Artwork is often much more than just intricate designs on canvas or any other media. They often hold a piece of the artist’s soul, embody memories, and also may represent a significant investment. If you need to transport your artwork, its safe and secure packaging should be your top priority. Protecting artwork during transportation ensures your precious pieces arrive in a pristine condition, whether you’re moving houses, lending to a gallery for display or shipping it to an art lover across the globe.
This article will outline some best practices for effectively packing artwork, which can be used as guidelines no matter the piece’s size, medium, or value.
Firstly, understanding the specific needs of your artwork is crucial. Fragile pieces may require additional padding, while larger works might need a custom-built crate. It’s important to evaluate the artwork to determine the best method to protect it. The general rule is to use as much padding and protective material as possible, regardless of the artwork’s fragility.
One way to protect the artwork is by using acid-free glassine paper, a material favored by art shippers. This special paper type offers a neutral PH quality, which prevents any possible chemical interaction with the artwork. Glassine paper can be utilized to wrap paintings and drawings, creating a barrier between the artwork surface and outer protective layers.
In case your “packing artwork” is a painting or photograph behind glass, an unconventional but effective method is to use painter’s tape to create an ‘X’ or grid over the surface. If the glass shatters during transit, this method prevents shards from damaging the artwork. Just remember never to tape directly on the artwork itself.
Next, bubble wrap comes into play. It provides excellent shock absorption during transportation. Ensure to use enough layers of bubble wrap, cleanly and evenly applied around the artwork, ensuring the bubbles face outward so as not to leave any imprint on the artwork. Secure the bubble wrap with packing tape but remember not to directly apply the tape to the artwork or painting.
For artworks that are not behind glass, it is recommended to add a layer of foam board before applying bubble wrap. This extra step will help insulate the art piece from temperature changes and protect against sharp objects that might accidentally press or poke against the artwork during transit.
Next step, boxing your artwork. If your artwork is small to medium in size, it can be boxed up in standard picture/mirror boxes available in many packing supply shops. If your artwork is highly valuable, consider using a double boxing technique where your wrapped artwork is placed in a box, which is then placed inside another box with additional padding in between.
Lastly, seal your box securely with packing tape. It is often recommended to do the H-taping method, where you apply tape along the opening seams to form the letter H. It would also help to add a ‘fragile’ or ‘handle with care’ label to the outside of the box.
For larger or bulky artworks, it might be necessary to consider a custom-built wooden crate. These crates provide greater protection for weightier items and those with unusual dimensions.
In summary, the process of packing artwork requires a lot of care and attention. Always keep in mind that your artwork is precious and may be irreparable, so taking the time to pack it properly will always be worth it. Whether you’re an artist, collector, or simply someone in possession of art you profoundly treasure, deserve peace of mind while your artwork is in transit.