Knowing how to protect your collection during transportation is essential after investing in fine art. While art is an exciting investment, the last thing you need is to be concerned the worst will happen during transit. In this blog, we will go over all the important factors to consider to protect your investment.
The Risks Associated With Art Transportation
When considering how to protect your collection during transportation you first need to be aware of the potential risks involved. Being conscious of those risks gives you the opportunity to put the right measures in place.
Physical Damage
During transit, there are many potential impacts caused by the vehicle’s movements that can damage your collection. Shaking, jostling and in the worst-case collisions could cause creaks, tears or breaks to your collection.
Environmental Factors
Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause materials to alter their original shape, colour, or quality. Humidity can also take a toll on artworks by causing mould or swelling. On the other hand, conditions that are very dry could lead to cracking. Excessive light exposure, particularly UV light, may cause discolouration or fading.
Security
More than 50,000 pieces of art are stolen annually. The black-market dealer will specifically target art pieces during transit. Indiscreet movement and inadequate security measures can leave your collection vulnerable to theft.
Improper Handling
Untrained personnel manning delicate artworks can lead to accidental damage. Human error such as mislabelling may also mean art is handled incorrectly or even misplaced.
Preparing To Protect Your Collection During Transportation
Adequate preparation is required before shipping any art collection to ensure a successful delivery. The preparation required will usually depend on the needs of the artwork, where it is going, and how it is travelling.
The demands of art shipped via sea or air freight are different to delivering locally. More documentation is required for international shipments.
It is also imperative that artworks are packaged correctly, to avoid damage from environmental factors. Glassine paper is widely used to prevent scratching, due to its neutral pH level.
You must also remember that art transportation services must use the same roads as everyone else… Albeit, route planning is conducted to avoid especially rocky terrains, sometimes potholes and speed bumps can’t be avoided.
Shock absorbent packaging and bumpers inside containers should be installed to keep your collection secure during transit.
Packing Materials To Protect Your Collection During Transportation
Here is a list of popular materials used by art transportation services to protect artworks during transportation. You should note that professional application, placement and sealing are what make these materials useful. Some packing materials are better suited to specific art materials.
- Bubble Wrap– Protects against bumps and vibrations during transit.
- Foam– Used as additional padding and fills empty spaces in boxes to stop unwanted movement.
- Acid-Free Tissue Paper– Prevents chemical reactions or damage to the surface of artwork.
- Glassine Paper– Stops moisture contact with the art.
- Cardboard Sheets– Provide structural support and absorb bangs, protecting against possible puncture.
- Packing Tape– Seals packing in place.
- Customised Crates– Created specifically for the dimensions of the art.
- Corner Protectors– Protects corners of the canvas from scoffs.
Finding A Reliable Art Transportation Service
Choosing to entrust a shipment company with your investment pieces can cause some valid concerns. It’s important to know what you need to be looking out for, which can be difficult if this is your first time shipping art!
When looking for a reliable art transportation service, here are some significant green flags to be aware of:
Experience
- How many years have they been in the business?
- Who have they worked with in the past?
- Do they specialise in handling specific goods (i.e. sculptures, heavy pieces)?
- Are they confident with taking on the job?
Accreditations
- What certifications do they have in the art industry?
- What certifications for they have in the delivery/ road haulage industry?
Staff Training
- Are the entire team experienced and confident in handling art?
- Are the team suitably trained to a high standard?
- Are people assigned specific roles based on their speciality?
Facilities
- What facilities does the transportation company have?
- Does the company have its own secure premises?
- What is their experience with packaging?
Safety & Security
- What are their security protocols?
- Do they have any credentials?
- Do they have procedures in place in case of theft?
- Have they handled ‘worst case’ scenarios before?
You can check out our blog post How To Choose A Fine Art Shipper for more details about making the right choice for your investment.
Insuring Your Collection During Transportation
Any time you attempt to ship a collection, you must acquire appropriate insurance coverage. You now know the risks and even with all the correct measures in place to protect your collection during transportation, accidents can still happen.
It is not worth cutting expenses on insurance when it comes to priceless artworks. Choosing a transit service provider who organises insurance coverage on your behalf is a huge green flag (we just so happen to do this).
Trust Aardvark To Protect Your Collection During Transportation
Investing in art is incredibly worthwhile and we hope you’re now confident with how to protect your collection during transportation.
At Aardvark, we have decades of experience with shipping paintings, antiques, collections and sculptures. We are well-versed in the necessary security measures and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to protecting your art.
With us, you can be sure everything is covered, and the process is swift and stress-free. Get in touch today to find out more about our services or how we can help get your collection safely from A to B.