If you're building an art collection, it is likely to become the most expensive collection of things you own. Art is both priceless and pricey. Its aesthetic value lies in the eye of the beholder, but it can also command a cash value based on factors like desirability and rarity. As such, you need to take the relevant steps to protect it.

There is only so much you can do to protect artwork on display in your home. You’ll need to ensure that your home itself is secure and that the pieces are in places out of reach of pets and children.

You'll also need to insure your collection. Adding extra coverage to your home insurance policy will protect your artwork against a suite of around 16 named perils. This is true regardless of whether you're storing it in a safe place or hanging it on your walls.

Storing your art collection in a safe place is the best way to protect it, especially if it is an investment. You will also need to store your art if you are traveling or moving homes.

The following tips are crucial for storing art in a safe and secure way.

Use the right materials

Your art will need to be covered by materials to keep it from getting damaged. However, if you use the wrong materials, you can do more damage than you prevent. Any materials that contain acids can be dangerous to your collection. Storage materials containing acid include things like wood-based materials (which release gasses), paper products like newspaper and cardboard, and plastics such as PVC and some types of polyethylene.

Acid can compromise art in several ways. One way is by causing discoloration and fading of pigments in paintings and prints. This is because acid can break down the chemical bonds of pigments, causing them to lose their color and vibrancy over time.

Acids can also cause papers or fabrics to become brittle and weak. This happens when acid migrates from the paper or fabric into the fibers and causes them to weaken, making the art more susceptible to tearing and breaking. They can also cause yellowing and may damage the framing materials.

Climate-controlled spaces

Another important tip is to keep your art in a climate-controlled space. This will protect it from damage caused by extreme temperatures and humidity.

Excessive heat can cause art to warp, crack, or become discolored, while excessive cold can cause it to become brittle and more susceptible to breaking. Humidity can cause art to expand and contract, leading to warping, cracking, or the growth of mold and mildew.

If you're wondering what the settings should be, a temperature range of sixty-five to seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 40-50% are ideal for most artworks. It is also ideal that your climate-controlled space is equipped with dehumidifiers and air filters to remove pollutants such as dust and smoke from the air.

Document your art

You should also have comprehensive documentation of exactly what you own. It is all too common that people whose collections get damaged or stolen are not sure of what they've lost. You’ll know it when you see it, but when it’s gone you'll struggle to remember.

Keep extensive documentation of each piece when you store it. This should include photos, descriptions, and values (if relevant).

Use smart security systems

Keeping your art secure should not be too difficult. Unless you have millions of dollars worth of famous artworks, you're unlikely to be the target of an elaborate heist. However, that does not mean you should be complacent about security.

By using smart security systems, including alarms, motion sensors, cameras, and remote control of the room itself, you will know immediately if someone is trying to get into the space.

Be extra careful with sculptures

For the most part, the same rules that apply to other types of artwork apply to sculptures. They should be kept in secure, climate-controlled rooms with non-acidic materials. However, you should take extra precautions with sculptures, as they can easily be damaged if they fall.

Make sure that you use appropriate support to avoid weight or pressure being applied to the sculpture. Also, unlike paintings which you are likely to carry by their frames, you're more likely to touch sculptures directly. Try to avoid doing so as much as possible. Use gloves when moving them in order to prevent transfer of oils or dirt from your hands.

The above tips should help you keep your art safe and secure in storage. Your art collection is both priceless and pricey, and should therefore receive the most particular care.