Whether you’re moving to a new home, sending a piece to a gallery, or simply storing your artwork, proper packing is essential in ensuring that your pieces arrive at their destination safely. Artwork is delicate and can easily be damaged if not packed and handled correctly. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks for packing artwork to help protect your precious pieces.
1. Gather the Right Supplies
Before you start packing your artwork, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. This includes acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap, cardboard corners, packing tape, a sturdy box, and corner protectors. These materials will help protect your artwork from damage during transit.
2. Protect the Surface
Before wrapping your artwork, make sure to protect the surface with acid-free tissue paper. This will help prevent scratches and other damage that can occur during handling. For oil paintings, it’s also a good idea to place a piece of glassine paper over the surface to provide an extra layer of protection.
3. Use Bubble Wrap
Once you’ve protected the surface, wrap your artwork in several layers of bubble wrap. The bubble wrap will help cushion your piece and provide shock absorption during transit. Make sure to secure the bubble wrap with packing tape to hold it in place.
4. Use Cardboard Corners
To further protect the corners of your artwork, consider using cardboard corners. These can be purchased or easily made by cutting and folding a piece of cardboard. Secure the cardboard corners to the edges of your piece with packing tape to provide added protection.
5. Use Corner Protectors
If your artwork is in a frame, it’s important to protect the corners from damage. Corner protectors are specially designed to fit over the corners of frames and provide extra padding and protection during transit. Make sure to securely attach the corner protectors with packing tape.
6. Pack Multiple Pieces Carefully
If you’re packing multiple pieces of artwork in the same box, make sure to wrap each piece individually with bubble wrap and cardboard corners. Place a layer of cardboard between each piece to prevent them from rubbing against each other during transit. Fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or bubble wrap to ensure that the artwork doesn’t shift during shipping.
7. Choose the Right Box
When selecting a box for packing your artwork, make sure it is sturdy and secure. Boxes specifically designed for artwork are available and come in various sizes to accommodate different pieces. Make sure the box is slightly larger than your artwork to allow for additional padding and protection.
8. Label the Box
Once you’ve packed your artwork, make sure to label the box with “fragile” and “handle with care” stickers. This will alert handlers to the delicate nature of the contents and help ensure that your pieces are handled with care during transit.
9. Consider Professional Packing
If you’re unsure about packing your artwork yourself, consider hiring a professional packing service. These experts have experience in handling delicate artwork and can ensure that your pieces are packed securely and safely for transport.
10. Insurance
Lastly, consider purchasing insurance for your artwork during transit. This will provide added peace of mind knowing that your pieces are protected in case of loss or damage.
By following these tips and tricks for packing artwork, you can help ensure that your precious pieces arrive at their destination safely and securely. Proper packing is essential in protecting your artwork from damage during transit, so take the time to pack your pieces carefully and securely to preserve their beauty for years to come.