If you’ve ever had to move a priceless piece of art or ship a painting to a client, you understand the utmost importance of protecting the artwork from damage. Packing paintings for shipping is no simple task. It requires careful planning, the right materials, and meticulous execution.
One of the primary risks while transporting artwork is that they can be damaged or devalued by scratches, scuffs, rips, dents, or moisture. Even the slightest mishap can cause significant damages to your precious artwork. That is why professional handlers follow a well-defined process when packing paintings for shipping, which we will walk through in this article.
Start with preparations. Planning ahead guarantees a smooth packing process. It’s essential to have all your packaging materials ready beforehand. These materials include a sturdy shipping box, bubble wrap, packing tape, foam boards, plastic sheeting or glassine paper, packing peanuts or foam, and corner protectors.
Next, inspect the painting carefully. While a professional appraiser can handle this task, you can do a basic level inspection by yourself. Check the painting’s frame for loose parts or chips that could cause damage. Pay attention to any areas on the canvas that may be brittle or vulnerable to tearing.
When you commence packing, wear cotton gloves to prevent any oils or residues from your hands from damaging the painting. Start by wrapping the painting with a protective layer of glassine paper. Glassine is a smooth, glossy paper that is resistant to air, water, and grease. It prevents any dust or climatic variations from affecting the painting. It’s crucial to use acid-free glassine paper, especially for oil paintings, to avoid any chemical reactions that may damage the art.
After wrapping in glassine, use a layer of bubble wrap for added protection. You can opt for oversized bubble wrap to provide an even better cushion. The bubbles should touch the back of the painting to ensure there’s no movement inside the wrap. Secure both layers with packing tape.
Next, figure out the size of your cardboard or foam board. Cut two pieces slightly larger than the painting. Position the bubble-wrapped painting between these boards, tape them together, providing rigid support to the painting. This is particularly important while shipping large paintings that are prone to bending or warping due to their weight or size.
Corner protectors give a much sturdier framework and protection against accidental hits and drops. You can make DIY corner protectors using layers of leftover cardboard or purchase foam protectors.
A crucial aspect of packing your painting is making sure it’s waterproof. During shipping, the parcel may be exposed to varying environmental conditions. Therefore, protecting it against potential water damage is essential. Use sturdy plastic sheets or bags to cover the entire painting and secure it with a tape.
Now, when shipping framed paintings, it’s a bit different. You should add an additional step of protecting the glass. Use painter’s tape to make an ‘X’ across the glass. This will prevent the glass from shattering in case of accidental bumps, and even if it does, it would not damage the painting.
Finally, pick a durable box for shipping. It should be a size bigger than your wrapped and protected painting, leaving room for packing peanuts or foam for a snug fit. Once the painting is inside, fill the box with peanuts or foam, making sure there are no gaps that might allow movement. Seal the box with tape, reinforcing the edges to prevent the box from opening during shipment.
Remember to label your package with “Handle with Care” and “Fragile” to ensure careful handling. Also, indicate the “Up” direction. It’s recommended to use a reputable courier, especially for invaluable pieces. Insurance is also a prudent option while shipping artworks to compensate for any unforeseen damages.
In conclusion, Packing paintings for shipping is an art in itself demanding precision and expertise. But equipped with the right guidance and materials, it’s a task that anyone can flawlessly execute. Visit our packing paintings for shipping to learn more about how to professionally ship your precious artwork without any damages.