So, you’re looking to store your valuable home décor or artwork for a short or long amount of time in a self storage unit, but do you know how to properly store it? How to store paintings? Well, it’s ok we’ll educate you on how to do this the right way the first time, so you can have it when you’re ready to put it back up in your home or office. Fortunately, you have several options when seeking self storage, and we suggest you choose the following options. Look for and choose a facility that has a good climate control level and you want an indoor storage facility with 24/7 security.
How To Store Paintings and Other Art in Self Storage – Best Practices
So, the question remains, how to store paintings and other art pieces properly to make sure they aren’t damaged while they’re being stored in self storage? We hope to tackle this question by offering some valued objectives for anyone who’s storing their paintings and other artwork in self storage.
Firstly, storing your artwork safely in self storage isn’t rocket science and you don’t need to be an expert on it to do it. Although, finding the right storage company is very important and some of the requirements for storing valuable paintings and other artwork properly are very important. It’s important to find a climate controlled in-door storage facility. Why? Because an out-door facility will expose your artwork to the elements and ruin it for good. A climate controlled facility will offer the ability to keep precious paintings and artwork at a standard temperature so you won’t need to worry about it being too hot or too cold. Leaving artwork exposed to changing temperatures could cause condensation in which could ruin the artwork entirely.
Storing Two-Dimensional Art Pieces in Self Storage
How to Store Paintings and Art Properly in Self Storage:
A big misconception in storing two-dimensional art like paintings, prints and photos is keeping them rolled up in tubes would be the best way to protect them. This is not true. While this may be a great way to transport art, it is not a great way to store it for long periods of time. Not to mention that is there were any moisture it could absorb into the cardboard further deteriorating the art and the cardboard tube.
Two Dimensional Art Storage
Two-dimensional art should be stored flat, mounted on matte board (although not permanently). The thickness of the matte board should keep the artwork from curling over time and developing a stiffness to the curl which could ruin the integrity of the art piece forever. Obviously heavier art pieces will require heavier and thicker matte boards. Once you mount the artwork, it’s good practice to cover the artwork with polyester film thick enough to avoid a puncture. However, you want to make sure it’s not attached to the artwork itself (this is what the matte board is for.) It’s good practice to tape it to the back of the matte board and fold it over the front of the matte board. The folded edges over the art piece should be the protection you’re looking for to preserve value. This practice also prevents damage from humidity.
If you have very delicate art pieces that can be easily smudged, a front frame may be a necessary element of the matte board allowing a front facing window with the sides protecting the polyester film from smudging the piece.
Seems tedious doesn’t it?
No. Not if you value the art. Once you have given a matte frame to the art work, it’s recommended that you place the matte board cover over the front face of the piece. This just gives it an added protection. Warning, keep the front covering matte board clipped on or attached like a hinge, so you can reveal the piece when you want to.
If you have smaller items like pictures post cards or stamps you can store them in (ACID FREE) cardboard boxes. You can find these at any local art store. All of this allows you easy access to the art pieces without the hassle of damaging them while attempting to view them. Especially, if you’re storing them in a small 5×5 or 5×10 storage locker.
Storing Sculptures Properly in Self Storage
Now, three-dimensional art work like sculptures and statues will have their own individual needs. The biggest concern for these pieces is to make sure they are stored inside the storage locker with space between them so they don’t get crushed or dented. Depending on how fragile the sculpture is will be the determining factor on how safely you can store the item. We suggest putting the item(s) on shelves to avoid a cluster. Plastic or steel shelving is pretty easy to come by and could be purchased at any major brand hardware store for very little cost. Another good practice for storing sculptures is wrapping them within Styrofoam or within Styrofoam peanuts inside of a box.
Obviously, this may seem tedious or even expensive, but if you value these items it’s important that you follow the suggestions. At Safe & Secure Self Storage we want you to have a great experience and obviously we want your stuff to be safe while you’re storing items with us. Please feel free to read through other material on our blog to educate yourself on how to store items properly.
