Collectors can extend the life of their artwork during fine art transportation and installation by maintaining the pieces and their environment on a regular basis. Pieces should be maintained both while in storage and on display and be installed by professionals, to avoid damaging the artwork or the display location.
Fine Art Transportation and Installation Tips
Cleaning Artwork
Cleaning artwork helps preserve its life by removing eroding dirt and particles. Artwork must be cleaned delicately to avoid damaging the piece. Never use water or cleaning chemicals. Artistic materials and application techniques require different cleaning methods. If you are not sure of the best cleaning methods, it’s best to call a professional.
Temperature Control
Most artwork should be kept in a controlled temperature environment, both while in storage and while being installed for display. Artwork materials are highly susceptible to heat and cold. Canvas may stretch or shrink according to the temperature, causing paint to fade or crack. Direct sunlight can cause paintings to fade and dull. While in storage, artwork should be kept in temperature-controlled spaces in crates that restrict sunlight. While on display, install artwork away from windows and doors.
Humidity Control
In humid environments, like the Pacific Northwest coast, collectors should be extra diligent about humidity control. Humidity can cause paint colors to fade or bleed. Air that is especially dry can make artwork brittle. Storage and display environments should be kept perfectly controlled, and outdoor artwork should be weather-proofed.
Display for Paintings and Wall Images
Display locations should be expertly selected based on the best environment and wall structure. While nails and a hammer may be efficient to display casual artwork around your home, fine art requires specialized tools and mounts to ensure that artwork is safe and secure. Mounts should be custom designed to match the shape and material of each unique piece.
Display for Sculptures
Sculptures also require specialized displays. Small sculptures need custom stands to keep them secure. Larger sculptures require custom bases, while outdoor sculptures often require concrete bases with steel reinforcement. Thorough application ensures that artwork remains in place regardless of people or weather conditions.
Leave it to the Professionals
Do not move or install heavy artwork without professional help; doing so may cause damage to the artwork or injury to the movers. Heavy artwork often requires rigging or tools. Trusting professionals ensures that fine art is installed and stored properly.
Specialized Knowledge From Our Experts
For nearly 30 years, Art Work Fine Art Services has served as the trusted logistics partner to some of America’s most highly-regarded museums, galleries, collectors, and artists. We specialize in expert and custom solutions for domestic and international shipping, warehousing, and preservation of artwork.
Our team is made up of passionate experts in many mediums, including design, painting, printmaking, carpentry, photography, and sculpture. Art Work FAS offers services in Portland and Seattle, in addition to California’s Bay Area and Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, New York City, and across the Rocky Mountains.
To request an estimate for fine art transportation or installation Art Work Fine Art Services offers, contact us.