Whether you are going to ship a stand-alone canvas or a framed print, the last thing you need is your package being damaged during transportation. Unfortunately, this sometimes happens largely due to not following the basic rules of safe packing, handling, and couriering. For this reason, if you want to protect your artwork, make sure you have all of the needed packaging materials, tools, and a reliable art courier as well. Take advantage of the useful tips we have prepared in order to help you pack your painting the way it should be. However, please note that the following guide cannot be used for shipping high-valued and Old Master paintings. In such a case, you will need professional packing services provided by fine art shipping companies.
So, if you want to ship a reasonably sized painting securely and safely, first of all, make sure you have all of the following material and tools:
- Good-quality cardboard box (it’s better to use a 3-ply corrugated cardboard box)
- Foam board or bubble wrap
- Foam sheets
- Plastic bags
- Special packing tape or sellotape
- Stanley knife or scissors
Step 1: Protect the glass
In case you need to ship a glass framed artwork, start with deconstructing the frame. It should be done to protect the glass and the artwork itself against scratching. Use thin foam sheet for wrapping and then reconstruct the frame.
Step 2: Protect the frame
Use plastic corner protectors to protect the most vulnerable parts of the frame. This step is optional and doesn’t need to be used for stand-alone pieces of canvas art.
Step 3: Protect from dust
No matter what painting you are packing for shipping, you need to protect it from dust and damp. It’s quite easy to do. Just use a plastic bag for wrapping your artwork. Once completed, seal the package with the strong packing tape or sellotape.
Step 4: Protect the artwork
Use foam board to make a sandwich. You will need to cut out two blocks of the same size as your artwork. In case you don’t have foam board, you can also use bubble wrap instead of it. Once your painting is “sandwiched” in foam or neatly wrapped in bubble wrap, use packing tape or sellotape to seal it.
Step 5: Prepare duplicate documents
Whether you prepare your artwork for international shipping or shipping across the country, don’t forget to prepare copies of all the needed documents. You have to put them inside the packaging together with the artwork. These may include a packing list, customs documents, shipping labels, your business card, and so on.
Step 6: Place your package into the box
Place your wrapped package together with the duplicate documents and labels into the cardboard box of good quality. You can also fill the space around it with foam peanuts, packaging chips, or another packing material.
Step 7: Seal and label the box
Seal the box with strong packing tape to ensure it is robustly secured. Pay special attention to the corners. Don’t forget about all necessary shipping, delivery, and unpacking labels.
Step 8: Choose a professional art shipping company
If you want your package to be delivered in its pristine condition, use services of a reliable art shipping company, like Fine Art Shippers. Our professional team of experts will take care of your painting and your satisfaction!