How to Ship a Painting: The Complete Guide for Individuals and Businesses

Whether you're an individual sending a cherished piece to a loved one or an art business fulfilling customer orders, knowing how to ship a painting properly is essential to ensure your artwork arrives safely at its destination. This comprehensive guide covers everything from selecting the right materials to choosing shipping methods that balance protection with cost.

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Understanding the Basics of Shipping Paintings

Shipping artwork, especially paintings, requires special care that goes beyond standard package delivery. Whether you're shipping an acrylic painting, watercolor, or oil on canvas, each medium has unique vulnerabilities that must be addressed through proper packaging and handling.

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For individuals sending a single piece, the process might seem daunting, but with the right materials and techniques, you can confidently ship your painting without professional help. For art businesses regularly shipping paintings, establishing efficient protocols can save time while ensuring customer satisfaction when the art arrives.

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The fundamentals of safely shipping paintings include:

• Understanding the fragility of different painting mediums
• Selecting appropriate packaging materials
• Properly securing the painting to prevent movement
• Choosing the right shipping company and service level
• Considering insurance for valuable pieces

Essential Materials for Shipping a Painting

Before you begin the process of packaging your painting, gather these essential materials:

1. Glassine paper - Acid-free paper that protects the painting surface without sticking
2. Bubble wrap - Provides cushioning and shock absorption
3. Corner protectors - Essential for protecting frames and canvas corners
4. Foam board - Creates rigid protection on all sides
5. Cardboard sheets - Adds structural support
6. Cardboard box - Select a size appropriate for your painting plus padding
7. Packing tape - Secures all layers of protection
8. Styrofoam peanuts or other void fill - Fills extra space in the shipping box
9. "Fragile" labels - Alerts handlers to the delicate contents

For shipping framed paintings with glass, you'll also need:

• Artist or painter's tape to create an X across the glass
• Extra padding for the frame corners

When shipping fine arts of significant value, consider these additional materials:

• Wooden crate for maximum protection
• Humidity indicators
• Custom-cut foam inserts

The quality of your packaging materials directly affects how well your artwork will be protected. For individuals shipping a one-time gift, purchasing packaging materials from a shipping store is convenient. For art businesses shipping paintings regularly, buying materials in bulk from packaging suppliers will be more cost-effective.

Step-by-Step Guide to Packaging a Painting

Correct packaging is the key to ensuring your artwork safely reaches its destination. The following methods represent industry best practices developed by shipping professionals and experienced artists. Your approach will vary slightly depending on whether your painting is framed or unframed, and its size and medium. For all methods, remember that multiple layers of protection are essential—from protective glassine paper against the painting surface to bubble wrap for cushioning to rigid materials for structural integrity. Let's start with how to properly prepare an unframed canvas.

For Unframed Canvas Paintings

Unframed canvases present unique challenges when shipping artwork. Without the added protection of a frame, the canvas corners and stretcher bars are particularly vulnerable to damage. The painted surface also needs careful attention, especially with textured works. Using glassine paper directly against the painted surface followed by bubble wrap creates a protective barrier that prevents damage while allowing the artwork wrapped inside to remain secure without adhering to the painting itself. Follow these steps to ensure your artwork safely travels from your studio to its new home:

1. Prepare the painting surface
   
   • Ensure the painting is completely dry
   • For an acrylic painting, remember that the surface can be tacky even when dry
   • Cover the painted surface with glassine paper, which won't stick to the paint
2. Protect the corners
   
   • Place corner protectors on all four corners of the canvas
   • These protect the vulnerable stretcher bars from impact
3. Wrap in protective layers
   
   • Wrap the entire painting in a layer of bubble wrap, with bubbles facing away from the painting
   • Secure the bubble wrap with tape, being careful not to apply tape directly to the canvas
   • For extra protection, add a second layer of bubble wrap going in the opposite direction
4. Create a rigid sandwich
   
   • Place cardboard sheets on both the front and back of the wrapped painting
   • For a large painting, use foam board instead of cardboard for more rigidity
   • Secure this "sandwich" with packing tape around the edges
5. Prepare the shipping box
   
   • Choose a cardboard box that allows for 2-3 inches of extra space on all sides
   • For a medium sized painting or larger, select a heavy-duty box
   • Reinforce the seams of the box with packing tape
6. Pack the painting in the box
   
   • Place a layer of bubble wrap or other cushioning material at the bottom of the box
   • Insert the wrapped painting
   • Fill all extra space with packing materials to prevent movement
   • Add one more layer of cushioning on top before sealing
7. Seal and label the box
   
   • Use the best tape for shipping - strong packing tape, applied generously across all seams
   • Mark the box as "FRAGILE" and "HANDLE WITH CARE" on all sides
   • Add "DO NOT LAY FLAT" if appropriate for your painting

For Framed Paintings

When shipping a framed painting with glass, follow the steps above with these important additions:

1. Create an X pattern across the glass using artist's tape or masking tape (never use regular packaging tape directly on the glass)
2. Add extra corner protectors designed specifically for frames
3. Consider double boxing for maximum protection:
   
   • Package as described above
   • Place this package in a larger box with additional cushioning between the boxes

For Valuable Fine Arts

For extremely valuable paintings, consider these premium options:

1. Wooden crate packaging
   
   • Custom wooden crates offer superior protection
   • They can be built to the exact dimensions of your painting
   • While expensive, wooden crates may be necessary for very valuable or large artwork
2. Double boxing technique
   
   • Package the painting as described above
   • Place this box inside a larger outer box
   • Fill the space between boxes with cushioning material
   • This provides an extra buffer against impact and punctures

Choosing the Right Shipping Company

The shipping company you select plays a crucial role in how safely your painting arrives at its destination. Each carrier has different strengths and considerations:

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For individuals shipping a single painting, standard carriers like UPS or FedEx with appropriate packaging are usually sufficient. For art businesses or very valuable pieces, specialized art shipping companies provide added security and expertise.

Tips for Working with Any Shipping Company:

• Get a clear estimate of shipping costs before finalizing your package
• Always request a tracking number to monitor your shipment
• Understand the insurance coverage and consider purchasing insurance for valuable art
• Declare the correct value of your artwork
• Keep all receipts and documentation until the painting arrives safely

Understanding Shipping Costs

The cost of shipping paintings depends on several factors:

1. Dimensional weight vs. actual weight
   
   • Most carriers charge based on whichever is greater
   • For paintings, dimensional weight often exceeds actual weight
   • Calculate dimensional weight: (Length × Width × Height) ÷ dimensional factor (varies by carrier)
2. Distance
   
   • Domestic vs. international shipping
   • Zones within countries (more zones = higher cost)
3. Service level
   
   • Standard ground shipping is most economical
   • Expedited shipping significantly increases cost
4. Insurance
   
   • Valuable paintings require additional insurance
   • Cost typically based on declared value
5. Packaging service
   
   • Self-packaging saves money
   • Professional pack and ship services add cost but provide expertise

For a medium sized painting shipped domestically with standard service, expect to pay between $30–$100 depending on distance and dimensions. A large painting or valuable artwork requiring premium services could cost significantly more.

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Special Considerations for Businesses Shipping Paintings

Art or home decor businesses shipping art such as paintings regularly should consider these additional factors:

1. Establish shipping protocols
   
   • Create a standardized process for packaging different types and sizes of paintings
   • Document these protocols for consistent quality
2. Invest in quality packaging materials
   
   • Purchase in bulk to reduce costs
   • Maintain inventory of various sized boxes and materials
3. Build shipping costs into pricing
   
   • Factor packaging materials and labor into product pricing
   • Consider offering free shipping by building the cost into artwork prices
4. Partner with shipping companies
   
   • Negotiate business rates with preferred carriers
   • Develop relationships with specialized art shipping companies for valuable pieces
   • Find a provider of quality shipping insurance
5. Gather shipping data
   
   • Track successful deliveries and issues
   • Use this information to improve your packaging methods
6. Create unboxing experiences
   
   • Include care instructions
   • Add thank you notes or certificates of authenticity
   • Brand your packaging when possible

Many artists running successful art companies find that their reputation depends not just on their artwork, but on how safely it arrives to customers. Establishing excellent shipping practices can become a competitive advantage.

Partnering with a 3PL for Art Shipping Excellence

For companies that ship artwork and paintings regularly, partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider like All Points can transform your shipping operations. A specialized 3PL brings crucial expertise to the delicate process of shipping art with staff trained specifically in handling fine arts, standardized procedures ensuring consistent quality, and experience in preventing damage to different art mediums. Their knowledge of the best packaging materials for various types of paintings ensures your artwork arrives safely at its destination.

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Beyond expertise, a 3PL partnership offers significant practical advantages that impact your bottom line. Professional packers prepare artwork for shipping much faster than in-house staff, while access to wholesale packaging materials reduces per-shipment costs. Negotiated carrier rates based on higher volume shipping further decrease expenses. Many artists and home decor companies find that the time saved alone—not having to personally pack each painting—justifies the partnership, allowing them to redirect that time to creating more art or focusing on marketing and sales.

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Perhaps the greatest advantage of working with a 3PL like All Points is their ability to scale with your growing business. Whether you're shipping one painting or fifty, a 3PL can adjust to your needs, provide extra capacity during busy seasons, and offer international shipping expertise as you expand to global markets. When your reputation depends on getting artwork safely to a customer, partnering with logistics experts becomes an investment in your business's future rather than just an expense.

Shipping Large Paintings

Large artwork presents unique challenges that require special attention, both in terms of packing materials and handling logistics.:

1. Reinforced packaging
   
   • Use foam board rather than cardboard for rigidity
   • Consider wooden supports for extremely large pieces
   • A wooden crate may be necessary for very large paintings
2. Handling concerns
   
   • Large paintings may require two people to package properly
   • The shipping box becomes unwieldy and more susceptible to damage
3. Shipping company limitations
   
   • Standard carriers have size restrictions
   • Oversized charges apply for larger boxes
   • Specialized art shipping companies may be required
4. Alternative: Art tubes for unframed work
   
   • For very large unframed canvas, rolling the canvas (for appropriate mediums only) and shipping in a tube may be an option
   • Never roll acrylic paintings as they will crack

For a large painting, consider these special packaging steps to ensure you're transporting the artwork safely:

1. Apply glassine paper to protect the painted surface
2. Add corner protectors to safeguard stretcher bars
3. Wrap in multiple layers of bubble wrap
4. Use foam board on front and back
5. Place in a sturdy frame of cardboard or wood
6. Use a larger box with ample cushioning
7. Fill all void spaces completely

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International Shipping Considerations

Shipping artwork like paintings internationally requires additional planning:

1. Documentation
   
   • Commercial invoice describing the artwork
   • Certificate of authenticity for original art
   • Export forms (varies by country)
2. Customs concerns
   
   • Research import regulations for artwork in the destination country
   • Be aware that some countries restrict imports of certain materials
   • Expect additional fees (duties, taxes, etc.)
3. Enhanced packaging
   
   • International shipments face more handling
   • Consider double boxing or wooden crates
   • Use waterproof materials as an extra precaution
4. Insurance and tracking
   
   • International shipping increases risks
   • Always purchase appropriate insurance for valuable pieces
   • Choose services with detailed tracking capabilities

Additional Tips and Best Practices

It's a fool's errand to try to capture everything you need to know on this topic in one article, especially once we get into specifics like shipping large work. But there are some best practices that can help you provide extra protection to these valuable pieces, whether you're shipping large pieces of art or small masterpieces. Here's what to keep in mind when you're shipping artwork, from cardboard boxes to bubble wrap.

For All Scenarios When Shipping Art:

• Take photos of the painting and packaging process for reference
• Include handling instructions with your shipment
• Consider climate conditions at the destination
• Never ship a painting that isn't completely dry
• For stretched canvas, include instructions not to press on the canvas back for good measure

For Shipping Acrylic Works:

• Remember that acrylic remains slightly tacky even when dry
• Never place bubble wrap directly on the painted surface
• Always use glassine sheets as a protective first layer
• Avoid extreme temperature exposures during shipping

For Frames with Glass:

• Always tape the glass with an X pattern using artist or painter's tape
• Consider replacing glass with plexiglass for shipping
• Provide extra protection / padding around frame corners

For Valuable Artwork:

• Consider professional art shipping services
• Full insurance coverage is essential
• Tracking and signature confirmation provide additional security

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