Keep treasured work safe.
Painting was and remains one of the most popular forms of fine art, and many people own paintings of sentimental value. However, sometimes paintings need to be stored, and canvas paintings, in particular, are at risk of damage. Fortunately, storing your painting doesn't take a specially designed vault or an expensive service. With some precautions and safeguards, you can keep your prized canvas painting safe and clean, ready to be taken out and hung with pride.
Instructions
1. Remove each painting from its frame, if possible, and set the frame aside. Only carry paintings by the sides or bottom, never from the top. Check each painting for any damage or problems that you can repair. Wearing your white cotton gloves, carefully clean each painting. Err on the side of caution when cleaning to avoid removing any paint or causing any damage. When complete, wrap each painting in the plastic and seal it in the crate.
2. Choose an area to store your paintings in. Avoid basements and attics, areas with water pipes or electrical conduits, and areas with frequent vibration. Once you have found your area, clean it carefully with your cleaning supplies. Check for any pests such as mice or rats. Hang heavy curtains or shutters on any window to reduce the amount of sunlight shining into the room. Install shelving if necessary.
3. Bring your paintings into the room and place them on the shelves, one at a time. Do not stack paintings on top of each other or lean them against exterior walls or shelving units. Only move one painting at a time, and use two movers for large paintings. Before picking up a painting, point out exactly where it should go, so the paintings are not unnecessarily jostled. When all the paintings are placed, lay down pest traps in order to prevent any pest damage.
