Lena Rivera
Paintings are delicate and valuable, and shipping them can be challenging. Proper packaging is essential to ensure the artwork arrives safely and intact. While crating is often recommended for large paintings or artwork with glass, it is possible to ship a framed painting without a crate by following specific packing and shipping methods. This includes using high-quality packing materials such as acid-free paper, bubble wrap, cardboard, and packing tape, as well as employing techniques like the double box method to protect the artwork during transit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shipping large paintings | May cost less if done by a professional due to economies of scale and freight discounts |
| Fragile and valuable paintings | Wrap in acid-free paper to protect from damage |
| Frame separation | Tightly wrap the artwork with cling film to prevent the frame from detaching |
| Package integrity | Use high-quality packing tape to keep the package together |
| Package protection | Tape a wrapped painting to a sheet of foam board for extra support |
| Glass protection | Cover with glass protection tape to prevent shards from migrating through the box |
| Corner protection | Use foam or cardboard to protect corners |
| Shock absorption | Use air cushions, insulating foam, or Styrofoam peanuts to prevent damage from sudden jolts |
| Shipping box | Use a sturdy, high-quality shipping box with multiple layers of foam and cardboard for shock absorption |
| Crates | Recommended for items exceeding 36″ x 36″ in size |
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Packing materials
Paintings are fragile and valuable, and their proper packaging is essential to ensure they remain undamaged during transit. Here are some packing materials that can be used to ship framed paintings:
Acid-Free Paper
Wrapping the painting in acid-free paper is essential to protect the artwork from damage or imprinting. This paper is the same material used in archival documents, ensuring that the painting remains intact.
Cling Film
Using cling film to tightly wrap the artwork is crucial to prevent the frame from detaching and breaking during transit. Starting from the back, wrap the cling film around several times, ensuring it is extra secure. Then, use packing tape to hold the cling film in place along the seams.
Edge Guards and Corner Protectors
Plastic or other hard materials, such as corner protectors, can safeguard the edges and corners of the frame. Cardboard is also an effective alternative for most pieces. Simply tape the corner protectors to each corner and secure the edge guards around the edges with tape. These guards provide extra shock absorption to prevent cracking of the glass and frame.
Air Cushions and Insulating Foam
Air cushions or air pillows provide excellent protection during shipping by absorbing vibrations and sudden jolts. They also prevent the piece from sliding around inside the box, reducing the risk of damage. Additionally, insulating foam can be used to line the inside of the box for added protection.
High-Quality Packing Tape
Using high-quality packing tape is crucial to keep the package intact during shipping. Ensure the tape is not attached directly to the artwork. Tape the wrapped painting to a sheet of foam board for extra support and protection. Avoid using plain bubble wrap for this purpose.
Sturdy Shipping Box
Investing in a sturdy shipping box, such as the MasterPak's StrongBox brand, offers exceptional shock absorption with its three layers of foam and cardboard. If budget is a concern, thick and well-made cardboard shipping boxes are a good alternative.
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Wrapping and taping
When wrapping and taping a framed painting for shipping, it's important to use high-quality packing tape. This will ensure that the package stays together during the shipping process, which typically involves a lot of handling and movement.
First, wrap the painting in acid-free paper to protect the artwork from potential damage. Then, use cling film to tightly wrap the artwork, starting from the back to avoid blocking the visual focus of the piece. Use packing tape to hold the cling film in place along the seams.
To protect the corners and edges of the frame, use corner protectors and edge guards, taping them in place. These can be made of plastic, cardboard, or another hard material. This will provide extra shock absorption to prevent the glass and frame from cracking.
Next, place the wrapped painting onto a sheet of foam board and tape it down to provide extra support and protection. You can then add a layer of insulating foam around the painting for additional safety.
Finally, place the painting into a sturdy shipping box. If using a cardboard box, ensure it is exceptionally thick and well-made. You can also use a wooden box or a crate for extra protection.
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Using a crate
When using a crate, it is important to consider the materials used to pack the painting. Firstly, the painting should be wrapped securely. Acid-free paper is recommended to protect the artwork from potential damage. Glassine, a non-absorbent, shiny paper, is also a good option to cover the front of the painting. Bubble wrap is then a good second layer, providing a cushion for the artwork. Some recommend taping the wrapped painting to a sheet of foam board for added protection.
After the painting is securely wrapped, the crate should be prepared. One way to do this is by filling the bottom with Styrofoam peanuts, placing the painting inside, and then filling the rest of the crate with more peanuts. This method helps to stabilise the artwork and prevent movement. Another option is to use insulating foam to line the crate, providing shock absorption and protection from sudden jolts and vibrations during shipping.
For large paintings, custom-built crates can be used, with foam cutouts and silica gel to keep the artwork secure and safe. Crates can also be used in conjunction with boxes, providing an extra layer of protection. This method is often recommended for valuable artwork.
While using a crate can increase shipping costs, it may be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for large or valuable paintings. Crating can provide peace of mind that the artwork will arrive safely and securely at its destination.
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Removing the glass
- Prepare your workspace by laying down a tarp or drop cloth that can be disposed of if glass breaks on it. Alternatively, you can use several layers of newspaper to catch any falling glass shards. This protective layer will make cleanup easier and safer.
- Put on protective gear, including gloves and goggles, to shield your hands and eyes from any flying glass fragments.
- If the glass is intact but needs to be removed, carefully disassemble the frame from the back. Set the artwork aside and focus on removing the glass from the frame.
- Use a thin, flexible putty knife or a similar tool to gently loosen any caulk or adhesive tape holding the glass in place. Work slowly and carefully to avoid applying excessive force that could break the glass.
- Once the adhesive is loosened, carefully lift or slide the glass out of the frame. If the glass is particularly difficult to remove, you may need to use a pry bar or a similar tool to gently nudge it out.
- After removing the glass, dispose of it safely. Place the glass shards or pieces into a thick trash bag, preferably with two layers, and clearly label it as "Broken Glass for Disposal" to warn handlers of potential hazards.
It is important to note that removing the glass from the front of the frame is generally not recommended as it can be messy and risky. Additionally, always handle the framed painting with care to avoid accidental damage to the artwork during the glass removal process.
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Shipping rates
The rates for shipping framed paintings vary depending on several factors. These include the artwork's size, weight, shipping distance, destination (domestic or international), and the level of insurance and
It is worth noting that the cost of shipping artwork can be quite high due to the fragile and valuable nature of the item. As such, it may be more cost-effective to hire a local art shipper or specialist who can benefit from economies of scale and achieve volume discounts on freight charges.
Artists or sellers may choose to incorporate shipping costs into the artwork's price to provide a seamless experience for buyers. Alternatively, they can add a markup to the shipping costs to cover unforeseen expenses and ensure profitability.
To obtain an accurate estimate of shipping rates, it is advisable to use online calculators or consult with professional art shippers or logistics companies, especially for valuable or fragile pieces.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, framed paintings can be shipped without a crate, but they are fragile and valuable, so extra care must be taken to ensure they are packaged correctly.
First, wrap the painting in acid-free paper to protect the artwork. Then, wrap the painting in cling film, starting from the back, to prevent the frame from detaching. Use high-quality packing tape to secure the cling film and add corner protectors and edge guards to safeguard the edges and corners of the frame. Place the painting inside a sturdy shipping box with a layer of air cushioning or insulating foam to provide shock absorption and protect the painting from vibrations and jolts during shipping.
Paintings up to 36" x 36" can be shipped without a crate, according to UPS guidelines. However, if the painting is larger than this, it will likely need to be crated.
For large paintings, it is recommended to use a shipping service that specialises in art, such as parcelpath or FedEx, which offer competitive rates for shipping insurance. These services can also provide guidance on how to package and ship artwork correctly.
If possible, remove the glass from the frame and pack it separately. If the glass cannot be removed, cover it with glass protection tape to prevent the glass from shattering and damaging the artwork. Do not let the artwork come into direct contact with the glass, hardboard, or corrugated cardboard during shipping.
