Store artwork properly and it will remain in good condition for a life time.

Place your artwork in storage the wrong way and you dramatically increase the chances of causing permanent damage to your investment. This article is a must read prior to packing and storing your art, antiques and other investment pieces of value.

General Art Storage issues to consider:

• Avoid Plastic - Avoid plastic because it can trap humidity, and promote the growth of mould if you are in a damp area.
  
  
• Avoid Tissues - Facial tissues are no good for storage, they breakdown quickly and disintegrate, overtime they will also absorb moisture in the atmosphere. Tissue Paper, however which is manufactured for packing and storage is fine and is best as it will allow your artwork to breathe.
   
• Avoid concrete walls & floors - Concrete is porous and dampness can rise through it, additionally seasonally it can be very cold or very hot. You should never sit, or store an artwork directly touching a concrete floor or wall, especially an unsealed floor such as a garage.
   
• Be careful of temperature - To conserve an artworks condition it is best to have a consistent temperature. Warm or cold is not so bad as long as it is consistent and does not fluctuate regularly and rapidly. The best temperature for storage of artwork is preferably a cool, dry, mild temperature.
   
• Avoid hot spots - Avoid storing artwork or art materials in cupboards or any area that may adjoin a bathroom, hot-water system, dishwasher or fireplace. These places fluctuate in temperature. Storing artwork directly near a heat source is perhaps the most damaging thing you could do. 
   
• Be careful of light - The most damaging light is sunlight. However all light is damaging to a degree. Try to store works away from light. If you use the storage rack method, install a cotton curtain that you can draw across the area even if the rack is away from direct light of any kind.
   
• Be careful of air - Good air circulation is preferable. This can simply be achieved by not storing artwork in an area with bad ventilation or high humidity.
   
• Leaning art against walls - A temporary solution which is fine, however it should not be done for any lengthy period of time. If you lean an artwork against a wall ensure that the artwork is sitting parallel to the wall and the entire length across the top is touching the wall evenly. If a stretched canvas is leant against a wall unevenly will begin to warp.

Popular art storage solutions
If you have a serious art collection that is not always on display you should consider installing a specific art storage solution to protect your art investments. This may be a purpose built area or the installation of a pre-fabricated art display/storage rack to maximize your available space.

• Storage Racks - A great use of studio wall space. You can build storage racks your self. Basically construct a very large shelf with dozens of dividers positioned equally along it. Once constructed line the surfaces with carpet. Such racks need to support a lot of weight, so they are best bolted to roof, wall, and supported from underneath with uprights and shelf brackets
   
• Cabinets & Chests - The perfect solution for works on paper. See Plan Chest. A plan chest can also be used to easily show works on paper without them having to be handled.
   
• Display & Storage Racks - These are the professional choice used by many commercial art galleries. A large number of artworks can be hung on a series tightly fitted mesh panels that roll in and out. Once hung, artworks can be stored and viewed easily without having to be touched or handled at all. See: Art Storage Services or Art Installation Services.
   
• Hanging Systems - Hang your art on the wall. A hook and hanging system will allow you to maximize your wall space and interchange or adjust the artworks on display easily without having to place holes in the wall. See: Hanging Artwork.
   
• Professional Art Storage - There are some companies that specialize in fine art storage. They provide you with facilities that are secure, private & temperature controlled. If you are moving or your collection is to big or to valuable for you to store at home. An art storage company is a good solution. See: Art Storage Services.