Whether you are an artist shipping your own creations to a customer, a gallery owner sending out pieces for an exhibit, or simply moving homes and need to transport your beloved artwork, shipping framed art can be a stressful and delicate process. Framed art is not only valuable monetarily, but also sentimentally, and needs to be handled with care to ensure it arrives safely at its destination. In this article, we will discuss the best practices and tips for shipping framed art to ensure it remains unharmed during transit.
1. Proper Packaging: The first and most important step in shipping framed art is to ensure it is properly packaged to protect it from damage. Start by wrapping the artwork in glassine paper to protect the surface from scratches and moisture. Next, sandwich the wrapped piece between two stiff pieces of cardboard to prevent it from bending. Make sure the cardboard is cut to size and fits snugly around the frame to avoid any movement during transit. Secure the cardboard with packing tape to keep it in place.
2. Bubble Wrap: After the artwork is sandwiched between cardboard, it is crucial to wrap the entire package in several layers of bubble wrap. Bubble wrap provides additional protection against bumps and jostling during shipping, and acts as a cushion to absorb any impact. Make sure to wrap the bubble wrap tightly around the cardboard package and secure it with tape to ensure it does not unravel during transit.
3. Corner Protectors: Framed art is most vulnerable at its corners, where the frame is most likely to get damaged if bumped or dropped. To prevent this, use foam corner protectors to cushion and reinforce the corners of the frame. These protectors are typically made of sturdy foam material and can be easily attached to the corners of the frame with tape for added security.
4. Custom Crates: For valuable or oversized framed art pieces, consider investing in a custom wooden crate for shipping. These crates are specifically designed to fit the artwork snugly and provide maximum protection during transit. Custom crates are built to withstand rough handling and can be reused for multiple shipments, making them a worthwhile investment for high-value pieces.
5. Labeling: Properly labeling your packaged artwork is essential to ensure it reaches its destination safely. Clearly label the package with the recipient’s name, address, and phone number, as well as your own contact information in case there are any issues during transit. Additionally, label the package as “Fragile” to alert handlers to handle it with care and avoid rough handling.
6. Choose a Reputable Shipping Company: When it comes to shipping valuable artwork, it is important to choose a reputable shipping company with experience in handling fragile and delicate items. Look for companies that offer specialized art shipping services, such as temperature-controlled trucks and white-glove delivery options. While these services may cost more than standard shipping, the peace of mind knowing your artwork is in good hands is priceless.
7. Insurance: Despite all precautions taken, accidents can still happen during shipping. To protect yourself and your artwork from potential damage or loss, consider purchasing shipping insurance. Most shipping companies offer insurance options that cover the full value of the artwork in case of damage or theft. While it may add to the overall cost of shipping, insurance provides a safety net in case the unforeseen occurs.
shipping framed art can be a nerve-wracking task, but with the right preparation and precautions, you can ensure your artwork arrives safely at its destination. By following these tips and best practices for packaging, labeling, and choosing a reliable shipping company, you can rest assured that your precious artwork will be protected during transit. Remember, the extra time and effort put into properly shipping framed art is well worth it to preserve and showcase your beautiful creations.