Dust, fungi, or pests may severely damage fine art objects during long-term storage. That’s why it is vital not to ignore the main principles of safe and comprehensive packaging as soon as you remove your artwork from display and rotate your collection. So, how do you pack framed art for storage to protect it from all potential risks and hazards? Look through the following list and check whether you do everything right or need to change your approach.
How Do You Pack Framed Art for Storage? Key Steps
The first step of safe and professional packaging is the painting’s cleaning. You need to remove dust from the frame with a soft cloth or brush so that the painting is free from any chemicals or particles that may cause scratches or deterioration. However, you shouldn’t use the same cleaning materials on the canvas’s surface; turn to professional conservation experts if the procedure is unavoidable.
Next comes the surface protection stage. You should place a sheet of glassine paper or archival tissue paper – both are regarded as professional-grade packaging materials free from acid and without adhesive properties. This layer will become your painting’s protective barrier against dust and moisture. It also makes sense to add corner protectors to reinforce the packaging structure and avoid damage during the painting’s transportation to the storage space.
The next protective layer should also perform the role of cushioning. You can use bubble wrap to cover the painting and the frame. The bubbles should be facing outwards to prevent traces on the canvas’s surface. Please note that bubble wrap may shift inside the box, so it needs to be fixed with tape.
The final stage is putting the painting in a sturdy cardboard box. Its dimensions should be a bit larger than those of the painting; otherwise, your protective layering won’t fit into it. If some free space remains inside the box, it should be filled with extra cushioning materials to prevent shifting.
Turn to Fine Art Shippers for Comprehensive, Professional Packaging
If you have no clear answer to the question, “How do you pack framed art for storage?” it’s time to seek help from professionals. Fine Art Shippers is a full-service art logistics company specializing in all aspects of art handling, shipping, and professional storage. Learn all the terms from our team and opt for tried and tested packaging solutions that will keep your artwork intact regardless of the storage duration.