Shipping artwork can be a stressful experience, especially if you don’t know the proper techniques to keep your precious piece of artwork safe and sound. Shipping canvas art is a more delicate process than shipping other types of art such as paper prints or photographs as it demands more protection and care due to its size and weight. Here we have listed out some of the best practices to help ship canvas art safely and securely.
shipping canvas art has been a rapidly growing business in the recent past. Advanced technology and the global marketplace have allowed artists to ship their artwork to clients all over the world. However, many artists face the challenge of safely shipping their priceless artwork without damage to be able to satisfy the demanding clients and preserve the value of their artwork.
Packaging Techniques
The packaging material that is used for canvas art needs to be high-quality and sturdy to ensure that it arrives in one piece. Firstly, choose a cardboard box that can hold the painting and gives you enough room to pack the painting with cushioning materials on all sides. The box should be strong enough to support the weight of the painting.
The next step is to wrap the canvas art in a clear plastic sheet or protective paper to prevent dirt, dust or moisture from damaging the painting during transportation. A good practice is to cover the painting with a layer of acid-free glassine paper before the plastic sheet. A glassine paper is a kind of non-acidic, archival paper that is used to protect artworks, and it’s a great idea to use it in combination with the plastic sheet.
After covering the painting, it’s time to add cushioning to the box. Foam boards or expanded polystyrene are a good option as they offer strong protection against impacts. The cushioning layers should be placed inside the box on all four sides and provide a snug fit to the painting.
The final step is to add a warning label outside the box that mentions, “Fragile and Delicate – Handle with Care.” In some cases, a “this side up” or “upright” label is also added, indicating which side should be facing upwards to prevent damage.
Shipping Costs
When shipping a painting, the cost of shipping depends on the size, weight, and destination of the painting. In general, the cost to ship a canvas art piece within a country will be lower than shipping it internationally. Shipping costs may also depend on the carrier you choose, the insurance coverage offered, and the shipping speed you need.
It’s a good idea to research different options and compare shipping costs before finalizing a carrier. Shipping companies such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL have a proven track record of safe and reliable shipping of artwork. However, they come with a considerable price tag compared to other operators like USPS. Additionally, insurance coverage is essential to protect your artwork and ensure that you’re reimbursed for any financial loss in case of damage.
Custom Crates
For expensive, unique pieces of artwork, custom crates are an excellent option. Custom crates are typically made of solid wood or plywood and can be tailored to fit the exact dimensions of your painting. Custom crates offer the highest level of protection against physical damage and are considered best practice for shipping delicate, valuable artwork. They protect the painting against environmental factors such as humidity and temperature fluctuations and are made with materials that can sustain the artwork’s weight.
If you are planning to ship or transport your artwork frequently, it’s a wise investment to get a custom crate manufactured. Although it’s a more expensive and time-consuming process than standard packaging, custom crates are ideal for artwork that is being shipped multiple times or is traveling long distances.
In conclusion, shipping canvas art requires attention to detail and a little extra care compared to shipping other types of art. Ensure that your artwork is packaged correctly using high-quality materials and cushioning layers. Always opt for insurance coverage to keep your artwork safe while in transit, and consider custom crates when shipping valuable artwork. Following these steps will help ensure that your artwork reaches its destination safely and securely.