Artwork uplifts one’s moods. Paintings, framed prints, and posters can brighten your home and office. Of course, you can use it as a gift to your family and friend. But did you know you can venture into it as your new business? You can, if you know how to pack and ship artwork.
Steps To Pack Artwork
Ensure safe travel of your masterpiece by followings these steps to pack your artwork.
Determine the materials needed
If you want to ship artwork, consider the art itself. What is it made of? Does it have a heavy canvas or fame? How was it made? These elements help you identify the materials needed to pack artwork. In addition, it helps avoid harming the painting itself and adds protection from bumps in transit.
The primary packing materials are:
- Artwork shipping boxes
- Acid-free glassine paper
- Insulated foam
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Tape gun
- Artist tape
- Thick cardboard and corner protectors
Find the right box size
Calculate the artwork size to identify the correct size of the box. You can find artwork shipping boxes from an art supply and shipping store. Also, you can use wooden crates based on the size and dimension of your masterpiece. If the art is in an unusual shape, pick a shipping case that can adapt to it. But you must provide at least 2 inches for clearance spaces in all asides.
Wrap and pad to pack the artwork
An artwork is a masterpiece that requires utmost care. So, you must secure the painting and sculpture with bubble wrap and tape.
Delicate masterpiece. Use an artist tape instead. Leave no seam open. You can add extra bubble wrap in the middle. Then, make sure to seal it with tape.
Artwork smaller than 48”. Use double-walled boxes and corrugated cardboard boxes. Meanwhile, larger paintings use a crate. Then, layer it with additional protection like acid-free glassine paper. It keeps posters safe from stains and discoloration. Use it on sides and edges too. Also, cut foam pipe insulation for the frame and edges. But never use the foam on oil paintings directly. Afterward, layer it with bubble wrap or cardboard pieced.
Unmounted canvas. You can roll and ship artwork like posters, prints, and other miniature masterpieces. Place them in a tube with minimal extra space. Remember to get a tube about 3-4 inches longer than the painting and wide enough for padding materials. It is a general rule so that the buyer avoids damaging the canvas when taking it out.
Glass and framed artwork. Protect the frames, too, with foam and padding. If it uses an internal structure, use bubble wrap too. The risk of damage is not on the artwork itself but on its frame. So add complete protection for maximum safety. However, when you wrap the painting and the glass, leave space for movement. It limits the chances of breaking and damaging the masterpiece. Also, create a solid and sturdy base using cardboard sections for the painting, frame, and glass.
Insert packing fillings
Never leave room for your artwork to juggle inside the shipping box. Instead, fill the bottom part with peanuts and shredded paper. Failure to do so might result from shifting and damage during shipping.
Add the artwork in the middle.
Position the painting in the center of the box. Put more packaging materials and filling to ensure a snug fit. Add some insulation to protect the artwork from any damage caused by extreme heat and humidity.
Cover and tape the lid
Secure the shipping box by taping all seams and corners of the box. It serves as additional protection from dents and wreckage of the pack during transit.
Double the box, if needed.
Some artworks are very fragile and need extra care. Double the protection by using two boxes. Look for a bigger box than the first shipping box. Fill it in with packing material and infills. Then, insert the first box at the center. Add more packing materials on all sides. Then, close the lid with packing tape.
Apply the appropriate label
Print the details about the recipient – name, address, and contact number. Include warning labels like “Fragile Items.” This way, the courier will read and understand where to deliver the package. Also, they will be more cautious in handling your artwork.
Tips When You Ship Artwork
You can ship artwork to your excited customers once safely packed the masterpiece.
Choose the best shipping provider.
Fragile and valuable items need extra care. Look for a shipping company with the best handling record when you ship artwork. Also, check about its tracking system. For example, USPS offers affordable shipping options, while UPS and FedEx are reliable with their parcel tracking system.
Review the website of the shipping provider
Check the available shipping services offered by the nearest shipping company. See to it that they ship artwork up to what destination they manage. Also, look for carriers that offer pickup services. It is an excellent choice if you don’t need to drop off your fragile and large items at their office.
Identify the specific shipping solution and insurance
Buying paintings and sculpture is a form of investment. If you want to ship artwork, it’s best to include insurance in their service. It is essential when worse scenarios arise like theft, loss of parcel, or damaged items.
In addition, look for other features the carrier offers. For example, the availability of a shipping rate calculator is convenient. You can compute the possible expenses you need when you ship artwork.
Declare artwork value
When you ship artwork, it is advisable to limit liability and lower the maximum declared value to no greater than $1,000. In addition, it helps your chosen shipping provider assist you with the best packing materials you need.
Double-check the customer’s information
When you put a label, make sure you stick the correct shipping address of the recipient. This way, you are sure the artwork you ship will arrive at its rightful destination.
Earn from your hard work and talent by selling your masterpiece. First, follow how to pack and ship artwork so your clients will appreciate your effort. Then, add personal touches by choosing trusted shipping providers like Red Stag Fulfillment. It handles fragile and valuable items like paintings and canvas. In addition, they ship based on the size and weight of the packages. So you have the assurance that heavy, bulky, and large items reach your client’s doorstep without trouble.
