This page looks at ​TWO types of packaging for packaging art for shipping.
​

Internal Packaging
​

This helps to make it look good and keeps it dry 
Plus it protects the work should your package get opened by customs.

External Packaging
​

During transit - or while in storage - external packaging helps to protect and keep the artwork safe from harm 
Picture
Robin Purcell's painting - shipping out to the California Art Club's 107th Gold Medal exhibit
Thanks to Robin Purcell for permission to use a photo of her artwork packed and ready to ship

INTERIOR PACKAGING
​

Approaches
  • Archival packaging for fine art
  • ​protecting frames
  • protecting glazing
  • protecting edges
​
Supplies
  • Clear Bags
  • Photo sleeves
  • Acid free boxes
  • Glassine paper / interleaving / envelopes
  • Glass skin / Glass safety film
  • Glass Protection Tape
  • Stretch wrap
  • Corner Protectors

Archival protective packaging - next to artwork
​

Clear Bag

There are different methods for creating a sealed and secure internal package which has archival materials in contact with the artwork and protects the art from any moisture in the atmosphere

Remember artworks may not be unpacked in their entirety at the other end. The exterior packaging may be all that is removed in the first instance

Clear bags which can be sealed are very useful way of providing an archival and sealed package while leaving the artwork clearly visible
SUPPLIERS:

Glass Skin, Glass Protection Tape & Glass Safety Film

​The purpose of Glass safety Film is to stop broken glass from doing any further damage should it shatter.

I've witnessed a packaged painting being unwrapped after the glass had shattered and it can mark both painting, mat and frame.

WHAT A GLASS SKIN CAN DO
  • reduce the scope for damage to your artwork if glass shatters or breaks in transit.
  • enable glass to remain secured to the Glass Skin if it shatters - so that it does not touch the art or mat or frame.
Any film need to be capable of being removed easily. I suggest you check before you buy. The reference section provides examples of what's available but I would always recommend you check how easy it is to remove.

An alternative to glass safety film is to tape foam core to the glass to act as a cushion and to hold any broken glass in place

This article provides a diagram of how to apply glass protection tape to a glazed artwork 
The main problem with Glass Skin is finding a supplier - so don't leave it too late before you start looking.
​
SUPPLIERS:
  • Glass Protection Tape | Preservation Equipment - low tack clear tape. Lifts off easily without leaving adhesive residue behind. Ideal for shipping glass, moving display cabinets, and protecting picture frames in transit. 
  • Masterpak's Glass Protection Tape, Glass Skin® is an extra-wide, low tack adhesive “tape” which reduces the scope for damage in the event that glass is shattered or breaks. The protective tape is applied directly to the entire (clean) surface area of the glass. It uses a  a rubber-based, pressure sensitive adhesive that will not leave a residue. If the glass shatters, it still remains secured to the Glas-Skin—away from your art. It can be easily removed for up to 4 months after application​
  • Glas-Skin - Airfloat Systems - Airfloat recommend the use of Glas-Skin as an "in-transit" safety measure which provides "in transit" glass protection. 
  • Mothercare Glass Safety Film - designed for small children but equally effective with glazed frames

Glassine & Glassine Envelopes
​

Glassine is available as a sheet or as an envelope

Glassine is used to protect drawings, watercolour paintings, fine art and digital prints and other artworks from the sort of damage which can commonly be encountered e.g. rubbing, exposure to the air, moisture.  It is particularly suitable for the softer dry media such as pastel, charcoal or graphite and can protect such media from accidental smudging. 

Translucent glassine envelopes are available in all photographic sizes and formats.

They are available with open end, open side and flap enclosures.

For photography: these are perfect for the archival storage of both negatives and prints, both silver and digital.

For drawings: these are perfect for storing or transporting pastel drawings
UK SUPPLIERS:
Rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 20 customers

This is glassine on a roll so the big advantage is you can cut to size.  It comes as a roll which is 36" x 20 yards so very suitable for those who need to despatch lots of artwork on a regular basis.

The glassine has a neutral pH and protects your artwork from scratches. It's great inbetween your artwork and whatever you use for packing.

​It's also really good for keeping artwork in good condition while stored in archive drawers prior to despatch.

Protecting frames and edges
​

Stretch Wrap

My framer always uses a special cling film to wrap around the frames to stop the edges getting damaged in transit. He uses clingwrap on a roll to wrap around all the edges of the frame quickly - with corners getting a double wrap treatment.

This has the advantage of
  • providing protection while adding negligible depth to the frame
  • being very acceptable to galleries who don't mind protection for pictures which are being stacked and which is easy to remove but won't allow corner protectors as they reduce the amount of space available for stacking pictures.

​Used by artists and galleries:
  • Use to wrap artwork to keep clean and protect against moisture
  • Use to wrap frames only for exhibitions - where you want to protect the frame but need to keep the artwork visible

Product features
  • Sticks only to itself, no residue
  • Includes grip for one-handed application
  • Versatile material wraps, bundles, protects, keeps items clean
Tromax Stretch Wrap
Wrapping the Frame
My framer uses one of these rolls of cling film on a handle to wrap the frames after framing to keep them clean and protect from damage
  • Tromax Stretch Wrap 5" X 1000 Feet.
  • ​Strong 80 Gauge Film with Handle
​REFERENCE - Protective Clear Wrap
  • Handywrap Dispensing Handle - Handywrap dispenses 4" wide clingfilm to wrap around frames. This is the handle on to which the cling film roll goes
  • Handywrap - per roll - Comes on a roll 10c m (4") wide x 150m (490') long. Use handywrap for bundling lengths of moulding, wrapping and protecting frames, etc. The clear film is specially formulated so that it will only stick to itself, not to anything else.
  • Handywrap - Used for bundling, securing and protecting awkward shaped goods. Sticks to itself so it does not leave a residue on your belongings. Extremely versatile 

Corner and Edge Protection

Corner Protectors are invaluable for keeping frames separated and protecting the corners of frames during transit.

Cardboard corners are used by lots of framers to provide a way of protecting the most vulnerable part of a frame - the corner. If you get a work framed, chances are it will come home with a cardboard corner.

Note that Galleries will often NOT allow corner protectors as they reduce the amount of space available for stacking pictures.

The corner protectors come in different sizes and it's always best to use the right size for the thickness of a frame - otherwise they slip off.

They are also initially flat until assessmbled - and they can be disassembled after use (i.e. they are a complete pain and take up a lot of space if you have lots of them of different sizes and they're not flat)
US ART Decor Adjustable Corner Protector

These White Picture Frame corner protectors use four per picture frame i.e. one per corner
  • Features a flap that folds under and locks onto the front corner of most frames
  • US Made Die Cut in Georgia
  • Protects the frames of paintings and photographs
  • Each corner is 4 inches by 4 inches and is 5.25 inch diagnal
#1 Best Seller in Frames and Parts on Amazon
REFERENCE - Corner Protection

Bubble wrap

see "How to protect and cushion artwork" section below.

EXTERNAL PACKAGING & PROTECTIVE WRAPPING
​

There are many forms of external packaging which are suitable for use in shipping artwork but it's often difficult to find out about them. ​In the reference section you can links to external websites which offer information about suitable packaging
Approaches covered e.g.
  • How to make a Crate​​
Materials / ​Protective packing covered include:
​
BOXES
  • Wooden Crates - for larger artworks and 3D art
  • SPECIALIST packing boxes and shipping bags designed for artwork
  • Specialised shipping envelopes designed for art
  • small self-assembly mailing boxes - these come in varying sizes and are best for 3D works or small consignments. Pack to fill and make sure works do not move.
  • book boxes - If you buy books on the internet, some of them come in very robust packaging - which can then be recycled for small artworks
  • boxes on wheels - for when you are taking artwork to exhibitions
ENVELOPES
  • board backed manilla envelopes - useful for smaller pieces. Less good for larger sizes
  • polythene envelopes - good for keeping work dry - but needs internal stiffening of some sort
  • bubble envelopes - useful and provides some cushioning but also needs a stiffener
TUBES
  • poster/mailing tubes - are sold for larger/odd shaped works which are sent rolled
​STIFFENING
  • foam core in various sizes and thicknesses is light and robust - use for backing sheets or to provide a sandwich inside which the work(s) go. If taking a a sandwich approach then tape the foam core sheets together.
  • sheets of corrugated cardboard. This comes in different thicknesses. I prefer foam core as I'm always worried about what would happen if the cardboard got wet.
​​CUSHIONING / FILLING MATERIALS FOR VOID SPACES
  • bubble wrap - good for cushioning. Bubble wrap can be recycled if you are careful when unpacking - although almost always in smaller pieces. NOTE WARNINGS about the use of bubble wrap
  • foam board / core - frequently used to keep items flat and excellent for creating a sandwich
  • Dunnage / loose wood
  • Crumpled paper - usually brown paper
EQUIPMENT
  • Tape Gun
  • Weatherproof Labels
  • Permanent Marker
REMEMBER to recycle packaging you receive!

HOW TO: Build a Crate
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CAUTION re INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS:
​If you propose to use wood as part of your packaging for you need to be aware that this might mean your shipment does not move - unless it complies with standards which aim to prevent the transport of pests associated with wood packaging materials

Solid wood packaging includes:
  • packing cases
  • boxes and crates
  • drums and similar packing
  • pallets, box pallets and pallet collars
  • dunnage (loose wood used to protect goods and their packaging)
READ the Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade produced by the International Plant Protection Convention.
regulation_of_wood_packaging_material_in_international_trade_ispm_15_2013_en_2016-06-07.pdf
File Size: 777 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Build a Wood Crate
Crates are essential for larger 2D and 3D works of art.  It's best to build them to a custom size - making sure you are using wood which can travel and remain robust

Show the video below to your friendly neighbourhood joiner.
An artist who has built a crate for an individual painting - unpacks it as artwork arrives back from an exhibition and shows us how it is made and how the packing works
This is the artist version - a Canadian husband and wife team build a crate for medium sized paintings for an art fair.  
​I love the slider bit on the bottom to avoid ruining the carpet of your car!  This crate doubles as a table for the booth.  They propose at the end using foamcore inserts to separate paintings because this makes the crate lighter.

BOXES

Packing Boxes

Cardboard packing boxes are suitable for smaller to medium sized works of art.

However they are NOT DESIGNED TO CARRY ART and the extent to which they deliver the art safe and sound its entirely dependent on the person packing them - and using additional and appropriate materials. i.e. not great of you are dependent on a third party to ship your art back to you in the same packaging!

The critical issue is the amount of weight they can carry - and this needs to be the packaged weight - not the weight of the art prior to packing.

It's possible to purchase packing boxes - in different sizes - which arrive flat and you then assemble for use as and when required. The flat pack makes for easy storage - however predicting the supplies required for different sizes may be more of a challenge.

There is some merit in using the packing box sold by the company which you use for shipping. If it then fails in transit there is no third party to blame!
Companies providing packaging materials for fine art

Airfloat Systems Boxes

Many artists in the USA are huge fans of Airfloat Boxes. ​The boxes come up with specialised inserts suitable for particular kinds of art
REFERENCE​

Art Box Worldwide

Art Box is produced by an Irish company which claims some years of professional experience of fine art shipping and logistics. The Art Box has four sizes and works as follows:
  • they ship the box to you
  • you pack it
  • they arrange shipping of the artwork to its final destination (subject to compliance with what it can contain and how to pack it)
  • shipping is insured up to £1,000 by default - but they can insure for higher values
Art Box Worldwide Limited is a private limited Company in Ireland (Reg: 576357 | Address: Unit J 10, Swords Business Park, Swords Co. Dublin, K67 W973, Ireland.).
They have a Facebook Page
Awaiting Image
We started using Art Box because it solved one main problem for us: being able to easily quote an all-in price for shipping to international customers who do not benefit from our free delivery service. Getting quotes from international art couriers is often a time-consuming process which delays a sale. We also wanted to be able integrate international shipping prices into our website at checkout. 
Mall Galleries

Museumpak™

Museumpak™ is a new product designed for the European market which does not have access to Airfloat boxes. It launches in April 2018.  These are professional art shipping boxes with foam padding and puncture guards - and they are delivered anywhere in the UK and rest of Europe.

This is their claim
Museumpak™ was created out of a need for an all-in-one, safe, affordable and monkey proof shipping solution for the fine arts and contemporary art. Museumpak™ is our strongest box that offers strongbox safety with three layers of foam inside.

Boxes on wheels
​

I have looked in vain for boxes on wheels specifically designed for transporting artwork to exhibitions.

However at the RHS Botanical Art Show 2018 I came across two examples of boxes used for transporting a minimum of six framed and unframed artworks. Two of the RHS Gold Medal winners each used a big box on wheels - and I wrote up what they used in this blog post How to get your art exhibit there and back - safe and secure. It highlights five different ways to get an exhibits of six artworks plus all associated captions to and from the RHS Lindley Hall - on trains, planes and in cars!
Picture
A home-made box on wheels - taking six framed artworks and prints and cards home to Yorkshire - via taxi, train and car
Picture
On the right a large portfolio case - with wheels on the bottom - going home to Japan via taxi and plane

BAGS: Special Envelopes for transporting artwork

There are three types of envelope available in the UK
  • The Art Pakk Smart Bag (formerly known as the 'Breen smart bag')
  • The Stiffy Art Bag - which has been around 'forever' 
  • The Biomap Reusable artwork shipping and storage bag

If you are using these bags to send artwork via a courier, make sure you have a clear and secure label that it belongs to you on the outside and inside (and no other possible source of confusion for the people transporting it.)

The bags themselves do not provide protection for edges and corners - and you may need extra protection.
Measurements for bags are for the size of the bags - not the size of the artwork they can hold - so you need to order a larger size which can accommodate a frame if framed.

Velcro seals are effective but NOT secure.

Bags like these particularly good for using in circumstances when you are
  • storing artwork in a clean dry and dust-free environment in your studio or store
  • transporting artwork to an exhibition and want a container which you (or your courier) can use again and again.

ArtPakk Smart Bag (formerly called 'Breen Smart Bags')
​

This strong art bag is designed for packing, storing and transporting 2D artworks and frames. It's typically used by quality framers.

It provides:
  • 10 different sizes up to 200mm
  • Lightweight, strong and shock absorbent
  • Water resistant covering edged with a strong binding
  • Lined with a soft acid free lining
  • Moisture absorbent, mildew and mould repellent
  • Resealable using a velcro strip

It's suggested that a big will need at least an extra 10cm to hold a canvas or frame of specific size

If you want to protect corners and edges you will need to apply corner edges and foam separately.
ArtPakk : Smart Bag Artwork Storage and Protection : 70x92cm

The Stiffy Art Bag
​

The Stiffy Art Bag offers
  • 14 standard bag sizes
  • a durable metallic foil bubble wrap material
  • strong plastic lining which prevents snagging.
  • Use your own adhesive tape to seal the bag. (Note: This can tear the bag when it is removed)
  • Can be used multiple times
  • PLUS Can be be made to measure
I know a number of artists recommend the use of the Stiffy Bag because:
  • it can be tailor made to the size of your artwork
  • it's effective and can be used again and again.
  • it's much cheaper than some alternative options
REFERENCE
  • Stiffy Bag - The Art Bag - The STIFFY BAG can be custom made to order to fit all sizes of art there is no minimum or maximum size that we cannot manufacture. Standard bag sizes are listed on the website. (Made in Kent, UK)
Picture
Stiffy Art Bag - in various sizes
Picture
How to use a Stiffy Bag - it can accommodate small framed works

Biomap Reusable Artwork Shipping and Storage Bag
​

These bags are:
  • made of recycled content
  • use velcro-flap to seal the top
  • includes a transparent A4 bag on the outside to enable ease of artwork identification (in storage) OR for shipping documents when transporting artwork
  • all the bags (except for the three largest sizes) also have a detachable hook and loop handles
  • Corner and Foam edge protectors are also available
There are ten different sizes - each with a different colour edge to the flap
  • 40x50cm Light Blue,
  • 50x60cm Pink,
  • 60x70cm Blue,
  • 70x90cm Yellow,
  • 90x110cm Red,
  • 110x130cm White,
  • 130x160cm Grey,
  • 140x160cm Orange,
  • 160x210cm Green,
  • 210x210cm Violet.
While it's really easy to get artwork in and out, this aspect makes these bags less than useful if using shipping other than a responsible courier

Bottom line there is no intrinsic element to the bag itself which stops the artwork from being damaged, other than the fact it is covered. To protect edges and corners, you need to buy these as additional items.

The bag may be of most use in a studio keeping artwork clean and dust-free while in storage.

Mailing Tubes
​

Robust Mailing Tubes are a good way to send giclee prints and/or large originals on paper so they don't require a large flat package and arrive undamaged
REFERENCE:
  • Papermart | Tubes & Mailing Tubes - Various different types of tubes for mailing artwork which can be rolled.
  • Yazoo Mills - Paper tubes are available to purchase now at yazoomills.com. Large selection of quality paper tubes including mailing tubes, custom paper tubes and tape and label cores. 
Duck Brand Twist-n-Pull Tamper-Evident Mailing Tube
  • Durable construction
  • Plastic caps snap securely in place
  • Innovative tab and slot locking system
  • Two tamper-evident locking clips
  • Great for mailing and storage
Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 133 customer reviews

Envelopes for small packets
​

Small artworks are often shipped in envelopes used for small packets which use different aspects to:
  • make them waterproof
  • provide cushioning
  • provide stiffness
REFERENCE:
  • Royal Mail - shop - Bubble envelopes - protective packaging for valuable and delicate articles
  • Royal mail - shop - Polythene envelopes - the lightweight waterproof alternative to paper envelopes
  • Royal Mail - White and Manilla Envelopes in various sizes

HOW TO: Protect and cushion artworks
​

Many shipping firms recommend that, in order to protect artwork and prevent damage to other shipments you should leave at least TWO INCHES of cushioning
  • between fragile materials and
  • between materials and the outside of the box.
​

​Options for cushioning fragile/valuable items
​

These include:
  • Crumpled Paper - this is suitable for items which are light and not fragile.
  • Bubble Pack - this is frequently used to to protect lightweight fragile and/or valuable items from damage. It can also be reused if removed carefully. It should NEVER EVER be used near wet paint
  • Foam Core and stiff cardboard liners are useful for protecting flat artworks such as matted drawings
  • Polystyrene forms: Polystyrene can be used to create different small forms which can then be used to fill voids simply and easily. Beware - this is a one-way only option. They far too annoying to remove and reuse easily! Have your dustpan and brush at the ready!
  • Foam and Corrugated Liners: Protect heavier works with liners that have some resilience and depth.
  • Glass Safety Film - this prevents glass from causing further damage if it shatters. However it won't provide enough protection to stop it shattering

Foam Board / Core 
​

The great advantage of foam board is it is very light.

It can be used to create a sandwich around unframed artwork to protect it.

​Other foam products are also available.
  • Foam Core Board - Has a white, rigid polystyrene foam centre, with smooth white paper laminated onto both faces. This board is very light, very stiff and very flat.
  • The Foam Factory - packaging foam productspackaging foam products, shredded foam, polyethylene, poly, charcoal, foam chips, polystyrene replacement, foam products applications, eggcrate foam, package inserts, soundproofing, filling, sealing foams,

Bubble Wrap / Pouches / Sleeves
​

Bubble wrap can provides a cushioning barrier around objects that need to be protected - BUT MUST BE USED WITH CAUTION.

It is frequently used to wrap packages.
  • Bubble wrap is made of a transparent plastic material which has the flexibility of a stiff cloth.
  • The sheet has "bubbles" of air filled hemispheres protruding on both sides. 
  • The size and density of the bubbles varies - as does the length of the role​
  • It comes in sheets, on a roll and can be made into sleeves and pouches.
Bubble wrap can provide excellent cushioning between the exterior wrap and the interior wrap - but only IF there is no scope for it to damage the artwork.
CAUTION:  Bubble wrap will make impressions IF: 
  • the oil paint is not yet set properly and/or 
  • heating in its vicinity causes it to soften up.​

NEVER use bubble wrap
  • right next to a recently completed oil painting and/or recently applied varnish. Even if it's not brand new, it can take years for the oil paint to set properly so it's unaffected by bubble wrap. 
  • next to the surface of paintings in mediums which might become soft again if stored in places which get very hot  - that's quite a few transit areas and art galleries. Bubble wrap against a painting medium which has gone soft creates indentations. 
The artist had wrapped the painting in bubble wrap, the smaller bubbles. The bubbles had stuck to the varnish on the painting, and, upon removing the bubbles, we found that we had a bubble wrap pattern in the surface of the piece.  
Duck Brand Bubble Wrap Original Cushioning
REFERENCE:

Sealing the Package
​

Pistol Grip Tape Guns

Packing is so much simpler with a tape gun.  ​My recommendation - buy the best tape gun you can afford - you'll never ever regret it! ​Mine has to sit in a very prominent place so I never ever lose sight of it!

Once you've used a pistol grip tape gun you will never ever want to use anything else for taping up a package! Honest! The way it speeds up packaging is awesome and you don't get tape sticking to itself (and you) while you're trying to stick it to the package. 
Professional Pistol Grip Tape Gun
This is the tape gun I use - except mine's old and red!  However I am totally devoted to it - it makes taping so EASY!  I'd be absolutely devastated if I lost my "old faithful"!  Hence it always stays in full view so I always want to know where it is!

PS Don't forget to order spare rolls of tape - it's amazing how much you go through when making sure that a parcel is super secure. (see below)
This is an alternative available from Amazon UK which is highly rated Pacplus Heavy Duty Premium Pistol Grip Carton Sealer

High Performance Adhesive Tape

The tape you use for packages with artwork inside needs to be good quality if it is to withstand the rigours of postage and shipping and the awful things that happen to some parcels.
  • It's got to stay STUCK whatever the weather, temperature or moisture levels.
  • It needs to be flexible to go round corners and seal up edges
Make sure you use heavy performance tape for parcels. ​Normal sellotape simply isn't up to the job.
I love my wide brown sticky packaging tape! My preference is for Scotch Heavy Duty Packaging Tape.

The cost for add-on rolls is minimal. In the USA it can cost something like $5 more to get 5 extra rolls of tape when compared to a single roll and dispenser.

I'd alalways buy the extra rolls - you'll be amazed how fast you use it up if sending packages out on a regular basis!  Plus there's nothing more irritating than running out in the middle of a packaging exercise!
REFERENCE

The Tape Dispenser 
​

A good tape dispenser saves time and avoids much uttering of expletives as you try to find where the tape actually starts 
Scotch Tape Dispenser
There are few things more frustrating than sellotape when sealing internal edges in a parcel. I much prefer mine in a dispenser.

Labels and labelling pens
​

Weatherproof Labels 
​

​Waterproof Laserjet Labels
  • Weatherproof durable shipping labels for laser printer (REMEMBER laser print does not run while the ink used inkjet printing runs if it does get wet and needs a protective cover - see below!)
  • Provides strong protection for harsh environments and weather conditions.
  • Durable polyester with strong adhesive for a variety of surfaces.
  • Available in different sizes

Waterproof Seal required for labels printed using Inkjet Printers

If you want to protect labels produced using inkjet printing cover it with a durable and waterproof film. Ordinary sellotape works reasonably well

Alternatively use a transparent shipping envelope (see How to ship internationally)
Shipping Labels
Most waterproof labels only work with laser jet printers. These labels claim to be waterproof whether you use a laser-jet or an ink-jet printer

These are also proper Shipping Size Labels - use a large font size and make labels easy to read!
​Avery Shipping Labels
Avery is a very reliable provider of labels for shipping.  ​
These are:
  • 199.6 x 143.5 mm, permanent, two labels per sheet, 200 labels per pack
  • the QuickDRY material they're made of means that can be used in inkjet printers without creating smudges
​Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19 customer reviews

BUY THESE LABELS

Permanent Waterproof Pens and Markers

Remember you might know how your post works at your end but you've no idea where the parcel might be left when it reaches the customer.

Make sure that the address is written using a PERMANENT WATERPROOF marker - which means the address won't disappear if the package gets left outside - and it rains.
Permanent Waterproof Marker Pens
Sharpies are the most popular permanent water resistant markers which don't smudge, smear or fade.