Art is a vital part of culture, and purchasing art is a great way to support your favorite artists. Owning art can beautify your house and help to make it feel more like a home. However, sometimes it's necessary to store your fine art pieces for extended periods of time. Maybe you're going on a long trip, you're moving, or you just don't have room for all of your favorite art in your house. Here are three tips to help you store fine art:
1. Protect it from contamination.
When you visit an art museum, signs direct you not to touch the artwork. This rule is in place for a reason, since handling a painting improperly can damage it. Oils from your hands can discolor or degrade paint over time, and careless handling may rip or bend a painting. When preparing your painting for storage, make sure to handle it with gloves.
2. Protect it from water.
Water can have devastating effects on fine art. Moisture can cause water-based media to disintegrate, and it can also warp the bars of stretched canvas paintings. When preparing your painting for storage, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic. This will protect it from the elements in transport. If you decide to use a fine art storage service, they can prepare your painting for storage so you don't have to worry about it.
3. Keep it out of extreme temperatures.
According to Art is Fun, fine art should be stored between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures may cause the paint to become stiff and flake off, and the heat from a summer day may damage the piece as well. This is why keeping your painting in a self-storage unit is a bad idea. Self-storage units aren't properly temperature controlled, and your painting may become ruined due to humidity or inclement weather. A fine art storage service is invaluable for keeping your valuable artwork at the proper temperature at all times.
These are just a few things you should keep in mind when storing your art. It can be hard to manage all of these variables on your own, so look into fine art storing services. A fine art storing service will ensure that your favorite artwork will be taken care of and held in ideal conditions. You can have peace of mind knowing that your fine art will be there when you need it and returned to you in perfect condition. Get in touch with a company such as LA Fine Arts & Wine Storage.