If the room you’ve selected goes through drastic changes in temperature during different seasons, you should pick another location to store your art. If you are not storing art in your home, your next-best option is a storage unit. Give nearby storage companies a call and ask if they have temperature-controlled units available. If you have a local art gallery near you, you can call and ask them for recommended storage services. [3] X Research source
Clean metal sculptures or frames with an oil-based polish and buff with a dry rag. [9] X Research source You can use masking tape to gently lift dust off of an oil painting. [10] X Research source
You can wrap paintings with plastic wrap instead of tissue, but you risk sealing humidity inside. If your art is part of a valuable collection, steer clear of it. [11] X Research source
You also have the option to roll your work into the glassine, but it may be more difficult to flatten once you remove it from storage.
Shelves with vertical dividers are ideal but if you have limited space, canvasses of the same size can rest on each other vertically as long as the stretchers are aligned.
Look for these signs of pests in your storage area: entry or exit holes, fur, fallen particles from feeding, droppings, or cocoon cases. [19] X Research source Leave traps of your choice once you’ve found signs of infestation. Mold will appear as fine webbing, or clusters of spotty or fuzzy material. If your collection feels damp or smells musty, this can also indicate mold. Reduce the humidity level in the room, then go online or consult an expert for how to appropriately handle the variety of mold that has invaded.
