How to store framed pictures

For framed paintings, use a storage blanket or quality bubble wrap, and seal them tightly using packing tape. Pad the front and back of your framed paintings with pieces of sturdy cardboard, and tape them together. For unframed paintings, you can use silicone release paper to cover the front.

Do not use plastic to cover stored frames. Plastic traps moisture and leads to mold growth. If you plan to display your pictures during storage, choose a frame with UV-filtered glass and hang the photo out of direct sunlight. Your picture must be clean and in optimal condition before storage.

Large Frames

Wrap each frame in heavy, plain white or brown paper to keep the frame and artwork clean. Don’t use newspaper, as it will tear over time, and may transfer inks to your possessions. Fold the paper in the back, as if you are wrapping a present, and use a good quality tape to secure it closed.

Unframed Artworks

The best way to pack up an unframed artwork or a canvas is to wrap it up in glassine, an air and water-resistant material and securely place it in between two sheets (slightly bigger than the artwork) of another sturdy material like foam or cardboard.

Photo collections should be kept in climate-controlled areas that are not too hot, cold, or humid. That generally means keeping them in your living space instead of in an unfinished basement or attic.

If unframed, the best way to store your works on paper is in a container, such as a Solander Box, that will protect them from light, dirt, and moisture. The items should lay flat, so that undue pressure is not placed on any of the edges or corners.

Art prints should be matted and backed with acid-free materials. Safely store framed prints by sandwiching them between acid-free mat boards. Protect loose paper prints with archival glassine, and store in sturdy folders.

Display. Ultraviolet-filtered, Plexiglas-glazed frames do little to protect woodblock prints from light damage over time. Museums often limit the display of woodblock prints, such as not exposing them to light for more than three weeks at light levels of 50 lux and keep relative humidity at 50 percent ± 5 percent.

Prints can be kept in acid-free paper folders away from light and dirt in an acid-free box. Mats, folders and storage boxes should be made of cotton rag or 100% chemically purified wood pulp. Folders should be rigid enough to offer support and should be larger than the prints themselves to offer the best protection.

For home or office storage To store keep the print in its mounted frame. If you have loose prints, they should never be stored where the face of two prints are in direct contact with each other. Put each giclee art print into a separate folder of acid-free paper and store them in a horizontal position.

Proper Storage

But the best preservation for your art print is not to frame them, and keep them in cabinets, folders or collector boxes instead. Special metal cabinets for storing prints are ugly and expensive but best. A normal cabinet does not have the necessary depth to store large sized prints.

Lay on flat surface – For long term storage, you should place your artwork on acid free boards or paper and then lay on a flat surface. Cover the paintings – Always use a clean piece of cloth to entirely cover your artwork. This will keep away dust and dirt from collecting on the surface.

Remember: 75 degrees or cooler and low humidity are the best conditions for photo storage. DON’T: Place old photos on the ground in a storage unit, even if they are packaged up in boxes or containers. Consider using a wire rack or pallet to keep boxes off the ground in case of flooding.

Generally speaking, good quality paper stored in good conditions (cooler temperatures; 30-40% relative humidity) are able to last a long time — even hundreds of years.

Google Photos is a great resource for both organizing and editing photos that requires little to no work on your part. The Google Photos app — available on iOS and Android — can back up your photos to your Gmail account. I have photos backed up all the way from 2014, when I first made the transition to Android.