Fine Art Packing and Shipping Tips

Helpful Tips shipping

Artwork, antiques, and other collectibles are usually valued not only as an investment but also because of their beauty and the stories they tell. It is no wonder that such items are very special to most people. It is also the reason why it is so important to properly prepare them for transportation. Ideally, if you need to ship fine art, this task is better to leave to professional art movers with extensive experience in fine art packing and shipping. It is actually the key to moving valuables of any kind safely and securely.

However, if you want to pack your precious belongings on your own, you need to do some prep work first. For example, you should buy only high-quality packing materials suitable for your particular items and learn several useful tips on how to move art and antiques from experienced international art shippers.

Packing crystal and fine china

Such fragile items as crystal and fine china require special care when moving. Thereby, if you decide to pack them yourself, consider the following tips:

  • buy high-quality packing tape, bubble wrap, tissue paper, and packing paper;
  • ensure you use durable triple-walled china boxes;
  • pack plates on their edge and never lay them flat.

Packing figurines and sculptures

Keep in mind that extremely valuable, heavy, or very large sculptures should be transported in custom crates. However, smaller pieces can be packed in appropriately sized boxes. Consider the following:

  • use bubble wrap for wrapping the entire sculpture;
  • fill the bottom of the box with cushioning material (e.g. packing peanuts);
  • surround the sculpture with more cushioning material to prevent it from moving inside the box.

Packing oil paintings

Just like with sculptures, valuable and large oil paintings should be transported in special crates. If not, take into account the following tips:

  • wrap the painting in glassine paper and then in bubble wrap;
  • cut a sheet of Styrofoam so that you could center the painting onto it;
  • cut two pieces of cardboard and securely tape them to the Styrofoam;
  • place your packaging into a high-quality picture box.

Please note that if you are packing art and antiques for the first time, these fine art packing and shipping tips may be not enough for protecting your belongings. In such a case, you still need to order professional packing and crating services from a reliable art shipping company. Contact us today for more information!