Smart Packing: Oversized Painting, Safe Transportation

Packing a large painting can be a daunting task, especially if it's a precious artwork. To pack a 72 x 96-inch painting, you will need a specialty box that is slightly larger than the painting itself. It is recommended to use a telescoping picture box, which can be adjusted to accommodate larger pieces by sliding multiple boxes together. Before placing the painting in the box, it is crucial to wrap it with several layers of plastic food wrap or commercially available palette wrap to protect the surface. Additionally, using bubble wrap or foam sheets for cushioning and filling any gaps in the box is essential to prevent damage during transit. When packing, ensure the painting is well-padded and doesn't rattle inside the box. Building a custom box with cardboard panels and styrofoam is also an option for those seeking a cost-effective solution, although it may not meet the specifications of certain shipping companies.

Wrapping the painting

To pack a 72 x 96-inch painting, you will need to wrap the painting with care and use the appropriate materials to ensure its safety during transit. Here is a step-by-step guide for wrapping the painting:

Prepare the Work Area and Materials:

Begin by laying a clean, thick blanket or a sheet of foam on a flat work surface, such as a table or the floor, to cushion the painting. This will prevent the painting from touching any hard surfaces and provide a soft base. Ensure that your painting is completely dry before proceeding.

Wrap with Glassine or Acid-Free Paper:

Cut a sheet of glassine or acid-free archival tissue paper that is approximately 2 inches longer than each side of the canvas. Lay the painting face down gently in the centre of the paper, being careful not to apply any pressure. Cut away any excess paper, leaving about 2 inches on each side. Use artist tape to secure the paper to the back of the canvas, then fold and tape the remaining sides. This provides an initial protective layer.

Add Bubble Wrap for Padding:

Place a sheet of bubble wrap with the flat side facing up. Put the painting on top and start rolling it in the bubble wrap. Ensure that only the flat side of the bubble wrap touches the painting to avoid leaving impressions. Continue adding layers of bubble wrap until you achieve the desired level of protection and padding. Measure the wrapped package to ensure it will fit inside the box.

Protect the Corners:

If your painting is framed, consider adding extra protection to the corners. You can purchase cardboard corners or make your own by cutting and taping cardboard strips and triangles. Slide these cardboard protectors onto each corner of the painting to prevent damage to the wooden frame.

Use Plastic Sheeting for Moisture Protection (Optional):

If desired, you can add an extra layer of protection by wrapping the painting in plastic sheeting or placing it inside a heavy plastic bag. Tape all openings to seal and protect against moisture damage during transit.

Place the Wrapped Painting in a Box:

Select a cardboard box that is slightly larger than the painting, allowing for approximately 2-3 inches of space on all sides. Place the wrapped painting inside the box, ensuring it fits snugly without any excess space for movement. If needed, fill the empty spaces with additional bubble wrap or shredded paper to secure the painting in place.

Using cardboard for protection

Cardboard is a great way to protect your 72 x 96-inch painting during shipping. Firstly, you will need cardboard sheets that are large enough to cover the painting. For this size, 48" x 96" sheets are recommended. You can use either single-wall or double-wall sheets, but single-wall is easier to cut and fold and is sufficient protection in most cases. Double-wall cardboard is best for very heavy or delicate art.

When cutting your cardboard, it is important to plan your folds. The cardboard has a grain that runs the 48" length, making it easier to fold parallel to this side. Measure the width and depth of the painting, double these measurements, and then add a few extra inches. Mark the cardboard using a T-square and a Sharpie. Cut and fold the cardboard to size.

To provide extra protection, you can add cardboard corners and rails. Cardboard corners can be attached to the reverse of the stretcher bars using staples, tape, screws, Velcro, or other hardware. If the edges of the painting are painted, leave a little space between the triangle corners and the sides of the stretcher to avoid the cardboard sticking to the paint. Once the corners are attached, you can add cardboard rails or collars to protect the edges.

Bubble wrap can be added to provide extra cushioning and fill the space between the inner and outer cardboard layers. Finally, slide the package into a cardboard box. Use strong packing tape to seal the box and consider using "fragile" stickers for extra peace of mind.

Taping the package

Glassine or Archival Tissue Paper

Firstly, it is important to wrap your painting in a protective layer of glassine or acid-free archival tissue paper. This layer safeguards the surface of your artwork. Lay the painting face down on the paper, ensuring it is centred and without applying any pressure. Cut the paper to size, leaving about 2 inches (5.1 cm) on each side. Tape the paper to the back of the canvas using artist tape. Fold the excess paper over the sides of the canvas, taping it to the wooden frame. Repeat this process for all four sides, ensuring only artist tape is used to avoid potential damage to the painting.

Bubble Wrap

Next, you will need to add a layer of bubble wrap for extra cushioning. Place the painting on a sheet of bubble wrap with the flat side facing up. Begin rolling the painting in the bubble wrap, ensuring only the flat side touches the painting's surface. Measure the thickness of the package as you add layers, stopping when it reaches the depth of the box.

Cardboard Corners

Create cardboard corners to protect the corners of your framed painting. Cut two strips of cardboard to the width of the painting and tape them together to form a corner. Cut two cardboard triangles and tape them at the joint of the strips. Make three more of these cardboard corners to protect all four corners of the painting.

Foam Board or Cardboard Backing

Tape the wrapped painting to a sheet of foam board or two-ply cardboard that is the same size or slightly larger than the painting. This provides a firm backing and adds stability to the package.

Plastic Sheeting

To protect against moisture, wrap the painting with plastic sheeting or place it inside a heavy-duty plastic bag. Use tape to seal all areas that could allow water to enter and potentially damage the artwork.

Final Bubble Wrap Layer

Add a final layer of bubble wrap for extra protection. Wrap the entire work with two layers of bubble wrap, using tape to secure it in place. Ensure you wrap it as you would a gift, creating a neat package.

Cardboard Box

Place the wrapped artwork into a cardboard box with approximately 2-3 inches of space on all sides. Use packing tape to seal the box securely. The H-taping method is recommended for this step. This involves using long strips of packing tape to seal the opening flaps of the box. Apply one long strip of tape horizontally and two strips vertically, forming an "H". Add additional vertical strips as needed for reinforcement.

Finally, affix the shipping label to the package and cover it with clear tape to ensure it remains in place during shipment. Mark the package with "FRAGILE" labels or write it using a felt-tip pen.

Choosing the right box

Size of the Box

The box should be slightly larger than your painting to provide adequate clearance. Aim for a box that leaves around 2 to 3 inches (5.1 cm) of space on all sides of the painting. This extra space is crucial for padding and protecting the artwork. The depth of the box is also important. Measure the depth of the box and subtract the width of the painting to determine how much padding you'll need to prevent the painting from shifting during transit.

Type of Box

For paintings with any side larger than 48 inches, a wooden crate is typically required. A sturdy wooden crate provides the necessary strength and protection for larger artworks. If your painting is smaller than this threshold, a cardboard box may be sufficient. Single-wall cardboard is easier to cut and fold but consider using double-wall cardboard for heavier or more delicate pieces.

Shape and Orientation

When packing a rectangular painting, it's generally best to orient it with the longest side of the painting parallel to the length of the cardboard. This makes it easier to plan your folds and ensure the painting is securely enclosed. Measure the width and depth of the painting, double those dimensions, and then add a few extra inches to determine the optimal cardboard size.

Quality of the Box

Cheap packing tape may not provide sufficient hold and could end up costing you more if your artwork is damaged in transit. Invest in high-quality packing tape, ideally with a thickness of 3.5 mil (0.0035 inches) or more. Look for tape that is at least 2 inches wide to securely seal the box and provide added reinforcement.

Additional Considerations

If your painting is particularly fragile or valuable, consider adding extra layers of protection. Cardboard corners can be purchased or made by cutting and taping cardboard strips and triangles. These protect the corners of the painting from damage. Additionally, using the H-taping method with long strips of packing tape will ensure the box is securely sealed and reduce the risk of it opening accidentally during transport.

Labelling and sealing

Once your painting is securely packaged, you can seal the box. Use the H-taping method to seal the box. This involves using long strips of packing tape to completely seal the opening flaps of the box. Use one long strip of tape over the horizontal opening between the two flaps, and two strips over the vertical sides of the flaps, forming an "H". Apply additional vertical strips of tape as needed across the sealed flaps for added reinforcement.

After sealing the box, you can affix the shipping label to the package. Put clear tape over the label so it doesn't get removed during shipment. Use a felt-tip pen to write "FRAGILE" in large capital letters on the package, or use ready-made "FRAGILE" labels. You can also use large fragile stickers, which may be more noticeable and reassuring to your clients.

If your painting is on canvas, you can also roll it up and ship it in a heavy-duty mailing tube between 8 and 12 inches in diameter. Make sure the painting is completely dry before rolling it. Place the canvas print-side out and avoid rolling it too tightly. Put the tube inside a larger tube for added protection.

Frequently asked questions