The joy of painting is something that has been around since the beginning of time. Artists have used it to express their feelings and emotions, as well as illustrate the many beautiful moments in life. But what happens once a painting is finished? How should it be stored so that it can last for years to come? Here are some tips on storing your paintings properly.
Store paintings away from direct sunlight or heat sources
One of the first things that you need to remember when it comes to storing paintings is to make sure that they are away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If you have been painting outside, there’s a high probability that the colors will fade if it remains in contact with strong lights and sun rays for long periods. In this case, you can consider investing in a museum storage cabinet to ensure that your most valuable art pieces are not exposed to direct sunlight. You will also be able to find the paintings that you need effortlessly because they are organized in the cabinet.
Store paintings appropriately based on their mediums
Another tip when storing your artworks is to make sure that you store them appropriately according to their medium. Paintings made with oil can be stored in a cold, dry place away from humidity and heat sources because the oil will eventually turn rancid when exposed to these conditions for too long. Acrylic works are usually okay if they’re kept in an area where there’s no direct sunlight or moisture because acrylic dries quickly. Watercolors, on the other hand, should be stored in a cool and dry place to ensure that you don’t have any issues with color fading or mold growth later on down the line.
Store paintings vertically to avoid warping
If you want to preserve your paintings for a long time, make sure you store them vertically. This will prevent the canvas from warping or bending over time because it is less likely to happen if your painting is hanging straight on a wall instead of lying flat at the back of a cupboard somewhere.
Use a clean, acid-free mat and backing board to keep your painting flat and in good condition
To keep your paintings in good condition, another tip you can follow is to use a clean and acid-free mat and backing board. This will help keep the moisture away from your painting so that it doesn’t warp or bend when humidity levels rise. The mat should be larger than your painting because this makes framing your art piece easier later on down the line.
Painting can be a beautiful and timeless way to capture moments, tell stories, and create memories. But if you want your paintings to last for years without warping or fading at the edges, you must take care of them properly. If this sounds like something that needs some attention, then follow the tips listed above. All these are geared toward ensuring that your most valuable art pieces will be able to withstand the test of time with proper storage.