The diversity of mediums and techniques is arguably the main thing that makes art so great. However, it can also make managing your art collection extremely difficult. For example, paper art storage can get complicated if approached without the necessary preparations. To help you out, we have compiled this list of hazards you will come across when dealing with storing paper-based works of art.
The Main Enemies of Paper Art Storage, and How to Beat Them
Moisture and humidity
High humidity levels and excessive moisture are arguably the worst things to happen to your art collection. High-humidity environments promote bacteria growth, such as molding. While mold appearing on your artwork is not the end of the world, it can still cause significant damage. If your collection consists of high-value works of art, you might end up spending massive amounts of money on restoration. To prevent this, never store your artwork in basements, attics, and other places prone to humidity. Make sure the room you are using for art storage is completely dry and does not have any leaking pipes or open vents.
Light
Direct sunlight can be extremely damaging to paper-based works of art. Prolonged exposure to light can cause the colors to fade. Besides, sunlight and fluorescent light can cause art to go yellow. That is exactly the reason why professional fine art storage companies always use specialized lighting in their facilities. In an at-home environment, you should always store your artwork away from light and heat sources. However, art framed with UV-protective glass can be safely displayed anywhere without any issues.
Acidity
Acid is an extremely commonly occurring substance — pretty much everything in this world contains it. However, some things, for example, glassine paper, are stripped of their acid on purpose. Since acid from nearby objects can penetrate paper, acid-free materials are often used to protect artworks from its effect. For example, sheets of glassine paper can be used as dividers between paper-based art pieces to prevent the acids on their surfaces from interacting. In addition, many artists use acid-free paper to create their art so that it lasts for as long as possible.
Approaching paper art storage for the first time can be intimidating. Hopefully, this blog post will help you get started.