I have a bunch of paintings that I did

Question

I would like to know if anyone know how I can store them in my craft room? Right now they are leaning against a wall in a small closet, because of limited space.

Darla · Answer

That's a problem many painters have! You can stand them on edge on a shelf, and hang your favorites on the wall or the front of the shelf. You might also think about photographing the paintings then seeing about showing, selling or donating some of them.

Carolynm · Answer

My painter friend bought a totes box and installed bolts along each side to hold frames. The frames fit into the 'slots' and do not touch each other, but it make a great storage idea. I wish I had a picture to show, but alas I do not.

Bonny McDaniel · Answer

How big are the paintings? Are they on canvas board or stretched canvas? Are they oil or acrylic? Most of these questions are needed to know what type of storage and how big you need...oil needs more space/air than acrylic and so does stretched canvas which can damage easily. I always stored my acrylic paintings on canvas board, in a large portfolio like used for drawings. Carolyn mentioned a 'totes box' but I'm not sure what that is but slots or small divisions are the best for oils on stretched canvas. Hanging some of them is also a good idea even if they aren't finished...looking at them every day might give inspiration to finish or correct what you don't like about them.

MaryStLouis · Answer

For smaller canvases I use several of these units. They're great! http://www.amazon.com/Copco-2555-1978-Adjustable-Bakeware-Organizer/dp/B0036OQWUY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1420305105&sr=8-8&keywords=Cookie+sheet+organization

Valerie Binninger · Answer

oils? acrylics? the different types need different kinds of storage. oils have to be stored in light because they will turn dark otherwise.

Colonial Restoration studio · Answer

Slect a wall, buid binds to slide thepainting in , basicly large shelves. I've seen walls with 400 painting stored

Jamoschini · Answer

Thank you for all of your ideas. I paint in acrylics and they are on canvas boards and pre-stretched canvas ranging is sizes from 5X8 in. to 18X24 in. Some are framed.

Cynthia H · Answer

I have a small closet that I keep the paintings I don't have on display, and try to rotate them out on a regular basis. My daughter paints (and just recently I have started) as well as having a collection of oil and acrylic paintings I've collected from a couple of favorite artists. I have paintings in every room except the bathroom and my granddaughter's playroom, and enjoy them as much as I can!

JustMe · Answer

Storing them on the wall or on shelves is your best bet.  They need to cure/dry out completely before any other type of storage.  Acrylics cure in about a week, while oils can take 6 months to a year.  While they are drying, hang them on a wall or slide them in upright on shelves and seperated with dowels (kinda like a vertical plate rack. Hang a white sheet across the front to prevent dust. The white sheet also lets in light and prevents too much moisture. It is good to rotate them around, too. This method is good for both oils and Acrylics. Now permanent storage is entirely different between oils and acrylic. Acrylics can be stored upright after a couple of weeks in a box, with white fabric (cut white sheets-no fabric softener) between them if just on canvas. If in a frame,  foam can be used.  Anything really, as long as it can 'breathe' (no plastic or bubble wrap.)....Now, oil paintings need the same treatment, but remember they need to cure for 6-12 months before long term/permanent storage. For both- there needs to be climate and humidity control. Oils also need light.  If they are stored too long in the dark, many times the paint will darken and lose its vibrancy.  Some people have successfully taken them off the canvas frame and rolled them (painted side out.) But, you always run the risk of cracking. I hope this answers some of your questions.

Darla · Answer

I put them stacked right side up, side edges pointing out, on top of a shelf that holds art supplies. Don't stack them horizontally. If you get too many, why not put them in shows or give them as family gifts? They don't really do any good sitting in storage where no one can see them.

I have a bunch of paintings that I did

Suggested Project Book

Dress Your Door for Valentine's With These 20 Beautiful Wreaths

I have a bunch of paintings that I did

Suggested Project Book

Related Discussions