How to Keep Your Frames Safe in Storage
Sometimes you need to stash things in storage for a while, be it because you’ve caught the travelling bug, are going through a lengthy moving or renovation process, or even just because you have too much stuff! We get it, that’s just how life is. Picture frames, and more importantly the artwork inside it, often don’t like being put in storage for long periods of time, mostly due to the environment it ends up in, and a lack of protection for the frame itself.
These are our 4 tips to ensure your frame is as gorgeous when it comes out as it was when it went in!
If possible, get a storage unit that is quite dry, or at least has some airflow so dampness is not trapped in the space. Moisture will get inside your frame and can damage the artwork, mat board and backing board. Sometimes, depending on conditions and period of time, mould can also develop. If storing in the garage, be very careful about how old the garage is and how damp it gets.
If packaging multiples, stack them face to face and back to back to ensure the hanging hardware doesn’t dent the face of another frame! Scratches and major dents will so easily happen this way, and will permanently damage the finish of the wood. This applies every single time you move multiple frames together. When face to face, a layer of something between the two will also help to prevent the finish scratching if any grit happens to get in there.
Make sure they are properly protected to ensure no damage is done through knocks should someone go in and shuffle around to find something else. Lots of soft protective layers, and cardboard over the top of all of it, will really help to do the best to protect them when being shuffled around. Also, a lot of fragile tape just to remind you or whomever else may be shuffling it that there is something delicate inside.
Make sure the packaging is fully sealed! Things stored in the garage will very easily get coved in bugs, leaves, grit, and sometimes rat and mice nasties depending on how old the garage is. Make sure that they are properly wrapped up and sealed to ensure that none of the nasties get inside onto your frame.