If you have ever researched professional fine art shipping companies, you have probably stumbled upon something called crating. The name of this service describes its main point pretty straightforwardly. Crating includes putting artwork in a wooden container to protect it during transportation. You have also probably noticed all professional art handlers take crating extremely seriously. But what is it that makes crating art so difficult? And can a regular person with no special training make an art shipping crate? Let’s find it out.
The Difficult Craft of Crating Art: Is It Really That Difficult?
First, we have to understand what an art shipping crate is. A crate used to transport artwork is not a regular shipping container. First, it has to be made from high-quality certified plywood or wood. Second, while a regular shipping container is only made from one layer, professional art shipping crates are often composed of several protective layers. The outer layer, made from sturdy wood, shields fragile items from shock and vibration from the road and harsh weather conditions. The inside of an art crate serves as an insulation and cushioning layer that helps protect valuables further.
When it comes to actually building a crate, taking accurate measurements is crucial. All crates are made to fit the exact dimensions of a unique work of art. If an art handler makes a mistake when measuring the artwork, the resulting crate might be too big or small. The crate has to fit a work of art perfectly to prevent it from moving during transit.
As you can see, crating art is a complex process. A shipping crate suitable for the transportation of fragile objects like art and antiques has to meet a lot of requirements. Art crates are extremely complex structures that must be built by expert art handlers to ensure that their maximum potential is realized. An incorrectly made art shipping crate can cause a lot of issues, but one made by a professional will become an impenetrable barrier between your valuables and the outside world.
While you cannot buy a crate at the packaging supplies store, you can get one custom-made by a specialized art logistics company. It will provide you with the perfect bespoke crate and assist you with transporting your pieces anywhere in the world.