Oil paintings need to be thoroughly prepared for transportation because of their fragile oil paint layer. That’s why the shipping process should be arranged with due care about securing the painting’s surface with non-adhesive, professional-grade materials. Interested in how to pack oil paintings for shipping in line with professional standards? Here are the main tricks that will help you pack your oil canvas like a pro.
How to Pack Oil Paintings for Shipping? Things You Should Know
If you’re determined to find out how to pack oil paintings for shipping, here are a couple of expert tips and tricks to implement in your practice.
Protect the Surface
The oil painting’s surface is its most vulnerable part, sensitive to many kinds of impact. That’s why securing the surface from contact is your key priority in the packaging process. It’s a guarantee that the oil paint won’t crack. Use professional acid-free materials to create a layer between the painting’s surface and other packing supplies. It may be special art plastic, glassine paper, or archival tissue paper – anything you have at hand. After that, use bubble wrap or another cushioning material.
Enforce the Corners
If your painting is framed, its corners are also extremely vulnerable to potential damage in transit. So, you should enforce them with cardboard or foam corners that will protect these parts from scratching or canvas tearing, even in case of emergencies.
Use a Sturdy Box or Crate
Packing an oil painting in a sturdy cardboard box is the golden standard for shipping this type of fine art. It always gives the artwork an additional layer of protection in transit. Besides, it is a cost-effective solution that will ensure the art object’s intactness and will prevent most risks a painting may face during transportation. However, this option is suitable only if you transport your painting yourself or if you transport it using professional art shuttle services. In most other case, a painting should also be packed in a custom wooden crate.
Entrust the Packing Process to Professionals
Safe and comprehensive packaging requires skill and expertise that you rarely attain without practice. That’s why we don’t recommend taking chances with DIY packaging solutions. It’s much safer to turn to professionals for help with this stage of art preparation for further transportation. Fine Art Shippers is experienced in packing all art types, so we can deliver customized packing services on demand. Hire our team to get the best packaging for your precious belongings; it will be a wise investment in their safe trip without risks.