How to Ship Artwork Safely: Packing, Carriers, and Insurance

How to Ship Artwork Safely: Packing, Carriers, and Insurance

Shipping artwork is where online sales, gallery relationships, and commissions become real. Poor packing destroys work, damages relationships, and costs money. Professional packing protects your art and your reputation.

This guide covers packing techniques by artwork type, carrier selection, insurance, and international shipping considerations.

Packing Materials Essentials

Stock these supplies before you need them:

Always Use

• Glassine paper: Acid-free, protects paint surface
• Bubble wrap: At least 2 layers for paintings
• Cardboard corners: Protect edges
• Strong boxes: Double-wall corrugated
• Packing tape: Clear, 2-3 inch width
• Fragile tape/stickers: Alert handlers

Never Use

• Newspaper (ink transfers, acidic)
• Packing peanuts touching art (static, residue)
• Masking tape or duct tape (residue, weak)
• Bags directly on paint surface (sticking)
• Single-wall cardboard for heavy items

Packing Paintings and Works on Canvas

Step-by-Step Process

1. Document condition

   • Photograph front, back, all sides
   • Note any existing damage
   • Save photos for insurance claims

2. Protect the surface

   • Cover face with glassine paper
   • Tape glassine to stretcher bars (not to painting)
   • For oil paintings, add spacer (foam) if still curing

3. Wrap in bubble wrap

   • Bubble side OUT (prevents impressions)
   • Minimum 2 layers
   • Tape securely

4. Add cardboard protection

   • Cardboard corners on all four corners
   • Flat cardboard on front and back
   • Cut to size from larger sheets

5. Box selection

   • Box should be 3-4 inches larger than painting on all sides
   • Use telescoping boxes for custom fit
   • Or build box from flat cardboard

6. Final packing

   • Place wrapped painting in center of box
   • Fill ALL gaps with bubble wrap or paper
   • Painting should not move when box is shaken
   • Seal with tape on all seams

Mirror Boxes for Framed Work

Framed work with glass needs extra care:

• Apply X of painters tape on glass (contains shatter)
• Consider shipping without glass, replace at destination
• Or use art-specific boxes with foam inserts

Packing Prints and Works on Paper

Works on paper are delicate but pack relatively simply:

1. Interleaving

   • Place acid-free tissue between prints if stacking
   • Never stack too many (weight damages)

2. Protection

   • Sandwich between acid-free cardboard
   • Or use print sleeves

3. Tubes (for larger prints)

   • Minimum 3-inch diameter
   • Roll with print facing OUT
   • Interleave with tissue
   • Cap and seal both ends

4. Flat mailers

   • For smaller prints, use rigid mailers
   • Add DO NOT BEND stickers
   • Consider cardboard stiffeners

Packing Sculpture and 3D Work

Three-dimensional work requires custom solutions:

Custom Crating

For valuable or complex sculpture:

• Build wooden crate with foam inserts
• Or hire professional art crating company
• Document condition extensively
• Consider professional shippers

Choosing a Carrier

UPS

Pros: Reliable tracking, good large package handling, insurance up to $50K Cons: Expensive, size limits Best for: Medium to large paintings, valuable work

FedEx

Pros: Fast options, reliable, good insurance Cons: Expensive, strict package requirements Best for: Time-sensitive shipments, reliability priority

USPS

Pros: Affordable, convenient, flat-rate options Cons: Lower insurance caps, less reliable for large items Best for: Prints, small works, budget-conscious shipping

Art Shippers

Companies like Masterpak, UOVO, and Cadogan Tate specialize in art: Pros: White glove service, museum-quality handling, custom solutions Cons: Very expensive Best for: High-value work, museum loans, major collectors

Insurance

Carrier Insurance

Standard carrier coverage is limited:

• UPS/FedEx: Declare value up to $50,000
• USPS: Up to $5,000
• Actual reimbursement requires extensive documentation

Third-Party Insurance

For valuable work, consider:

• Berkley Asset Protection
• Huntington T. Block
• Your studio insurance may cover shipments

Documenting for Claims

Before shipping:

• Condition photos (multiple angles)
• Signed condition report
• Proof of value (invoice, appraisal)
• Save all receipts and tracking

International Shipping

Shipping abroad adds complexity:

Customs

• Accurate customs declaration required
• Art often qualifies for reduced duties
• Some countries have import restrictions
• Work with customs broker for valuable shipments

Duties and Taxes

• Buyer typically pays import duties
• Clarify responsibility before shipping
• VAT applies in EU countries
• Research destination country requirements

International Carriers

• DHL: Often best for international art
• FedEx International: Reliable, expensive
• USPS Priority Mail International: Budget option, less reliable

Paperwork

Required documents often include:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Customs declaration
• Certificate of authenticity (sometimes)
• Proforma invoice for higher values

Shipping Costs Strategy

How to handle costs:

Build Into Price

• Simplest for buyer
• Calculate average shipping cost
• Add to all prices
• State "free shipping" in listings

Calculated at Checkout

• Accurate but can scare buyers
• Use shipping calculator tools
• Consider offering free over certain amount

Flat Rate by Size

• Small works: $25
• Medium works: $50
• Large works: $100+

Determine rates based on your average actual costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Professional shipping protects your work, your reputation, and your sales relationships. Invest in proper materials, pack for worst-case handling, insure valuable work, and document everything.

The cost of proper shipping materials is far less than one damaged artwork.

Need to track your inventory and shipments? Create your free Artsume profile to manage your art career professionally.

Last updated: January 2025

Related Guides:

• Selling Art Online
• How to Price Your Artwork
• Commission Work for Artists