Isabella Flores
Travelling with art can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to navigating airline restrictions and keeping your paintings intact. This is a guide on how to transport your plein air paintings safely and securely on an aeroplane, including tips on packing, shipping, and complying with airline regulations. From removing paintings from their frames to using specific carriers for wet paintings, this guide will ensure your artwork arrives at its destination unscathed.
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What You'll Learn
Use plastic bags to prevent leaks and keep paints separate
When transporting plein air paintings on a plane, it is important to consider the potential for leaks and spills. One way to prevent messes and keep your paints and other art supplies organised is to use plastic bags.
Firstly, separate your paints from each other and from the rest of your luggage. Place each individual paint container or tube into its own plastic bag. This will prevent any leaks from spreading and staining other items. It will also make it easier to identify which paint has leaked, so you can take steps to clean and prevent further leakage.
Secondly, place all the bagged paints into another larger plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of protection in case one of the smaller bags leaks. It also keeps all your paints together, making it easier to locate and access them when needed.
Additionally, you may want to consider using waterproof bags or containers to provide even more protection against leaks. A sturdy, waterproof container, such as a shoe box-sized Tupperware, can also protect your paints from damage if your luggage is handled roughly.
Remember to check the weight and size restrictions for your luggage, as well as the specific regulations regarding the transportation of paints and art supplies. It is also a good idea to print out relevant information, such as the Material Safety Data Sheet for your paints, to show that they are safe for air travel.
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Pack paints in a clear plastic container
Packing your paints in a clear plastic container is a great way to transport your art supplies on a plane. This method ensures that your paints are secure and do not leak during the flight. It also makes it easy for airport security to identify your art supplies and reduces the risk of confiscation.
- Use a shoe box-sized Tupperware container: Opt for a container that is slightly larger than the size of your paint tubes or bottles. This will allow you to pack your paints snugly and efficiently.
- Line the container with plastic bags: Before placing your paints in the container, line it with plastic bags, such as zip-top bags or recycled plastic grocery bags. This creates an extra layer of protection in case of leaks.
- Pack only essential paints: To optimise space and weight, consider bringing only the essential colours you need for your plein air painting. This will also help you streamline your creative process.
- Secure the lids of your paint containers: Ensure that the lids of your paint tubes or bottles are tightly secured to prevent leakage. You can also consider placing each paint container in its own individual plastic bag for added protection.
- Label your container: Clearly label your container with your name and relevant information. You can also include the Plein Air Magazine label to indicate that you are an artist travelling with art supplies.
- Place the container in your checked luggage: Do not carry your paints onto the plane. Pack your clear plastic container inside your checked suitcase to comply with TSA regulations.
By following these instructions, you can confidently transport your paints on a plane while ensuring their safety and security. Happy travelling and plein air painting!
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Remove paintings from frames and roll into cardboard tubes
If you want to transport your paintings by removing them from their frames and rolling them into cardboard tubes, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid damaging your artwork. Firstly, it's important to note that rolling paintings is more commonly done with acrylic paintings, as acrylic paint can get brittle at colder temperatures and crack if flexed, shocked, or suddenly creased. Thus, it is recommended to only roll paintings in a climate-controlled environment.
The risk of damage also depends on the texture and thickness of the paint. Generally, thinly painted works with a satin or matte surface are better suited for rolling, while glossier and thicker textures have a greater chance of damage. If you do decide to roll your painting, it is recommended to lay the painting face-down onto silicone release paper. Then, cover the painting with a plastic sheet, ensuring that the plastic does not contact any surface of the canvas. Secure the painting to the tube with tape to prevent shifting.
You can also add an extra layer of protection by wrapping the tube in a thin packing foam sheet. Make sure to leave 2 inches blank on both ends of the tube. Pre-cut "donuts" can also be fitted onto the ends of the tube and secured with tape. Place the entire bundle into a box, ensuring that the tube is suspended and nothing touches the artwork other than the silicone release paper. This method helps to minimise pressure on the surface of the painting.
While it is possible to roll paintings for transport, it is not always recommended due to the risks involved. There are alternative methods for transporting paintings, such as flat packing, that may be safer for certain types of artwork. However, rolling can be a space-efficient option, especially when transporting multiple paintings, as long as the necessary precautions are taken to protect the artwork.
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Use a lightweight, foam-casing box for wet paintings
Transporting paintings by plane can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to wet paintings. One effective solution is to use a lightweight, foam-casing box designed specifically for this purpose, commonly known as a "plein air porter". This box has several advantages that make it ideal for artists travelling with their artwork.
Firstly, the foam casing provides excellent protection for your paintings. The casing acts as a buffer, absorbing any bumps or knocks that may occur during handling, ensuring your paintings remain undamaged. This feature is particularly valuable for artists who want to avoid the risk of their paintings being damaged in transit.
Secondly, the box is designed to fit within the standard dimensions for checked luggage for most airlines. This means you can avoid incurring additional fees for oversized baggage during check-in. It is important to measure your box beforehand to ensure it complies with the airline's size restrictions. Being proactive can help you avoid any delays or complications during the check-in process.
Another advantage of the plein air porter is its ability to accommodate multiple wet paintings of various sizes. The box typically features separated slots that securely hold each painting, preventing them from smudging against each other. This design allows artists to transport multiple paintings in one trip without worrying about damage or smudging.
In addition to the above, the lightweight nature of the box is worth highlighting. This feature not only makes it easy to carry and manoeuvre but also helps to keep the overall weight of your luggage down. This is particularly beneficial if you have other heavy art supplies or equipment that contribute to your total luggage weight allowance.
When using a lightweight, foam-casing box for transporting wet paintings, it is advisable to follow a few extra tips. Firstly, clearly label your box with arrows indicating the correct orientation, ensuring that TSA agents handle it properly during inspections. Secondly, consider including a Metal Case for your palettes, providing a sturdy and protected space for your palette setup. Lastly, always check the regulations and guidelines of the specific airline you are travelling with to ensure you comply with any specific requirements or restrictions they may have.
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Print a Material Safety Data Sheet for oil colours
When travelling with art supplies, it is important to be aware of the relevant safety guidelines and regulations. Artists have reported difficulties when travelling with paints, solvents, and other supplies. To avoid issues, it is recommended to print a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for oil colours and other art supplies.
A Material Safety Data Sheet is a standardised document that contains crucial occupational safety and health information. It covers essential details such as chemical properties, potential health and environmental hazards, recommended protective measures, and safety precautions for storage, handling, and transportation. These sheets are designed to provide quick access to vital information for chemical handlers and emergency response personnel. When travelling with oil colours, having a printed MSDS can ensure that you are aware of any potential hazards and can take the necessary precautions.
The first step is to identify the manufacturer of the oil colours and visit their website. Many manufacturers, such as Michael Harding, make their Safety Data Sheets available online. These sheets are typically created for businesses, providing information about the hazards of their products and how to handle them safely. However, artists can also benefit from this information to ensure safe handling and transportation of their art supplies.
If you cannot find the MSDS on the manufacturer's website, you can try searching for it on a free SDS database, such as the one provided by Chemical Safety. This database allows you to search for Safety Data Sheets using the chemical name, manufacturer name, or CAS number. Once you have found the relevant MSDS, you can print it out and keep it handy while travelling.
Additionally, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's label instructions and product information. Artists should also consider using water-mixable oils for air travel, as they are easy to clean, solvent-free, and quick to dry, making transportation more convenient. Following these suggestions can help ensure a smooth travel experience when bringing art supplies on a plane.
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Frequently asked questions
Place your paintings in a plastic bag in case they leak during the flight, then pack them in your suitcase. You can also use a shoe box-sized Tupperware container or a metal case. If your paintings are wet, you can use the Plein Air Porter from Guerrilla, which can handle being banged up by baggage handlers. If your paintings are on a canvas, you can remove them from their frame, roll them up, and place them in a sturdy cardboard tube.
It is not advisable to carry paints or solvents as carry-on luggage. These should be packed in your checked luggage. You may be able to bring your easel as carry-on to prevent breakage, but it may add weight and your luggage may be inspected.
Keep your brushes and palette knives in your luggage, as TSA may consider them weapons. If your paintings are wet, place another painting face-down on top, secure the corners with blue painter's tape, and put the bundle in your carry-on luggage. Print off a Plein Air Magazine label and fill it in with your information.
You can print the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for your oil colours to show that they are safe for flight. You can also buy turpentine and thinners when you land, or use water-mixable oils to avoid the need for solvents.
