Leo Martínez
Paintings are fragile and valuable, and can be challenging to ship. Wrapping a painting can provide important physical protection and help isolate it from short-term humidity fluctuations. It is important to use sturdy boxes, secure wrapping, and ample cushioning to protect the artwork. When wrapping a painting, it is crucial to avoid direct contact between the exterior wrapping and the painting, as this can cause the wrap to stick and potentially damage the surface. Instead, use an underlayer such as glassine or acid-free paper, and protect the corners with card or foam corner protectors. For extra protection, use pallet wrap or stretch film to seal the box and protect it from the elements.
Characteristics and their values for wrapping a painting to mail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Glassine paper, bubble wrap, foam, plastic wrap, cardboard, acid-free tissue paper, parchment paper, wax paper, pipe insulation, foam board, corner protectors |
| Function | Protect from scratches, moisture, humidity, damage during transit, provide cushioning, seal the box |
| Other considerations | Use sturdy boxes, ensure proper documentation, label the package clearly, insure the package |
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What You'll Learn
Using bubble wrap
Bubble wrap is a great way to protect your paintings while mailing them. It is important to note that bubble wrap should not come in direct contact with the painting. Firstly, ensure that the painting is protected in case of moisture during its shipping journey. You can use Frost King Polyethylene Sheeting for this purpose, taping it well so that the package is well-sealed.
Next, you can use tissue paper to wrap the painting, followed by brown wrapping paper. This will prevent the painting from shifting during transit. You can also use Glassine paper to cover the surface of the painting. This type of paper has a neutral pH, protecting your artwork from scratches.
Now, you can begin to apply the bubble wrap. It is important to keep the wrap tight to maintain clean edges and prevent bunching. Apply one layer of bubble wrap to the large, flat sides of the painting. Then, apply a second layer of bubble wrap around the edges of the artwork. Measure enough bubble wrap to circle the edges of the artwork, fold it in half lengthwise, and tape it to the edges.
Finally, place the wrapped painting onto a cardboard panel, ensuring that the frame edges are protected by adding padding around the sides. You can then cut and score another cardboard panel to create a box, following the measurements of the first panel. Tape the two sides of the box together, and your painting is ready to be mailed!
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Glassine paper for protection
Glassine paper is a white, pH-neutral, and translucent paper used for protecting paintings from scratches and scuffs during mailing. It is a smooth, glossy paper that is air, water, and grease resistant. Its smooth surface makes it non-abrasive to delicate drawings made with easy-to-smudge mediums like vine charcoal or chalk pastel. It is also environmentally friendly and sustainable, making it a good alternative to plastics, films, and foils.
Glassine paper is commonly used by artists to wrap paintings and to place between stacked drawings, etchings, prints, maps, and watercolors. It is also known as interleaving paper and is used in bookbinding to protect artwork from acid migration and abrasion. Acid-free white tissue paper can be used as a softer alternative to glassine.
When using glassine paper to wrap a painting for mailing, you only need to cover the surface of the painting. It can be used as a slip sheet between artworks when storing or during travel. Paintings should be protected from moisture during shipping, and the package should be well-sealed.
In addition to glassine paper, other materials such as cardboard, bubble wrap, and plastic wrap can be used to protect paintings during mailing. Cardboard can be used to create a custom box for the painting, ensuring a snug fit to minimize movement. Bubble wrap can be used as a filler to cushion the artwork and prevent unwanted movement within the packaging. Plastic wrap can be used to create a protective skin around the painting before placing it in the box.
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Cardboard and plastic wrapping
When using cardboard, ensure that it has been stored in an appropriate environment to maintain the RH-moderating capacity of the painting's organic materials when sealed. Lay the cardboard front side down against the plastic wrapping, and consider adding a second cardboard layer for additional protection. You can then use your artwork and its cushioning as a guide to measure and cut the cardboard to size. Make sure the frame edges are protected by adding padding, and trace the form onto the cardboard for a professional look.
Plastic wrap can be used to protect your painting and frame from scratches and scuffs. Apply the plastic wrap tightly around the artwork, pulling it at a straight angle and applying pressure to avoid bunching or tangling. For larger pieces, you may need to pass the wrap over the surface multiple times for complete coverage.
Finally, assemble your box by taping the cardboard pieces together, ensuring that the padded artwork is securely inside. Use high-quality packing tape to seal the box, and consider using clear plastic shipping tape for reinforcement. By following these steps with cardboard and plastic wrapping, you can safely mail your painting while minimising the risk of damage.
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Packing and sealing the box
Paintings are fragile and valuable, and can be challenging to ship. It is important to pack them properly to ensure they arrive safely and in good condition. Firstly, cover the surface of the painting with Glassine paper, which has a neutral pH that protects the artwork from scratches. You can also use acid-free tissue paper, parchment paper, or wax paper as a protective underlayer. Then, protect the corners of the painting with card or foam corner protectors. If your painting is unframed, consider using a travel frame to secure it.
Next, wrap the painting in bubble wrap, pipe insulation, or foam. For larger paintings, you may need to use multiple layers of bubble wrap. You can also use plastic wrap to protect the painting from scratches, but be careful not to let it come into direct contact with the painting's surface. Then, place the wrapped painting between two foam boards or cardboard panels to prevent bending during transit. You can also use styrofoam or a double-wall cardboard box for extra protection. Make sure there is enough padding around the painting, with at least 2-3 inches of cushioning on all sides.
Now, place the painting inside a sturdy box. The box should be slightly larger than the painting, allowing for the thickness of the wrapping and cushioning. You can use a picture box, a mirror box, or create your own custom box. If you are using a custom box, trace the outline of the painting and its protective material onto a cardboard panel, and cut and score the cardboard to create a box. Tape the corners of the cardboard to create 90-degree angles, and then tape the two sides of the box together securely.
Finally, seal the box with a lot of packing tape to ensure that all seams are closed. Clearly label the package with a "fragile" tag and the recipient's address. Consider insuring your package in case of any damage during transit.
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Using a travel frame
Paintings are fragile and valuable, so it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure they are protected when being mailed. A travel frame is a great option for mailing a painting. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process of using a travel frame to mail your painting:
Firstly, ensure your painting is in good condition and in an adequate frame or travel frame. If your painting is unframed, consider securing it in a handling-travel-storage (HTS) frame. This will provide extra protection during transit.
Next, you'll want to add a layer of protection to the surface of the painting. Glassine paper is a great option for this, as it protects the artwork from scratches and moisture. Canson Glassine Rolls have a neutral pH and can be used to cover the painting's surface. You can also use Frost King Polyethylene Sheeting to protect your painting from moisture. Make sure to tape it securely, creating a well-sealed package.
After protecting the surface, it's time to add some cushioning. Use a cardboard panel and lay your painting on top. Add padding around the sides, especially the frame edges, to protect them. You can use styrofoam or bubble wrap as cushioning. Trace the form of your painting and protective material onto the cardboard, adding an extra 1-2 inches for the padding. Score the cardboard with an Xacto knife or scissors, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Now, it's time to create a box. Bend the edges of the cardboard up and tape the corners to form a box shape. Place another cardboard panel underneath and use it to trace and score the other half of the box. Make one side slightly larger than the other so that they fit together like a gift box top. Tape the two halves together, ensuring your padded painting is inside.
Finally, seal the package securely. Use high-quality packing tape to seal all seams and corners. You can also use corner protectors and edge guards, taping them onto the corners and edges of the package. Mark the package as fragile and indicate which side is up to ensure careful handling during transit.
By following these steps and using a travel frame, you can confidently mail your painting, knowing it is well-protected and secure.
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Frequently asked questions
To wrap a painting for mailing, you should use sturdy boxes, secure wrapping, and ample cushioning to protect the artwork. First, cover the artwork with Glassine paper or acid-free tissue paper to protect it from scratches. Then, wrap the painting with bubble wrap, foam, or paper void fill to provide cushioning. Finally, seal the box with packing tape and clearly label it as fragile.
The box you use to mail a painting should be 4-6 inches larger than the painting in length and width, with a minimum of 2-3 inches of padding on all sides. For larger and heavier paintings, you may need more padding. It is important to avoid using boxes that are too small or too large for the artwork, as this can cause damage during transit.
To protect the corners of a painting when mailing it, you can use card or foam corner protectors. Alternatively, you can add 1-2 inches of padding around the outside of the frame to protect the edges.
