How To Store Your Artwork Properly

There are many types of materials that you can use to create your own unique artwork. You should always keep in mind that the material you choose will have an impact on how long it takes for your artwork to dry and how well it holds up when exposed to moisture, heat, or sunlight. 

Regardless of whether you created your artwork, if you purchased a piece of fine art, or if you were gifted something custom-made by a loved one, it is critical to understand the need for correct storage. 

This can impact how long a particular piece lasts, and the amount of time that you can enjoy it for. This is a complete guide into how to store your artwork and the role that certain materials can play in your artwork’s longevity. 

Storing A Canvas Correctly

Most pieces of art are done on canvases, which are stretched material that has been secured onto a wooden frame. While this is one of the sturdiest ways of painting and keeping artwork safe, the canvas material can actually become weaker when it is exposed to high amounts of direct sunlight. 

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Try to avoid storing your canvas in direct sunlight if possible. This can help to keep your artwork looking as it is supposed to. Additionally, it is worth storing your canvas upright. Obviously, this is less of an issue if you are displaying certain pieces of artwork, but it can be tempting to store canvases horizontally when you are packing them away or transporting them. 

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This should be avoided, as it makes dust more likely to build up over time. Not only that, but the wooden frame holding the canvas material in place can become weak when it is stored flat. 

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It is also worth making sure that you are using high quality canvases in the first place. This can make your artwork last longer and more resistant to weathering over time. Check out artlisti.com for more detail about the best materials for you. 

Preparation

Another thing to consider when you want to store your artwork correctly is the preparation. Getting a certain piece ready for storage, or making sure all the materials are protected from the elements, is one of the best ways to preserve your artwork over time. 

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The first step to preparing your artwork is to clean it. Depending on the material that has been used, it is recommended that you remove dust and dry debris using a microfiber cloth, wood polish, or a metal polish. Make sure you are using the appropriate tools for the medium which the artwork is made out of. 

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It could also be worth speaking with a professional about wrapping your artwork. The idea behind this is to stop individual pieces from touching each other, but it can actually damage your artwork in the process. This is because incorrect wrapping can trap moisture inside, which causes damage to the artwork over time. 

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Because of this, it is recommended that you speak with an experienced artist, seller, or collector. They will be able to show you how they store their artwork and even teach you some ways that you can wrap your artwork for maximum preservation in the long run. 

Think About The Temperature

Another thing which can potentially damage your artwork when it is being stored is the climate of an area and how consistent the temperature is. While different mediums have slightly different recommended temperatures and storage conditions, you should aim to keep your artwork stored between 70 and 75 Fahrenheit. 

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More severe changes in the temperature have a higher risk of growing mold, warping, yellowing paper, and cracked paint. This can be avoided with the simple addition of a humidifier or air conditioning unit. 

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In terms of humidity, it is recommended that you aim for around 40-50%. This keeps the paint or other materials and the surface that the artwork is made on in good condition. 

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Making sure you are managing the temperature as well as humidity levels allows your artwork to last longer. This means that you can enjoy a particular piece for a longer period of time without worrying about the climate that it is stored within. 

Sunlight Exposure

Additionally, the sunlight has the potential to damage your artwork if it is more exposed to natural light. Regardless of the type of paint which is used, excessive UV light can cause damage in your artwork. This is because the sun can make colors fade, which reduces their vibrant appearance or contrast.

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In turn, this will make a particular piece less impactful. Make sure you are covering your artwork with an acid-free cloth, which will reduce the chances of the colors fading. 

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If you are unable to find this type of covering, or if you cannot move a certain piece of artwork out of the sunlight, then you could keep the particular piece safe inside the travel case that it came with. 

Check Regularly

It is a common mistake that many people make when it comes to keeping artwork safe and protected from the elements, but you should schedule regular checks on your pieces. This is especially necessary if you are keeping your artwork in a storage unit or somewhere further from your home that you don’t visit as regularly. 

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It is easy to forget about certain pieces of art once they are being stored or packed away, but this is the time when they can get damaged the most. Try to make time to thoroughly check on each piece on a monthly basis. 

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Even if you have carefully packed everything away, paintings and pieces of art can still pick up bacteria, dust, and moisture. Over time, this can attract rodents and insects too. Make sure you are taking a close look at everything and rewrapping certain pieces if necessary. 

Summary

There are a surprising amount of things that can influence the estimated lifespan of a particular piece of artwork. These include how it is being stored, the temperature of a storage room, which direction it is facing, and if it has been sealed for maximum preservation. 

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It is definitely worth considering how you are storing your artwork if you enjoy making or collecting pieces. Your chosen method of storage can greatly affect how bold certain colors and shades are over time. 

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Not only that, but correct storage allows you to enjoy a particular piece for much longer. This means that you will be able to appreciate the impact that a certain piece of artwork has over a longer period of time. 

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Because of this, it is worth looking into the type of materials available and how that can impact the estimated lifespan of your artwork. It is also worth noting that there are different ways of preparing your artwork for storage, which can impact the colors, canvas material if used, and exposure to the elements. 

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Artwork is incredibly subjective, and it’s no wonder that there are so many types of materials and forms of art. Because of this, it is worth looking into the different types of art mediums so that you can understand the preparation and storage processes. 

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Think about what you find impactful on the whole, and the type of experience you want to achieve out of a certain piece of artwork. It can be expressive or more about visual elements. This can help you decide the types of material you want to work with and, in turn, the methods of storing your artwork. 

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