Storing art sheets properly is crucial for their long-term preservation. This involves creating the right environment and using appropriate, safe materials to protect the artwork from damage.
Creating the Right Storage Environment
The location where you store your art sheets significantly impacts their condition over time. It is essential to protect them from common threats like environmental pollutants and pests.
- Cleanliness: Ensure the storage area is clean and free from dust, pests, and pollutants that could harm the artwork. Regular cleaning prevents build-up that can stain or degrade paper.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is important to prevent mold and mildew growth. Stagnant, humid air creates conditions where these damaging organisms thrive.
- Stability: Choose a location with stable temperature and humidity levels, avoiding attics, basements, or garages prone to extreme fluctuations.
- Light: Store art sheets away from direct sunlight or strong artificial light, which can cause fading and deterioration.
Choosing Archival-Quality Storage Materials
The materials in direct contact with your art sheets should be selected carefully to avoid introducing harmful chemicals.
- Archival Quality: Using archival-quality materials provides additional protection. These materials are designed to be stable and inert over time.
- Acid-Free: Opt for acid-free paper, boxes, and portfolios. Acidic materials can cause paper to yellow, become brittle, and degrade over time, a process known as "acid decay."
- Protective Sleeves/Folders: Place individual sheets or small groups of sheets in acid-free sleeves or folders before storing them in boxes or portfolios.
- Flat Storage: For flat sheets, storing them horizontally in flat files or archival boxes is ideal to prevent creasing or bending.
- Rolled Storage: If rolling is necessary for large sheets, use archival tubes and place the art facing outwards to minimize stress on the pigment/media layer.
By combining a clean, stable environment with the use of archival, acid-free materials, you can effectively store art sheets and preserve their quality for years to come.
