When you have a gallery or are exhibiting artwork to customers, you should not incur additional costs if you aren’t sure how to get it to the buyer. Each artwork provides its own unique challenges and you cannot control other variables such as weather and transport. All emphasize the importance of carefully packaging the artwork for shipment.
When you ship artwork, it is vital to use the correct packaging material and pack correctly. The Ultimate Guide to Art Packing for shipping artwork is an easy guide to creating artwork, even when packing it for shipping. It will help you provide the best customer service possible and give you a variety of different components of an artistic packing plan.
Why is Packaging for Artwork Important?
If you are someone who creates unique art, paintings, or art prints, it is vital to package your work to protect the contents. Artwork shipping boxes and packaging have a very similar importance to their art itself. Art that does not reach its destination becomes lost completely, which affects customer satisfaction and incurs additional costs.
Shipping and Courier Options for Artwork
Popular airlines offer packages and shipping services that will suit your project. Several companies offer insurance which is about half the value of the piece that you ship. They usually calculate parcel shipping according to dimension weight, and you need to consider how the size of the shipment affects costs. Those large paintings that cannot go through shopper shipping will require freighting. Freight is often considerably less expensive than parcel shipments.
An artist’s business usually pays the lowest price by sending a painting to a local postal service. The cost of the delivery is usually less, however not always the most secure option. Usually, larger paintings will require a professional courier service and the prices increase for larger pieces.
Selecting a viable and reliable shipping or courier service for your artwork is crucial if you want the items to reach their destination in safe hands, and promptly.
Shipping Larger Works
Shipping larger pieces of art requires specialized shipping, such as wood crates when shipped. Anything from a small sculpture to a large painting, or medium-sized painting, requires careful packaging to be shipped undamaged and securely.
Understanding the Basics of Art Packaging
So you see, understanding art packaging is key, as its main purpose is to protect the artwork from damage in transit. This requires consideration of many factors, the size of the piece, the medium it’s made of and its fragility. The goal is to create a barrier that can withstand physical impacts, environmental conditions, and any other risks that may occur during shipping.
To pack art effectively, you need to do a full assessment of the artwork before you pack it. This should include the materials used to make the piece, the texture of the surface and any elements that stick out or are delicate. By understanding these, you can choose the right packing materials and techniques and ensure the artwork will be safe and damage-free during its journey.
When it comes to fine art, packing the right combination of materials is everything. Cardboard boxes, foam inserts and other protective items can be used to create a safe space for the artwork to be stored and delivered. By putting the piece first, packing it and making sure it arrives perfect, you can make the whole experience for the artist and the recipient a smooth and stress-free one.
Tips for Art Packaging Materials
This is a fact that artists and collectors both remain aware of: each piece requires its own packing methods, focusing on the needs of the art form. Characteristics of art packing, such as materials, dimension, and the degree of fragility, must be the big factors when choosing a packing method. Such careful assessment is necessary to arrive at the most appropriate packing materials that will afford protection for the piece in transit.
For example, fragile pieces of works of art will require extra cushioning to protect them from impacts, while bigger works will need more solid support structures to prevent bending or distortion. It is important to understand the requirements in detail to ensure that the delivery of the artwork to its new location is safe and in perfect condition.
Materials for Glass and Ceramic Art Pieces
The biggest problem, as with any other art composed of glass or ceramics, is its very nature: its fragility. This will then require special packaging materials to ensure that such a delicate item is delivered safely to the destination. For example, corrugated cardboard inserts and high-density foams are excellent materials since they can hold the art piece solidly inside and reduce the risk of breakage during transit. These materials absorb shocks and vibrations, protecting fragile goods.
Place the bubble wrap around each art piece carefully to offer an added layer of cushioning. It is also important to fill any void in a shipping box with loose-fill materials or additional padding to prevent shifting during transport. This extra precaution will help keep the artwork stable and secure. Additionally, ‘fragile’ stickers on the package make handlers realize what is inside and become more cautious with the handling process throughout delivery.
Padded Envelopes
You could use padded envelopes for the packaging of small or flat artworks, such as prints or photographic works. This is quite a practical and secure method for doing that. Most padded envelopes come with a bubble wrap lining inside to protect delicate items from shock. For those pieces that have a little more propensity to bend, a stiff cardboard insert is a better option to place into the package to keep them rigid and prevent them from bending and damaging.
Personalized Packaging Materials
Personalized and tailored packaging material can add enormous value and experience to the overall ‘unboxing experience’. It allows the artists to come up with bespoke solutions that will fit their individual pieces perfectly. It is this level of attention to detail that will not only protect the art, but it is also going to create a lasting impression on customers for a very long period to come, one of quality and care on the artist’s part.
Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes for art packaging are available in many sizes and strengths, depending on what you are placing inside of them. Double-walled boxes are extra strong, resisting punctures and crushing forces. Most importantly, select a box large enough to fit your artwork, leaving room for protective materials. This additional space avoids undue pressure on the artwork and keeps it safe during its movement.
It is important to keep the box sealed to secure pieces placed inside, and adding high-quality tape is the initial step to secure art pieces inside the box and protect them from damage. It is always better to seal the bottom of the box and any seams with tape to avoid any accidental openings or structural failures of the box while handling and shipping. An air-tight box provides protection for the art and gives the mind rest to some extent because the contents would probably be fairly safe in such a box and escape damage during transit and storage.
Wooden Crates
When you are considering packing solutions for very valuable or fragile pieces of artwork, then the best packing option is in wooden crates. Such durable containers offer maximum protection against the influence of mechanical factors and climatic influences and are therefore indicated for the transportation of fragile pieces. They can create custom-built crates, lined with foam or other shock-absorbing material, to any size required. Although the cost of this technique might be a bit higher, it is truly worth every penny when you’re dealing with precious, irreplaceable pieces of art.
Bubble Wrap and Foam Padding
Bubble wrap is probably one of the most recognizable materials used to protect items from damage during transportation. For artwork, generously wrap the item with the bubble side of the material, always facing inwards towards the piece to achieve maximum cushioning. Combining this with the addition of foam pads provides extra protection at the corners and reinforces protection if the item moves or receives pressure in any manner while being handled.
While applying such protective materials, care needs to be exercised, not to wrap too tightly and inadvertently create unwanted pressure points that might still cause harm to the piece being moved. Instead, a comfortable, snug fit that is firm but still has some shock absorption and some breathing room to ensure its safety and security during shipment.
Rigid and Flexible Boards for Structural Integrity
Rigid and flexible boards with a foam core and corrugated plastic sheets create support to avoid the loss of flat artworks like paintings and prints due to warping. These materials provide backing for the structuring of flat artworks in ways that will prevent deformation and guarantee a rigid base to fasten the art securely, keeping it in good condition.
These boards, when used as an exterior, protect fine art from punctures and provide a flat surface that prevents stacking during shipment and, in turn, reduces the occurrence of compression damage. In this considerate approach to packaging, not only are the fragile items protected, but there is an upgrade to the overall storage and delivery experience to deliver the fine art safely and intact.
Sealing Your Artwork
Finally, when it comes to wrapping artwork for shipment, the last step is securing everything in place using the best tape and wrap products. Where sealing boxes made of cardboard are concerned, apply pressure-sensitive packing tape, while wrapping protective covers on art pieces, most artists prefer artist tape or archival tape since these are easily removable without sticky residue and could cause no damage.
In addition, stretch wrap provides a wonderful way of holding large packages together and keeping out the elements. All seams and openings should be closed tightly to prevent dust, dirt, or water from getting inside the package and potentially damaging the art.
A Handy Knife or Box Cutter
Anyone who occasionally or even frequently needs to pack or package art pieces must invest in a durable or reliable box cutter or knife to cut boxes, tape and packaging materials.
Guidelines for Art Packing When Shipping Art
When you ship artwork, you need to use the correct packaging material and pack items correctly. These easy tips will help you pack your artwork using appropriate packing materials and secure packaging methods for shipping.
Tape and Label Your Package
The last step involves closing the package boxes. It is important to tape the edges of the outer boxes using strong, durable and waterproof tape that is around two inches wide. Cardboard that gets exposed to liquids could easily damage your artwork. The label on the packaging must have clear instructions and you must also cover it with packaging tape. Using custom labels and stamps is always a more professional labelling method.
Use Self-Seal Rigid Paper Mailers for Flat Items
Rigid mailers are paper mailing envelopes in which you can ship items such as documents, paintings, prints and other artwork. The design of the rigid materials ensures that the package does not bend during transit. The mailers are usually a paperboard thickness of between 20 – 40 pt and have a closing structure, such as tab-locking or self-sealing. The rigidity of self-seal rigid paper mailers makes it ideal for shipping single artwork and photos. Self-adhesives make the packing process much simpler.
Create Custom OPF Boxes
Custom One Panel Folders are ideal for creating unique packaging for a surprising unboxing experience. They are ideal for slim and flat pieces framing artwork. Green wrapping is ideal for covering glass and ceramic surfaces, for additional protection of your art. OPF boxes are also usually available in a variety of sizes.
Make Sure You Have a Suitable Knife (Box Cutter)
Having one of the most powerful and durable cutting tools is an essential part of the job. However, for some serious shipments, you will be cutting quite a few cardboard boxes. Not using a sturdy or sharp knife or box cutter could result in ragged and messy cuts that are unappealing. A dull cutter or knife could incur additional costs because of ruined packaging materials. Keep your blades clean and maintained because replacing blades could also cost a small fortune.
Add Protective Packaging to your Artwork
Paintings and stretched artworks are delicate. Similarly, glass or ceramic art pieces will need extra protection and padding. Thus, it is essential to pack all the art pieces with and extra protective layer of padding. This way you can also wrap paintings into cardboard or glassine paper and place them in their packaging. Sealing all the sides of your art piece protects the edges that could easily become damaged. An acid-free painting tape is the best sealant for prints and paintings. Plastic bags or bubble wrap can offer extra waterproof protection to paintings from moisture. Similarly, cling wrap also ensures excellent waterproof protection. Cardboard pads also offer extra padding when needed, and they are ideal to customise boxes and create gaps for protection.
Don’t Allow Bubble Wrap to Come in Direct Contact with Your Art
Though you can use bubble wrap to protect your art during transit, it should never come into direct contact with a painting. Bubble wrap could damage your art by sticking to the paint, and leaving traces of plastic as you remove it. Customers also find it difficult to remove bubble wrap from a painting in direct contact with the paint.
Dealing with Glass
Paintings or prints that are sent in a glass frame are usually not the best idea and are very tricky. Shipping art behind glass is one of the hardest forms of transport. Glass could easily crack during transit. Even the slightest sway could break the glass. Packaging items with a glass frame or even glass art pieces must be done with extreme care and adequate cushioning for protection. However, even as good as your preventative measures are, you must still consider damage control with these items.
Never Re-Use Old Boxes
Though you may feel that recyclable materials generally reduce environmental risks, it is quite unprofessional and unreliable. Try to avoid using old used boxes for delivery service as it gives customers the idea that your artwork is not worth buying. A faulty old box could also cause problems and increase the risk of damage to your artwork.
Don’t Use Styrofoam Peanuts when Shipping Paintings
Bubble wrap is ideal for filling gaps in the packaging boxes for shipping. Though, it is important to rather avoid using styrofoam peanuts in that way. Styrofoam peanuts make a huge mess and do not fill the box properly. They also offer limited protection for most artwork pieces. Similarly, their static charge makes them hard to work with and discard.
Consider Dust and Smudge Protection
Artists often use protective materials to protect the pieces from dusting, scratches, or dirt. These layers are usually tissue paper or plastic sleeves. Dust or dirt could easily lead to scratches damaging your artwork. You also do not want to send artwork to customers that are covered in smudges or dust.
5 Common Mistakes When Packaging Artwork for Shipping
It is important to pay attention to every detail in packing an artwork so that there is no damage occurring in transit. Some common pitfalls of using non-acid-free materials may lead to the location being compromised over time.
- Not Enough Padding – Proper padding and support are crucial; without these, the piece is liable to undergo some shaking or knocking during the packaging process, which may cause serious damage. Be sure to support the piece well, to stand up to all the possible shaking and jostles.
- Not Considering the Elements – A person should also bear the environmental conditions in consideration for the transport vehicle being employed. Extreme cold or heat and high levels of humidity can turn into enemies of most materials.
- Tight Packaging – Too often people make the mistake of making their work too airtight, with insufficient air circulation. This tends to allow some room for airflow while still protecting against mould growth or possibly warping of materials.
- Not Investing in Insurance – Few artists consider having appropriate insurance coverage for their art. In case your art gets into an accident and you do not have appropriate insurance, you might incur additional costs or disappoint customers.
As a Final Tip: Transporting Your Art Safely
Once you have packed your work of art securely, the next important step is to make sure it is properly transported. You should carry a piece with clean hands or, all the better, wear gloves in case you have missed cleaning your hands so as not to transfer oils or dirt to it, which may disfigure the art.
When loading it into a vehicle, put the art in a location where nothing will fall over on it or exert pressure on it. At the same time, try to make out some plan where the ride should be so soft that the pieces do not start moving here and there, but rather get disassembled in between the journey.
Shipping is another way in which a specialized company in the area of fine art should be chosen, wherein any kind of temperature-controlled area, even in between travelling, is there to ensure your valuables are safe.
Other than that, you can plan your route, or ensure that you use a shipping and courier service that performs proper route planning. It is vital to look for smooth paths, avoiding any known areas that feature traffic, vibrations, or other interferences. If moving multiple artworks, they must not be placed one on top of another but rather use padded cardboard spacers between several pieces. Such careful planning in advance ensures that each piece is delivered in perfect condition, ready for display or storage.
It is important, upon arrival, to check immediately for damages that the artwork might have suffered in transit. Take your time documenting the condition of the artwork; this documentation will help you with any insurance claims should there be problems later. That way, you will properly go through the steps and take care regarding your precautions; then, of course, your fine work of art will arrive safe and sound and in the best condition for you to enjoy or exhibit it.
What is the best shipping for artwork?
A double-sided package is one of the best options when shipping a package for artwork. This box provides enhanced protection during transit, which is essential for shipping fragile materials like artwork. This ensures that the painting materials do not break apart during transportation and will not corrode, causing damage.
Is it Important to Use“Fragile” Stickers?
Plaquering fragile labels over packages only ensures that whoever is giving them the package shouldn’t throw the packaging overhand. The delivery workers are probably quite resistant at this point in their careers. However, with a big fragile sticker on each shipment, they will notice the package is fragile. Similarly, customers receiving their package will feel more confident because you are showing them an interest in their needs.
How Do You Protect the Artwork’s Face?
If an artwork does not have a glass covering it, you can simply cover the painting’s face with plastic food wrapping (saran wrap) or commercially available palette wrap to be used for transit only.
