How do you make sure pieces of artwork arrive in pristine condition if you’ve sold a piece or are sending something to someone? No matter what kind of artwork you’re sending, shipping it without the danger of damage is quite easy to do. Unless, of course, you have more delicate works like sculptures or are sending antiques.
Learn everything you need to know to ensure safe delivery by reading this article.
Packing Canvas Paintings & Framed Art
For any artwork you’re sending that is framed, you should put tape on the glass in the shape of an X. Taping the glass on framed paintings means that the piece itself will be less likely to break, keeping the work intact.
Tape needs to be applied corner to corner, diagonally. And for larger frames, just tape corner to corner until you’ve created a star-like shape. Then wrap it up in glassine paper sheets. This paper is acid-free, preventing surface damage to your art. Make sure to tape the edges of the paper down to limit movement.
Polyurethane plastic sheets are ideal coverings for paintings as they help to prevent the piece from moisture. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a polyurethane sheet, though – bin bags can work just as well.
Corner supports and sandwiching the frame or canvas between cardboard helps prevent damage, reduce movement, and overall adds protection. Then before you pack it into a snug box, make sure the artwork is wrapped in bubble wrap. Bubble wrap acts as a cushion to anything wrapped in it so if the ride is bumpy, your art should stay protected.
Flat-Packed Prints & Unframed Paintings
Be careful when you handle any of your pieces to make sure that there are no hand prints or marks on the finished art.
Flat-packing prints and paintings that aren’t framed should be covered in glassine paper. Try and avoid taping the paper to the print, rather stick the tape down where the folded paper overlaps. Keep your artwork flat by placing it between two cardboard sheets before wrapping it up in bubble wrap and boxing it.
Rolling Unframed Art
If you have any unframed art that is small enough to go into a packaging tube, you can just roll the piece up in craft paper. It’s important to use craft paper as it is free from acid which means no harm will come to your pieces.
Before covering your artwork up completely, cover it with wax paper to prevent smudges and to keep the piece in place once it’s rolled up. When you put the artwork into the right sized tube, fill up the space in the bottom with bubble wrap or crumpled paper.
Whilst in the tube, your artwork has more chance of moving so putting bubble wrap or paper in the tube, too reduces the chances of it being damaged.
Good Postal Services for Artwork
Of course, the worst thing to happen to an artist sending their work by post is when they find out it’s been damaged during transportation. Especially on the instances when it has been safely packaged.
There are some companies that consistently do well in many customer surveys. However, that doesn’t guarantee that your artwork will always be delivered unscathed. The best precaution is using an efficient packing method that you know keeps your artwork safe.
You can find information about your local general parcel services on this website.
When you have artwork that’s valuable, you should consider using specialist services that have the appropriate insurance in place for each art form.
Aardvark’s Services
Aardvark Art Services has been shipping artwork across the country since it was founded in 1998. Our crew has extensive experience and frequently travels throughout Wales, Scotland, and England.
We can guarantee that any artwork you’re sending will not only be transported safely but also stored safely, too. Thanks to our specialised packing and storage facilities. In fact, all of our vehicles are unmarked and satellite tracked to ensure safety during transportation.
Additionally, our staff has the skills, expertise, and specialised tools required to transport your priceless possessions safely. The majority of our clients and customers are private collectors, museums, galleries, and exhibitions. So we know the importance of keeping art pieces unharmed, unscathed, and protected.
Do we have a service that you’re in need of? Please don’t hesitate to contact us in regard to your relocation requirements. Your art pieces will arrive at their destination in good shape, we can assure you of that.
For more advice, guidance, or art transportation-related services, view our blog!