Art Shipping 101: Choosing the Right Packing Materials Without Risking Damage
Is Your Art Really Protected in Transit? Here's How to Ship It Safely Without Regrets
Artwork isn't just decoration. It's often a deeply personal investment—financially, emotionally, or both. Whether you’re a collector, a gallery curator, or someone sending a precious piece to a loved one, one of the most nerve-racking parts of the journey is shipping. Art is delicate. One bump, one sudden temperature change, or one overlooked detail, and your beautiful piece could arrive damaged—or worse, destroyed.
At The Frame Shop, we’ve worked with countless artists, collectors, and institutions to not only frame their artwork but ensure it arrives safely at its destination. It all begins with understanding the right packing materials and techniques. Let's break it down.
Why Packing Materials Matter More Than You Think
Imagine sending a framed painting cross-country without protection for the glass or corners. Or wrapping an unvarnished oil painting in bubble wrap directly. These are common mistakes we’ve seen from well-meaning DIY attempts. The results? Scratches, smudges, shattered glass, punctures, and heartbreak.
Shipping art isn't just about placing it in a box. It’s about creating a protective environment around the piece to defend against pressure, humidity, vibration, and rough handling. Here’s where professional-grade materials make all the difference.
Glassine, Foam Corners, and Bubble Wrap... Which Ones and Why?
1. Start With Glassine for Surface Protection
Glassine is a smooth, glossy paper that resists air, water, and grease. It’s acid-free and non-abrasive, making it ideal for wrapping delicate surfaces such as drawings, prints, and paintings—especially unvarnished ones.
We once worked with a client shipping a vintage charcoal sketch to New York. Without glassine, the artwork would have smudged beyond repair. This single layer prevented contact damage and preserved the artist's original linework.
Tip: Never wrap a painting directly in plastic unless it’s varnished and dry. Condensation can cause irreversible damage.
2. Foam Corners: Small Tools, Big Impact Framed art is most vulnerable at the corners.
Foam corner protectors shield against crush damage and pressure when the piece shifts in transit.
We recently packed a series of travel posters for a boutique hotel. The foam corners helped them arrive intact, despite the jostling of a long cross-country haul. They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and reusable.
3. Use Bubble Wrap (But Use It Correctly)
Yes, bubble wrap is essential—but how you use it matters. Wrap artwork with the bubbles facing outward to avoid imprinting the bubble texture onto the art surface.
We suggest double-layering: one layer of glassine, followed by bubble wrap. Secure with painter’s tape (never masking or duct tape, which can tear materials).
4. Edge Protectors and Cardboard Sheets
Edge protectors add another layer of structure, especially for glass-fronted frames. Combine this with rigid cardboard sheets on both sides for puncture protection.
We once shipped a three-panel acrylic painting using this method. The rigid sandwiching protected it from a rogue metal pole that punctured the box—but not the artwork.
5. Sturdy, Sized-Right Boxes
A common mistake is choosing a box that’s too big or too tight. Too big, and the item shifts inside. Too tight, and there’s no buffer for impact. Use a double-walled corrugated box and ensure at least 2-3 inches of cushioning on all sides.
Pro tip: If you're shipping multiple items, never let them touch. Use dividers or individual boxes.
Additional Tips for Damage-Free Art Shipping
Climate Considerations: Use insulation if shipping to or from areas with extreme temperature or humidity. Artwork can warp, crack, or even mold.
Label Clearly: Use fragile stickers and “This Side Up” indicators. While not foolproof, they help handlers treat packages more carefully.
Insure It: Accidents happen. Always insure your shipment for its full value.
Documentation: Include shipping receipts, artwork descriptions, and contact info inside the package. If external labels fall off, your piece won’t be lost.
The Frame Shop Difference: We Pack Like It’s Our Own
As part of our custom framing services, The Frame Shop offers professional packing for local and long-distance shipping. Our trained team uses archival, museum-quality materials and follows industry best practices. Whether you’re sending a single watercolor or a 20-piece collection, we know how to secure it safely.
Clients trust us with:
- Original oil paintings
- Signed prints
- Historical documents
- Oversized or fragile frames
We’ve handled artwork for real estate staging, interior design firms, museum exhibits, and private collectors. Every piece is unique, and we treat it that way.
Want to Avoid Damage and Disappointment? Choose the Right Materials—And the Right Experts
We’ve seen what can go wrong when materials are chosen hastily or applied incorrectly. But we’ve also seen the joy of clients receiving their perfectly preserved art—undamaged, beautifully framed, and gallery-ready.
When it comes to shipping art, don't take shortcuts. Invest in quality materials like glassine, foam corners, edge protectors, and sturdy boxes. More importantly, partner with professionals who treat your art with the care it deserves.
Contact The Frame Shop today for expert framing and art shipping services. Let’s get your artwork to its destination—safely, securely, and beautifully.