Shipping Artwork: Paintings.

 

 

One of the greatest challenges for artists

is safely shipping artwork which is also cost effective. 

 

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The selected Artwork.

 

 

Two paintings on panel with their frames.

 

 

The needed tools ...

 

 

1. A T-Square or decent straight edge.

2. A fresh Sharpie Marker - blue or black.

3. A measuring tape.

4. A mat knife with fresh blades.

(Please be careful when you're using the knife)    

 

 

 

The needed material(s) ...

 

1. 1 sheet of 1" 4' x 8' insulation foam.

Which can be purchased

at Lowes for $16-$21. 

 

 

2. Large sheets of cardboard.

Which can be purchased or gotten for free

at a moving and storage facility.

 

 

 

 

3. Shrink Wrap.

 

 

 

 

4. At least 2 rolls of

2 1/2" Stotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape

and roll of regular Stotch tape.

 

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First wrap the artwork in shrink wrap,

making sure any and all varnishes are fully dry.

 

The Shrink Wrap creates a barrier

 to keep the artwork clean and dust free.

 

 

 

As you can see

the 1" foam holds up well underneath

my weight of 145lbs.

 

 

 

If, you're planning on shipping

2 paintings at once,

start by creating a sandwich

using the largest painting.

 

If, you're planning on shipping

2 canvases at once,

then I would recommend

placing a third piece of foam

between the two canvases,

face to face.

 

Then create the side walls.

 

 

 

 

Place the largest painting facing up

then place a carboard spacer on top

then place the second painting

face to face.

 

(The above technique works best

with paintings which are on panel.)

 

 

 

Find the half way mark on the artwork

 so, the paintings are evenly spaced

so, fillers can be easily made. 

 

 

 

Fill the voids with foam.

 

 

Making sure everything is snug and in place.

 

 

Once all the foam pieces are cut and fitted

it's time to tape all the edges and corners thoroughly.

 

 

 

At this point, the foam box is now waterproof because

all the seams are covered with at least 2 layers of tape.

 

And remember to make sure you mark

which side you want your receiver

to open your package easily and safely.

 

 

 

Then, the last step,

is the carboard skin,

which is made in the same 

fashion as the foam box. 

 

The cardboard acts

as a clean presentation and

also protects the foam 

should any damage(s) occur

during shipping. 

 

After the last step

 it's time to ship your artwork!

 

The overall weight for

this package is roughly 33lbs.

 

Stay tuned for more!!

 

Cheers, ~ Polly ~