Best Practices for Wrapping Framed vs. Unframed Art: Protecting Your Pieces the Right Way

Art in Transit: Are You Protecting It the Right Way?

Have you ever held your breath while watching a precious piece of artwork get packed for a move? Whether it’s a gallery-worthy framed painting or a cherished unframed print, the way art is wrapped can mean the difference between preservation and irreversible damage. As collectors, curators, or even casual art lovers, we invest time, emotion, and money into our art. But when it comes time to move, ship, or store it, many overlook the critical step of proper wrapping. Why is this so important?

Art, whether framed behind glass or simply rolled on canvas, is inherently fragile.

 Fluctuations in temperature, moisture levels, and physical impact can wreak havoc on pigments, frames, glass, and substrates. But here's the kicker—framed and unframed art pieces each require very different wrapping approaches. They have distinct vulnerabilities, and using a one-size-fits-all packing method is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Do you really want to risk a cracked frame, shattered glass, or creased canvas due to poor preparation?

This article dives deep into the best practices for wrapping both framed and unframed art. You’ll discover essential steps, protective materials, and insider tips that ensure your artwork arrives or stays in pristine condition. Along the way, we'll answer questions like: How should framed art be cushioned? What’s the safest way to roll a canvas? Is bubble wrap always a good idea? And what materials can actually harm your artwork without you realizing it?

By the end of this guide, you’ll not only feel confident handling your own artwork, but you’ll also understand why professional standards matter so much in this often-overlooked aspect of art care. Let’s explore the smart, safe, and informed way to treat your cherished pieces.

The Art of the Wrap: Why It’s More Than Just a Box and Tape

Isn’t wrapping art as simple as bubble wrap and a cardboard box? It’s a fair question, and one that many people ask when first faced with packing their own artwork. But once you begin to consider the nuanced needs of different art forms, it quickly becomes clear that effective wrapping is a true craft in itself. Especially when comparing framed versus unframed pieces, the methods diverge dramatically—and for good reason.

Framed art comes with the added complexity of rigid components. Glass, matting, and the frame itself must be considered and protected. On the other hand, unframed pieces—whether they’re paper prints, canvas paintings, or digital media on board—are more flexible but also more vulnerable to bending, creasing, or tearing. Each type demands specialized attention, specific materials, and careful handling procedures.

Let’s also consider context. Is the piece being stored, shipped across the country, or carried a few blocks away? Are environmental conditions like humidity and temperature stable, or will the item experience fluctuations during transport? These situational details can dramatically impact how you should approach wrapping.

For example, wrapping a framed piece in direct contact with bubble wrap might lead to unsightly impressions in the varnish or scratches on the glass. Conversely, rolling an unframed canvas too tightly or using the wrong tube size might crack paint or create fold lines that never go away. It’s also important to consider the materials themselves: Are they acid-free? Do they outgas over time? Will they stick to varnish or pigment?

This isn’t just about being cautious—it’s about being informed. Proper wrapping is a crucial part of art preservation. It’s not only about ensuring safe travel but about maintaining long-term integrity. Artists, collectors, gallery owners, and even interior designers must all know these best practices if they hope to protect the value and beauty of their investments. So the next time someone says, “Just throw some bubble wrap on it,” you’ll know better—and you’ll be able to do better.

Framed Artwork: Glass Protection Is Non-Negotiable

Have you ever considered what would happen if the glass on your favorite framed piece shattered during a move? It’s more common than you might think—and more preventable than most realize.

When wrapping framed artwork, glass protection should be the first priority. Glass can break under pressure, temperature changes, or even minor vibrations during transit. And when it breaks, it can scratch the artwork, damage the matting, or even pierce the backing, leading to permanent harm.

To mitigate this risk, professionals recommend starting with a glass mask—a layer of painter’s tape or masking tape in a star or grid pattern across the glass surface. Why? If the glass does shatter, the tape helps hold the shards in place, preventing them from slicing through the art beneath.

Next comes the protective sandwich: a layer of acid-free paper or glassine placed over the artwork side to prevent any sticking or chemical reaction. This is followed by corner protectors for the frame, then foam boards or cardboard for added rigidity. At this stage, soft cushioning like polyethylene foam or microfoam wraps the entire piece, providing shock absorption without direct contact with sensitive surfaces.

Still tempted to reach for bubble wrap? Use it cautiously. Never let bubble wrap touch glass or varnished frames directly—it can leave impressions or trap moisture. Always add a protective layer between the artwork and the bubbles.

Finally, place the entire wrapped piece in a properly sized art shipping box or custom crate. Avoid using oversized boxes, which allow movement, or tight boxes that press against frame edges. And if stacking multiple pieces? Place them vertically like books, never flat, to avoid pressure cracks.

Framed artwork deserves this level of care. Remember: glass isn’t just a viewing window—it’s a barrier that, when broken, can become your art’s worst enemy. Are you giving it the protection it deserves?

Unframed Art: Flexibility Doesn’t Equal Durability

Is unframed art easier to handle because it’s lighter and more flexible? While it may seem that way, the truth is far more nuanced—and often overlooked.

Unframed artwork, such as canvas paintings, loose prints, or drawings on paper, is deceptively delicate. Without the structural support of a frame, these pieces are vulnerable to creasing, denting, rolling damage, and even pigment transfer. So while you might think you’re being gentle, improper wrapping methods can still leave permanent scars.

Start with a clean, flat workspace and ensure your hands are clean or gloved to avoid oil transfer. If you’re wrapping a work on paper, begin by placing it face-down on a clean sheet of acid-free tissue or glassine. For canvas, ensure it is completely dry and cured—especially if recently painted.

Rolling is often the preferred method for larger pieces, but there’s a right way and a wrong way. Always roll with the image facing outward around a large-diameter, acid-free tube. Why outward? Rolling inward puts too much stress on the painted or printed surface, which can lead to cracking or adhesion issues. Pad the tube generously with tissue or bubble wrap (again, not in direct contact with the artwork), and use a secondary outer tube or box for rigidity.

For flat packing, sandwich the piece between two pieces of foam board or cardboard, ensuring the edges are protected with corner guards. Secure with acid-free tape and avoid over-tightening—pressure can leave marks or bend corners. Encase this “sandwich” in a waterproof layer such as polyethylene plastic sheeting, especially if the item may face moisture during transport.

Unframed art might seem easier to manage, but its lack of built-in protection means it actually demands more thoughtful wrapping. Do you really want to roll the dice with that limited edition lithograph or original sketch? Treating unframed work with care isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Climate Considerations: Is Your Packaging Prepared for the Elements?

What happens when your art passes through a humid warehouse or a freezing cargo hold? Temperature and humidity changes are often the silent destroyers of artwork in transit. They don’t smash, tear, or scratch—but they warp, mold, and degrade. Whether your art is framed or unframed, your wrapping method should account for environmental conditions. Have you considered how moisture and temperature might affect your piece?

Let’s start with temperature. Acrylic and oil paintings expand and contract with temperature shifts, and if they’re tightly wrapped without breathing room, the movement can result in cracking or warping. For framed art behind glass, condensation is a real threat. When wrapped too tightly with impermeable materials, condensation can form inside the package, leading to mold growth or mildew stains—particularly if paper or matboard is exposed.

This is where vapor barriers come in. These are plastic or foil-based layers designed to protect artwork from moisture and temperature swings. When layered correctly with breathable materials like acid-free tissue and buffered cardboard, vapor barriers help maintain a stable microclimate around the piece. It's like giving your artwork a personal climate bubble.

What about humidity? For unframed works on paper or canvas, high moisture levels can lead to waving, cockling, or ink bleeding. It can even encourage microbial growth. That's why desiccants—small packets of moisture-absorbing material like silica gel—are often used in packaging. But beware: desiccants must be placed safely away from the artwork to avoid direct contact, and only in dry, breathable wrappings—not plastic-sealed ones, which can trap existing moisture inside.

Another tip? Avoid transporting or storing artwork in basements, attics, or vehicles for extended periods. These environments are notorious for their climate volatility. If your artwork must be stored for a long time, consider investing in archival-grade storage materials and a temperature-controlled environment.

Think of it this way: your art isn’t just fighting physical impact—it’s battling the elements. Are you equipping it with the right armor? Temperature and humidity control isn’t just for museums. Every artwork deserves that level of care, especially when it’s in motion.

Material Matters: Are You Using the Right Packing Supplies?

Ever used newspaper to wrap a print? Or perhaps kitchen cling wrap to “seal” a painting? You’re not alone—but unfortunately, those materials can do more harm than good. One of the most overlooked aspects of art wrapping is the selection of materials. What you wrap your artwork with can either preserve it or poison it. So how do you choose wisely?

Let’s break it down. First, avoid newspaper. While convenient, newsprint is acidic and can transfer ink and yellowing to your art over time. Similarly, brown kraft paper isn’t always acid-free, and plastic wrap (like the kind used in kitchens) can trap moisture, stick to varnish, and chemically interact with certain mediums. It’s a wrapping disaster waiting to happen.

So what should you use? Start with acid-free tissue paper or glassine paper as your first layer—these prevent sticking, pigment loss, and acid transfer. Glassine is especially helpful for oil paintings, charcoals, or pastels, as it’s smooth and moisture-resistant.

For cushioning, polyethylene foam (like Ethafoam or Microfoam) is an excellent shock-absorbing material that’s chemically inert. It doesn’t degrade or off-gas, making it ideal for both framed and unframed works. Bubble wrap can be used, but only when there’s a barrier layer in between it and the artwork. Direct contact can cause impressions, static, or chemical reactions.

Don’t forget structural materials. For flat packing, acid-free foam board, archival cardboard, and rigid corners prevent warping and bending. For rolled art, use wide-diameter, archival-grade mailing tubes, never PVC or cardboard tubes from the hardware store. These can leach chemicals or exert too much pressure.

And finally, always secure your wrapping with acid-free tape or linen tape—never standard masking tape or packing tape, which can leave sticky residue and damage surfaces if removed hastily.

The truth is, not all wrapping supplies are created equal. Some are meant for gift wrapping, others for shipping appliances—but when it comes to art, you need materials designed with preservation in mind. Isn’t your artwork worth the upgrade?

Shipping Framed Art: Safety in Every Layer

Have you ever watched a shipping company toss a box marked “fragile” like it was a sack of potatoes? It’s not an uncommon sight—and it’s why shipping framed art requires layers of protection that assume the worst-case scenario. Because let’s face it: even if you’ve wrapped your artwork like a pro, one bad drop could ruin everything.

The key to shipping framed art safely lies in both the internal and external packaging. Internally, every layer counts. We’ve covered glass tape, corner protection, foam, and rigid backing—but beyond that, the external packaging must be equally robust.

For high-value or irreplaceable art, a custom wooden crate is the gold standard. These are designed to absorb shock, withstand weight, and maintain structural integrity even under duress. If a crate isn’t feasible, double-boxing is the next best method: place the wrapped artwork in one snug box, then suspend that box inside a larger one using foam or corner bumpers.

Always pack artwork vertically, even in a box. This minimizes surface pressure and reduces the risk of glass shattering. Mark every side with “FRAGILE,” “GLASS,” and “DO NOT LAY FLAT”—but also assume those warnings might be ignored. That’s why the internal shock protection is so crucial.

If shipping internationally, account for customs inspections. Use resealable packaging layers, include documentation in a clearly marked pouch, and ensure all materials are compliant with import/export regulations for art. You don’t want your package opened with a box cutter by someone unfamiliar with art handling.

Insurance is another critical step. Always insure your shipment for its full replacement value, and document your packing process with photos. If a claim becomes necessary, those images can be your proof of due diligence.

Shipping framed art doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking—if it’s packed right. So the next time you hand off that box to a carrier, ask yourself: have I packed it to survive a fall, a squeeze, or a customs inspection? If not, it’s time to revisit your strategy.

Storing Art for the Long Haul: Wrapped, Labeled, and Loved

Planning to store a piece of art in your home, studio, or a storage unit? You might think a corner in the attic or under the bed will do the trick—but without proper wrapping and storage techniques, you could unknowingly be exposing it to years of slow damage. Have you considered how your storage habits might affect your art’s future?

Whether framed or unframed, long-term art storage should begin with careful wrapping, just as if the piece were being shipped. Use archival materials, avoid plastic bags or cling wrap, and ensure no acidic or reactive materials are in contact with the surface. Label each package clearly with contents, orientation arrows (e.g., “This Side Up”), and handling notes like “Framed Under Glass” or “Rolled Canvas Inside.”

Next, choose your storage environment wisely. Avoid areas with extreme temperature or humidity swings—like garages, basements, and attics. Ideal storage is in a climate-controlled room with consistent humidity levels (around 40-50%) and a stable temperature (60-75°F). Use art storage racks, flat files, or shelving units to keep pieces off the floor and away from potential leaks, pests, or dust accumulation.

For unframed art stored flat, keep pieces separated with sheets of acid-free tissue or glassine to prevent abrasion and pigment transfer. Don’t stack more than 4–5 pieces high unless they’re uniformly supported and cushioned. For rolled artwork, store tubes horizontally and secure them in a way that prevents movement. Don’t stand them vertically where they might slump or bend over time.

Framed art should be stored vertically, like books on a shelf, with padding between each frame. Never lean pieces directly against one another, as this can cause frame denting or glass pressure cracks.

Periodically inspect stored art for signs of mold, pests, or environmental wear. A quick check every 3–6 months can catch issues before they become irreversible.

Art is meant to be seen, not stored—but when storage is necessary, it should be done with as much care as display or transport. Do your stored pieces feel safe, secure, and respected in their current resting place?

Common Mistakes: What NOT to Do When Wrapping Art

How many times have you seen beautiful artwork ruined—not by time, but by a simple packing mistake? From crushed corners to mysterious mildew, most art damage is preventable with just a little knowledge. So let’s talk about what not to do.

Mistake #1: Using the wrong tape. Standard packing tape or duct tape can leave a sticky residue that’s nearly impossible to remove. Worse, it can tear paper and even damage varnish. Always use acid-free or conservation-grade tape when securing any part of your wrapping.

Mistake #2: Letting bubble wrap touch the artwork. It’s tempting to think more cushioning is better, but direct contact with bubble wrap can imprint onto varnish or acrylic, trap moisture, and create static. Always add a layer of glassine or acid-free paper first.

Mistake #3: Overpacking or underpacking. Too tight and you risk pressure damage; too loose and your art can shift during transit. The goal is a snug, secure fit with shock absorption—not compression.

Mistake #4: Rolling art the wrong way. Rolling with the image inward may feel intuitive, but it places unnecessary strain on the paint or ink. Always roll with the image side out and use a wide-diameter tube.

Mistake #5: Using non-archival materials. Newspaper, standard cardboard, and kitchen wrap are convenient—but they’re full of acids, inks, and chemicals that can discolor or deteriorate your art.

Mistake #6: Storing art flat on top of each other. Heavy stacks lead to pressure creases, abrasions, and broken frames. Use vertical storage or shelving when possible.

By recognizing these pitfalls, you’re already ahead of the game. Wrapping art might seem simple—but in truth, it’s an art form of its own. And like all arts, it’s best practiced with care, technique, and a keen eye for detail.

Protecting What Matters: Your Art Deserves the Best

Art is more than decoration. It holds memory, emotion, investment—and for some, legacy. Whether framed in glass or rolled in canvas, each piece deserves care not just in how it’s displayed, but also in how it’s wrapped, shipped, and stored. Are you doing enough to protect what matters most?

By now, you’ve seen that best practices for wrapping framed vs. unframed art differ significantly. From the rigidity and fragility of glass-covered frames to the flexibility and vulnerability of paper or canvas, each requires unique materials and techniques. But regardless of format, the goal is the same: preserve the beauty, integrity, and value of the artwork through every stage of its journey.

Whether you’re preparing for a move, shipping to a collector, or storing your pieces for the future, don’t leave things to chance. Take the time to learn, invest in the right supplies, and wrap each piece as if it were irreplaceable—because many are.

In a world where art can be created in seconds but damaged in moments, the wrapping process is more than just a chore—it’s a final act of respect for the artist, the piece, and its story. So ask yourself one last question: when it comes to protecting your art, are you wrapping with intention?