How To Store Your Art

Your art will last longer if you store it properly, especially because there are many things that could damage your pieces including environmental elements, like UV light and moisture. 

It’s important to protect your artwork from these things so they don’t get damaged. Whether you collect art as a hobby or have a studio of your own, we have tips and tricks to help keep your artwork in its best condition.

Do’s & Don’ts 

1. Don’t Store Your Art in Direct Sunlight

Most painting materials react chemically to UV rays. The best way to extend the life of your paintings is to store them in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight.

If your art is not hanging in a building with proper airflow, condensation and mould may affect your work. Humidity can be measured using an inexpensive hygrometer.

3. Don’t Clean Your Paintings

Paintings are particularly sensitive to moisture and cannot be cleaned with water and soap, no matter how delicate your cleaning solution is. In fact, touching the surface of your artwork is strongly discouraged.

4. Do Clean Your Glass & Acrylics

Cleaning glass and acrylic frames regularly is important for maintaining the quality of your work. Dusting regularly will help to keep them clean. You can also use a cleaner that’s specifically formulated for cleaning glass and acrylic frames, however, ensure that the moisture doesn’t get inside the frame.

The Right Room To Store Your Art

A closet or small office can be turned into an art storage room with some work. Attics and basements should be avoided unless they are finished and have temperature control. Make sure there are no open windows or air vents where you’re storing your art because these can bring in light and dust into the room causing damage over time.

Options To Store Your Art

The medium you use and the surface on which the art was made have a big impact on how you store it. You wouldn't store an oil painting on canvas the same way you would store a digital printed piece. Below, we’ll take you through a number of ways to store your art depending on it’s medium. 

1. Portfolios

Available in a range of sizes, most produced portfolios are also composed of archival materials, so you can be certain your art won’t damage. This is good for coloured pencil drawings, pen and ink drawings, watercolor paintings, and graphite drawings. 

2. Drawers

Each drawer can be dedicated to a distinct medium. You can have charcoal drawings in one drawer, oil pastel drawings and soft pastels in another. If you’re placing your artworks on top of each other, make sure you place material in between such as acid-free banner paper, or glassine to avoid smuggling. 

3. Frames

This is the best solution for safeguarding and maintaining your artwork. You can have your artwork framed and displayed on the walls. Framing is fantastic, but it may be pricey and it consumes a lot of space.

View the wonderful collection of Haitian art at Myriam Nader Haitian Art Gallery in New York for a wide variety of works for sale. Shop now!