Paintings are expensive pieces of arts that need extra care in handling. Storing paintings requires more attention than most people think and expect. Paintings could deteriorate if they are not taken cared of or handled properly. There are lots of things to consider when storing paintings so that they will be safe from several factors that could cause their deterioration and damage. Painting could deteriorate due to light, humidity, insects, people and other pollutants such as dirt and dust. Paintings are delicate pieces of arts. They should be protected from whatever harm that may cause their damage or deterioration. In order for paintings to be well preserved, they must be stored properly.

How can paintings be stored and protected from harmful agents of deterioration+?

Light

Paintings must be protected from light. The ultra violet rays from the sun and the light from the fluorescent lamps could be dangerous to the painting when it is not avoided. Light will not only fade the colors of paintings but it could destroy the whole painting.

Temperature and humidity

Paintings must be protected from the fluctuating temperature and humidity. Too much heat followed by cold temperature will cause cracking and other damage to the painting. Just as temperature affects the condition of the painting, humidity also could affect the deterioration of the painting. If the temperature and humidity are not stable, this could cause molds to grown in the painting. If the painting is not checked frequently, chances are that the painting will be ruined. The best place to store a painting is a room that is dry and does not go too cold nor too hot.

Insects and rats

Insects and rats are the worst enemies of paintings. They could be all over the painting without you noticing them. Make sure that your house is free from insects and rats that may damage the painting. All holes must be covered and the house must be clean enough for insects not to dwell. There are many ways of preventing these insects from getting inside the house and ruining your painting. Just ask advice from the experts.

Clean the painting before storing

Use a brush to brush off the dirt or dust from the painting before storing it. Use gloves to protect the painting from the moisture and salt from your hands. Keep the area around the painting clean and away from anything that may damage the painting when stored.

Place of storage

Always consider the place where you must store the painting. Do not store the painting in a crammed place where it will be damaged. Paintings must be away from anything that may cause abrasion. The painting must be leaning on a wall and not lying flat on the floor. No objects must be put over the painting and never put a tape direct on the painting.

Storing a painting needs extra care and handling. The most important to consider is that the painting must be protected properly in order not to cause it damage. Remember that paintings are very expensive and they need to be stored very well.

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