Storing Art Supplies in Humid Weather: Keep Paper and Paint Fresh

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-18

On 2026-10-18

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Sri Lanka’s warm, humid climate is tough on art materials. Paper can curl or grow mould, paint lids stick, markers dry out and clay hardens. Good habits for storing art supplies keep everything usable for longer and protect the work you have made. This guide covers each type of material, room by room.

Storing art supplies: general rules

Choose the driest room in the house, away from bathrooms, kitchens and outside walls that get damp.
Keep supplies off the floor, on shelves or in cupboards.
Avoid direct sunlight and hot spots near windows and roofs.
Use closed plastic boxes with lids for small items.
Add a sachet of silica gel or a cloth bag of uncooked rice to boxes to absorb moisture, replacing them regularly.
Open cupboards on dry, sunny days to let air circulate.

Paper, sketchbooks and canvases

Store paper flat in its packaging or a folder, never rolled loosely.
Keep loose sheets and artwork in a document bag such as the Magpie Premium Document Bag (F/C size).
Carry large drawings rolled in a Drawing Tube (L) to protect them from rain and bending.
Stand canvases upright, not touching walls, so air can move around them.
Check stored paper every few weeks for spots of mould; remove affected sheets.

Our drawing paper types guide explains paper weights and surfaces.

Paints

Wipe tube necks and lids before closing, so caps do not glue themselves shut.
Close jars and bottles tightly and store them upright.
Keep acrylics and poster paints out of the heat, which thickens them.
Store watercolour pans open to dry after use, then close the box.
Keep oil paints and solvents in a cool place, away from children.

Brushes

Rinse, reshape and dry brushes completely before putting them away; damp brushes can grow mould.
Dry and store them bristles-up or flat, using a holder such as the Brush Bucket (Large), which combines a washer and holders.
Never store brushes resting on their bristles.

See how to clean paint brushes for the full routine.

Pens, markers and pencils

Close marker caps until they click, and store markers horizontally.
Keep gel pens and fineliners away from heat.
Store pastels and charcoal in their boxes to stop breakage and dust.
Coloured pencils last for years in a dry box.

Clay and resin

Wrap opened air dry clay tightly in plastic and keep it in an airtight box.
Store polymer clay wrapped, in a cool place away from sunlight.
Keep resin and hardener tightly closed, upright, in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.
Use resin before the date on the label.

A monsoon season checklist

Before the rains, move supplies away from windows and outside walls.
Refresh moisture absorbers in every storage box.
Carry artwork to school or class in a tube or document bag.
Let wet umbrellas and bags dry away from your art area.

Protecting finished artwork

Spray pencil, charcoal and pastel drawings with Kuelox Fixative 180ml in a ventilated area to reduce smudging.
Store finished work flat, with clean paper between each piece.
Frame favourite pieces behind glass, with a mount so the art does not touch the glass.
Varnish acrylic paintings once fully dry for extra protection.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop paper from curling?

Store it flat in a closed folder or bag, in a dry room, and keep it away from damp walls and floors.

What should I do if I find mould on paper?

Remove the affected sheets from the rest to stop it spreading, and improve airflow and dryness in the storage area.

How do I keep markers from drying out?

Close caps firmly, store markers horizontally, and keep them away from heat and sun.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose storage and protection for your art supplies.

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