Why Proper Storage Matters

In the world of art collecting and dealing, the value of a piece goes beyond monetary figures—artworks often hold cultural, historical, and emotional significance. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a gallerist, or an emerging art investor, one of the most overlooked but vital responsibilities is proper storage. A seemingly harmless oversight—like storing an artwork in the wrong climate or leaving it unprotected in transit—can lead to irreversible damage. This is where professional-grade solutions like ArtPakks come in, offering essential protection to safeguard your investments for generations.

Artworks, particularly works on paper, canvas, or mixed media, are inherently fragile. They are sensitive to environmental factors such as light, humidity, temperature fluctuations, and pollutants. Over time, these can cause severe deterioration:

• Canvas can warp or crack if stored in fluctuating humidity or if pressure is applied unevenly.
  
• Paper becomes brittle and yellows in exposure to UV light or acidic materials.
  
• Paint can blister, flake, or fade when exposed to improper climate or physical stress.
  
• Mould and mildew thrive in damp conditions, leading to potential staining or rot.

Each of these risks can drastically reduce an artwork’s value, historical integrity, and aesthetic appeal. Worse still, restoration efforts—if even possible—can be costly and may not return the work to its original condition.

Why Choose artPAKK?

Our industry leading ArtPakks are designed specifically for art collectors, galleries, museums, and shippers to ensure artwork remains protected during storage or transport. Our specialised, reusable bags offer a controlled environment that helps mitigate the most common causes of artwork degradation.

Key features of ArtPakks include:

• Breathable, pH-neutral materials: Unlike plastic or bubble wrap, which can trap moisture and create a microclimate ripe for mould, we use breathable fabric that prevents condensation.
  
• UV protection: ArtPakks shield artworks from damaging light exposure even when framed.
  
• Anti-static and lint-free: These properties prevent surface damage and are especially useful for works that are highly sensitive or have loose pigments.
  
• Multiple sizes and custom fitting: Ideal for everything from small drawings to large canvases, reducing the chance of friction, bending, or abrasions.
  

This level of protection is critical not just in long-term storage, but also when artworks are being rotated for exhibitions, loaned to museums, or temporarily put aside in climate-controlled storage facilities.

Discover our wholesale art packaging supplies and register for your trade account to receive 50% off of the retail value of our sustainable packaging solutions.  For further information, feel free to reach out  +44 (0)1245 95 69 17 info@artpakk.com and speak directly with our team. 

Common Storage Mistakes—and Their Consequences

Failing to store artwork properly can result in a range of issues. Here are a few common mistakes and the risks they pose:

Stacking without Protection

Stacking artworks against each other without a protective layer in between can lead to compression damage, scuffs, and flaking paint. ArtPakks help by acting as individual sleeves, preventing surface-to-surface contact.

Storing in Non-Climate-Controlled Spaces

Garages, attics, and basements are notorious for extreme temperatures and humidity. These fluctuations cause canvas to expand and contract, leading to eventual cracking or warping. High humidity can also lead to mildew.

Using Acidic Materials

Cardboard, untreated wood, and brown paper can all emit acids that degrade paper or canvas over time. ArtPakks are manufactured with pH-neutral materials that actively protect against acidic damage.

Inadequate Light Protection

Even indirect sunlight or fluorescent lighting can fade pigments and alter color over time. ArtPakks provide a protective barrier that filters harmful light and UV exposure, especially important for storage in studios or viewing rooms.

From an investment standpoint, proper storage is risk management. Collectors and galleries often insure their works, but insurance won’t replace the piece’s original material or intangible value. A Warhol screenprint with humidity damage, or a Basquiat drawing faded from light exposure, loses not only market appeal but also cultural significance. Maintaining condition is integral to preserving resale value, exhibition viability, and historical integrity.

Furthermore, professional presentation—even in storage—reflects credibility. Galleries that use ArtPakks demonstrate to clients and institutions a commitment to preserving art to museum standards, strengthening trust and professionalism.

Best Practices for Artwork Storage

1. Use breathable covers like ArtPakks for all stored works, especially those not in display rotation.
   
2. Store in a climate-controlled space with stable humidity (ideally 50%) and temperature (around 20°C or 68°F).
   
3. Avoid exposure to light: even when artworks are not displayed, ensure they’re shielded from natural and artificial light.
   
4. Use archival-quality supports: including acid-free backboards and storage boxes.
   
5. Keep artworks off the ground, preferably on padded racks or shelves.
6. Document inventory clearly, including condition reports and photos before and after storage or transit.

Preserving the life and value of an artwork starts with storage. Professional-grade protective solutions like ArtPakks aren’t just accessories—they’re essentials. Whether for daily handling or long-term archiving, they offer peace of mind and protection that far outweighs the cost of potential damage or restoration.

In a field where condition is everything, proper storage isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility. For anyone serious about art—be it for passion, legacy, or investment—how you store your works is as important as how you acquire them. Discover our wholesale art packaging supplies and register for your trade account to receive 50% off of the retail value of our sustainable packaging solutions.  For further information, feel free to reach out  +44 (0)1245 95 69 17 info@artpakk.com and speak directly with our team.