Storing artwork correctly in a storage unit in Vienna: A guide

Self storage Vienna: storing pictures correctly 

Pictures are delicate. They don't like temperature fluctuations, dust or moisture. Protecting these treasures from such factors is routine for galleries and auction houses, but often a challenge for art lovers. Museums and galleries store their exhibits at a relative humidity of 45% and a constant 21° C. When choosing your storage unit, make sure it is dry and has minimal temperature fluctuations. 

Before storing your pictures, you should clean them. Start by removing dust with a microfibre cloth. 

· Protect metal frames of paintings from rust with a little oil, 

· while wooden frames prefer polish. 

Store upright and cushion 

If possible, store paintings together with their frame. This provides stability and protection. If you store the canvas without a frame, the edges may crack and damage the artwork.  

If you store several paintings, separate them with styrofoam pieces and stand them upright. Laying a painting flat can cause the canvas to sag. If you need to stack paintings on top of each other, separate and cushion them. Untreated paper, wool, cotton, felt or cardboard boxes are suitable for this. A sturdier alternative to storing with styrofoam is using custom-made wooden or cardboard crates. 

Oil paintings need to breathe 

Do not wrap your pictures in plastic or bubble wrap. Mould or condensation can easily form under the airtight layer. Where possible, never roll your paintings, as this can quickly lead to pressure marks, paint chipping and stretching. 

How to store photos and prints correctly

Polaroid photos and analogue cameras are more popular than ever. However, in times of digitalisation, handling them properly has become unfamiliar to many. 

The biggest enemy of negatives, slides and photo materials is light and long-term moisture. The most important thing when storing this material is therefore dryness and constant temperatures. Harmful substances such as formaldehyde, glue, varnish, cosmetics or cleaning agents are also toxic for pictures. Investing in safe storage boxes that have passed the Photographic Activity Test (PAT test) means you are doing everything right.

The acidic paper of cheap photo albums or envelopes is very damaging to pictures. When framing your pictures, make sure you choose varnish-free and acid-free frames. Do not glue pictures into the frame, as glue also contains harmful chemicals. 

If you do not use frames, avoid rubber bands or paperclips, which hold your photos together but lead to marks, dents and discolouration.

And last but not least: No greasy creams, lotions or oils.

Your hands should be free of any lotions when handling your photos. Make sure to hold photos by the edges or corners to avoid fingerprints and damage from skin oils.