Art shipping is a responsible task that comes with many risks. The good news is that you can avoid these hazards by packing art safely and comprehensively. Even if you know how to package art for shipping, lifelong learning is the best approach to managing your art better day by day. Here is our guide to art packing, where you can find some not-that-obvious tips and hacks for ensuring the full-scale safety of your artwork.

Take One Step Further in Learning How to Package Art for Shipping

Some art owners associate safe packaging with bubble wrap and a sturdy cardboard box. However, professional art packing is much more than that. Art handlers use many layers of packaging material, each with its own properties and purposes, to ensure comprehensive protection for delicate artwork.

The first protective layer is meant for surface protection. Glassine paper is a common material for packing art, but professionals also use special art plastic and archival tissue paper for these purposes. These materials are non-adhesive and acid-free and are suitable for protecting the delicate surface of art without risks.

The problem that many experts face when packing stretched canvases is the risk of pressure on the surface during shipment. A pro tip to avoid this risk is to create a shadowbox or a custom spacer frame – a sort of floating frame – inside the shipping box. This structure ensures that the painting “floats” inside the box without touching any of its surfaces.

Another pro tip for artwork that will be inspected at customs is to pre-tape the box. This means that the box is taped with a single layer of easily removable painter’s tape, with proper labeling of where the box should be opened. As a result, the box with the artwork is handled much more carefully without the risk of tearing.

Entrust the Packaging Task to Professionals

If you know how to package art for shipping but are still in doubt about your expertise or don’t have all the packaging materials at your disposal, it’s better to turn to professionals. The Fine Art Shippers team is ready to handle your packaging task on your premises so you can avoid the need to take your fragile art to a third-party workshop on your own. Contact our Operations Office to order this service, and our art handlers will arrive at your place to do the job with full regard to safety.