Fine Art Shippers is a New York-based company that offers a wide range of services related to the transportation and storage of art, antiques, and other cultural goods. The most basic of these is art packing, without which the safe and secure shipping of valuable pieces is impossible. In this blog post, you will learn a little bit more about the specifics of our art packing services.
Our Fine Art Packing Services: The Best Quality at a Reasonable Price
Choosing the right type of packaging is almost 50% of the success of fine art shipping. The type of packing depends on many qualities of the artwork, such as the material, condition, dimensions, and shipping requirements. At Fine Art Shippers, we basically offer two types of art packing services: soft packing and art crating.
Soft packing is an art packing technique that usually involves the use of tissue or glassine paper, art plastic, bubble wrap, foam, and cardboard – that is, materials that are soft in nature. However, this doesn’t mean that this technique doesn’t protect artwork from vibration, shock, or temperature fluctuations. We often recommend using it when the artwork is not too fragile, has normal dimensions, and will be shipped by our art shuttle. For example, it works well for oil paintings or art prints that are shipped across the country. The main thing here is to use acid-free materials to prevent chemical reactions that could damage the artwork over time.
Art crating is considered the most stable and secure method of art packing. In this case, the artwork is placed inside a custom-made wooden crate designed to fit the specific dimensions of the piece. For objects of high value or those that are oddly shaped or simply in poor condition, art crates provide structural support and extra protection. Fine Art Shippers can fabricate a wooden crate either in our warehouse or onsite, giving our clients more flexibility with our art packing services.
When shipping internationally by air or sea, art crates are essential: art shipping companies do not accept soft packing at all, nor do insurance companies. Anyway, only a well-made shipping crate can ensure the safety of an item placed in a cargo hold. First, it prevents the artwork from being physically shocked: shifting, vibrating, or coming into contact with other objects in the cargo. Second, the well-designed crate can create a stable humidity and temperature level inside, which is particularly important for the works by Old Masters. Finally, some crates can be equipped with a security system to prevent unauthorized access during transit.
At Fine Art Shippers, we can help you choose from a range of art packing services that will better suit your demands and ensure the safe transit of your special items. Just request a free quote, and we will provide you with the best solution for your needs.