14 Aug 2019
Whether you have a treasured painting that has been in the family for generations or a modern piece you snagged at your favorite gallery, moving and storing any work of artwork is a delicate task.
Fingerprints, dirt, and rough handling can quickly ruin a beautiful canvas. And if the painting is covered in glass, it is extra fragile.
Timmy Griffin, digital content consultant for Best Move notes that:
“The slightest bump or tension can cause the glass to crack – if not to shatter."
Fortunately, with the right care, paintings can survive short moves, long moves, and storage stays. Follow these steps to keep prized artwork looking its best throughout the moving process:
Justin Brasington, head of marketing at Moved offers an immediatley helpful tip, noting:
“If the painting is covered in glass, tape a large ‘X’ across the glass. This way, if the glass does crack or break during transit, the piece will still hold together and not shatter. Otherwise, shards of broken glass could pierce the precious canvas surface of your painting."
Next, cover the framed painting in bubble wrap to protect the frame from scratches and scuffs. Use 100 percent cotton gloves during this step to avoid getting fingerprints or oil from your hands on the art.
When you have finished wrapping the painting in plastic, cut a few small slits in the back of the plastic so the art can breathe.
Then cover the piece with tightly fitting cardboard box. Braisington adds:
“Most moving and shipping companies will sell appropriately-sized boxes, or you can create your own with some cardboard and strategically applied tape.”
If you need to store a painting before hanging it, start by wrapping it well. Similar to preparing it for a move, begin with plastic wrap. Cover this with cardboard, and then add a layer of bubble wrap. Place the item in an additional cardboard box to keep it safe.
If you plan to store paintings at an off-site facility, opt for a storage unit with climate control that will maintain a steady temperature and humidity levels.
