Any tips for shipping large paintings and artwork?

Question

I need advice on the best and cheapest way to ship a kind of large painting, (about 24"X30"X1"). Anyone have any experience with doing this? Anything I should avoid? Is using the USPS O.K. or should I spend more and use FedEx or UPS?

Answer 1

I ship my paintings all over the world. Make a box to go around it out of hard board and wood planks just over the thickness of the painting . Wrap your picture in bubble wrap. I always use parcel2go or there are this type of transporter that actually uses fedex of DHL but is miles cheaper I don't know how.they do it . I have never had a problem and of course it is a worry when the picture is out there on its voyage but with modern tracking systems I think there is very little risk . One, of course can go to a art packer and etc but it is soooo expensive . I hope it arrives safely

Answer 2

It really doesn't matter which carrier you use but if the artwork is valuable I would definitely insure it...doesn't cost much. I worked in major galleries and have seen art damaged in shipping numerous times. $500 is the max Fed-Ex and UPS will ensure. There is a company called AirFloat that specifically makes padded foam lined boxes for framed and unframed artwork but they can be expensive. I would first check at your local frame shop (or gallery) to see if they carry any or would sell you a used one at a discount. If not, then it shouldn't be too hard to make one. Get a box at least 2" thicker than the artwork and 6" bigger in length and width (3" on all sides)...so you would need a box 30"x36"x3" to be safe. Line it with foam from either a hardware store or arts and crafts store. Ideally you want 3 layers of foam. Place the artwork centered on the middle layer and trace (with sharpie) around it. Cut out the center a little smaller than the actual opening so it will have a snug fit. Do not cut the top and bottom layers of foam. Then "sandwich" it with the top and bottom layer. Tape all the seams around the box really well and make sure to label it FRAGILE (and GLASS if it has it) on all sides in BIG LETTERS.

ADDED:
If it is an oil, acrylic, pastel or such, I would advise maybe wrapping it in wax paper first, or some other nonstick material. We usually just used plastic bags or plain wrapping paper but the artwork was always cured or dry.

I believe you can get a quote from fedex.com, usps.com and/or ups.com....

Answer 3

I have shipped painting worldwide with USPS and never had a problem. I double wrap in bubble wrap and cardboard the corners. Then make my own box. Also always put fragile stickers-then I just download my postage from their site and put in for next day pickup at my front door-a breeze! If you are worried pay a couple more bucks for insurance-but they seem to be less and more consistant than the other two-use Priority mail (2-3 days continental USA)

Answer 4

Is it a painting with glass? If not, make sure that your frame is protected, but the painting itself should be padded so there is no chance of having it punctured. One of my daughters worked for UPS and they had good guidelines for extra protection--and another daughter works for another mailing company. They both use a lot of bubble wrap, a lot of tape especially at the corners or at the joints where the bubble wrap overlaps. And I have had paintings mailed to me and have found them done professionally with lots of padding. The padding with bubble wrap, air cushions, foam, etc is very light, but fares well in a sturdy cardboard box, with strapping tape on the outside.

Answer 5

As a personal artist I have found that the company to trust is UPS they do a great job with packaging an meet all my needs giving me one less thing to worry about. They will even pick up at the studio. I remember when before these services we (all us oldsters) had to be carpenters and make our own crates. Ugh....visit me on the web at http://www.theartofjudynunes.net/ Good Luck to you,
Humboldt County Artist
California

Answer 6

Get a specialist art, door to door, shipper to pack and move the painting if you love it.

I used to do it myself but they are definitely worth the money. I go to art shows that much more relaxed these days. :)

Ask a local art museum what service they use..You can be sure that that will do just fine.

Answer 7

UPS can pack them for you.

Or take them to a mailing service like Mailboxes Etc., who have experience packing and shipping large items.

Answer 8

Check with some local high-end galleries, they always have shippers and/or companies that build crates for them. If you know a carpenter, check him out for cost as well.