When you face the task of shipping glass framed art, things may seem simple at first glance. Yet, the process of packaging and handling such art objects is way more demanding than it is with non-glass-covered artwork. Glass is extremely fragile, and if it breaks, the damage to the canvas may be irreparable. That’s why you should take a full set of precautions to never let it happen.
Tips for Packing and Shipping Glass Framed Art
Looking for a bulletproof algorithm that will help you handle glass framed art like a pro? In most cases, art handlers use the following stages to guarantee safety.
The first stage involves pre-shipment condition assessment. At this stage, art handlers inspect the frame, the integrity of the glass cover, and other elements of the artwork. They also take photos of the art object for documentation and insurance purposes.
Next comes the application of protective tape to the glass surface. The professional standard is low-tack painter’s tape or archival framing tape, which is easy to remove after shipping and doesn’t contain aggressive adhesives. Art handlers apply the tape in a crisscross manner to make sure the glass shards don’t cut the painting’s surface in the extreme scenario of glass breakage. Blue film is an alternative to painter’s tape, which is also widely used in the industry.
Frame protection is also a part of the safety formula. Experts use soft, shock-absorbing materials to cover the frame, adding sturdy corner protectors. This way, the exposure of glass framed art to pressure is reduced, and the risk of damaging the glass is minimal.
Professionals emphasize the need for rigid inner support as a flexing prevention method. Flexing is widely regarded as the main cause of glass breakage during transportation, so you can avoid this risk by sandwiching the artwork between corrugated cardboard, honeycomb, or foam boards. Bubble wrap is often used as the last wrapping layer before the artwork is placed in a shipping box or wooden crate.
Need to Ship Art? We Can Help
Shipping glass framed art shouldn’t turn into a personal challenge for you. The Fine Art Shippers team is available on demand, ready to handle this task with safety precautions and professional protocols. We have been helping clients with fine art logistics for over three decades, with New York and dozens of other cities included in our coverage. Don’t wrack your brains about how to pack or move your glass framed art; we know for sure how to do it with zero risks.