If you’re a fan of fine art, you’ll need to learn how to ship pictures sooner or later. Transportation is unavoidable at the moment of sale or purchase; you may also need to have your possessions taken to a storage facility. Whatever the case, your art may need to travel, at least, several times throughout its lifetime, and you need to organize this process with your assets’ safety and integrity in mind.
How to Ship Pictures: Things to Keep in Mind
Let’s consider the dos of shipping pictures first. Experts say that the most important safety precaution is to choose the right packaging materials, such as acid-free glassine paper or art plastic, to protect the surface of the picture. Additional cushioning may be organized with the help of bubble wrap. Art pieces should also be packed in durable cardboard boxes.
Most pictures can be shipped with these protective layers, provided they travel under the close guidance of professional art handlers. For international trips and high-value items, we recommend packing the artwork in a custom wooden crate, which will protect it from external impacts and physical damage in transit.
It is also vital to make the packaging waterproof because emergencies can happen in transit, and a comprehensive package may protect your item from irreparable damage. The box should also be appropriately labeled so that it doesn’t get lost or confused with another customer’s shipment.
Main Blunders in Organizing an Art Shipment
Now, a couple of words on the don’ts of organizing the shipping procedure for pictures and other art objects. You need to avoid the following:
- Shipping your objects without proper padding, which increases the risk of physical damage.
- Using thin and flimsy boxes, which won’t withstand rough handling and will tear quickly.
- Neglecting the temperature sensitivity of artwork, which may subject the artwork to hazardous fluctuations.
- Taping the packaging directly to the picture, with the adhesive layer damaging the surfaces.
- Skipping the insurance, which may cost you a lot in case of the painting’s accidental damage in transit.
- Rushing the process and neglecting the main steps of meticulous preparation.
Turn to Professionals for Help and Advice
We understand that navigating the complex landscape of fine art packaging and shipping may be a real challenge. If you’re still in doubt about how to ship pictures, contact Fine Art Shippers. Our sales representatives are competent in all aspects of packaging, crating, art insurance, shipping, and installation. They will give you individual advice and help you organize the shipping process safely.