If you want your favorite photos and artwork to last, storing framed pictures the right way is very important. Just putting them in a box or leaning them against a wall in your garage can easily lead to damage. You need to protect them from bumps, scratches, temperature changes, and moisture. With the right steps and a little time spent planning, your framed pictures can stay in great shape for years.
Why You Should Store Framed Pictures Carefully
Think of framed pictures as special keepsakes. They’re often precious to us and can sometimes be worth a lot of money. Putting them away safely isn’t just about being tidy-it helps protect them from a range of problems.
Imagine reaching for a family photo years later only to find it with a cracked glass, warped frame, or faded picture. These are all problems from bad storage. If you take a little extra care now, you can avoid damage and keep your memories safe for the future.
Problems When Framed Pictures Aren’t Stored Right
- Physical damage: Frames can get scratched, dented, or broken. Glass can break, ruining the picture and creating a risk for cuts.
- Temperature and humidity: Heat and dampness can make frames warp, crack, or buckle. Mold and mildew love places with moisture, and they can destroy paper, canvas, and frames.
- Pests: Bugs and rodents might chew on wood and paper, leaving pictures and frames damaged.
Benefits of Storing Pictures Correctly
Good storage keeps pictures looking bright, keeps frames safe, and stops paper, canvas, and photos from being ruined. When you’re ready to put these items back on display or give them to someone else, they’ll be as nice as you remember.
What to Think About Before Storing Framed Pictures
Before you start wrapping things up, look at your pictures and where you want to store them. Different types and values of artwork need different care.
Look at Frame Materials
| Frame Material | Possible Problems |
|---|---|
| Wood | Can warp in damp air, insects might damage it |
| Metal | May rust or corrode in humid conditions |
| Plastic | Can crack or degrade if stored in extreme heat or cold |
Delicate or fancy frames need extra padding. Try to understand what your frame is made of so you know how to protect it.
Consider Artwork Value
- Is your picture a one-of-a-kind painting or a simple print? Priceless items need top-level care.
- If you’re not sure about packing valuable pieces, ask a framing shop for help. They have the skills and supplies to package and protect special art.
Pick the Right Storage Spot
Where you store your pictures is very important. Garages, basements, and attics aren’t usually a good idea because they can get too hot, cold, damp, or attract pests.
- Find a place inside your home with steady temperature and low humidity-like a closet or spare bedroom.
- For important pieces or long-term storage, consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit.
Keep Temperature and Moisture Under Control
- Ideal storage areas don’t get too hot or cold and aren’t damp.
- A dehumidifier or air conditioner can help if it’s humid.
- Climate-controlled storage units keep things steady, which is best for most artwork.
How to Prep Framed Pictures for Storage
Once you’ve figured out your storage spot, it’s time to get your pictures ready. Take a few simple steps to keep them safe while you pack and store them.
Clean Gently Before Wrapping
- Wipe the frame with a dry, soft cloth to remove dust.
- Clean glass with cleaner sprayed on the cloth, not directly on the glass. Don’t let any liquid reach the picture.
- Don’t use harsh cleaners or rough pads. If the artwork isn’t behind glass, don’t try to clean it yourself; leave it to a professional if needed.
Remove or Tape Down Hanging Hardware
- If you can, remove wires, hooks, or hanging rings-they can scratch or dent other frames. If not, tape them flat to the back.
- Take a photo of the setup before removing anything for easier reassembly later. Tape removed pieces in a small bag to the back of your frame.
Pick the Right Wrapping Materials
- Avoid newspaper because the ink can stain frames and pictures.
- Use plain white or brown paper (acid-free, if possible) for the first wrap.
- Add bubble wrap on top for padding. Use corner protectors from foam or cardboard.
- Secure wrapping materials with tape, but don’t stick tape to the frame or artwork.
Should You Take Frames Apart?
- Most of the time, leave frames assembled. Taking them apart can make art more likely to get damaged.
- If you’re mailing framed art, some people take out the glass and wrap it separately. For regular storage, keep everything together unless you have a special reason not to.
Step-by-Step: Wrapping and Protecting Framed Pictures
- Wrap in Acid-Free or Plain Paper: Place the frame face-down and wrap it like a gift. Tape the paper closed (not to the frame).
- Add Corner Protectors: Put foam or cardboard protectors on all corners to shield them from bumps.
- Wrap With Bubble Wrap: Cover the picture in bubble wrap. Face the bubbles inwards for the best protection. Tape the bubble wrap to itself but not directly to the frame.
Storing Framed Pictures: Different Situations
How you store framed pictures depends on their size and how long you’ll store them.
How to Store Small Frames
- Place small frames in a sturdy box. Separate each with foam or cardboard.
- Label the box “Fragile.” Don’t stack heavy boxes on top then put it in a safe corner where it won’t get crushed.
How to Store Large or Oversized Frames
- Wrap as above, with extra care for the corners.
- If you have a big or heavy frame, store it standing up (on its edge), not flat. This avoids too much weight pushing on the glass or picture.
- If you can’t find a box, carefully lean the wrapped picture against a wall so it can’t slip or fall. Very large or expensive items may need custom crates or professional help.
Short vs. Long-Term Storage
- For up to a few months: A safe, out-of-the-way area in your home should work, as long as it’s dry and out of the sun.
- For longer: A climate-controlled storage unit is best to avoid problems with temperature and dampness.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Storage
- Standing your frames upright (vertical) is usually better. This balances the weight and keeps frames from bending or breaking.
- If you must lay them flat, don’t pile too many on top of each other and use padding between each.
Where Should Framed Pictures Be Stored?
Picking the right place to store framed pictures helps prevent most problems later.
Best Ways to Store at Home
- Choose a space that’s cool, dry, and dark. Attics, garages, and basements are risky because they get too hot or damp and may have bugs or mice.
- A guest room, closet, or even under a bed in your main living area is usually fine. Keep boxes off the floor, using pallets or blocks to avoid being affected by water leaks.
Using Storage Units
- Climate-controlled storage units are best for long-term and valuable items. These units stay at even temperatures and humidity.
- Make sure the unit is clean and dry, with no pests. Raise boxes off the floor inside the unit, too.
Protect from Light, Moisture, and Bugs
- Keep stored artwork out of direct sunlight or bright room lights.
- Keep the area dry and well-aired. Use a dehumidifier if needed.
- Don’t store items directly on the floor in case of water. Watch for signs of bugs and clean regularly so pests don’t move in.
Extra Tips to Lower the Risk of Damage
Trouble can still happen, so here are some more ways to protect your art while stored.
How to Separate or Stack Several Pictures
- If putting frames in a box or leaning them upright, place cardboard or foam between each to avoid rubbing or scratching.
- If they’re upright, keep them just snug enough so they don’t move or press too hard. Fill any gaps with paper or bubble wrap for support.
Label and Organize Clearly
- Label boxes and wrapped pictures with what’s inside, the size, and maybe even a small photo. This makes finding things later faster and easier.
- Group stored items by room or theme.
Regularly Check Stored Pictures
- If the pictures are stored for a long time, look at them every couple of months to make sure there’s no water, mold, or pests.
- If you see a problem, move them to a better spot or fix the issue right away.
Common Questions About Storing Framed Pictures
Many people wonder about the best way to put their framed pictures away. Here are some common things people ask about:
Should Framed Pictures Be Stored With Glass Up or Down?
- If you store them standing up, it doesn’t matter as much. If you must stack them flat, put them glass side up so nothing heavy presses on the glass.
Is It Okay to Store Framed Pictures in Attics or Basements?
- Usually not. These places often have temperature swings, high humidity, and pests, all of which can damage your pictures.
- If you have no other choice, use waterproof containers, raise items off the floor, and think about using a dehumidifier. But for valuable things, use a better spot if you can.
How Can You Stop Mold and Warping?
- Keep things dry and let air move around the storage area. A dehumidifier helps in humid areas.
- Wrap pictures well but avoid packing them so tight that air can’t flow.
- Store frames upright when you can, and check them from time to time for early signs of mold or moisture.