Preserving Your Masterpieces: How Professional Framing Protects Valuable Art for the Long Haul
Why Proper Storage is More Important Than You Think
Have you ever tucked away a piece of artwork for safekeeping only to find it months—or even years—later with damage you didn’t expect? Maybe the paper curled, the colors faded, or mildew found its way into the frame. These are the risks that come from improper storage. It’s easy to assume that if art is out of sight, it’s protected.
But the reality is that storage conditions play a crucial role in the long-term preservation of any piece—whether it’s a cherished family photo, an investment print, or your child’s masterpiece from school.
At The Frame Shop, we often help clients recover or reframe artwork that’s suffered simply because it was stored in the wrong environment or packed with unsuitable materials.
That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide for proper storage techniques. If you’ve ever wondered how to store art without risking damage—or if your storage setup is really doing the job—this article is for you. Ready to become a pro at protecting your art, even when it’s not on display? Let’s dive into the essentials.
The Biggest Enemies of Stored Art: What to Watch Out For
Before we jump into how to store your artwork properly, let’s talk about what you're protecting it from. The main culprits of art damage in storage are fluctuations in temperature and humidity, exposure to light, acidic materials, pests, and poor handling.
Even a cool, dry room can harbor dangers if the art is leaning against a wall or packed in contact with cardboard or newspaper. Did you know that one of the most common reasons art gets damaged in storage is due to stacking—either putting heavy objects on top or stacking frames directly against each other?
We've seen everything from warped canvases to moldy mats because of overlooked details like this. Have you considered whether your basement or attic is safe for your art? What’s the humidity level like in that closet you’re using? This guide will walk you through each step to ensure you're not just storing your art—but storing it safely. Whether you're preserving for decades or just a few months, it's time to learn how to make every layer of protection count.
Choosing the Right Environment: Climate Control Matters
Let’s talk about climate!
You might not think of your artwork as sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, but it absolutely is. Paper can expand and contract with moisture, causing warping and mold. Canvas can stretch and sag. Even wood frames and backing boards can warp or crack if the environment isn’t stable.
Ideally, stored art should be kept in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature between 65–70°F (18–21°C) and a relative humidity level of 40–50%. What does that mean for your home? Avoid attics and basements—these places are notorious for fluctuating conditions. Instead, look for a climate-controlled interior closet or a guest room that stays relatively consistent year-round. Do you have a spare closet that’s far from windows and vents?
That could be a great candidate. If you’re really committed to long-term preservation, consider using a dehumidifier or even investing in a humidity monitor (they’re surprisingly affordable). Have you checked the temperature in your storage space recently? It’s one of the easiest and most impactful improvements you can make.
What to Avoid: Materials That Can Harm Your Art
So you’ve found the perfect storage spot—now it’s time to talk materials. Not all boxes, papers, or wraps are created equal. In fact, using the wrong materials can lead to irreversible damage. Stay away from anything that’s not archival-quality. That includes standard cardboard, newspaper, masking tape, bubble wrap (yes, really!), and plastic wrap.
These materials can emit acidic gases or trap moisture, causing staining, fading, or mildew. Instead, look for acid-free folders, tissue paper, and boxes specifically made for archival storage. You can find these online or through specialty art supply stores. For glass-covered pieces, slip in a sheet of silicone release paper between the glass and the artwork to prevent sticking if humidity spikes. We once helped a customer whose artwork fused to the inside of the glass after years of being stored with just a towel wrapped around the frame. Ouch.
Have you ever packed something away with what you had on hand? It’s totally understandable—but moving forward, let’s aim for archival materials every time. It’s a simple switch that offers major protection.
Framed vs. Unframed: How to Store Different Types of Art
Different types of artwork need different care. Framed artwork should be stored vertically—never stacked flat—and with padding between each piece to prevent scratches or frame damage. Use corner protectors and wrap each frame in acid-free tissue or soft cloth. For unframed pieces, such as prints, drawings, or loose canvases, use acid-free portfolios, folders, or flat storage drawers.
Each piece should be separated by interleaving sheets of archival paper to prevent contact and abrasion. Have a rolled-up poster or print? Be careful! Rolling can cause permanent curl or creases if done improperly. Use a wide-diameter tube (at least 3 inches) and wrap in acid-free tissue before inserting. And always store the tube horizontally.
Ever pulled out a print that just won’t lie flat again? That’s likely from poor rolling or storing it upright. Think about your collection—how many unframed pieces do you have lying around? With the right materials and techniques, you can keep both framed and unframed pieces in top shape.
Organizing for Easy Access Without Risk
You know that moment when you go digging through stored items and suddenly you’re knee-deep in a pile of frames? That’s what we want to avoid. Good organization isn’t just about convenience—it protects your art from bumps, drops, and pressure damage. Use labeled storage bins or flat files to keep artwork organized by type, size, or artist. If you have several framed pieces, use storage racks (available from art supply shops) or construct simple vertical dividers with foam board or archival cardboard to keep them standing without touching.
Create an inventory list so you’re not constantly rummaging. Even better, take photos of each item and note its condition and storage location. That way, you can track any changes over time. We had a client who rediscovered a rare signed print they forgot they owned—all because they finally organized their storage system. Is your art storage an avalanche waiting to happen? A few hours spent organizing can save you from long-term damage and stress.
Avoiding Physical Damage During Handling and Moving
Handling is one of the most overlooked parts of artwork storage—and one of the most dangerous. Every time you move a piece, you risk dings, drops, or smudges. That’s why we always recommend wearing clean cotton or nitrile gloves and handling framed pieces by the sides of the frame, never the top. For unframed art, support it fully from underneath with a firm, flat surface. Never carry art under your arm or stacked in a pile. Moving several pieces?
Use padded boxes or wrap them with foam corners and pack with plenty of soft, non-abrasive materials. Avoid dragging framed pieces along the floor or across surfaces. One misstep can crack glass or knock a frame out of alignment. We’ve had clients come in with broken frames from rushed moves—and while we love helping restore artwork, we’d rather help you prevent the damage in the first place. Are you confident in your handling techniques? A little extra care during transport goes a long way.
Using Storage Furniture and Solutions Built for Art
Want to take your storage setup to the next level? Invest in storage furniture designed specifically for artwork. Flat files, metal cabinets, and vertical storage racks provide ideal conditions for both framed and unframed works. These products are made with archival-safe materials and allow for proper air circulation and support. If you’re short on space, consider modular units that can be stacked or mounted.
Rolling carts with padded slots are also great for rotating collections or transporting art safely within your space. Even something as simple as adding archival boxes with silica packets for humidity control can significantly improve your storage environment. Ever wish your closet was a mini gallery archive? With the right pieces, it can be. Think about how much art you have and how long you plan to keep it in storage—then ask yourself: Is my storage setup up to the task?
If not, even a few upgrades can make a huge difference in how well your art survives the years.
Special Considerations for Different Mediums
Different types of artwork require different storage care. Watercolors and photographs are extremely sensitive to light and humidity, so they should always be stored in dark, cool, and dry conditions with plenty of air circulation.
Oil paintings should never be stored in plastic or tightly sealed environments, as they need to breathe. Charcoal or pastel drawings must be interleaved with glassine paper to prevent smudging. And textile or mixed-media pieces should be stored flat or in custom-sized boxes with plenty of support. Ever stored a charcoal sketch only to find smears all over it later?
That’s why using the right storage paper matters. Label each piece with care instructions and consider digitizing your collection for easy reference. The more you know about your artwork’s medium, the better equipped you are to protect it. Ask yourself: Do you know the specific needs of each piece in your collection? Taking a few minutes to learn and label now can save you major heartache later.
Store Smart, Store Safe
You’ve made it to the end—and now you’re equipped with all the knowledge you need to store your artwork like a true pro. From choosing the right environment and materials to handling with care and investing in purpose-built furniture, these techniques are all about one thing: protecting the art you love.
At The Frame Shop, we believe art deserves to be preserved, whether it’s on the wall or waiting its turn in storage. Don’t let poor conditions or quick fixes rob your artwork of its beauty and value. Start small—swap out that cardboard box for an acid-free one. Buy a humidity monitor. Sort through your collection and organize it by type. And remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed, we’re here to help.
We offer consultations, storage materials, and framing options that put preservation first. So, what’s the first thing you’ll update in your art storage setup? Wherever you begin, know that your effort today will make a huge difference tomorrow. Happy storing!