It doesn’t matter whether your goal is to move a piece across the country or getting it in one piece to an art exhibition, shippings painting safely and securely without damage is essential. That’s why careful planning and professional handling is key.
Here at Aardvark Art Services, we understand that every painting is different. Different types of mediums need to be handled, packed and transported with the right level of care to suit them. That’s why we’ve but together this guide. Let’s get into it.
Why Is Shipping Paintings Safely And Securely So Important?
Paintings are vulnerable, especially when they’re being transported. Anything from changes in temperature and humidity, vibration or even poor handling can all cause damage.
A fragile frame, delicate surface, or an older canvas will need extra protection. A small bump could end up causing scratches, dents, tears or damage to the frame.
That’s why shipping paintings safely and securely isn’t just about packaging it up and sending it on its way. It’s about actually understanding the artwork, figuring out the potential risks and choosing appropriate packaging and transportation methods.
Assess The Painting Before Shipping
Before the painting is packaged up, assessing the condition and construction is essential to keeping it safe.
Some things to think about are:
- What materials has the artist used?
- Is the painting on canvas, board or another surface?
- Is the paint surface particularly delicate?
- Does the artwork have a frame?
- Is the frame secure?
- Is the painting old or particularly fragile?
- Are there any existing areas of damage?
A good tip is to take photos and videos of the condition of the artwork before its transported. These can be used as a reference point in case the condition needs to be checked once its delivered.
However, when you work with a professional art handler, they will carry out a more detailed assessment and recommend suitable packaging.
Choose The Right Packaging
A big part of shipping paintings safely and securely is choosing the right packaging.
The packaging you choose needs to protect the artwork against movement, impact and environmental factors. It should also help to prevent materials from coming into direct contact with the painted surface.
It obviously depends on the artwork, but suitable protection might include acid-free materials, specialist wrapping, corner protection, or using a strong outer container such as a crate for fragile paintings or sculptures.
Protect The Frame and Corners
The frame can be just as vulnerable as the painting itself, and corners can easily get knocked.
That’s why they should be properly protected. Keep the artwork secured inside its packaging to prevent it from shifting during transit.
Remember that adding more packaging isn’t necessarily helpful. The materials and method need to be suitable for each individual piece. Using the wrong packing can sometimes create its own risks.
Consider Temperature And Humidity
Environmental are also something to think about when shipping paintings safely and securely.
Even small fluctuations in temperature and humidity can have an impact on paintings. Especially when they are older or made from sensitive materials. Rapid changes can lead to issues like cracking, warping or other forms of deterioration.
Planning the route, transportation method and storage conditions should also be considered carefully.
Professional art transport services will advise on suitable conditions and handling requirements, helping to minimise unnecessary environmental risks.
Think About The Journey, Not Just The Packaging
Just having the right packaging isn’t the end of it.
You also need to consider what happens to the painting once it leaves your premises. When shipping paintings safely and securely, the entire journey should be planned from collection through to delivery.
Using specialist art transporters will give you much more reassurance because they’ll understand how to lift, carry, load and position artwork the right way.
Use Specialist Art Handling For Valuable Paintings
Professional support is usually the safest option when it comes to shipping paintings safely and securely.
Our handlers have experience dealing with artwork of different sizes, materials and values. We can offer advice, while helping to reduce the risks associated with general courier networks.
Plan Ahead When Shipping Paintings Safely And Securely
When you’re thinking about shipping paintings safely and securely, don’t leave everything until the last minute.
Give yourself enough time to think about the artwork, choose suitable packaging, arrange transportation and prepare any necessary documentation. If the painting is more valuable or fragile, get professional advice well in advance.
Successful artwork transportation basically comes down to preparation, protection and careful handling. Thinking about each stage of the journey carefully can help reduce the risk of damage and give your artwork the best possible chance of arriving safely.
How Aardvark Art Services Can Help With Shipping Paintings Safely And Securely
If you need any professional support with shipping paintings safely and securely, Aardvark Art Services can help. We offer everything from careful packing and handling to specialist transportation. Your artwork will be treated with the care it deserves. Get in touch with our team today at 01253 794673 to see how we can help