If you have ever shopped around to find storage for your fine arts and antiques, you know that not all storage units or storage facilities are created equal. Those who need extra space for garden equipment will not need to be as particular as those looking for
fine art storage. Here are some suggestions for keeping your valuable artwork and priceless antiques safe when looking for fine art storage solutions.
Knowledge and preparation is the key to success for any important project – including fine art storage. Prepare your treasures for storage first by cleaning and protecting your fine art. Wood polish will protect wooden frames from scuff marks. Metal polish reduces rust on metal frames and artwork. Carefully remove dust from your artwork with dry soft paintbrush or a microfiber cloth. Packing dusty artwork for storage is not safe for storing art.
Professionals with a white glove moving service know the proper way to protect framed and unframed artwork for moving and artwork storage. They advise packing protection that allows artwork to breathe while protecting it from bumps during transport and for long term art storage. You can wrap artwork tightly in a storage blanket and secure it with packing tape to hold it all together.
Crescent board is excellent for storing unframed artwork, photos, or prints for art storage, as it is acid free, allows artwork to breathe, and will keep artwork from rubbing against each other. Be sure to protect the corners of unframed artwork with cardboard for artwork storage.
White glove movers will not suggest the use of plastic or bubble wrap for artwork storage because it could easily trap humidity that is harmful for artwork. Even when artwork is first wrapped with a breathable material, they will advise against it as it can still trap moisture inside.
Avoid stacking artwork in storage, as the added weight could cause frames or parts to fall apart. Framed artwork pieces can be placed in boxes with a little separation between them for protection. For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to routinely inspect your artwork and antiques while in storage to make sure all is well. If you see a problem developing, you will be able to prevent further damage.
When transporting your fine art and antiques to a climate controlled storage unit, it is advisable to hire white glove movers to ensure your valuable collectibles are packed and transported correctly to avoid any damage.
Choosing a climate controlled space for your art storage and antiques should be a top priority. The humidity levels for painting storage should not be under 40% or above 50% and needs to remain constant. The temperatures for artwork storage should remain between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Fluctuating humidity and temperatures can expand the canvas of a painting, causing the paint to flake and break. Artwork storage without the optimal climate control can cause mold, yellowing paper, and cause artwork to warp.
Antique storage is just as delicate as art storage. Using a climate controlled storage unit is just as important when seeking the best way to store your antiques. Fluctuations in temperatures can be detrimental to antique furniture so using a basement, attic or garage or not ideal if you value your antiques. Renting a climate-controlled storage unit will ensure your valuable antiques will be kept in a space that maintains a steady temperature all year.
As noted earlier, climate control is very important for artwork and antique storage. Know also that sunlight is harmful to antiques, artwork and paintings. Sunlight gives off a lot of ultraviolet light that is harmful to all kinds of artwork materials including paper, canvas, leathers and fabrics and can damage the wood and upholstery on antique furniture. Avoid heat and sunlight for safe antique and fine art storage.
Bubba’s Hilton Shipping & Storage Services offers exceptional white glove moving and storage services that includes packing your fine arts and antiques. For over 30 years we have provided the Hilton Head Island residents our safe and secure climate controlled storage units coupled with our full service, white glove moving services.
If you have artwork or priceless antiques and are looking for the best storage to protect them for years to come, Bubba’s Hilton Head Shipping and Storage is the one to call.
