The purchase of desired artwork is always a pleasant and exciting endeavor that can, however, be overshadowed by thoughts about the upcoming process of fine art shipping, especially if the piece needs to be delivered to another state, country, or continent.
To make the transportation process easy and reliable, it is important to consider some packing and shipping nuances that will help you avoid damage to art and its subsequent restoration.
Fine Art Shipping Tips for 2022
Wrapping and packing
Wrapping is the first step in protecting your work. It depends on the type of artwork you are shipping. For example, etchings should be wrapped with acid-free paper, framed pictures with glass should be protected with special film or painter’s tape applied in an X-shape, frame corners need cardboard or foam corner protection, and artworks with lacquered or resin-type finish should be covered with soft, nonabrasive materials like a microfiber cloth.
Crating in wood
Crating is an important part of the fine art shipping process. Art crates should be reliable and built according to industry standards, so make sure you are working with an experienced art logistics company able to provide the right crate for your pieces, especially fragile and large ones. A wooden crate should be larger than artwork about 2-4 inches from each size to have a space for cushioning layer.
Cushioning
Artworks should be wrapped with bubble wrap or other cushioning materials. The space of the box or crate should also be filled with cushioning material such as polyethylene closed-cell foam or polyurethane open-celled foam. Packing peanuts may also work if the work is less fragile. If you are packing the piece yourself, it is better to consult a fine art shipping professional for the better protection of your artwork.
Climate control
Depending on the destination, duration of transportation, and medium, artwork may require climate control. For example, encaustic paintings are sensitive to the sun and high temperatures, so they need appropriate protection and conditions during transit.
Insurance
The mandatory step you should not miss is insurance. Even when perfectly packed and crated, artworks are always at risk of unexpected and emergency situations.
By following these tips, you will be able to protect your work during transportation and make the fine art shipping process easy and pleasant.