Organizing safe, environmentally stable art storage is always a challenging task. Yet, it gets way harder when it comes to extra-sized paintings. While such works require the same level of safety, their secure handling, packing, and placement present unique challenges due to their dimensions and weight. Here are some pro tips for organizing art storage for large paintings without the risks of damage or degradation.
Why Is It So Hard to Store Large Paintings Properly?
Large paintings are those that are over 60 x 60 inches and are heavier than standard paintings, especially if they are framed. These art objects are often challenging to handle because of their scale, fragility, and the properties of their compositional materials. Size and weight constraints make manual handling risky and require several art handlers and sometimes specialized equipment for safe packing and movement.
Such artwork is also more susceptible to deformation because of the large size of the canvas. Large paintings are prone to sagging and warping; the paint on the canvas can also crack under pressure or as a result of horizontal storage. That’s why extra-sized paintings are usually classified as those with higher environmental sensitivity – their greater surface area increases their vulnerability across all parameters.
Professional Standards for Arranging Art Storage for Large Paintings
With the aforementioned security risks in mind, art storage experts have developed a variety of pro tips for arranging safe art storage for large paintings. These recommendations focus on controlled environmental conditions, protective measures for art, and minimal handling aimed at the preservation of artworks’ integrity.
- Large paintings should always be kept in climate-controlled conditions, with a temperature range of 64-720F and a humidity level of 40-55%.
- Such paintings should be stored vertically on edges using heavy-duty racks and slotted shelves. It is also fine to use sliding screens for their storage. These precautions prevent sagging and allow proper air flow in the storage facility.
- Paintings can additionally be framed with backing boards for dust protection. They are packed into breathable, acid-free cotton or polyethylene sheets.
- Extra-large artwork is moved using specialized hardware, with a team of a minimum of 2-3 art handlers involved.
We at Fine Art Shippers follow these principles when handling large paintings. Turn to us for storage services in our facility in Upper Manhattan for end-to-end safety and confidence in the proper handling protocols for your large-sized artwork.