Paintings are one of the most beloved and valuable forms of fine art, often used to add beauty, personality, and warmth to a home or space. Whether it’s a piece from a renowned artist or a unique creation that reflects personal taste, paintings serve as more than just decorative objects—they can also be considered investments. Many collectors acquire multiple paintings over time, sometimes needing to rotate them based on available space or the seasonal aesthetic of their environment. There may also be times when a move, renovation, or redecoration calls for temporarily storing these artworks.
Storing paintings correctly is essential to preserving their value, condition, and longevity. Whether you’re storing a painting for a few weeks or several years, there are key guidelines to follow to keep your artwork in excellent shape. This guide will cover the best practices for storing paintings at home or in a storage unit, ensuring that your paintings remain intact, undamaged, and ready to be displayed again when the time comes.
How to Preserve Paintings
Artists take great care when creating their works, using techniques to preserve the quality of the paint and the canvas. For example, glazing or applying varnish can protect a painting from environmental damage, such as dust or dirt. Similarly, museums and galleries maintain optimal conditions for artwork, including temperature and humidity controls. However, it’s not always feasible for the average art lover to replicate these museum-level conditions at home. That said, there are still steps you can take to protect and store paintings safely, keeping them in pristine condition for years to come.
Choosing the Right Storage Location at Home
When storing paintings at home, the first thing to consider is the location. Not all areas are suitable for keeping artworks safe. Common spaces like basements and attics often have fluctuating temperatures, humidity levels, and exposure to pests—conditions that can cause irreparable damage to paintings over time. Instead, choose a storage space that is dry, clean, and away from direct sunlight. Ideally, this area should have a stable temperature of around 70°F (21°C) and humidity levels between 40% and 50%.
It’s crucial to avoid placing paintings in damp, humid environments because moisture is one of the biggest threats to artwork. Humidity can cause the canvas to warp, the paint to crack, or even the frame to deteriorate. Additionally, pests like rodents or insects can damage the artwork, so the space should be free from bugs and other potential threats.
How to Prepare Paintings for Storage
Once you’ve selected the ideal storage space (we recommend Miles of storage) , the next step is preparing the painting for storage. Whether you are storing a canvas painting or a framed work, protective wrapping is essential. However, it’s important to avoid using materials like bubble wrap, which can trap moisture and potentially damage oil paintings. Instead, consider using alternatives like clean, dry sheets, tissue paper, or foam padding. These materials offer sufficient protection while preventing moisture buildup.
When wrapping the painting, ensure that it is fully covered, including the edges and corners. If you’re storing framed paintings, use corner protectors to prevent any damage to the frame during handling or storage. Be cautious not to wrap the artwork too tightly, as this can cause pressure on the paint and the canvas, leading to distortion.
How to Store Paintings on Paper
If you have artwork on paper—such as prints, drawings, or watercolors—additional care is needed. Paper is more delicate than canvas, so storing it properly will help preserve the fine details and textures of the work. Start by laying the artwork on a flat surface, such as an acid-free board or thicker paper. It’s important to use acid-free materials for both wrapping and supporting the artwork, as regular paper or cardboard can introduce acids that damage the artwork over time.
To protect the artwork, wrap it in acid-free, unprinted paper, ensuring the piece is fully covered. Avoid using newspaper, as the ink can transfer onto the artwork, causing stains. Once wrapped, store the paintings in a flat, dry environment where they won’t be exposed to excessive light or heat.
Long-Term Storage of Paintings
For those who plan to store paintings long-term—whether as a valuable art collection or cherished family heirlooms—additional precautions are necessary. Long-term storage requires careful attention to temperature, humidity, and light exposure. Sunlight is one of the most significant threats to paintings, as UV rays can cause fading or degradation of colors, even through protective coverings. Therefore, paintings should be stored in a dark, windowless space whenever possible.
Humidity can also wreak havoc on artwork. Excess moisture can cause warping, mold growth, and paint cracking. To keep the environment dry, ensure the storage area has proper ventilation, and consider using a dehumidifier if necessary. The ideal temperature for long-term storage is around 70°F, with a humidity level of 40% to 50%. This will help preserve the integrity of the painting materials, including the canvas, paint, and frame.
When storing paintings long-term, always place them flat and upright, never rolled or stacked. Although some canvases can be rolled for short-term transportation, long-term storage should always involve storing paintings flat to avoid damaging the internal structure of the canvas or the paint layers.
Avoiding Harmful Materials
When it comes to packing materials, always choose acid-free options. Standard packing materials such as masking tape, cardboard, or certain plastics contain acids that can leach onto the artwork, causing discoloration, yellowing, or deterioration. Over time, these materials can negatively affect the painting’s longevity. Use acid-free paper, boards, and foam for padding and wrapping, and opt for proper storage boxes made specifically for artwork.
Conclusion
Proper storage is essential for preserving the beauty and value of your paintings, whether they are a few cherished pieces or part of a larger collection. By selecting the right storage location, using appropriate protective materials, and paying attention to temperature and humidity, you can ensure that your paintings remain in excellent condition for years to come. When storing paintings long-term, it’s important to be proactive in taking precautions to avoid light, moisture, and physical damage. By following these best practices, your artwork will be ready to be displayed again whenever you choose, maintaining its vibrancy and integrity.
