If you own original art, you know the importance of keeping it in excellent condition. However, it's easy to unintentionally damage paintings, vintage posters, and sculptures if you store them incorrectly. Whether you're relocating or redesigning your home, use the tips below to ensure that you put your precious artwork away correctly. 

How to Store Artwork

1. Choose the Best Storage Room

When storing original art at home, you can't simply place the piece in any closet or attic space. The ideal location must be finished and have climate control. Excessive heat and moisture can warp certain paints and materials. Your chosen storage room shouldn't have open windows, vents, or access to direct sunlight. Open vents and windows can lead to mold and dust settling on the artwork, and sunlight can fade colors and weaken the strength of canvas over time. 

2. Keep Canvas Artwork Upright

Many people assume it's easier to store canvas paintings horizontally, but that's untrue. Stacking canvases in that position can cause the artwork to weaken and sag, which affects the appearance of the image or drawing. 

It's better to leave canvases in an upright position. Vertical storage will not only prevent sagging, but it will also prevent the stretcher bars from imprinting on the canvas's surface and maximize storage space. 

3. Document Everything

Even if you store original art in your home, you should document every piece to protect your investment. Archiving your collection before storage tells you each item's precise condition and location, and it'll come in handy if there is ever damage or theft.  

When documenting artwork, take photos of each piece. It's a good idea to keep a notebook with the pictures, a brief description of every item, and a notation of existing damage. Every time you change the artwork's storage location, document it in your notebook. 

Are you looking to add stunning original art to your growing collection? If so, visit Queen Street Gallery in Martinsburg, WV, a reputable art gallery with an impressive selection of artwork and vintage jewelry. For over 20 years, this gallery has been the go-to place to find everything from antique maps to costume jewelry at competitive prices. This shop also offers custom framing services for your favorite artwork and photos. Call (304) 263-9495 to learn more about this shop.