How To Store Paintings
How to Pack and Store Paintings Safely
Paintings and framed artwork require careful handling when they’re being moved or placed into storage. Whether you’re preparing for a move, making room at home or storing artwork temporarily, proper packing and placement can help reduce the risk of scratches, broken frames and other accidental damage.
Particularly valuable, antique or irreplaceable artwork may require professional packing and specialized storage. For other household artwork, the following tips can help you prepare paintings for moving and self storage.
Inspect Your Artwork Before Packing
Before packing a painting, examine the frame, glass, canvas and hanging hardware for loose or damaged components.
Take photographs of the artwork before packing it. This gives you a record of its condition and can also make it easier to identify pieces without unpacking them later.
If a painting is particularly valuable or already damaged, consider consulting a professional art conservator or art-handling specialist before moving it.
Protect the Surface of the Painting
Don’t place ordinary plastic wrap, bubble wrap, tape or cardboard directly against a painted surface.
Framed artwork with glass requires different preparation from an exposed canvas, and valuable unframed paintings may require specialized materials and handling.
When you’re uncertain about the appropriate materials for a particular piece, consult a professional rather than risking damage.
Protect Frames and Corners
Frames and decorative corners can be vulnerable during a move.
Use appropriate corner protectors and cushioning materials around the frame. Bubble wrap can provide additional protection around a properly prepared framed piece, but it should not be placed directly against a delicate painted surface.
Never allow packing tape or adhesive material to contact the artwork or finished frame.
Choose a Sturdy Box
Whenever possible, use a properly sized picture or mirror box for framed artwork.
The box should provide enough room for appropriate protective material without allowing the artwork to shift excessively inside.
For particularly valuable or fragile pieces, professional crating may be a better choice than an ordinary cardboard moving box.
Don’t Use Loose Packing Material Against Artwork
Loose packing materials can shift during transportation and may not provide consistent protection for a painting.
Instead, properly secure and cushion the artwork so it cannot move excessively inside its box.
Transport Paintings Carefully
Movement is one of the times when artwork is particularly vulnerable to accidental damage.
Secure paintings so they cannot slide, fall or become projectiles during sudden braking or turns. Don’t place heavy boxes or furniture where they could fall onto the artwork.
Large, valuable or particularly fragile pieces may be better handled by a professional art mover.
Keep Artwork Off the Storage-Unit Floor
Once artwork reaches the storage unit, avoid placing paintings directly on the concrete floor.
Use appropriate shelving, racks, pallets or other supports to keep artwork elevated. This also helps prevent other stored belongings from accidentally being pushed against the pieces.
Don’t Stack Heavy Items on Paintings
Avoid stacking paintings underneath boxes, furniture or other belongings.
Store framed artwork upright and securely supported when appropriate for the particular piece. Make sure it cannot tip over or be struck when other items are removed from the storage unit.
Allow enough room to access your artwork without having to move heavy objects first.
Protect Artwork From Light and Temperature Extremes
Paintings and other artwork may be sensitive to direct sunlight and extreme environmental conditions.
For certain artwork, climate-controlled storage can provide a more regulated indoor environment than standard non-climate-controlled storage, particularly during San Antonio’s hot weather.
However, ordinary climate-controlled self storage is not the same as specialized museum or professional art storage. Rare, extremely valuable or environmentally sensitive artwork may require specific temperature and humidity conditions that an ordinary self-storage facility is not designed to provide.
Check Stored Artwork Periodically
Don’t simply place valuable artwork into storage and forget about it.
Periodically inspect stored pieces for changes in condition, moisture, odors, pests or other concerns. If you notice a problem with a valuable piece, contact an appropriate professional for advice.
Climate-Controlled Storage for Artwork in San Antonio
Texas Maxi-Mini Self Storage offers climate-controlled storage units in San Antonio for customers who want a more regulated indoor environment for their belongings.
If you’re storing household artwork, paintings or other temperature-sensitive belongings, our staff can explain the climate-controlled storage options and unit sizes available.
For valuable, antique, rare or museum-quality artwork, consult a qualified conservator or professional art-storage specialist to determine the appropriate packing and environmental requirements before placing it into self storage.
