Individual wood pieces can be safely treated by a conservator to eradicate pests without the use of harmful chemical agents. The conditions in which paintings are stored can be a major source of both structural and cosmetic damage. Ideally, in any large collection there should be dedicated storage spaces for paintings. A system based on vertical screens is preferable, as it allows for easy viewing with minimal handling and serves to protect the frames as well as the paintings. A system based on vertical screens is preferable, as it allows for easy viewing with minimal handling and serves to protect the frames as well as the paintings.
Screens make the most efficient use of limited storage space.
If this ideal arrangement is not possible, all protruding hanging hardware and wires should first be removed and groups of paintings stored in bins or stacked against a wall. This precaution helps prevent accidental damages such as tears, punctures, scratches, dents and general abrasion to both the images and the frames. If bins are used, solid wall construction, not single boards, should divide the spaces. Any wood used in construction should be coated with at least three layers of acrylic emulsion paint. The bottom of the bins should be lined with inert polyethylene foam to protect the bottom edge of the painting or frame.