Whether you’re an art collector, a student at college, or have a casual interest in art, it’s likely you’ll have a few canvas paintings to store as part of your collection.
While canvases look incredible when hung on the walls, they can be difficult to store thanks to their square shape and fragile nature. By following these top tips you’ll be able to properly store your canvases and keep them looking good as new.
Storing your canvas paintings safely and securely
The first rule when it comes to storing artwork and canvas paintings, is to avoid direct sunlight. Not only can sunlight fade the colors in the canvas, it can also break the strength of the canvas down, which can lead to irreparable rips and tears.
It’s important to bear this in mind when displaying the canvases in your home, as they can also fade or become damaged if hung up in direct sunlight.
Not only is it a good idea to keep artwork out of sunlight, they also need to be stored in a cool, dry place. This is because moisture can seriously damage your paintings, weaken the canvas, and cause images to become distorted.
Supplies you’ll need
To store your canvases safely in your home, you’ll need a large space where you can stack them out of the way from any pets or children.
An attic might be a good place for this, or a basement, but make sure they are not damp. Leaving canvas artwork – even when wrapped up securely – in damp areas can mean they’ll become ruined by the time you take them out again.
To pack up your artworks, you’ll need a few dust sheets to cover them with. Tape these around to make sure they are secure, being careful to avoid placing any tape directly onto the canvas. It’s worth investing in specially created art storage boxes – frame boxes will work just as well. These can be sourced to fit canvas artwork of any size without taking much unnecessary space. You’ll find these at many print or art supply stores.
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Where to store your art
It’s important to store your canvases upright and not on a flat surface, to prevent any dirt, dust, and debris from reaching them. Stacking them upright also saves space and prevents impressions from the stretcher bars showing through the canvas.
Steps to pack your canvas art
Don’t wrap canvases together
- It might seem like a handy way to save time and use less packing materials but wrapping more than one canvas together can cause scratches or damage, as they can move around within the packaging.
Wrap canvas artwork securely
- It’s crucial to remember to always cover your canvases with a thin cloth if you need to pack them. This prevents any dust, dirt, and cobwebs from getting on them and spoiling them overtime.
Use acid-free paper
- It’s important to use acid-free paper or card to wrap your artworks, as even small amounts of acid can damage your artwork over long periods. Acid-free archive paper can be picked up from your local art supply or framing store.
Use a dust sheet
- If you don’t have any suitable cloths handy, a dust sheet can work just as well. This extra layer of protection will prevent your canvases from becoming dirty.
Tape up your coverings
- You’ll want your canvas artwork to be as safe and tightly covered as possible. Use masking tape to secure the dust sheet, thin cloth, or acid-free paper. This can prevent exposure to the elements and dust, keeping your artwork pristine.
Storing art in a storage unit
A storage unit is a great investment for you if you have a lot of canvases and you’d like to store them. Try storing your canvases in mirror boxes within the storage unit. This gives extra protection as the boxes are long and flat, keeping out any potential dust or bugs. No matter how large your art collection or what size unit you require, we have storage units to fit your collection.
