Packing artwork is another kind of “artwork”. If you do it wrong, you might completely ruin the valuable piece. Frames can break, glass can too. Canvas can get scratched. Even if the artwork moves a bit inside a box that is not padded well, it can get damaged for good. It does not matter if you are moving to a place in the same town or to a different state – you have to pack your artwork the right way.

This guide will show you seemingly simple, but very important tips to safe you time, money, and nerves.

Gather the Right Materials First

Before you start packing your artwork you need to get all the materials you need. If you use the materials you can damage your artwork.

Here is what you will need:

Acid-free or glassine paper to keep your artwork from getting scratched
Bubble wrap. You should use least two layers for most pieces
Cardboard or foam corner protectors
Packing tape and painters tape
Boxes for pictures or mirrors
Crumpled packing paper to fill empty spaces
A soft cloth to dust your artwork

Do not use newspapers to pack your artwork, because it can damage it. Newspaper, wax paper and tissue paper are not good for artwork. Acid-free materials are a little more expensive but they will keep your artwork safe.

Note:

If you have an oil painting do not let plastic wrap touch the paint. The plastic can damage the paint, especially if the painting is old or not varnished. You should put glassine or acid-free paper between the paint and the wrapping.

How to Pack Framed Artwork Step by Step

Protecting the Frame and Glass

If your artwork has glass, put painters tape on the glass in an X shape. This will keep the glass from moving and will help if it breaks.
Put cardboard or foam corner protectors on the corners of the frame.
Wrap the artwork with glassine paper first, then add two layers of bubble wrap and secure it with packing tape. Do not put tape on the frame itself.

Choosing the Right Box

You should use a box for artwork or a mirror box for most prints and paintings. If you have a heavy piece, you should use a wooden crate. The box should be a little bigger than the artwork, not big because if it is too big the artwork can move around inside.
Line the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper. Put the wrapped artwork in the box standing up, not flat. This will reduce the pressure on the glass and the frame.
Fill the spaces in the box with packing paper. Close the box. Shake it gently. If anything moves – add padding.
Seal the box with packing tape and label it “Fragile. Artwork. This Side Up.”

Unframed Canvas and Oil Paintings

These kinds of artwork are more delicate, because they do not have glass to protect them. Dust the canvas gently with a cloth before you pack it. Put glassine paper on the front of the painting to keep it from getting damaged, then wrap it with bubble wrap with the bubbles facing out.

Use a box with a lot of padding on all sides. For canvases you should consider using a custom wooden crate, especially if you are moving a long distance.

Packing Sculptures and 3D Art

Sculptures are different because of their shapes.
Cover the sculpture with plastic wrap then add a lot of bubble wrap to cushion it.
Pack the sculpture in a box with padding on all sides. If you are packing sculptures together, use packing paper to keep them from touching.

Loading and Transport

How you load your artwork onto the truck is just as important as how you pack it.

Keep the artwork boxes standing up not flat
Put them between stable things to keep them from falling
Do not stack boxes on top of artwork
If you have very valuable pieces, you should transport them in your own car
If you are moving to a different climate, think about how the temperature and humidity will affect your artwork.

When to Hire Professional Help

If you have a valuable or irreplaceable piece, you should get help from a professional. If your artwork is very valuable, you should ask about insurance that is based on the value of the artwork, not its weight. Weight-based coverage does not usually cover the cost of replacing artwork.

Yet, you do not need to hire a professional for every piece of artwork. You can pack prints, framed photos and posters yourself, with the materials.

A Plus Moving services will help you make your move smooth. Our team will take care of moving your belongings and free your mind for more important details of the move. Call us today at (800) 919-6332!