Shipping framed art is always a high-stakes task, with lots of emotional, historical, and financial value attached to every transported item. That’s why it is always important to plan shipping processes from start to finish with proper regard to safety standards. If you’re unaware of how to pack framed art for shipping, here is a quick guide on customizing the packaging choices to different artwork types.

How to Pack Framed Art for Shipping: Customization Matters

There are plenty of generic art packaging tutorials online, so a newbie art owner may think it’s easy to pack framed art without professional help. However, things are not that simple, with multiple risks to artwork integrity awaiting careless owners in case of insufficient or wrongly selected packaging. Both fragile antiques and delicate modern artworks are susceptible to physical damage, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.

Let’s take a look at several examples of custom packing solutions for specific artwork types.

• Vintage and antique frames often have intricate carvings and gilding, which require extra reinforcement during shipping. These pieces benefit from the use of temporary supports like foam inserts and archival tape before being wrapped in cushioning materials.
• Old and fragile framed art objects covered with glass need a layer of acid-free tissue paper that should be applied directly on the surface of the painting to avoid scratching. After that, you can use bubble wrap for cushioning.
• Foam corner protectors offer added vibration protection and reduce the contact of fragile frame corners with the box’s walls.
• Contemporary artwork often involves the use of innovative, experimental materials, which may require special treatment. Acrylic, metal, or mixed-media art can react poorly to environmental fluctuations, and the frame may quickly get damaged. Thus, it’s vital to take proper care of insulation in the process of art packaging so that humidity doesn’t creep into it to ruin the delicate surface.  

In addition, any framed art object, whether flat or three-dimensional, can benefit from suspension. You can create a suspension system inside the packing box to avoid compressing the frame and the artwork’s details.

Turn to Fine Art Shippers for Custom Packing Solutions

If you’re still unsure about how to pack framed art for shipping or need professional help, Fine Art Shippers is ready to help. Our expertise, careful planning, and attention to detail in all aspects of art transportation planning and execution will ensure your art arrives intact, no matter the destination. Besides, by working with our team, you can avoid the hassle of arranging everything on your own.