Having to transport valuable paintings for shipping, whether it’s to sell the painting or for a house move, can be extremely nerve-racking! Ensuring the paintings arrive at their destination in perfect condition requires the skill of a trusted fine art transport service, and for the paintings to be very carefully packaged so that they aren’t damaged during transit.
Today on our blog we’re discussing how to pack valuable paintings for shipping. Read on to find out how to take care of your artwork before shipping, and how we can help with packaging.
Wrapping Paintings For Transport
Properly preparing and wrapping your paintings for transport isn’t difficult, it just needs to be done correctly. So long as you have the proper materials to hand and take your time, you will be able to expertly wrap a painting.
All types of painting are quite delicate but stretched canvas pieces and fine art with ornate frames are particularly vulnerable to damage during transport but following this advice will ensure your artwork remains in its original condition.
Just follow these steps:
- First, we recommend wrapping your artwork in acid-free paper, or at least covering the face of the painting. Do not use cardboard for this as most cardboards contain acid which is the enemy of artwork! Adding acid-free paper will ensure the cardboard doesn’t come into contact with the painting.
- Next, you should add plastic wrapping to your painting. This will ensure your art is kept safe should the package somehow come in contact with water. You can use cling film, palette wrap, a plastic bag – whatever you can find that is large enough to completely wrap your painting.
- This next step is optional but is a good idea if you have artwork that has an elaborate decorative frame, or you are worried about the corners becoming damaged. You can buy cardboard corner protectors like these. You can also buy an edge guard cardboard to add a layer of protection to the entire frame. If you have spare cardboard lying around and some packing tape, you can also make both of these items.
- Next, you will need to put your painting, complete with paper and bubble wrap into a cardboard box that is an appropriate size – don’t try to jam it into one that’s too small or one that’s too big. Once your art is in the box you can also add some additional cardboard ‘bumpers’ if there is there are any spaces. You can use cardboard, packing peanuts, or shredded materials. This extra layer will help absorb any shock if the box is dropped.
- Carefully seal the box using packing tape and remember to attach the necessary labels. Always add a return address too just in case there is an issue with delivery. It’s also a good idea to label your package with a ‘fragile’ sticker.
- For particularly valuable paintings, instead of cardboard boxes you may choose to use wooden packing crates – these are also handy if you want to move several paintings at the same time. Just ensure the paintings are packed so that they don’t have space to move around inside the crate.
And there you have it! Follow these steps and your paintings will arrive at their destination safe and sound!
Shipping Paintings
The above wrapping instructions apply to whatever courier you decide to use – just remember, using a specialist art mover will always be a safer option to move valuable paintings than using the regular postal system or a private courier service.
Art movers have daily experience handling and caring for expensive paintings and tend to take a lot more care than the average delivery company that throws packages over fences or leaves them on doorsteps!
Aardvark Art Services
Aardvark Art offers a fine art transport service, collecting and delivering many pieces of antique furniture, and valuable paintings. Taking care of the items in our care is our number one priority and is what our customers trust us with.
When you use our service, you are more than welcome to use the advice in this blog to pack your own paintings, or if you don’t have the materials handy or wish to save time, we can pack your paintings for you, for a small extra charge.
We also offer other services that may come in use such as secure storage facilities for art, and insurance services. We highly recommend insuring your valuable paintings before transportation. Although accidents are rare – it always pays to have insurance just in case.
Whether you have bought a painting and want to get it safely to your home, or are sending one of your own paintings elsewhere, get in touch to see how we can help.