When it comes to relocating, knowing how to pack paintings when moving is crucial for art enthusiasts and collectors. And even those of us who have just a few precious paintings that are not worth much but hold sentimental value, Properly packing these delicate pieces ensures they arrive at their new destination unscathed. From valuable canvas paintings to cherished family portraits, each artwork requires careful handling and protection during transit.
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of packing paintings for a move. It explores the essential materials needed, such as bubble wrap and sturdy moving boxes, and delves into effective wrapping techniques for different types of artwork. Readers will also learn how to prepare paintings before packing and secure them properly for transport, ensuring their prized possessions reach their new home safely and intact.
To pack paintings safely for a move, you need to have the right supplies. These materials help cushion and secure artwork during transit, ensuring they arrive at their new destination unscathed.
For the initial layer of protection, glassine paper is ideal. This smooth, glossy paper is air, water, and grease-proof, making it perfect for safeguarding delicate or aged artworks. It prevents smearing and chemical damage. Acid-free paper or baking paper can also be used as alternatives to protect the painting's surface.
Bubble wrap is crucial for cushioning. Large bubbles offer better shock absorption, but it's important to avoid direct contact with the painting's surface. A layer of glassine or acid-free paper should be placed between the artwork and bubble wrap to prevent static damage.
Sturdy boxes or specialised art crates are essential for transporting paintings. These should be slightly larger than the artwork itself. For high-value or fragile pieces, custom-sized crates are ideal. Corrugated cardboard boxes can suffice for smaller works, but ensure they're double-walled for extra strength. Speak to our team and we can give you the dimensions of our plastic moving boxes.
To fill any void space in the box or crate, packing peanuts, foam, or shredded paper are excellent choices. These materials prevent movement during transit. For framed paintings, corner protectors are crucial to shield against impacts.
Additional supplies include artist's tape or painter's tape for securing wrappings, packing tape for sealing boxes, and a permanent marker for labelling. Gloves are also recommended to avoid transferring oils and dirt to the artwork during the packing process.
Before packing paintings for a move, proper preparation is crucial to ensure their safety during transit. This process involves several key steps to protect the artwork from potential damage.
The first step is to carefully inspect each painting for any existing damage or peculiarities. It's important to note these conditions, as they may require special handling or packing techniques. Next, gently clean the painting's frame and glass (if applicable) using appropriate cleaners. However, it's essential to avoid touching the paint surface, especially for older or more fragile artworks.
If possible, remove any protruding hardware from the frame to prevent it from damaging the painting during the move. These elements should be wrapped separately and reattached upon arrival at the new location. This step helps to minimise the risk of scratches or punctures to the canvas or frame during transport.
For paintings with glass coverings, additional precautions are necessary. Use painter's tape to mark an "X" on the glass of the frame. This "X" serves two purposes: it provides some additional support to the glass, making it slightly more resistant to impacts or pressure, and it acts as a clear indicator to anyone handling the package that there is glass, signalling the need for extra care.
For added protection, consider applying mirror tape to the glass surface. This technique helps to keep the glass together even if it breaks during transit, potentially preventing irreparable damage to the canvas underneath.
By following these preparatory steps, one can significantly reduce the risk of damage to paintings during the moving process, ensuring they arrive at their new destination in the same condition they left.
To pack canvas paintings, one should start by covering the front and back with glassine paper. This smooth, glossy paper protects the artwork from smearing and chemical damage. For unframed canvases, rolling is the preferred method. The canvas should be loosely rolled with the painted side facing outwards, ensuring it's completely dry beforehand. The rolled canvas can then be placed in a tube larger than its diameter. It's crucial to avoid bubble wrap inside the tube, as it can create a humid environment. Instead, the tube containing the canvas should be placed inside a larger tube for added protection.
For framed paintings, the process begins by applying an 'X' of painter's tape or artist's low-tack tape across the glass. This helps to keep the glass together if it breaks during transit. Next, wrap the entire piece in several layers of plastic food wrap or palette wrap. Following this, wrap the frame in packing paper, folding the ends around it like a present. It's important to avoid using newspapers, as it can leave marks on the artwork.
The next step involves wrapping the frame in bubble wrap, ensuring the bubbles face outwards for cushioning. Secure the bubble wrap with packing tape, wrapping it around the frame both lengthwise and widthwise. For added protection, cardboard corner protectors can be applied to shield against impacts.
Valuable or antique paintings require extra precautions. It's advisable to use custom-made crates or boxes for these pieces. When handling unframed antique art, one should wear clean, lightweight cotton, latex, or nitrile gloves to prevent oils from hands causing stains. For framed antiques, follow the same wrapping process as regular framed artwork, but consider adding an extra layer of protection with moving blankets.
When transporting these precious items, it's crucial to place them upright in the moving vehicle, not laying them flat. Multiple pieces should be arranged face-to-face and back-to-back to prevent hanging hardware from damaging other paintings. Lastly, it's often best to hire professional movers with experience in handling delicate and valuable items for these special pieces.
When packing paintings for transport, selecting the right box is crucial. Artwork packaging boxes come in various shapes and sizes, each serving a specific purpose. Corrugated shipping boxes, made of several layers of paper with built-in corner protectors, offer superior protection. For a more budget-friendly option, cardboard boxes can be used, but they require extra attention to wrapping and padding.
For larger pieces, mirror and picture boxes are ideal. These long, flat boxes can telescope together to accommodate bigger artworks. Another option is the 4-piece art box, which consists of four separate cardboard pieces that fit over the painting's corners, creating a customised box.
To ensure paintings remain secure during transit, proper cushioning is essential. Start by covering the front and back of the artwork with glassine paper to protect against smearing and chemical damage. Next, wrap the piece in bubble wrap, ideally using 3 inches or six loops of half-inch material.
For framed artwork, apply an 'X' of painter's tape across the glass before wrapping. Fill any gaps in the box with packing peanuts or additional bubble wrap to prevent movement. Avoid using styrofoam peanuts when shipping paintings, as they can cause damage.
Once the painting is securely packed, it's important to label the box clearly. Mark "FRAGILE" on the exterior if it's not already indicated. For easy identification, consider attaching a small image of the painting to the outside of the box. Include handling instructions, such as "Keep Upright" or "Handle with Care", to ensure proper treatment during transport.
Packing paintings for a move requires careful planning and execution to ensure their safe arrival. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the essential steps and materials needed to protect artwork during transit. From gathering the right supplies to implementing proper wrapping techniques for different types of paintings, these methods have a significant impact on preserving the integrity of valuable pieces.
The importance of proper preparation and secure packing cannot be overstated when it comes to relocating artwork. By following these guidelines, art enthusiasts and collectors can breathe easier knowing their prized possessions are well-protected throughout the moving process. Remember, taking the time to pack paintings correctly is a small investment to safeguard their value and beauty for years to come.
What is the most effective method for packing paintings when relocating?
To ensure the safety of your artwork during a move, utilise multiple layers of bubble wrap around the painting, covering both its length and breadth. Additionally, secure the bubble wrap using tape and consider adding cardboard corners for extra protection.
How can I safeguard a canvas painting during a move?
To protect the surface of a canvas painting, use acid-free packing paper. For additional cushioning and to absorb shocks, wrap the painting in bubble wrap. Employ glassine paper to prevent the painting from sticking to any surfaces, and reinforce the corners and edges with cardboard corners.
What steps should be taken to protect framed artwork during transportation?
Begin by wrapping each piece of framed artwork in newspaper or bubble wrap. To provide further protection, tape rigid, flat materials like cardboard pieces to each side of the wrapped artwork. Ensure the artwork is securely placed in a box, filling any loose spaces with slightly crumpled newsprint or packing paper to prevent movement.
How should a painting be prepared for transport?
Firstly, wrap the painting in bubble wrap, ensuring the bubbles face outward to avoid damage to the painted surface. Do not wrap the painted surface directly with bubble wrap. If the painting is framed, reinforce the frame's corners with cardboard. Then, place the wrapped painting into a sturdy box that is slightly larger than the painting itself.
