic paintings, which can crack or warp if the air is too dry or too damp.

If you are considering using a garage or basement as a storage location, think again. Basements often have higher moisture levels, which can lead to mould or mildew. You can still install a dehumidifier if you have no other options but keep in mind that it remains a risky storage place.

Garages, on the other hand, are prone to temperature swings, unless your particular one is climate-controlled. If it’s not, then avoid it as a possible place to store your artwork.

Another important thing to remember is that direct sunlight is a painting’s worst enemy. UV rays can cause colours to fade over time, even indoors. If you’re storing art in a room with windows, make sure to use UV-protective glass or shades to block out harmful rays. 

Use temporary coverings for short-term storage. Wrap paintings in acid-free paper or bubble wrap to protect from dust and dirt. Stand them upright, don’t stack them. That way, you will prevent pressure damage.

Use quality boxes, acid-free paper, and sturdy crates for long-term storage. Or, if your pieces are valuable or you simply don’t have a storage space with the right conditions at home, consider a professional storage facility. These facilities provide climate control and security, but there are more things to know about renting a storage unit.

Dust and clean the paintings

Before you store your paintings in the right places and conditions, you need to clean them. Mind you, not literally, as that will destroy them.

Wrapping the artwork

When it comes to storing paintings, the materials you use to wrap them matter a whole lot. Different types of paintings require different approaches. But first, here are the main things you will need:

How to wrap paintings for storage

Packing paintings for storage involves similar steps for oil, acrylic, and watercolour works. So, let’s see how you can safely pack paintings for long-term storage:

1. Clean and prepare the surface – Lay the painting face down on a clean, flat surface. If unframed, place a layer of acid-free tissue paper over the painted side to prevent scratches or dust buildup;
2. Wrap in acid-free paper – Completely wrap the painting in acid-free paper to prevent discolouration or damage over time. Avoid wrapping in plastic even for short-term storage, as it can trap moisture and cause mould, musty smell or warping. Secure the paper with masking tape (not regular tape, which may leave residue);
3. Add bubble wrap – Wrap the painting in bubble wrap for cushioning, making sure the bubbles face outward to avoid impressions on the painting’s surface;
4. Protect the corners – Use cardboard corner protectors or foam to shield the edges of the painting, which are most vulnerable to damage;
5. Place in a sturdy container – For long-term storage, place the wrapped painting inside a cardboard box or sandwich it between two pieces of cardboard for extra stability. Alternatively, use an archival-quality box or custom-made crate for maximum protection, especially if the painting is valuable;
6. Store in a suitable location – Store the packed painting in a climate-controlled environment to prevent temperature and humidity fluctuations.

So what’s the big deal between packing paintings for a quick stash and a long haul? It’s all about how much you want to baby them. For a short-term stash, you can get away with acid-free paper and bubble wrap to keep scratches and dings at bay.

Since the painting will be unpacked relatively soon, minimal protection like basic wrapping and cushioning works fine. The environment doesn’t need to be strictly controlled, though avoiding sunlight and moisture is still important. Simple cardboard protection or soft storage materials are typically enough.

For long-term storage, more thorough protection is needed. Along with acid-free paper and bubble wrap, you should also use corner protectors and store the painting in sturdy archival-quality boxes or crates. Long-term storage also requires climate control, with a stable temperature.

Positioning in storage space

It’s important to know how to store artwork, regardless if it’s at a storage unit or at home.

If you’re storing paintings in places like basements or garages, elevate them off the ground to protect against potential water damage. You can use shelves, bricks, or wooden blocks to keep them safely above floor level.

How long can paintings be stored?

When you do it properly, you can store the paintings for years, even decades. The key is to keep consistent temperature and humidity levels. Oil and acrylic paintings are generally sturdy and can withstand storage with the right precautions, but watercolours, as they are more delicate, need extra attention.

It’s a good idea to check on your paintings occasionally, even in storage, to catch any issues early. For long-term storage, consider using a professional art storage facility designed to keep artwork in perfect condition.