The Right Way to Store Your Valuable Art Collections

You probably have some valuable artwork and limited edition posters in your collection that you've inherited or bought at auction. You may be wondering how best to store these items so they remain in good condition.

To ensure that your collection remains in pristine condition, here are some best ways to store your valuable artwork and posters:

Flat and Acid-Free Surface

The first step is to ensure that your valuable artwork and posters are stored flat on a pH-neutral or slightly alkaline surface. You can achieve this by using an acid-free board, which will protect the surface of your items from degradation due to environmental factors like moisture or oxidation. This will also help to prevent warping caused by changes in humidity levels.

Store in Climate Controlled Environment

Another important consideration is ensuring that your storage area's temperature and humidity remain stable. If there are large fluctuations in either, it can cause damage to your valuable artwork and posters. Ideally, it would be best if you stored them in a room where the temperature is kept between 65°F and 75°F (18-24°C) with a relative humidity level of 40%-60%.

The best way to do this is to store them in a climate-controlled storage unit. If you don't have access to one of these, you can use an air conditioner and dehumidifier together or purchase a humidifier if the humidity level gets too low.

Smoke-Free Area

Smoke is one of the biggest enemies of your art. The chemicals in smoke can damage it and cause a yellowish discolouration over time. Some paintings have many layers of paint and varnish, making them particularly vulnerable to smoke damage. Smoke can also cause the colours in your art to run together or fade after a few years of exposure. Suppose you have any paintings that were damaged by smoke before having them framed. In that case, it's important to note that they will continue to deteriorate at an accelerated rate unless placed in a controlled environment with low oxygen and moisture levels.

Neat and Clean Area

Proper storage includes keeping the area around your art as clean and dry as possible. Dust, dirt, and other contaminants can damage your artwork over time by causing abrasions on its surface or in between layers of paint. As much as possible, avoid places like the attic or basement, which have high levels of humidity and dust.

Never touch the art print with your bare hands. Always wear clean cotton gloves when handling art prints, and wash your hands thoroughly before and after. If you have to touch the print for any reason, use a clean, soft cloth or tissue.

Consider Matting and Framing

Matting and framing your art print can help protect it from dust, dirt, and other contaminants. Matting is a thin layer of cardboard or plastic that goes behind the art print to create a border around it; this helps prevent any damage caused by touching the edge of the paper or mounting tape. Framing is a way to enclose your print in wood or metal frames that protect it while also adding a decorative element to your home decor.

Conclusion

With that in mind, you need to use the proper storage practices to ensure that your collections will last a lifetime. We've covered the basics above, and hopefully, we've inspired you to take better care of your valuable – and pricey – pieces.

Check out our wall prints if you want to add some new pieces to your art collection! Wall To Wall has a massive selection of original art and prints that will add the perfect finishing touch to any room.