Storing Your Art In the Thomasville Heat

Published on 6/15/2024
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Storing your belongings in places with intense heat can be challenging, especially in the South. If you live in Thomasville, Georgia,  you're no stranger to the kind of heat that can damage items if they're not stored properly. This is particularly true for art, which often can't withstand the southern climate. To help you keep your art in top condition, STOR-IT Thomasville has put together these handy tips for storing art in the southern heat.

A Quick Note about Extreme Southern Heat


If you're new to living in the southern United States, it's important to understand how damaging the intense heat can be. States like Florida and Georgia can experience extreme heat for several months, often exceeding 100℉. These temperatures aren't just uncomfortable; they can be very harmful to stored items. That's why the following tips are crucial, especially if you have valuable art to store.

Prepare for Intense Humidity


In addition to extreme heat, some states, particularly Georgia, also experience high humidity. To protect your items from moisture damage, proper preparation is key.

Tips for Storing Art in Humid Areas


Humidity can cause nearly as much damage to artworks as extreme heat, leading to mold, mildew, warping, and peeling. Here are some quick tips to prevent damage from humidity:

  • Avoid Direct Contact:Don’t leave artwork against walls or on the floor, as it can absorb moisture.
  • Avoid Basements:Never store artwork in your basement, which is typically too damp.
  • Use a Dehumidifier:Running a dehumidifier can be a bit costly, but it's worth it for valuable art.
  • Opt for Climate Control:Rent and store your items in a climate-controlled storage unit whenever possible.
  • Silica Gel Packs:Use silica gel packs to absorb excess moisture.

Tips for Storing Canvas


Canvas is a durable medium for paintings but can still be damaged by extreme heat. Here are some tips to protect canvas artworks stored in the South:

  • Store Vertically:Keep canvas artwork stored vertically rather than flat
  • Avoid Plastic Covers:Don’t use plastic covers that can't breathe and hold in moisture.
  • Keep Off the Floor:Store canvas pieces off the floor to prevent moisture absorption.
  • Avoid Sunlight:Keep your canvas pieces away from direct sunlight.
  • Regular Checks:Inspect your artwork regularly to ensure it's not deteriorating from heat, moisture, or pests.

Storing Paintings in the Southern Heat


The following tips are similar to those for canvas, but a few are specific to paintings:

  • Acid-Free Wrapping:Wrap your paintings in acid-free paper padding.
  • Store Vertically:Never store paintings flat; always keep them upright.
  • Insurance:Consider purchasing extra insurance for your stored paintings.

Storing Pottery and Clay






Preserving the integrity of clay and pottery artworks requires some planning. These tips will help keep your pottery and clay creations in good condition:

  • Sturdy Shelves:Store pottery and clay items on sturdy shelves.
  • Dry Area:Choose the driest area in your home for storage; avoid basements.
  • Avoid Sunlight:Never store pottery in direct sunlight, which can damage colored glazes and finishes.

Tips for Storing Art Supplies



Art supplies are expensive, so storing them properly is nearly as important as storing your artwork. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready for your next creation:

  • Paint Tubes:Store oil and acrylic paint tubes upright with their caps down.
  • Brushes:Store your paint brushes with the bristles up to maintain their shape.
  • Avoid Water Damage:Don’t leave brushes with bristles in water.
  • Spray Paints:Store spray paints in a well-ventilated area away from any heat source.
  • Easels:Fold down your easels and store them in a dry area.
  • Clay Storage:Keep your clay in airtight containers to prevent it from drying out.
  • Tool Organization:Use a sculpting toolbox to keep your tools organized and accessible.
  • Ink and Liquid Media:Store bottles of ink and liquid media upright to prevent leaks.

Tips for Storing Photographs in Thomasville, GA.


Photographs, whether they are artworks or collections of memories, need proper storage too:


  • Use Binders or Albums:Use 3-ring binders or photo albums to keep your photos flat.
  • Acid-Free Paper:Use acid-free paper in your binders to avoid ruining your photos.
  • Digitize:Consider digitizing your photographs as a backup.
  • Avoid Attics:Never store photographs in your attic due to extreme temperatures.
  • Keep Chemicals Away:Don’t store chemicals like cleaning supplies near your photographs.

Rent a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit


We’ve mentioned climate-controlled storage units several times for a reason: they help maintain a stable environment year-round, which is perfect for artwork and art supplies.

Store Your Artwork and Supplies with STOR-IT Thomasville

At STOR-IT Thomasville, we specialize in storing items in the heat of Thomasville, GA. Our climate-controlled storage units are ideal for protecting your artwork. You can also rent storage units for household goods, collections, and antiques (this is Georgia, after all). Reserve a storage unit from STOR-IT Thomasville online today and start storing your artwork like a pro!