How to safely pack my artwork for shipping?

Seller's exclusive responsibility in packaging

The packaging is the sole responsibility of the seller. The seller must ensure that he packages the work securely to withstand the vagaries of transport, to its destination. We recommend taking pictures of the packaging steps to be able to prove in case of a problem that it was adapted to the risk. Above a certain amount, Artmajeur offers a specialized transporter who packages the work himself and takes full responsibility.

Include the cost of packaging in your selling prices

Keep in mind that transport conditions can be harsh for packages: they must be able to withstand all the hazards of transport. Make sure you make or buy suitable, strong packaging and include the cost of packaging in your selling prices.

Importance of packaging for shipments 

Whether it is to ship a few kilometres from your workshop or to the other side of the world, good preparation of the packaging is essential for the shipment of your works. Handling, changes in transport mode during the journey of the work and delivery to your customer's door increase the risk of deterioration of the work. Packaging is therefore an essential aspect of the sale of the work of art. A satisfied customer has a high chance of buying back and will even tell your loved ones about you, whereas if he is not satisfied, in addition to returning the damaged work to you, you have an 80% chance of losing this customer.

How to securely package paintings for shipping? 

• We can provide heavy duty secure box for paintings up to 100x120cm, shipped to you in 48h
• For paintings sent mounted on a wooden frame, provide at least a thickness of 5cm of polystyrene/foam  on the front and back, and  10cm on all sides.  
• Ship only Perfectly Dry Paintings:  Make sure your painting or artwork is completely dry before packing it up for shipment.

How to securely pack framed paintings and artworks ? (small to medium sizes)

1. Place on the table a sheet of kraft paper previously cut to the measurements of your table. (a little more than twice the length + minimum 30cm extra for the width)   
2. Place a sheet of tissue paper on the kraft paper. It is a neutral PH muslin used for the protection of works of art NB: We do not recommend touching the surface of the painting with bare hands. It is advisable to wear white cotton gloves when handling.   
3. Place the work by putting the face of the canvas in contact with the tissue paper. The rear part of the frame must be visible.   
4. Fold the kraft paper upside down on the board and tape the paper with paint tape (easier to handle), then fold and tape the kraft paper on the other two sides.   
5. If your work contains glass, add protective angles (profiles and/or foam corners) to the edge of the work. Check that the angles are well fixed. If necessary, fix the angles using adhesive tape on the kraft paper.   
6. Take a large sheet of bubble wrap and place it on the table   
7. Place the work (canvas side up), fold and tape the bubble wrap on the canvas side of the work (with packing tape).   
8. Take a box or frame packaging card adapted to the format of your work. Put a multiple cardboard protective groove under and put the work on it (canvas side up)   
9. Close the box securely so that the work does not move inside the box   
10. Stick a label specifying that it is a fragile object Don't forget to stick the shipping package on the cardboard    

IMPORTANT: take care not to exert too much pressure on the surface of the work during packaging so as not to damage it.

Large sizes paintings and framed works (large sizes) 

1. Place on the table a sheet of kraft paper previously cut to the measurements of your table. (a little more than twice the length + minimum 30cm extra for the width)
2. Place a sheet of tissue paper on the kraft paper. It is a neutral PH muslin used for the protection of works of art
   NB: We do not recommend touching the surface of the painting with bare hands. It is advisable to wear white cotton gloves when handling.
3. Place the work by putting the face of the canvas in contact with the tissue paper. The rear part of the frame must be visible.
4. Flip the kraft paper upside down on the board and tape the paper with paint tape (easier to handle), then fold and tape the kraft paper on the other two sides. If your work contains glass, add protective angles (profiles and/or foam corners) to the edge of the work. Check that the angles are well fixed. If necessary, fix the angles using adhesive tape on the kraft paper.
5. Take a large sheet of bubble wrap and place it on the table
6. Place the work, (canvas side up), fold and tape the bubble wrap on the canvas side of the work (with packing tape).
7. Put a cardboard panel or thick protective plastic on both sides of the work and tape them together so that they protect the work well.
8. Create a wooden box and put the work inside, taking care that it cannot move. (wedge the work or works in the box)
9. Stick a label specifying that it is a fragile object
10. Don't forget to stick the shipping package on the cardboard

IMPORTANT: take care not to exert too much pressure on the surface of the work during packaging so as not to damage it.

How to safely pack artworks that can be shipped in tube? (artworks on paper, drawings, photographs)

1. Place on the table a sheet of kraft paper previously cut to the dimensions of your work. (a little more than twice the length + minimum 30cm extra for the width)   
2. Place a sheet of tissue paper on the kraft paper. It is a neutral PH muslin used for the protection of works of art NB: We do not recommend touching the surface of the painting with bare hands. It is advisable to wear white cotton gloves when handling.    
3. Gently wrap the work on itself    
4. Then wrap the board in a bubble wrap or a sheet of polyethylene foam. Tape the whole thing well to protect the work from impact, deformation, perforation and humidity.    
5. Slide everything into a cardboard tube. Fill any empty space at each side of the tube with pads or blocks of foam, or bubble wrap, to prevent the artwork from moving in the tube.
6. Slide the cardboard tube into a rectangular cardboard box   
7. Wedge the tube in the case so that the tube does not move inside the carton.   
8. Stick a label specifying that it is a fragile object   
9. Don't forget to stick the shipping documents on the cardboard

Important: Never ship artworks in a simple cardboard tube
Do not use thin cardboard tubes (document tubes). Use only thick, sturdy cardboard tubes + rectangular box, or triangular box. Alternatively, you can use a PVC tube (plastic plumbing pipes). PVC tubes are very strong, lightweight and affordable.

How to safely pack sculptures and installations for shipping? 

This notice is general:  the sculptures vary considerably in terms of size, weight, fragility etc., it is not possible to provide a notice that works in all cases. It is therefore imperative that you make sure that your packaging is sufficiently suitable to protect your work from the vagaries of transport. If in doubt contact us.  Rule of thumb for packing sculptures:

• A very solid, very rigid box, protruding from 5 to 10cm on each side of the work  
• Work perfectly stabilized by a material which absorbs shocks, all around the work, in order to fill all the spaces between the work and the box.  
• Do not use paper to wrap the works: it tends to sag, and then leaves spaces in the crate: the work will move in the crate and be damaged.  

Operating mode:

1. Wrap the artwork in several layers of bubble wrap, paying particular attention to the fragile parts. Multiply the layers to protect well. Cut the plastic and secure it to the sculpture with tape.   
2. In a very rigid box (ideally a wooden box), place at least 5cm thick wedging particles at the bottom.   
3. Place the work in the box, on the wedging particles   
4. Fill the box with wedging particles.  IMPORTANT:  make sure you fill in all the spaces, to prevent the work from moving in the crate.    
5. Close the packaging with tape or screws (if wood box). Indicate the top and bottom of the packaging and where to open the packaging (especially for crates).   
6. Affix a label stating that it is a fragile object    
7. Do not forget to glue the shipping package on the box

Where to find packing material? 

You will find it all online at competitive prices, or at your local shop.