Temperature

When you look at the history of art, many pieces survived hundreds of years without air condition. But when it comes to modern art, they need more care because, for example, what if you have a piece made of wax-based materials? In summer, within a couple of minutes, a sculpture or an encaustic painting would melt and drip on the floor. The damage might not be so severe to other materials, but not taking care of the art pieces will shorten their lifespan. Even transporting them to the storage is risky, so it is always better to have fine art moving insurance as an added layer of protection.

The temperature inside the storage unit mustn’t fluctuate too much. It needs to be at a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If there are sudden upsurges or drops in temperature, it can crack the paint, damage the paper, and make wood crack. Not to mention it will most certainly encourage mold to thrive and wreak havoc on everything in its path.

Humidity

A high concentration of humidity in the space where artwork is stored can cause the same level of damage as the high temperatures. Likewise, too low, and material like wood will get dry and brittle. Thus, artwork needs to be kept at the constant 55% humidity, which is an optimal state. In a climate-controlled storage unit, this is easy to do with a few buttons. However, this type of storage might seem like an expansive solution for keeping everything safe. But when you look at it long-term, the cost of conservation and restoration is even higher. Not to mention that you can never fix some damages.

However, even with all these precautions, it is better to visit the unit from time to time and check on the state of things. One of the first signs that something is wrong will be the smell of mold.

Light

Another enemy of the artwork is the light. More specifically, the ultraviolet spectrum of sunlight can damage paper, leather, paint, and a range of other materials. Therefore, when the time comes to hang the art for a show, you should pick a place away from the window. It is why the best climate-controlled storage unit for your artwork is one without windows. However, if by any chance this is impossible to avoid, do not worry as there are a few solutions.

There are modern materials that work as filters for UV light. They easily cover the windows and perfectly protect the art. The first one is ultraviolet filtering Plexiglass and another Acrylite. They are so light and easy to use that artists often use them to cover paintings instead of glass. Also, it is shatter-resistant, so if an accident happens, the artwork is completely protected.

Pests

The only way to keep the temperature and humidity under total control at all times is in a well-sealed unit. This means that besides the air condition, there are no other passages for pests like rats and mice to enter. It is really good news as they can, unfortunately, in a single day devastate an art collection. And often, these types of damages are impossible to repair because one thing they love to do is nibble on materials and leave behind sizable holes. Therefore, paper, leather, and paintings are never safe from them. Also, in regular storage units, there is always danger from insects. Unlike with mice, it is impossible to set traps, so the only way to get rid of them is by using chemicals. Alas, most of them would damage the artwork.

Atmospheric Pullutants

One thing people often forget is that air pollution is also a danger to artwork. There are so many harmful particles that the only way to keep your pieces safe from them is in a stable environment like a climate-controlled storage unit. Because it is sealed tight, it will keep dust and pollen away from entering the unit. And removing them from the artwork surface takes time because they get sticky, and it is impossible to wipe them away. Only experts have the skill and proper materials to do it properly. Otherwise, improvising by using untested chemicals can cause more damage than good.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many reasons why you should only store artwork in a climate-controlled storage unit. Once you have selected a suitable one, the work is not over. It is always possible for conditions to change and put artwork in danger. Therefore, it is always prudent to visit the unit at least once a month to check everything. The most common sign to look for is mold on the floor and walls. It will appear as a gray discoloration, that if left unchecked, will spread to everything else. As soon as you notice it, decrease the humidity, and consult with an expert if there is something more to do. For more thorough protection, you can leave a sensor that will ping your phone as soon as there is any change. With the right environment, your artwork will remain intact indefinitely.

Author bio: Jon Carpenter is a freelance writer that works closely with Movage Moving NYC, where he employs his expertise in helping clients relocate and safely store their artwork.

The post Why Store Artwork In A Climate-Controlled Storage Unit? appeared first on Art Business News.

If preparing your art for storage is something you have never dealt with before, you are probably unaware of all that is necessary before putting everything away. But don’t you worry! We have compiled a list of tips for you to follow to ensure all your precious artwork endures its undisplayed period.

Storing Your Artwork: 6 Tips to Follow to Ensure Proper Storage

There are some factors to consider when looking for ways to secure your art. Some of those include:

• The materials used while creating a piece.
• The size of the artwork — smaller pieces are slightly easier to handle than their bigger counterparts.
• The type of artwork — the process of preparing framed paintings for storage differs from preparing unframed paintings. The same applies to the preparation of 3D miniatures and sculptures.

Even though the factors mentioned above must be considered when storing art, these six tips for safe-keeping are applicable to all art.

1. Before You Put Away Anything, Make Sure to Prepare It for Storage

First and foremost, clean off any dust that has possibly accumulated. Experts recommend using a soft microfiber cloth to do so to avoid damage. If the framing is wooden, you can use wood polish to protect it further. If we are talking about metal parts, then use the metal polish instead.

Even though most artists, when storing art, opt to wrap everything in plastic wrap, this is not recommended. Plastic wrap of any kind doesn’t allow the artwork to breathe, and some moisture can easily stay trapped inside. This needs to be avoided as the trapped moisture causes the formation of mold.

Instead, you can cover the art with a cloth or parchment paper. Some people also use glassine, which is a type of paper galleries use to protect the artwork. Either way, when choosing the materials needed for proper storage, make sure whatever you are using is acid-free. Acid-free materials help the paint stay vivid longer and prevent the overall aging of paintings. This becomes especially important if you are interested in successfully selling your piece one day.

2. Consider Storing Your Artwork in a Place with a Climate Control

When safe-keeping your art, placing it within a room with a humidity level of around 50% is ideal. As far as the right temperature goes, it should range between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, or rather, between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius. The temperature is easily regulated with air conditioning, while the right humidity level can be achieved by using either a humidifier or a dehumidifier.

If possible, try to maintain the same conditions most of the time. Abrupt changes in humidity and temperature can cause irreparable damages. Try to limit the changes in the atmosphere to no more than 5% up or down.

It’s important to note that artwork is best kept inside dark rooms with no windows. Direct sunlight can cause the paint and dye to fade, canvas to start yellowing, and even warp!

3. Document the Condition of Your Art

Whether placing your artwork in boxes or inside a cloth, it’s essential to label every item correctly. Labels that are easy to read will allow you to find the desired piece in a faster and easier way. Plus, you won’t have to unpack everything while getting to it.

In addition to putting accurate labels on packaging, it is advisable to keep records of your artwork’s exact condition prior to storing it. You can document it by taking photos and writing notes. This way, once the time to take the art out of storage, you will know exactly if its appearance has changed.

4. Elevate Your Pieces

The rule of thumb is to keep your artwork above ground level at all times! It doesn’t really matter if you put it on a shelf or rack as long as it’s not just lying on the floor.

As a society-changing concept, art is supposed to be hung. Therefore, perhaps providing a  hanging space inside the storage room could be an option.

5. Consider Alternate Storage Solutions if the Conditions Aren’t Ideal

Storing your artwork at home is a great solution only if all the conditions are met. You will need a dark, clean room free of mold with no direct sunlight, and preferably one that you don’t use regularly. In addition, the temperature and humidity levels will need to be regulated. Meeting all these criteria can prove quite tricky. Therefore, if you find yourself struggling to arrange these details, keeping your art someplace else would be the right decision.

Perhaps a good solution for you is to keep your art inside special storage units designed for artwork safekeeping. These are equipped with climate control and meet all the requirements necessary for proper art maintenance.

6. Make Sure to Check the Condition of Your Works from Time to Time

Don’t think even for a second that the process of storing your artwork is over the moment you safely put it away. While you may have gone through every step perfectly, some unforeseen circumstance could still occur. Keeping an eye on your precious pieces occasionally is crucial as it will allow you to catch damages in time. If caught early, the majority can be fixed. So why wait for the problem to escalate when you can cut it at the root?

Author bio: Craig Johnson has been managing customer relations at Vision Movers for years. During his time at the company, he has helped artists with the safe transport of their works. He has managed to pick their brains and, along the way, become a true lover of all things art. Today, he spends his free time blogging about his interests and discussing his favorite art pieces with fellow creatives.

The post 6 Tips for Storing Your Artwork Properly appeared first on Art Business News.