Many art appreciators like holding extra-large paintings in their collections. However, when it comes to lending the painting to an art exhibition or shipping it to a new owner, it often turns out that they don’t know how to ship large paintings safely and professionally. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of preparing and moving a large artwork so that it travels without risks of damage.
What Materials Should You Use When Packing the Painting?
If you’re planning to prepare your large painting for shipment on your own, you should acquire the full set of professional packing materials. At a minimum, they should include acid-free glassine paper, bubble wrap, and foam boards or cardboard sheets for the painting’s surface protection. It’s also important to guarantee the protection of a framed painting’s corners, as they are the most vulnerable in transit. Use packing tape and a sturdy cardboard box to ensure comprehensive protection of the artwork. You may also opt for a custom crate if the painting is to be shipped by a regular carrier or internationally.
How to Get a Large Painting Ready for the Trip?
The initial stage of preparing the painting for transportation is surface protection and the enhancement of its corners. You need to create a sufficient cushion, which may be a foam board or kraft bubble, for example. When putting the painting into the shipping box, you need to make sure all gaps are also filled with cushioning materials to prevent the painting’s movement inside the box.
After all these preparatory steps, you may seal the box, label it as ‘fragile,’ and add extra labels such as “handle with care” or ‘do not lay flat.’ Find a reputable shipping service that has a track record of handling works of art.
How to Ship Large Paintings: Extra Tips
Here are several more things to keep in mind.
- Acquire an insurance policy for your painting so that it’s fully protected throughout the whole process of transit.
- Consider climate control. Even if you ship the painting on your own, you should check the temperature and humidity levels in your vehicle and the shipment container.
- Don’t ignore the possibility of using professional assistance if you’re not sure about your competencies and knowledge. Expert art handlers can guarantee safety at all stages of transportation to help preserve your property and peace of mind.
With all the points we have covered on how to ship large paintings, you should now be ready to execute the process safely and professionally. If you need help, the team of Fine Art Shippers can handle your large art items with due care and professionalism.