Complete Guide to Storing Paintings in an East London Storage Unit

What you consider to be a colourful mess could be seen as a masterpiece to somebody else – art is subjective to the eye. Regardless, it’s for the world to see. However, there may be a time when you need to take down your valuable paintings and put them into long term storage. This is when our complete guide to storing paintings in an East London storage unit comes in handy! Let’s take a closer look! 

Prepare your Paintings  

To keep your beloved art in pristine condition whilst it’s in an East London storage unit, you need to prepare it beforehand. Remember, if your pieces are antique or valuable, you should consult an art conservator for professional advice.  

1) Cleaning 

Remove any dust or dirt before putting your paintings into storage to prevent them becoming damaged over time. Use a clean, soft hair paint brush to carefully brush the surface of the canvas in the same direction and without any added pressure. Alternatively, a microfibre cloth can be used gently. 

Don’t forget the frame! If you have a delicate gilded frame, you may be able to use a feather duster or cotton swab to carefully remove any debris.  

2) Protection 

When you come to package your paintings for storage or transport, it’s important to minimise direct contact with the canvas. Remove all jewellery and wear clean gloves to prevent getting any fingerprints on the work.  

Put down a dust sheet or blanket with bubble wrap on top. Then, place the canvas down and wrap it in protective material, using tape to secure it in place. Feel free to add another layer of bubble or plastic wrap for additional reassurance. Some collectors also recommend using brown or parchment paper prior to the bubble wrap layer. 

You can also use cardboard corners on the edges to protect the structural integrity. If your frames are antique or gilded, then it’s best to consult a professional as these can be extremely fragile. 

3) Storing 

Now your artwork is prepared for long term storage; but that’s not the end of it! You need to position them in your East London storage unit in the correct manner to ensure they’re kept safe for the foreseeable.  

Store your paintings vertically upright, rather than stacked on the floor, to avoid adding pressure on the canvases as well as absorbing any dampness from the ground. For vintage pieces, a wooden box designed for fine art with additional foam and plastic wrap is recommended for full proof protection. You should also keep them away from direct sunlight as this will cause discolouring. 

Contact Us  

Whether you’re moving home or redecorating, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines when it comes to storing paintings in an East London storage unit. Keep your art safe with our storage rental in London today! Call us on 020 7515 1300 to speak with us directly, or click here to fill out our contact form. We would love to see your masterpieces!