Artworks larger than 48”x 48”
Below is the guide to follow for packaging your Arts for shipping:
IMPORTANT: Always make certain that your painting is completely dry before packaging it for shipment. Sometimes paint can appear dry when it’s not. Since drying time depends on such factors as the type and brand of paint, the drying mediums used (if any), the paint colors, etc., you must research the correct drying time for the specific supplies you’ve used.
Paintings larger than 48”x 48” -
What you’ll need:
• Glassine paper or acid-free archival tissue paper
• Plastic sheeting, poly wrap, or heavy plastic bag
• Bubble wrap
• Foam board at least ½” thick or two-ply cardboard
• Packing tape
• Cardboard corner protectors
• Custom-made wooden crate
1 – Wrap the painting in glassine paper or acid-free, archival tissue paper. Note that any material that comes into contact with the surface of the work should be archival quality. We advise that you avoid touching the painting’s surface with bare hands by wearing white cotton gloves or placing acid-free tissue paper between the work and your fingers when handling.
2 –Take four (4) 8”x 8” square pieces of glassine paper or acid-free tissue paper (you may adjust the size of the squares to better fit the size of your work) and fold each in half diagonally to create a triangle, then fold in half again to create a triangle pocket. Place one pocket onto each corner of the painting.
3 – Taping only onto the tissue paper corners, tape the wrapped painting to a sheet of foam board (or two-ply cardboard) the same size or slightly larger than the painting for a firm backing.
4 – To protect against moisture, wrap the glassine-covered artwork with plastic sheeting/poly wrap or put it inside a heavy plastic bag. Use tape to seal all areas where water can enter and cause damage.
5 – Wrap the entire work with atleast three (3) layers of bubble wrap for a protective padding. Use more if you believe your painting requires more protection (e.g. it has a raised surface). Wrap it as you would a gift, using tape to secure it shut.
6 – Place cardboard corner protectors on the corners of the wrapped artwork.
7 – Next, build a wooden crate and seal the work inside
8 – Affix the shipping label to the package and put clear tape over the label so it doesn’t get removed during shipment. Using a felt tip pen, write “FRAGILE” in large capital letters on the box, or use readymade “FRAGILE” labels.
Hope the above is helpful not only to artists but also for anyone transporting artworks.
The YouTube video should help you understand the complete process.
- Himjal
