You've found the perfect piece of art. It speaks to you, a vibrant addition to your home, or a heartfelt gift. Then it arrives... damaged! The excitement is replaced by disappointment and the hassle of returns. This doesn't have to happen!
Let's see how proper art packaging protects not only the artwork itself but also the positive experience you deserve.
Challenges of Shipping Artwork
Artwork isn't designed to survive the rigors of a cross-country journey. Before learning how to pack paintings for moving, let’s see why it needs special consideration.
Artwork is fragile. A single bad bump or drop can ruin a delicate painting, crack a print, or chip a sculpture. That means standard cardboard boxes won't cut it.
It often comes in odd shapes, as many pieces defy traditional box sizes. When forced to fit, they're more likely to be bent or have corners crushed during transit.
It is also sensitive! Temperature swings can cause warping or fading. Humidity leads to mold or buckling. Further, even excess dust is the enemy of pristine artwork.
Essential Supplies for Artwork Shipping Boxes
Gathering the right supplies is crucial for ensuring your artwork arrives in the same condition it left your studio. While some of these might be familiar if you ship other items, there are a few art-specific tools to invest in:
Artwork Specific Boxes
Look for telescoping boxes (which cleverly adjust in size) and specialty boxes designed for framed works. These provide the extra protection and custom fit that standard shipping boxes for paintings lack.
Flat Shipping Boxes for Artwork
For prints, smaller unframed shipping paintings, and artwork on rigid backing, sturdy chipboard boxes are a must. It is advisable to avoid flimsy envelopes that offer little protection. Online art supply stores offer a wide range of sizes to fit your needs.
For Added Protection
When shipping artwork, use a variety of materials like glassine paper, archival foam, and bubble wrap for protection. The order of wrapping matters, with the artwork wrapped first, then the frame. Remember to use enough tape to secure the wrapping without causing indentations.
Different mediums require special considerations, such as fixative spray for charcoal and pastels, wax paper for watercolors, and avoiding plastic wrap for oil paintings. Also, sculptures may need custom foam inserts or shredded paper for cushioning.
Consult an art conservation expert for complex or high-value pieces.
The Specifics: Shipping Different Types of Artwork
How to pack artwork for moving? Wrap the artwork in a protective layer, use a sturdy box or tube, add cushioning, and label the package as "Fragile". Well, the right packaging truly depends on what you're sending. Let's tackle the techniques for the most common artwork types:
Framed vs. Unframed Paintings:
Framed:
How to ship a framed picture? Wrap the frame itself in padding (bubble wrap, foam, etc.) to prevent it from rubbing against the artwork's surface. For glass-fronted pieces, one must consider a layer of cardboard prints between the glass and padding for extra protection.
Unframed:
Focus on protecting the painted surface! Glassine paper or acid-free tissue creates a barrier. If the painting is still wet, DO NOT package it – even seemingly "dry to the touch" oils may need extended curing time.
Medium Matters:
Watercolor under glass needs extra care, as condensation can ruin it. The best solution? Insert a moisture absorber packet (silica gel) before sealing.
Thickly textured acrylics may not fit perfectly back into their frame after being wrapped. So, plan for extra box space as needed.
Art Prints
Are you looking for the answer to how to ship artwork prints?
Don't Roll Too Tight!
The ideal tube diameter prevents cracking. A rule of thumb: the thicker or more textured the paper, the wider the tube should be.
Moisture Matters:
Even inside a tube, humidity can cause wrinkling or warping. Glassine paper adds a layer of protection, plus it allows the print to slide out smoothly without snagging.
Posters
Similar to Prints:
Posters often share the same needs, but care is needed to educate those who may cut corners!
Budget-Friendly Alternative:
If a rigid tube is impractical for a casual poster sale, demonstrate how to roll it between two sturdy cardboard sheets secured with tape. This is NOT ideal for valuable artwork.
Cost Considerations: Managing Your Shipping Costs
Cost considerations are a vital part of shipping artwork. Investing in shipping boxes, such as flat shipping boxes or specific shipping boxes for paintings, can significantly reduce the risk of damage during transit. These packaging materials are designed to provide a secure environment for your artwork, from cardboard printing to large canvas paintings. However, it's important to remember that the decision to use these materials often comes with a higher shipping cost, especially when shipping them.
Despite this, the benefits of securely wrapping artwork for shipping typically outweigh the potential cost of replacing damaged art.
When shipping artwork, consider these factors in shipping painting cost calculations:
The cost of quality packaging materials
The impact of size and weight on shipping fees
The balance between speed and savings
The necessity of insurance for valuable pieces
The hidden costs of time and potential damage
Strategies for Budget-Conscious Artists
Shop Smart by comparing prices between art supply stores and looking for sales.
Buy cushioning materials like packing peanuts in bulk if you ship frequently.
Take Advantage of USPS services. Their Priority Mail service sometimes includes boxes perfectly sized for artwork – check their website for current offerings.
Read More: Smart Packaging Revolutionizing The Way We Think About Product Packaging
Wrapping Up
Protecting your artwork during shipping shouldn't be a gamble. By understanding the unique challenges of shipping fragile and often irreplaceable items, you can make informed choices about supplies and techniques. It is advised to invest in the right boxes and cushioning materials and take the time to pack each piece with care. The result is a happy buyer, a positive experience for everyone involved, and your artistic creations arriving safely at their destination – ready to be treasured.
How to ship a large canvas painting? For large canvases, consider custom crating. If using a box, choose a sturdy one and reinforce the interior with padding to evenly distribute weight.
Artwork Protection Mastery
Everything has been explained, from how to ship posters to understanding cost management. So, do you now need the perfect custom art packaging to protect your artwork? Half Price Packaging understands artists' needs.
From sturdy yet elegant boxes to specialty inserts that cradle your sculptures, we'll work with you to create solutions that are both functional and beautiful. Let us help you bridge the gap between creation and safe delivery.
