Safe Shipping of Art

Calibreea · January 7th, 2006, 06:35 AM

Hello from Ireland,
Packing an oil painting so it travels safely around the globe has become something of a labour of love for me. I regularly sell my oils to clients in the United States, and I send them already stretched. The answer is quite simple when you know how. I wrap them first in bubble wrap, then get some 1x1/2 inch planed strips of wood, enough to fit round the outside. Now before you get alarmed there is no need for mitre cutting or joining of these pieces because what you do next is get hardboard. I nail small tacks to secure the board to the strips of wood. I make one for either side of the canvas. You could use strips of 2x1 inch but I think the double strips meeting together to make a sandwich is better and easier to open. When the two sides are made I carefully drill 6 holes in the edge of one half, place the wrapped canvas inside and then using Phillips screws screw the two halves together. Then using brown tape I completely cover the two sides, locking them (bonding) them together. Where the screw heads are I mark with a red or black felt tip pen so my client knows where to look.
It is not really that expensive to do, or send. For instance I sent a 30x20 inch to California like this last month for just 69 euros. Not much to pay to be sure the oil arrives safe and sound.
Hopes this helps.
with best wishes
John Eagle
www.JohnEagleArt.com

John · January 8th, 2006, 01:54 AM

Thanks, shipping paintings is a constant pain and a worry.

Question: Does the bubble wrap come in contact with the paint? Is this a concern?

Calibreea · January 8th, 2006, 07:22 AM

The paint should be dry before you wrap it. I know a painting, oils in my case, don't really dry for six months, but they are good to mail when you don't get a mark on your finger when you touch them. I tried several ways of sending my oils out. What got me into this present way was when someone offered me a couple of old bread delivery boards, those trays the bakery delivery vans use. Ideal if you can get them. If making your own package it is important to use two pieces of wood and screw them together, so they can be unscrewed afterwards by the customer. The mistake is to put one strip of 2x1 round the painting and tack it, because then the customer is going to have a lot of problems getting it open. Also the customs might want to open it, so you want to make it as easy as possible to be opened. The beauty of my way is the brown tape can be easily slit, and the screws undone. Bubble wrap is the best invention ever.
Be sure to make a note on the address label that the black/red marks round the sides show where the screws are.
with best wishes
John Eagle
www.JohnEagleArt.com

January 7th, 2006, 06:35 AM	#1
Calibreea Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ireland Posts: 5	Safe Shipping of Art Hello from Ireland, Packing an oil painting so it travels safely around the globe has become something of a labour of love for me. I regularly sell my oils to clients in the United States, and I send them already stretched. The answer is quite simple when you know how. I wrap them first in bubble wrap, then get some 1x1/2 inch planed strips of wood, enough to fit round the outside. Now before you get alarmed there is no need for mitre cutting or joining of these pieces because what you do next is get hardboard. I nail small tacks to secure the board to the strips of wood. I make one for either side of the canvas. You could use strips of 2x1 inch but I think the double strips meeting together to make a sandwich is better and easier to open. When the two sides are made I carefully drill 6 holes in the edge of one half, place the wrapped canvas inside and then using Phillips screws screw the two halves together. Then using brown tape I completely cover the two sides, locking them (bonding) them together. Where the screw heads are I mark with a red or black felt tip pen so my client knows where to look. It is not really that expensive to do, or send. For instance I sent a 30x20 inch to California like this last month for just 69 euros. Not much to pay to be sure the oil arrives safe and sound. Hopes this helps. with best wishes John Eagle www.JohnEagleArt.com

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January 8th, 2006, 01:54 AM	#2
John John Malyon, host Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 228	Thanks, shipping paintings is a constant pain and a worry. Question: Does the bubble wrap come in contact with the paint? Is this a concern?

January 8th, 2006, 07:22 AM	#3
Calibreea Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ireland Posts: 5	The paint should be dry before you wrap it. I know a painting, oils in my case, don't really dry for six months, but they are good to mail when you don't get a mark on your finger when you touch them. I tried several ways of sending my oils out. What got me into this present way was when someone offered me a couple of old bread delivery boards, those trays the bakery delivery vans use. Ideal if you can get them. If making your own package it is important to use two pieces of wood and screw them together, so they can be unscrewed afterwards by the customer. The mistake is to put one strip of 2x1 round the painting and tack it, because then the customer is going to have a lot of problems getting it open. Also the customs might want to open it, so you want to make it as easy as possible to be opened. The beauty of my way is the brown tape can be easily slit, and the screws undone. Bubble wrap is the best invention ever. Be sure to make a note on the address label that the black/red marks round the sides show where the screws are. with best wishes John Eagle www.JohnEagleArt.com