Shipping porcelain figurines is indeed a very complicated task as these objects are extremely fragile. That is why it is so important to observe all the rules of transportation. However, do not neglect the services of fine art insurers and appraisers. Since the reasons for damage are often beyond the control of the shipping company, it is always better to make sure you will receive the full compensation.
So what is the safest way to ship porcelain figurines? The best decision is to hire a professional moving company specializing in the transportation of artworks and antiques. Fine Art Shippers have been shipping fragile and valuable items, like porcelain figurines, for many years, so we have the right formula for how to do it without any breakage. The important stage of this process is certainly proper packing that eliminates the risk of damage and ensures that your porcelain figurines will arrive intact. The most common example of packaging is the use of foam peanuts, bubble wrap, packing tape, and two boxes of the proper size. Frankly speaking, the dimensions of these boxes play an important role in the packing process. They should not be too large to reduce the movement of the fragile item and its chances of being damaged. On the other hand, they should not be too small to avoid breakage upon contact with the box. In fact, there are too many nuances connected with shipping porcelain figurines. Luckily, our professional team knows about all of them, so quick, reliable, convenient, and, at the same time, affordable transportation is guaranteed!
Nevertheless, if you are going to ship your porcelain treasures yourself, use the following tips for packing and moving to make sure that each of the fragile objects will arrive in one piece.
1. If you have several figurines, pack them individually so that they could not bang each other.
2. Identify any potential spots that can be easily damaged during the shipping process. First of all, it concerns protruding areas, like legs, arms, or head. You may use styrofoam egg carton, bubble wrap, or foam to protect the trouble spots. Use the packaging or painter’s tape to secure the wrapping. Try not to tape the item itself as it can cause damage.
3. Wrap the rest of the figurine in a layer of bubble wrap or use the light foam. Do not mummify it! Just make sure that the object is completely covered for the best protection.
4. Put packing peanuts on the bottom of the inner (smaller) box and pack the figure inside of it. Fill the rest of the box with more foam peanuts, but do not do it too tightly. Leave enough space for the so-called cushion.
5. Make the same layer of peanuts in the larger box (it is better to use a sturdy, shock-resistant shipping crate) and place the inner box with the figurine in the middle of it. Fill the rest of the larger box to the top with peanuts. Make sure that the inner box cannot move around.
6. Label the outer box.
7. Try not to move your porcelain figurines when the weather is extremely hot or cold, as it can lead to small cracks within the porcelain material. Keep them out of direct sunlight.
We hope that this article will help you with such a delicate process as shipping porcelain figurines. In any case, if you want to be sure about the safety of their transportation, call Fine Art Shippers for any help!