Rotating your art collection is a fantastic way to keep your home decor fresh and exciting. But what do you do with the fine art prints not currently on display? This guide covers the best methods for safely storing fine art prints when rotating them throughout the year, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Fine art prints are delicate and can be easily damaged by improper handling or storage conditions. To preserve their value and beauty, it's crucial to store them correctly. Factors such as humidity, temperature, and light exposure can significantly affect the longevity of your prints.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you start storing your fine art prints, gather the following materials:
- Archival storage boxes
- Acid-free tissue paper
- Protective sleeves or mylar covers
- Clean cotton gloves
- Silica gel packets
- Flat storage containers or portfolios
Steps for Storing Fine Art Prints
1. Clean and Prepare the Storage Area
Ensure the storage area is clean, dry, and free from pests. Avoid basements, attics, or places with fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
2. Handle with Care
Always wear clean cotton gloves when handling fine art prints. This prevents oils and dirt from your hands from transferring onto the prints.
3. Use Acid-Free Materials
Place each print in an acid-free protective sleeve or mylar cover. This will protect the prints from dust, light, and physical damage.
4. Layer with Acid-Free Tissue Paper
If you need to stack prints, place a sheet of acid-free tissue paper between each print. This prevents them from sticking together and minimizes the risk of damage.
5. Store Flat
Store your prints flat in an archival storage box or portfolio. Avoid rolling them, as this can cause creases and damage. If you must store them rolled, use a wide-diameter tube and ensure they are tightly wrapped in acid-free tissue paper.
6. Control the Environment
Maintain a stable environment with controlled temperature and humidity. Ideally, keep the temperature between 60-70°F and humidity levels between 40-50%. Use silica gel packets to control moisture levels.
7. Label and Organize
Clearly label each storage box with the contents inside. This helps in easily locating specific prints when you want to rotate your collection. Consider creating an inventory list of your stored prints for better organization.
Additional Tips for Long-Term Storage
- Avoid Direct Light: Store your prints in a dark place to prevent fading and discoloration.
- Check Regularly: Periodically check the condition of your stored prints to ensure they remain in good condition.
- Avoid Plastic: Don’t use plastic bags or containers that are not specifically designed for archival storage, as they can trap moisture and cause damage.
Rotating Your Collection
When it’s time to rotate your art, follow these steps to safely swap out your prints:
- Plan Ahead: Decide which prints you want to display next and where they will go.
- Prepare the Area: Clean the display area and ensure it’s ready for the new prints.
- Handle with Care: Use cotton gloves and carefully remove the prints from storage.
- Check for Damage: Inspect each print for any signs of damage before displaying.
- Display Safely: Ensure the display area is not exposed to direct sunlight or extreme conditions.
Conclusion
Properly storing your fine art prints is essential for preserving their beauty and value. By following these steps, you can ensure your prints remain in pristine condition, ready to be enjoyed whenever you choose to rotate your collection. Happy decorating!
FAQs
Q: Can I store fine art prints in a regular cardboard box?
A: It’s not recommended. Regular cardboard can contain acids that may damage your prints over time. Use archival storage boxes instead.
Q: How often should I check my stored prints?
A: It’s a good practice to check your stored prints every few months to ensure they remain in good condition.
Q: Can I store my prints in a frame?
A: While you can store prints in frames, ensure the frame materials are archival quality and store them in a controlled environment.
Q: What if I don’t have a climate-controlled storage area?
A: If a climate-controlled area is not available, try to find the most stable environment possible, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and areas prone to humidity changes.
Q: Is it safe to stack framed prints?
A: Stacking framed prints can be risky. If you must stack them, place padding between each frame and avoid stacking too many to prevent damage.