When it comes to shipping items of value such as artwork, ensuring their safety and security is paramount. Whether you’re a thriving artist, a gallery owner, or an art collector, knowing how to adequately pack and prepare a painting for mailing is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive guide on packing artwork for shipping, ensuring your precious piece reaches its destination in excellent condition.
One of the critical first steps in packing artwork for shipping involves gathering the items required to appropriately secure and protect the piece. Necessary supplies may include acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, sturdy cardboard or foam board, and a durable shipping container. You may also want to consider investing in corner protectors or custom crates, depending on the value and size of your artwork.
Let’s break down the steps involved in packing artwork for shipping.
1. **Wrap the Artwork**
The first step is to cover any exposed surface of your artwork. If it’s a painting, make sure to use acid-free tissue paper. Wrap the artwork entirely to prevent any direct contact with packing materials that could potentially damage the finish or leave undesirable marks. For sculptures or other 3D artwork, cling film can be a suitable option, followed by a layer of bubble wrap for added protection.
2. **Protect the Corners**
Given that corners are often the first parts to get knocked or bumped during shipping, they require additional protection. Corner protectors, available in a variety of sizes and materials, can help safeguard your artwork. These can be purchased from most art supply or packing shops.
3. **Use Sturdy Cardboard or Foam Board**
Once your artwork is wrapped and corners are protected, it is wise to sandwich it between two pieces of thick, sturdy cardboard or foam board. The board pieces should be cut larger than the art piece itself, providing a robust exterior layer. This especially helps if the piece is framed with glass.
4. **Bubble Wrap**
After securing your artwork between boards, wrap the entire package with bubble wrap. This provides extra cushioning to protect against rough handling and vibrations during transit. Bubble wrap will also fill any voids in the shipping container, preventing the artwork from sliding around.
5. **Box Up**
Place the bubble-wrapped package in a sufficiently sized box. If there’s extra space, fill it with more bubble wrap or packing peanuts. This helps keep the artwork stationary and provides additional impact protection.
6. **Seal and Label**
Carefully seal the box with packing tape. Make sure to cover every seam and reinforce the corners for added stability. Finally, clearly label the box as ‘Fragile’ and ‘Handle With Care’. It may also be helpful to include an ‘Up’ arrow.
7. **Insurance**
Shipping valuable artwork always carries risk, despite the best packing. Therefore, it’s wise to consider shipping insurance, especially if the artwork carries high monetary or sentimental value. Shipping insurance will provide financial protection should the artwork be damaged or lost during transit.
Properly packing artwork for shipping is more than just throwing it in a box and hoping for the best. The key is to take your time to wrap, sandwich, pack, and seal your piece to minimize risk. No matter whether you’re shipping across town or across oceans, the steps remain the same: adequate protection at each stage of packing increases the chances of your piece arriving just as it left your hands.
And, although adequately packing artwork for shipping can seem daunting, these practical steps will help alleviate concerns and ensure your precious piece reaches its destination safely. The extra care taken to preserve your artwork during transit is truly worth it when your piece is appreciated in its new location—whether that be an international exhibition, a far-off gallery, or a private collector’s home.
From artists distributing their commissions to art enthusiasts adding to their collection, protecting art during shipping is something that can’t be overlooked. After all, every artwork is unique and irreplaceable, much like the moments in time they often represent.