As summer temperatures soar, collectors, galleries, and museums face a perennial challenge: how to store and transport valuable artworks safely in the heat. Excessive warmth, humidity, and direct sunlight pose serious threats to paintings, works on paper, photographs, and sculptures. From warping and discoloration to the formation of mould or mildew, art is highly sensitive to environmental shifts—especially those brought on by seasonal extremes.
That’s where ArtPakk steps in. Designed with the fine art industry in mind, ArtPakk provides a smart, reusable solution for artwork protection, using advanced, moisture-wicking materials engineered to keep your artworks cool, dry, and safe even in peak summer heat. Here’s how ArtPakk is revolutionising summer art storage and transport.
The Seasonal Threat to Art
In the heat of summer, ambient temperatures can quickly climb above safe storage thresholds, particularly in non-climate-controlled settings like cars, temporary exhibition sites, or storage units.
- Oil and acrylic paints can soften, bubble, or crack.
- Photographs and works on paper risk yellowing or becoming brittle.
- Canvas may sag, warp, or stretch.
- Humidity trapped inside packaging can condense into moisture, leading to the growth of mould, mildew, or even direct water damage.
Traditional packing materials—such as plastic wrap, bubble wrap, or cardboard—can exacerbate the problem. These materials often trap heat and humidity, creating an internal “greenhouse effect” that accelerates deterioration. Worse still, condensation may form if the temperature inside the package fluctuates, creating microclimates that put artworks at serious risk.
Engineered for Protection: What Makes ArtPakk Different
ArtPakk is purpose-built for fine art protection in all seasons, but its true advantages shine during summer. Here’s how the product’s materials work to maintain a stable, protective microclimate around your artwork:
Thermal Insulation for Temperature Control
ArtPakk’s unique multi-layer construction provides a natural thermal buffer against heat. The outer shell reflects external temperatures, while inner layers insulate and cushion the artwork. Even when exposed to warm conditions (such as being in a vehicle or a sunlit room), ArtPakk helps to regulate internal temperatures, shielding delicate surfaces from abrupt thermal shifts.
Unlike plastic-based alternatives, which can absorb and magnify heat, ArtPakk’s breathable and reflective materials act as a thermal barrier—slowing the transmission of heat and offering cooler internal conditions for artworks in transit or temporary storage.
Moisture-Wicking Inner Layer
Perhaps the most innovative feature of ArtPakk’s design is its moisture-wicking technology. Each bag is lined with a specially engineered textile that actively pulls humidity away from the artwork’s surface.
- This wicking layer draws moisture outward, where it disperses across the fabric and evaporates.
- By preventing the buildup of condensation inside the packaging, ArtPakk eliminates the “sweating” effect that often occurs when materials like glassine or plastic come into contact with warm air.
- This dramatically reduces the risk of mould, mildew, and warping—some of the most destructive effects of summer storage.
The result is a dry, breathable environment that mimics the kind of controlled climate you’d find in a museum-grade storage facility—even when you’re out in the field.
Anti-Static and Non-Abrasive Interior
Summer heat often increases the risk of static build-up, particularly when synthetic materials are used. ArtPakk’s inner surface is anti-static and soft, meaning it won’t cling to or scratch the surface of prints, varnishes, or photographs.
Even sensitive surfaces—such as unvarnished oil paintings or inkjet prints—can be safely placed inside ArtPakk, thanks to its non-abrasive and lint-free construction. The materials have been rigorously tested to ensure they will not shed fibers, imprint textures, or cause microabrasions, even during long-term storage.
Breathable Yet Durable
Unlike sealed plastics that trap everything inside, ArtPakk offers a breathable enclosure. The fabric allows for the natural exchange of air while blocking dust, pollutants, and UV rays. This balance of breathability and barrier protection is crucial in fluctuating summer conditions, where trapped moisture or gasses can quickly deteriorate the work’s surface or support structure.
Reusable, Sustainable, and Ready for Repeated Summer Use
ArtPakk is designed not only to be effective—but also sustainable. Each bag can be reused dozens of times, making it an eco-conscious alternative to single-use packaging like foam, bubble wrap, or corrugated board.
The robust build ensures that ArtPakk maintains its structure and performance even after repeated use in summer conditions. Whether you’re transporting a print to a collector, moving artworks between storage sites, or preparing for an art fair, ArtPakk makes handling safer and more environmentally responsible.
Applications in the Summer Art World
ArtPakk’s benefits are especially pronounced during the summer calendar, when art fairs, pop-ups, and outdoor exhibitions become more common. In these settings, climate control is often minimal or non-existent, and artwork may spend hours in fluctuating conditions.
- Art Fairs: Transport artworks confidently without worrying about heat exposure en route to booths or temporary storage.
- Outdoor Installations: Protect fragile works as they are brought on-site, ensuring no moisture or heat builds up in packaging.
- Gallery-to-Collector Deliveries: Even in a short car journey during high summer, heat can rise rapidly in a vehicle. ArtPakk’s insulating layers give you peace of mind.
- International Shipping: When artworks travel long distances, they often sit in hot distribution centers or in transit vehicles. ArtPakk offers added thermal and moisture protection throughout the journey.
Peace of Mind in Every Season
While summer poses specific risks, the truth is that ArtPakk is a year-round solution. However, its summer performance is what truly sets it apart from conventional packing options.
When temperatures spike and humidity hangs in the air, ArtPakk’s clever blend of moisture-wicking, insulating, and breathable materials ensures your artworks stay protected. Whether you’re an artist, gallery owner, logistics provider, or private collector, ArtPakk delivers museum-grade peace of mind with every bag.
The heat of summer doesn’t have to be a threat to your art collection. With ArtPakk, you gain access to a technically engineered, reusable packing solution that actively regulates temperature and wicks away harmful moisture. It’s a smart, sustainable, and professional-grade tool for anyone who cares about art protection.ArtPakk is more than just packaging—it’s an investment in preservation, ensuring your works remain pristine, no matter what the weather brings. Find out more about our wholesale art packaging supplies and contact our teams via info@artpakk.com or call +44 (0)1245 95 69 17.