You can find a variety of art packaging materials for different purposes on the market today. They all have cons and pros, so it might be challenging to decide which exactly you should pick. Bubble wrap is by far one of the most largely used art packing solutions. In addition, there is also kraft bubble, which is a popular alternative to plastic bubble wrap. Let’s compare the two art packing materials and determine which one is better for professional fine art shipping.
Kraft Bubble vs Bubble Wrap: Which Is Better for Art Packaging?
Bubble wrap
Bubble wrap can be found in pretty much any sphere of the logistics industry. It is known to be a great cushioning material because of the air pockets that it is formed from. The round air pockets in bubble wrap come in a large variety of sizes, which makes it suitable for packing almost any piece. It can be cut to the shape of any object with little to no issues and sealed with tape.
Kraft bubble
Kraft bubble is an extensively used alternative to bubble wrap. Similarly to its counterpart, it has a layer of bubble wrap which offers great protection from shock and vibration. However, unlike bubble wrap, which is fully plastic, kraft bubble has a side made from kraft paper. Not only does this art packaging material give off a natural look, but it also provides an additional layer of protection for valuables.
How are they used?
Both bubble wrap and kraft bubble are a popular art packing option used by fine art shippers. However, their full potential can only be achieved by mixing them with other packing supplies. The thing is, bubble wrap should never come in contact with a work of art directly. To prevent a piece from oxidizing or staining, a layer of art plastic or glassine paper should always be separating the bubble wrap and the artwork’s surface.
In addition, bubble wrap and kraft bubble have slightly different areas of application. For example, bubble wrap is commonly used to protect bulky, three-dimensional items like sculptures because it is more flexible. In comparison, kraft bubble is much better fitted for safe-guarding flat, rectangular pieces, such as framed paintings, prints, and photographs.
So, is kraft bubble better for fine art packing than bubble wrap? The answer will depend on the characteristics of the artwork you are shipping. If you are unsure of how to use either of them, you will benefit from working with expert art handlers.