How do you store your artwork?

[Ibrahim_UK 89]

When I started collecting art and the pieces piled up, a concern of mine was what is the best way to store artwork safely.
Storing your art is vital to protecting them from damage, so here are some temporary and long-term options.
 
Portfolio Presenters
Think of these like photo albums for your artwork. These come in two options, a fixed and ring binder model.

Fixed Portfolio
The fixed portfolio presenter has bounded polyprop sleeves with black acid-free paper inserts.
So you can be at ease knowing the artwork will be safely stored within the sleeves.
They come in all sizes and are quite elegant, an ideal way to store and display your artwork.

Binder Portfolio
The ring binder portfolio presenter is usually used by artists, as the name suggests, to present their art.
The ring mechanism allows the sleeves to be taken out, thus allowing the artwork's presentation.
The sleeves are usually not included when purchased, so you will need to get the right size sleeves separately.
They have a carry handle and strap to allow easy transporting.
This is a good option if you find yourself constantly moving and having to take your artwork/collection with you.
Whichever model you choose, your work will be safe and sound.

Storage
Now the next step you need to consider is where you store your artwork.
Having them in the portfolio presenters is good, but what's next? Do you put them into the kitchen drawers 🙂
Some of these portfolio presenters are large, and you will struggle to find a drawer to hold them.
That is where the Archival Boxes come into play.

Archival Boxes
These solid and sturdy hinged boxes are excellent for storing loose artwork or portfolio presenters.
They are made from acid and chlorine-free archival paper; the boxes are of one-piece construction and open up flat, which is convenient.
Archival boxes offer an extra layer of protection for your artwork, so you can safely tuck them away in a dark cupboard.

Plan Chest
Lastly, we have the Rolls Royce of storage options; it goes by many names due to its various uses, File/Map/Architects Plan Chest Drawers.
Whether you need storage for large artworks or even framed pieces, the plan chest is a great dedicated storage solution for your collection.
This is the go-to option for long-term storage in museums and galleries, which offers a secure permanent solution.
They usually are made in a large size with many features and materials.
Materials: Wood, Metal, Plastic
Build: Single tier, double tier, triple tier, etc
Features: Lockable drawers, Label holders, Drawer runners/rollers, castors/wheels

Each plan chest is different, as they are made for various purposes.
Some have tall drawers that allow framed artwork to be stored, while others do not.
You can buy brand new ones, custom-made to order, or even vintage/antique.
When buying second-hand Plan Chests, ensure you inspect it thoroughly.
You want to check for dampness, debris, dirt, or other possible contaminants that can harm your artwork.
So only buy second-hand if you are up to restoring it yourself or by a professional.
Whatever you choose, consider the size of these plan chests as they are large and heavy.
If you are going for the single tier, ensure they can fit through your door and say goodbye to your lower back.

 

 

[Coleman 76]

Really appreciate all this straightforward info! Easy to read and clear to understand. I need to upgrade my current setup. Although I feel it works for now, I need to keep my eyes on the long term. Thanks for the help! 

*Removes artwork from kitchen drawers*

[crunchabunga 6]

Great info, thanks!  Do you have any recommendations on storing artwork laying flat or vertically?  

[Bronty 65]

lay it flat.

flat gives you the support of the whole surface area.   Vertical only the support of the thinnest dimension.    More prone to damage vertically.    The only exception that comes to mind are the few pieces on actual stretched canvas, those you could probably argue are better vertical, but that's like less than 1% of game art.

[Ibrahim_UK 89]

To add to what @Bronty said, lay it flat and cover it with tracing paper and a thick piece of paper.

So if you are stacking artwork, you always have layers of protection between pieces. 

[Bronty 65]

^ right.  and that's the way they often come.    If they don't come like that you buy large sheets of glassine paper at art supply stores and cut it down to the right size as the flyleaf layer.   Heavy duty black drawing paper from art supply stores works as the exterior layer.

[Nic 68]

Great tips. One suggestion: as far as I know glassine isn’t good for long term storage. It has been heavily used by artists because it’s cheap and easy to use. During long term storage the glassine may deteriorate and adhere to the painting. Use for pro materials, like Tyvek.

Do not stack up too many artworks otherwise the ones at the bottom may get stuck.

Regarding plan chests, mostly wooden ones: beware lacquers. The gas may damage the paper during long term storage.

[Bronty 65]

1 hour ago, Nic said:

Great tips. One suggestion: as far as I know glassine isn’t good for long term storage. It has been heavily used by artists because it’s cheap and easy to use. During long term storage the glassine may deteriorate and adhere to the painting. Use for pro materials, like Tyvek.

Do not stack up too many artworks otherwise the ones at the bottom may get stuck.

Regarding plan chests, mostly wooden ones: beware lacquers. The gas may damage the paper during long term storage.

I've seen 30 year old pieces of glassine that are still fine?   I've never seen one adhere, have you?    To your point though, whatever one uses for the flyleaf its probably a good idea to swap it out after 10 years or whatever.

[Nic 68]

5 hours ago, Bronty said:

I've seen 30 year old pieces of glassine that are still fine?   I've never seen one adhere, have you?    To your point though, whatever one uses for the flyleaf its probably a good idea to swap it out after 10 years or whatever.

I’ve seen it adhere, without damage, on a few piece. Then made researches and found a few sources that suggest not to use glassine for long term. Here’s a cool link: https://www.artcons.udel.edu/mitra/Documents/MITRA_Storage_Exh_Handling.pdf

I also read glassine is hygroscopic so may retain moisture.

For me it was enough to swap to Tyvek and the difference in price is not so big too.

Edited November 4, 2022 by Nic

[Bronty 65]

8 hours ago, Nic said:

I’ve seen it adhere, without damage, on a few piece. Then made researches and found a few sources that suggest not to use glassine for long term. Here’s a cool link: https://www.artcons.udel.edu/mitra/Documents/MITRA_Storage_Exh_Handling.pdf

I also read glassine is hygroscopic so may retain moisture.

For me it was enough to swap to Tyvek and the difference in price is not so big too.

what's Tyvek, exactly.   I'm not familiar with it.   When I google it I just see moisture barrier wraps for construction.   I don't see anything along the lines of art supply.

[Nic 68]

8 hours ago, Bronty said:

what's Tyvek, exactly.   I'm not familiar with it.   When I google it I just see moisture barrier wraps for construction.   I don't see anything along the lines of art supply.

Just one link: https://www.preservationequipment.com/Blog/Blog-Posts/Tyvek-for-Conservation

 

I’ve been pointed trough Tyvek by a big Italian conservation enterprise.