Pastel paintings are very delicate and demand careful storage in a manner that will not cause damage by dust, smudging, and environmental effects. Pastel paintings have a powdery surface, making them prone to getting disorganized quickly and even one mistake will deter the quality of the piece of work. Observing the right practices in the storage of pastels will ensure that your pastel artwork remains pristine for years. Here’s how to safely store pastel painting in the most proper way-right from picking up the material to an ideal storage environment.

1. Frame Your Pastel Drawings

Framing is one of the best ways to keep those pastel drawings you’re showing. A glass frame that is UV-resistant helps protect against dust accidental smudging and most importantly, sun fade which causes pigments to fade.

Frame Tips

• – Use a Mat Board. The mat board creates a space between the glass and the pastel surface. This prevents the artwork from smudging against the glass.
• – Utilize UV Protective Glass: The harmful light rays that cause fading are guarded by UV protective glass.
• –  Use Non-Reflective Glass: Non-reflective glass suppresses glare and clarity improves as well.

Framing offers long-term protection and offers a beautiful display option for completed works that you would like to display or store safely.

2. Protect Unframed Pastels with Glassine Paper

If they are not mounted, enclose them in glassine paper. Glassine is a smooth, nontoxic, air- and water-resistant paper, dear to artists’ hearts. It creates a barrier against smudging off and dust settling on the surface.

How to Use Glassine Paper

• – Place it directly on the surface: Place one sheet of glassine over the pastel’s surface.
• – Hold it in place with tape: Secure the glassine to the edges with acid-free artist’s tape so it doesn’t move.
• – No Plastic Covering: Plastic does absorb moisture, which over time may lead to mildew or damage. Glassine is a porous solution.

Glazing individual pieces not in frames in glassine gives you the flexibility to stack pastel drawings on top of one another if necessary but then keeps them from smudging.

3. Store Pastels in Acid-Free Folders or Portfolios

It is best to have multiple pastel artworks of artists stored in acid-free folders or portfolios. Acid-free materials are a must for long-term storage because they do not cause the yellowing of paper, which also leads to paper decay.

Folder and Portfolio Tips:

• – One piece per folder: File one drawing per folder to ensure that no pigment settles on top of other works of art.
• – Flat Storage: Store pastels on a flat surface to avoid folding, bending, or losing pigment.
• – Minimal Handling: You can store and view all sorts of pieces in your portfolios without any risk of getting damaged.

You can organize acid-free collections that have dividers stored inside, which will protect each piece in the collection but will still allow you to easily access it.

4. Handle Pastel Paintings Shallowly

When you handle pastel pieces, a slight touch can cause the pigments to be disturbed. Pastels are also sensitive to oils and dirt, so you will have to use the appropriate techniques when transferring or working on your art.

Tips for Handling

• – Wear Cotton Gloves: Gloves can prevent the transmission of oils and dust onto the artwork.
• – Hold by Edges: Avoid even touching the surface to avoid smudging.
• – Handle Less: Handle even less to further limit the potential chance of accidental damage or smudging.

Heed such precautions when handling pastels because they have delicate surfaces and can ultimately leave your art in pieces.

5. Store Pastels in a Controlled Environment

Pastel paintings are sensitive to temperature and humidity, preferably stored long-term in a stable, controlled environment to prevent both fading and mildew.

Recommendations for Storage Conditions of Pastels

Temperature

Keep storage areas at 70°F (21°C) to reduce brittleness

Humidity

Use a relative humidity of 40-50% to rule out the possibility of mold growth

Sunlight Exposure

It would also be wise to avoid placing the artwork in a direct sun source since ultraviolet light does fade pastels.

If a climate-controlled space is not accessible, be sure to use silica gel packets in storage boxes to regulate moisture.

6. Add extra protection with Archival Storage Boxes

Archival storage boxes are a safe, acid-free environment. This is fantastic for protecting your pastels from dust and UV light and from handling damage as well. If you have multiple pieces to store, they easily stack up for a space-saving advantage.

What’s Great about Archival Boxes

• Durable and Safe: Archival boxes provide added protection against environmental damage, including dust and UV light.
• Stackable: Boxes will store your artwork in order without exerting pressure against each piece.
• Comes in a Range of Sizes: Choose boxes that accommodate your artwork without buckling or overcrowding.

These boxes are perfect for long-term storage and enable you to stack many pieces safely without damaging the art piece.

7. Pastel Drawers – Access Easily

For active artists who often refer to or use pastels, dedicated pastel drawers are very useful for safe storage. It is possible to store pieces flat and organized so they can be accessed while still keeping them protected through their use.

Application of Pastel Drawers:

• Acid-free lining: choose the acid-free lining drawers to prevent yellowing or degradation.
• Include glassine sheets: This will provide additional protection by overlaying a glassine sheet over each artwork before the drawer closes. 
• Relocate with Labels: Label drawers so you can quickly access a specific piece or set of pieces without too much manipulation.

Pastel drawers offer accessibility and security. The drawers would be appropriate for keeping active portfolios.

Conclusion

Pastel paintings demand careful handling, protective materials, and an ideal environment to store. Framing, acid-free storage solutions, careful handling, and control of environmental factors will help your pastel artwork remain in good condition over time.

Do you want quality art storage supplies? Skribl Box offers various types of acid-free portfolios, archival boxes, and other storage options, ensuring professional standards. Using these tools and best practices will ensure your pastel art will remain safe for generations to come.