If you run an online art store, preparing artworks for shipping is probably one of your most critical tasks. Artwork is often fragile, so it needs careful attention and high-level packing expertise to ensure it arrives at its destination in perfect condition. Damaged artwork not only leads to customer dissatisfaction, but also results in lost profits. In this article, we will provide tips on the best techniques for packing artwork for shipping and also how to choose the right materials to secure your artwork.
1. Choose the Correct Packing Materials
The first step in packing artwork for shipping is ensuring the correct packing materials. The most common packaging essentials include bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, packing paper, foam boards, and tape. Avoid using newspaper as packing material since ink can rub off and stain your artwork while in transit. Instead, opt for acid-free tissue paper to avoid any discoloration.
Some materials may be susceptible to smudging, scratches, or scuff marks, so keep that in mind. Soft items like canvases may benefit from a surface protection layer, like painter’s tape, to shield the surface from stray fingerprints and dings. If your artwork contains glass, don’t forget to apply a protective coat on the glass, since it can easily shatter.
2. Proper Framing
Framed art is one that needs additional promptness when it comes to packing artwork for shipping. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to package framed art effectively. Ensure that it’s fully secure in the frame compressing. When shipping frames, it’s advisable to take extra precautions by covering the front with protective tape to prevent glass damage. Some shipping companies may, however, not accept framed art pieces, so it’s essential to do some research before you choose your shipping partner.
3. Temperature Controlled Environments
Climate can have a considerable impact on artwork, so you need to ensure that your packages remain controlled as much as possible. When shipping artwork that requires special temperature conditions, consider preparing the following measures:
● Implementing heat/cool packs for temperature-sensitive pieces, like oil paints.
● Use thermally-insulated boxes for added protection
● Expedite your shipping options to minimize the duration of time the artwork is held in transit.
4. Utilize Correct Box Sizes
Another essential tip when packing artwork for shipping is using the right box sizes. It’s tempting to think that big boxes are suitable additions to ship artwork; however, that’s not always the case. Ideologically, individuals believe that the packing process will benefit from larger boxes can decrease the cramped space within boxes. The opposite is almost true. The more room artwork has to move around within its package, the higher the chances of damage. Hence, choosing the right-sized boxes is critical in ensuring that your artwork stays protected while in transit.
5. Consider Pallet Shipping
If you’re shipping significant quantities of artwork or art pieces that are exceptionally large or heavy, pallet shipping could be the better choice and lead to more secure transport. When it comes to pallet shipping, you don’t need to worry about boxes shifting around or being damaged in transport. Additionally, pallet shipping is cheaper since you’re only charged for the pallet space, not the individual pieces on it.
6. Label Your Package
Our last, but not least, recommendation is to make sure to label your packages correctly. To keep customers informed, never forget to label the packaging with the essential elements required for shipping.
● Ensure that the necessary identification information, like your return address, is prominent
● Label your package as the correct box orientation, whether upright, side down, or with certain notations.
● Specify any fragile content, eg. Fragile, and Red” to alert handlers to take extra care when handling your package.
Conclusion
Whatever artwork you’re shipping, always pay attention to the quality of packaging you’re implementing. Not only will proper packing protect your art during shipping, but it also reflects on the confidence of the purchase you make. Secure packaging assures your customers that you’re committed to handling and delivering quality art products. By now, you have a good idea of how to pack your artwork securely, label packages correctly, and choose the right shipping partner to guarantee that your shipping years to come will arrive safely and promptly.