Framed art represents a technically demanding task for art shippers because of compounding risks. The fragility of art adds to the fragility of glass, creating a high risk of unforgiving damage. A single wrong move can cause glass to crack, and the cherished art piece may be ruined forever. Look at these pro tips on how to ship art with a glass frame.

How to Ship Art with a Glass Frame? A Step-by-Step Guide

A structured approach can reduce the risks of framed art shipping. Some packing and shipping recommendations are non-negotiable; follow them closely to guarantee ultimate protection. Here is one proven method to follow.

Step #1: Packing Supplies

Archival-grade packing materials are a must for packing high-value framed art. You will need acid-free glassine paper, blue painter’s tape or archival tape, bubble wrap, foam corner protectors, and a double-walled cardboard box. Foam sheets or other inserts are needed to fill the empty space and prevent artwork from shifting during transit.

Step #2: Taping the Glass

Tape should be applied in a crosshatch pattern directly over the glass surface. It will keep the glass pieces in place if the glass cracks during transportation. This way, the risk of tearing the canvas or paper-based art is lower, though not completely eliminated.

Step #3: Wrapping the Artwork

Next, you need to wrap the face of the artwork by cutting a sheet of glassine paper large enough to cover the entire front of the frame, with a couple of inches overlapping on each side. This first layer creates a clean, non-adhesive protective barrier between the artwork and the following wrapping layers. Next comes the bubble wrap, which should cover the entire frame in at least two layers.

Step #4: Packing and Labeling  

The final step is packing the artwork into a box. Make sure to fill the empty space with cushioning material so that the framed art object doesn’t touch the box’s interior walls. Label it as ‘Fragile’ for extra-careful handling by the carrier.

Step #5: Hiring a Professional Carrier

These tips explain how to pack art for a safe trip, but they still don’t answer the question of how to ship art with a glass frame with minimal risks. In this regard, you should always rely only on professional fine art logistics services. Choose carriers wisely and study their terms of service, insurance coverage, and team training data.

Only specialist art shippers can deliver art safely and comply with all steps discussed above without putting your precious artwork at avoidable risk.