As the weather warms up across Queensland, so does the humidity. For anyone with artwork at home, summer is the season to pay attention. Moisture, heat and sunlight can quietly damage a painting over time, and the effects are often only noticed once they’re hard to reverse.
Whether you’re moving house, renovating, running out of wall space or holding art as an investment, knowing how to store artwork properly protects both its beauty and its value. Here’s what every collector should know.
Why art storage matters in a Queensland summer
Paintings are made from natural materials like canvas, timber, paper and oil paint. These materials expand and contract as temperature and humidity change, which can lead to cracking, warping and loose canvas over time. High humidity brings an even bigger risk: mould.
What can damage your artwork
| Threat | What it does | How to prevent it |
|---|---|---|
| Humidity | Mould, staining, musty odours and loose canvas | Store in a dry internal room, never a garage, shed or under the house |
| Heat and temperature swings | Cracking paint and warped frames or stretchers | Keep away from roof spaces, external walls and heaters |
| Sunlight | Faded colour and a dried out paint surface | Store and hang away from direct light and windows |
| Pests | Damage to canvas, paper and timber frames | Raise artwork off the floor and check it regularly |
| Poor handling | Dents, tears, scratches and broken frames | Carry with two hands and keep works from touching each other |
How to store paintings at home
If you’re keeping artwork at home for a short time, a few simple habits make a big difference.
- Choose a stable room. Pick an internal room with a steady temperature, away from bathrooms, kitchens and external walls.
- Keep it out of the sun. Store artwork away from windows and direct light to prevent fading.
- Store paintings upright. Stand framed works vertically on their edge rather than laying them flat or stacking them. Place a piece of board between each one so frames and canvases never touch.
- Raise it off the floor. A shelf or timber blocks protect artwork from water spills, pests and floor level damp.
- Wrap it the right way. Use acid free tissue or a breathable cotton sheet. Avoid sealing paintings in plastic for long periods, as it can trap moisture against the surface.
- Handle with care. Carry framed works with two hands on the sides of the frame, never by the top or the wire, and make sure your hands are clean and dry.
- Check in regularly. Inspect stored pieces every few weeks over summer for any signs of mould, moisture or pests.
How to clean an oil painting safely
A light dust with a soft, clean brush is usually all an oil painting needs. Work gently from top to bottom and never press into the paint surface.
Before you clean
Avoid water, household cleaners, wipes or anything abrasive. These can lift paint, leave residue or cause permanent damage. If a painting has mould, staining or flaking paint, leave it to a professional conservator rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Do you need art insurance?
Many collectors assume their home contents insurance has their artwork covered, but policies often cap the amount they’ll pay for any single valuable item. If your collection has grown or includes significant pieces, it’s worth checking your policy and speaking with your insurer about specialist art insurance.
Either way, an up to date valuation makes the process much easier. A professional art valuation from David Hart gives you a documented value for insurance, estate planning or resale. Keep it with your certificate of authenticity, purchase receipts and photos of each piece.
When professional art storage makes sense
Home storage works for the short term, but some situations call for something more secure.
| Your situation | Home storage | Professional storage |
|---|---|---|
| A few pieces, short term | Usually fine if you follow the steps above | Optional |
| Moving, renovating or travelling | Higher risk of knocks and exposure | Recommended |
| Collection has outgrown your walls | Space runs out and works end up stacked | Recommended |
| Artwork held in an SMSF | Generally needs to be stored away from your home | Recommended |
| High value pieces | Exposed to everyday household risks | Recommended |
If you’re comparing art storage providers, ask how they protect artwork from humidity and temperature changes, how pieces are handled and stored, and what insurance options are available.
Art storage with Hart Storage
Hart Storage offers an affordable way to keep your artwork safe, whether it’s a single painting or an entire investment collection. Your art is cared for by a family who has handled fine art for three generations.
| Price | From $15 per month, per artwork |
| Drop off | Deliver to our location on Brisbane’s south side |
| Collection | We can organise an art courier to collect and package your artwork anywhere in Australia, at our discounted rates |
| Insurance | Optional, at 1.25% of the artwork’s value |
| Minimum term | 6 months, then collect any time with 7 days notice |
| Bonus | First 3 months free when you buy a painting from David Hart |
Whether your art is part of an SMSF or simply needs a safe home for a while, our team can put together a quote for one piece or your whole collection.
Protect your art, protect its value
Good storage is one of the simplest ways to look after an artwork’s condition and long term value. Keep it cool, dry, upright and out of the sun, and know when it’s time to call in the professionals.
If you’re building a collection, read our guide to building an art investment portfolio or browse David Hart’s latest originals.
