How to Safely Transport Art Across the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest’s unique climate comes with special challenges when it comes to protecting fine art pieces. To transport art across the pacific northwest, individuals should rely on white-glove experts to move pieces safely.

The Pacific Northwest’s Unique Climate

The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its unique coastal climate. The cool, wet climate has led to the growth of thick trees and temperate rainforests. While the climate is uniquely beautiful, it is a harsh environment for fine art.

Sudden changes in temperature can be devastating for fine art, regardless of the materials. Changes in temperature cause paintings to stretch or shrink, resulting in cracking, stretching, distorting, or swelling. Particularly sunny days can result in melting or fading.

More prominent than the Pacific Northwest’s temperature is its humidity. Water droplets that form on the surface of artwork can cause erosion and fading. High levels of humidity can lead to mold colonies forming in the piece. Humidity control is critical, but needs to be done correctly. If the air is too dry, art can become brittle. Highly sensitive fine art pieces rely on transportation and storage methods that are tailored to the unique needs of the Pacific Northwest climate.

Climate Controlled Relocation

Art Work Fine Art Services offers a fleet of specialized shuttles that deliver all along the Pacific Northwest coast and into Idaho and Montana. We build specialized crates for your artwork, keeping it secured and protected from sunlight and heat. Our shuttles relocate and install your artwork to your new residential or corporate location.

For domestic and international shipping, Fine Art Services are leading logistics experts. We know the best way to get your collections to their locations across a wide variety of changing climates. 

Climate-Controlled Storage

Whether for a short or long-term, fine art requires climate-controlled storage that accounts for the unique conditions of the Pacific Northwest. Our warehouses in Portland and Seattle maintain the ideal conditions for fine art, with temperature controls set to a constant 68° F and humidity controls set to 55% relative humidity.

Additionally, custom-designed racks can fit paintings, sculptures and oddly-shaped three-dimensional works. Fine art will leave the storehouse in the same condition that it arrived in.

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 or find out more about the services Art Work Fine Art Services offers, contact us.

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