How to Ship a Painting on Canvas
Transportation of canvas paintings may pose a perplexing challenge, especially its packaging part. If preparing your artworks for shipping without being completely panic-stricken seems to be utopian, check out this simple guide to keep everything running smoothly.
A recently created piece of
art is especially susceptible to scrapes and scarves, so treat it as gently as
possible. An adequately prepared work surface covered with protective material
like cardboard or cloth, as well as a pair of cotton gloves to avoid risky
tactile contact with artwork, is a must.
Let’s get started!
First and foremost, minimize
the risk of potential damage caused by grease, air, dust, and moisture. For
this, you need to cover the entire piece with acid-free glassine or tissue
paper. Double-check if all the edges and sides of the painting are covered with
packing material and then use some adhesive tape to secure the packaging. The next
step is amortization, meaning that you need bubble wrap. A few layers of
this material around the painting will not only keep it in place but also
provide cushioning and insulation for your fragile piece. Remember not to let
the bubble wrap touch the artwork surface directly.
Roll it or not?
In case you are shipping an
unframed painting, you may want to roll it. You can certainly do that, but be
sure to avoid these three don’ts: roll too tight, start the rolling when the painting
is not utterly dry, and roll up with the painting surface inside. When it is
done, pack your artwork in a special mailing tube without fear.
Time to put your artwork in a box
Always opt for new durable cardboard boxes when shipping
paintings. Place the artwork inside the box and fill in the empty space with
bubble wrap. Shake it a bit to make sure nothing is moving inside. Carefully
secure the box with quality packing tape and label it with appropriate shipping
labels.
One more tip: if you are shipping a very delicate or
oversized work, opt for a custom wooden crate,
as it provides the best protection in transit.
Now your painting is ready to hit the road!
