Storing
Introduction
Artwork, if not properly stored and protected, will deteriorate and ruin. If
you retain art for regularly staged displays or exhibits, make sure it is safe
from water and excessive heat. Make sure the artwork is away from high
traffic areas and protected from rats, roaches, and moths.
Preparation
are.
Before you store art after a display or exhibition, clean it. Remove
fingerprints, smudges, and dust balls. Fingerprints and dust accelerate the
deterioration of the media. Direct and intense light also prematurely age
media. Mark the art and wrap it in a soft protective tissue or ph-neutral
paper. Mark the protective paper so that you can easily tell what the contents
Temperature
Store the protected work in a cool, dry area. Professional storage facilities
should have hermetically protected rooms to control temperature and
humidity.
Storage
Store artwork off the deck. Select a location that offers protection without
wedging it between pipes or lagging. Place the art where there is the least
amount of traffic or movement. Roaches and other types of bugs are drawn
to the flavorful egg and milk emulsions in some media, such as poster paints,
gouache, and tempura. Keep the storage room clean and regularly sprayed
for bugs.
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