How to Properly Store Paper Artwork: Storing Your Art Collection
Having on paper artwork is something that a lot of individuals have and wish to pass on down in the family. Like any other art, paper art needs to be preserved when stored and needs a certain attention. It is important to protect your artwork from deterioration of the many agents of deterioration to increase the lifespan of the valuable piece. In today’s blog post, I will come up with a list of recommendations on how to properly store paper artwork to preserve the collection you own.
1. Choose the Right Environment
Selecting the right environment is the first process of storing paper artwork. The paper therefore may be affected by temperature changes, humidity and light exposure. To prevent this, keep your paper artwork in a cool, dry and dark area so that the dyes will not fade. The best temperature range should be 65 – 70 F and the range of relative humidity should be 35 – 50 %. Do not leave your artwork in the sunlight, or under artificial lights, because it can cause fading or turning colours.
2. Proper Framing and Matting
How one lays paper art and the choice of a frame and the matting also play a tremendous role in the protection of the paper art as well as the elegance of the paper art. When framing and matting your artwork avoid using acid and lignin which are common causative agents or artwork discolouration and deterioration. Also, it is possible to use tempered glass with a UV-protective layer or an acrylic overlay will help prevent any colour fading.
3. Store for Use Acid-Free Materials
It is encouraged that you should store your paper artwork in acid-free materials to ensure the art qualifies for long-term storage. Acid may react chemically with the paper material and result in RH yellowing or fragmentation of the paper material. As for the storage of rolled paper art, the main rule is to use only acid-free tubes or boxes. For flat paper art, use acid-free folders or sheets, and keep them in archival-quality storage boxes.
4. Avoid Handling Paper Artwork
However, excessive manipulation of a paper artwork shortens its existence, but one can prevent this. Every time you touch it there is a possibility of transferring some oils or dirt on it which are destructive to the paper. Cotton gloves are always recommended in case you need to shift or repose the artwork, which prevents the transferring of substances. In the same manner, do not write on the paper with adhesive or tape since they result in discolouration of the paper.
5. Good for body hygiene and should have regular check-ups and maintenance.
Failure to check regularly on the condition of the paper art and cleaning services or repair will help go a notch higher in extending the life of the paper art collection. Any adverse conditions that may affect your artwork: mould, pests etc. Additionally, you can dust your framed artwork with a soft brush or cloth, and if your frames, mats, or glass or acrylic are varnished, you might want to too, with acid-free varnish.
6. Plan for an Emergency
So the case with paper art; it should be strategised in such a way that in case of an emergency, the paper art is saved. Spend a few dollars on gloves acid-free tissues and any other suitable means of storing the media and accumulate a small waterproof chest that carries it for good measure, in the event of a flood or fire. The knowledge of their appropriate response in case of an emergency can help to protect their valuable collection.
Conclusion:
Preservation of paper artwork also plays an important role in its production and it must be done appropriately. With these tips in mind, it becomes very easy to maintain your artwork piece and have it for as many years as you wish. Ensure you use the right materials for storing your artwork, identify the right climate for your artwork, and touch it as little as possible. If you have an interest in collecting paper art please be very careful and make your collection to be seen for the next generations.
Now take measures and preserve your valued paper artwork collection with down following measures. Visit SkriblBox and look for their collection of acid-free papers and other storage products, as well as beautiful boxes to keep your art protected. Your money shall be well spent when you are able to view your paper artworks for several more years added onto the initial years you spent on preservation.
