How to Ship Artwork Safely

Shipping artwork is always risky. Canvases, paintings, and sculptures are delicate items and even a minor error can lead to scratches, dents, or even total destruction. In contrast to normal objects, art is usually unique and can not be readily replaced.

This is why it is important to know how to ship artwork safely. Whether you are an artist submitting your art to a gallery or a collector transferring a valuable work, taking the right steps will safeguard your artwork during shipping. The following guide will provide you with some clear steps to follow, the correct tools and materials and what to do in case anything goes wrong.

How to Ship Artwork Safely 

In order to send art without breaking it, envelop the surface with glassine or acid-free paper, place corner protectors, rigid foam boards, and then put the artwork into a tight, double-walled box with enough cushioning. Close the package, place a label fragile, buy shipment insurance and select a reputable art carrier.

Here is the list of steps you should follow in order to deliver your artwork without any damage. 

1. Check and Record Your Artwork
2. Provide Surface Protection to the Artwork
3. Add a Moisture Barrier
4. Place Corner and Edge Protectors
5. Add Rigid Support
6. Wrap with Bubble Wrap or Foam
7. Select the Appropriate Box or Crate
8. Fill Spaces with Padding
9. Close the Package Securely
10. Mark with Handling Instructions
11. Track and Insure Your Shipment
12. Sculptures and 3D Art Special Care

Now let's go into the details of each step. 

Step 1: Check and Record Your Artwork

Prior to packing, inspect your artwork carefully and look out any scratches, dents, and loose areas. Get clear pictures of the front side, backside, corners and frame. Record the size and price. This paperwork benefits you in case you will make an insurance claim in the future.

Step 2: Provide Surface Protection to the Artwork

The most important priority should be the painted or printed surface. Coat it with glassine or acid free tissue. These materials avoid dust, scratches, and biodegradable reactions that may damage the paint.

Step 3: Add a Moisture Barrier

One of the largest threats in shipping is moisture. Wrap with glassine and cover the piece with polyethylene plastic or other sheeting. This prevents exposure to humidity, spills or rain along the way.

Be careful not to have the plastic actually in contact with the painting but the inner layer should always be the glassine.

Step 4: Place Corner and Edge Protectors

The weakest areas of a frame or canvas are corners and edges. Place secure foam protectors or cut cardboard strips on each corner. This small process will avoid dents and fractured edges. 

Step 5: Add Rigid Support

Put the artwork between foam boards or heavy cardboard. This prevents bending of the piece during handling. The boards must be just a little bigger than the art to one that covers the entire area.

Step 6: Wrap with Bubble Wrap or Foam

Once the rigid support is completed, wrapping the complete piece in bubble wrap or foam padding should be done. Cover the piece of art in at least two layers, with bubbles to the outside of the piece so they do not push into the canvas. This forms a cushion of soft protection.

Step 7: Select the Appropriate Box or Crate

In the case of small to medium artworks, a cardboard box with two walls is better. Choose a box that gives the wrapped piece 2-3 inches of empty space to add additional padding. Custom wooden crates are used in the case of heavy, oversized, or high-value pieces. Crates are the most secure means of delivery and they are ideal when shipping over the sea or long distance.

Step 8: Fill Spaces with Padding

Stuff all the empty spaces in the box or the crate with foam inserts, packing peanuts or crumpled acid-free paper. This prevents the art work from moving during shipping. Tight fitting makes sure the art does not slide about even when the box is shaken.

Step 9: Close the Package Securely

Seal all sides and the box with a good packing tape. Add layers of additional tapes at the seams and corners. To be even more safe, cover the box with stretch film or pallet wrap in case it is being stacked among other packages.

Step 10: Mark with Handling Instructions

Label the package with Fragile, This Side Up and Do Not Stack. Provide your complete address, the address of the receiver and a return address. The instructions make workers aware that the package requires special treatment.

Step 11: Track and Insure Your Shipment

Never take less shipping insurance than the value of the artwork. Get a carrier with tracking and delivery confirmation so that you can be sure of the location of your piece. On valuable items, demand insurance on delivery.

Step 12: Sculptures and 3D Art Special Care

When you are shipping sculptures or mixed media, wrap every part in soft foam wrap. Put the piece in a special foam cavity or formed padding. Large sculptures are to be placed in crates that are securely packed.

What to Do If Artwork Gets Damaged During Shipping

Despite the most ideal precautions, accidents occasionally occur. This is what to do in case of arriving damaged artwork:

• Immediately take pictures of the packaging and the damaged section.
• Keep all packaging materials, they can be inspected by the carrier.
• Call the carrier immediately and report about the damage.
• Submit an insurance claim along with your records, photographs and receipts.
• Seek advice from a professional art conservator and have the damage repaired where possible.
• Reach out to the buyer or receiver as soon as possible to maintain the trust.

Safely Ship Artwork with Shipixy

Shipixy simplifies and makes artwork shipping more secure. Your artwork is securely packed in acid-free paper, foam boards, and corner protectors. We have a custom crating service to pack your artwork of any size. We provide you with climate-controlled shipping, insurance, and real-time tracking to make sure that your valuable pieces arrive at the destination in the best possible condition.