Improper fine art storage can ruin a collection and erase its potential value, so both private collectors and museums and galleries must safeguard their works. Paintings and other collectibles should be stored in climate-controlled environments with low humidity, and framed art should be protected as much as possible. Individual cabinets and other containers should provide adequate protection for prints from light, heat, and pollutants, all of which can degrade fine art. If a collection is being stored or moved for an extended period of time, it must be kept safe and secure during transport. Private companies that specialize in fine art storage and storage in their own facilities, as well as consultations to help a collector properly equip his or her space, exist.
Two of the most important factors that can affect the quality of paintings and other fine art are temperature and humidity. Mold and mildew can grow on paper and canvas because they require warm, moist environments to thrive. Paintings should not be stored or displayed near heating vents or in rooms with very low humidity levels, on the other hand, because dry air can damage them. These considerations should also be made when selecting a long-term storage facility, which should always be climate controlled and maintained at an ideal temperature for fine art storage.
When paintings are framed, they are exposed to light, heat, and moisture, which can cause fading and degradation of the materials. Keeping paintings in acid-free paper folders inside metal cabinets is the best way to avoid this type of damage. Each print should be stored flat and separated from the others. Protective framing materials are also available, as many collectors prefer to display their pieces. To avoid contact between the painting and the glass, an acid-free mat should be used. An ultraviolet light filter should also be applied to the glass. To help preserve prints, some experts recommend leaving them on display for a few months at a time and then rotating them with others.
Fine art storage should be kept in a climate-controlled environment for long periods of time. It should also have security cameras or other safeguards in place to prevent theft or vandalism of the collection. When moving paintings, it’s best to wrap them flat rather than rolling them, as rolling can cause the paint to crack or peel. Large pieces that must be rolled and shipped in tubes should be removed from the packaging as soon as possible after arriving at their destinations and flattened. There are private companies that specialize in fine art moving and storage and can serve a wide range of clients, including private and corporate collectors, galleries, and museums.