Preserving artwork is an art itself. If you own artwork, just for the love of it or for a gallery, then you already know that those babies are not only precious but also prone to damage. Keeping them safe and in good condition is always on your mind, isn’t it? When not in display, the best thing to do to your artwork is to keep them at a self-storage unit to preserve both its quality and value. Here’s how to ensure its utmost protection from evitable damages.
Storage Unit Is Your Best Friend
If you own lots of artwork, then it is likely that you already have a storage unit to store them. But if that’s not the case then consider getting a self-storage unit right now. There might be different ways to store your artworks, such as keeping them within framed art storage shelving, racks, panels that will safely keep the art and preserve free space. Your home may not always be temperature regulated to keep the artwork safe from direct sunlight, heat during summers, and frost in winters. Attics and storerooms are prone to pests and insects, basements are in danger of being flooded. So, transfer these to a safer place like storage units in Dallas. Plus, you can use that freed-up space in your house!
Pack to Protect
Wrapping your artwork is the first step towards its safekeeping. According to the piece, use sheets, bubble wrap, foam, plastic wrap, etc. to wrap the artwork. Providing an extra layer of cardboard or wood is very important for the fragile ones. Most experienced people prefer using acid-free paper to wrap all kinds of artworks. It’s made suits prevent discoloration and deterioration, making it just right for ensuring durability. Don’t cluster them together, pack each one separately and label them for future reference.
Temperature and Humidity Matters
Extreme temperatures and humidity can be very damaging. High-temperature cause condensation inside the wrapped artwork and when it is trapped it’ll spoil colors, papers, and paintings. Low temperature and humidity can cause mildew to grow on your artwork and metals will develop rust over time. That’s why it is extremely important to keep the artwork in a climate-controlled environment. Temperature and humidity requirements may vary but ideally, the temperature between 65 to 75 degrees and humidity of 50 percent will work for most. Do little research for specific pieces.
Transit and Store It Right
Most art collectors agree that major damages take place during transit. Anything can happen to the artwork while shipping as the person handling it may not be aware of its value and end up crushing, throwing or the worse dropping it on the ground. Give strict instructions for the artwork transit and if possible be present every time they are shifted. Also, make sure you select suitable space and shelves in the storage unit. Then store them upright, maintain minimum space, don’t bundle them together, and use padding for extra protection. And that’s the way to do it right.
According to Do it Yourself Road Cases, there are a number of different advantages to using road cases. A few of them are that they won’t get crushed like molded cases or broken like fiber cases. They’ll also be protected from the elements and potential thieves. Another thing is that they’re much more durable and will last for many years where other options could wear out relatively quickly. Road cases made to fit an item really don’t take up any more room than standard fiber or molded cases and bags.
Additionally, you can get your artwork insured with an insurance provider or with the storage unit provider, if they offer that option. This is a must for a gallery owner as any loss can affect you financially and it may become hard to recover anything from ruined artwork.
If you a lover of art who can just stare at a beautiful painting or a statue for hours, then don’t fear away from owning them thinking they’ll get damaged. Now that you know how to preserve them and maintain their value for years with the above-mentioned tips and tricks, go ahead and indulge in those pieces of art as much as you wish. Creativity takes courage and its preservation takes persistent hard work.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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