Learn how to pack, post and ship art
How do you pack art? How do you post art? What about international deliveries? What about customs? How do you get it back again?
This site doesn't pretend to have the answers to all the very many questions people have about getting art from artist to purchaser or from artist to exhibition and back again - but it's a start!
You're welcome to suggest any useful 'finds' you've come across on this topic in the feedback section. The site will be updated with all practical and useful suggestions which don't duplicate existing information.
Check out also my other sites relevant to the business of being an artist (see other lens listed in the right hand column)
- The Art Business
- Blogging for Artists
- Copyright and Orphan Artworks
- Art Equipment
- Art Supplies in the UK
- Art Supplies in the USA
Find out about packing, posting and shipping art.....
....click a link to go direct to that section
- Useful sources of advice
- HOW TO: Ship giclee prints / drawings / works on paper
- HOW TO: Ship framed and/or glazed works
- HOW TO: label a package
- HOW TO: Create a package for artwork
- HOW TO: Protect and cushion artworks
- Protective Packaging - what I use
- Types of packaging - inside the external packaging
- External packaging
- HOW TO: Ship your work to art exhibitions
- HOW TO: Ship artwork internationally (coming soon)
- HOW TO: Package and ship pastel paintings
- Tips from artists
- PACKAGING: materials on Amazon
- Parcel services - UK Based websites
- UPS
- FedEx
- DHL
- Comments and Suggestions
- Who is Making A Mark?
Useful sources of advice
packaging, posting and shipping for beginners
How do you find the resources and supplies and the knowledge you need. Well you have to start somewhere - so why not try here!
- Making a Mark: Packaging and posting artwork
- Some guidelines on packaging and posting
- Post Office - advice on wrapping and packing
- Wrapping and packing - Make sure your items are packed safely and securely
Some general tips for safe and secure packaging - Post Office - mail advice
- Advice from the Post Office about packing and mailing
HOW TO: Ship giclee prints / drawings / works on paper
I've personally received these from some of the best - and it's very interesting to see how others package their work! ;)
Some ship flat and some ship rolled. On the whole it seems to be the size and shape and whether or not they are matted which seems to determine whether they are flat or rolled. Larger/odd shapes seem to come rolled and without mats. All prints seem to come without mats.
If shipping flat then my practice is as follows:
Some ship flat and some ship rolled. On the whole it seems to be the size and shape and whether or not they are matted which seems to determine whether they are flat or rolled. Larger/odd shapes seem to come rolled and without mats. All prints seem to come without mats.
If shipping flat then my practice is as follows:
- wrap a sheet of glassine around a drawing and tape glassine together so it does not move
- use a robust but lightweight form of support to avoid bending and/or postman who can't or won't read 'Do not bend' stickers (they don't and never assume they do - you MUST pack on the basis that they won't). I tend to use two lightweight sheets of foamcore either side taped together. Sheets of corrugated card can also work well.
- If you are sending a small consignment of drawings for framing (for an exhibition) then the boxes that Amazon books come in work extremely well!
- slip the package inside a plastic bag (helps to make it waterproof)
- you should now have a rigid waterproof pack - now choose a suitable envelope. My preference is for padded with bubble wrap lining or a waterproof envelope for larger works and the manilla with board envelopes for smaller ones.
- make sure you fill/seal the envelope so that the inner package cannot move around. Movement is what damages corners and leads to packages coming apart!
HOW TO: Ship framed and/or glazed works
Personally I think it's a huge and expensive mistake to ship framed works. Only frame shops make money from frames. Plus the shipping becomes very complex and you're probably shipping a frame which they want to change anyway!
Really.
One of my framers says most of his business comes from people who are having frames replaced!
Plus the money customers save on having the frame shipped could be spent on a nicer frame at their end - do you need any more reasons?
Never ever assume that people packing your work to send it back again will take the same care as you do. Take away the anxiety by providing them with the materials which make it easy for them to do a good job.
If you must ship framed/glazed works...........
Really.
One of my framers says most of his business comes from people who are having frames replaced!
Plus the money customers save on having the frame shipped could be spent on a nicer frame at their end - do you need any more reasons?
Never ever assume that people packing your work to send it back again will take the same care as you do. Take away the anxiety by providing them with the materials which make it easy for them to do a good job.
If you must ship framed/glazed works...........
- keep all the strong boxes sent to you which used to house art materials and other stuff. You will need them if you are going to construct your own box.
- Airfloat Strongbox is used by a lot of people in the USA. I think it's often a preferred solution by many who ship work to exhibitions/competitions when they know it may well need to come back again - but be packed by somebody else. It has the advantage of being capable of reuse. Opinions differ as to whether or not they consider them expensive - and I guess this probably relates to your perspective on how many times each one gets used.
- Airfloat Glass Skin - if you must ship glazed work then you must also to take extra precautions. I've witnessed the unpacking of a work where the box had been wrecked. The frame had some mild damage but the real damage came from the glazing having broken and the glass then rattled around next to the surface of the picture - and damaged it. It's preferable to use perspex - and many competitive exhibitions refuse to accept works glazed in glass.
- Air cushions - you may have received goods sent with air cushions but my check round indicates that these are only going to be available to those companies handling lots of packages who can invest in the machinery and supplies. Looks nice - but there are alternatives.
- edge guards and corner protectors are very useful for frames which must be stored stacked prior to an exhibition. However not all galleries will allow you to keep them on - they take up space!
- my framer always wraps the frames of my works for competition submission in cling film - using one of these
HOW TO: label a package
- Check the address you are sending to - and check again after you've created the label
- Remove all old labels from the external shipping package (or make sure they are completely deleted)
- Place the label in a prominent position. Do not place it over a seam or at the place where you close the package
- Place an additional label on the inside of the package - just in case the external package gets damaged or the label becomes detached.
- To be extra safe, create a second label and put it on the other side of the package.
- Make sure that a return address label is created and inserted inside the package in case the item needs to be returned.
- If you are shipping internationally, make sure the 'To' and 'From' addresses are clearly marked but make 'To' is much more prominent.
HOW TO: Create a package for artwork
- Wrap all pictures individually. Glassine is a good choice for all pastels and pencils works
- Make sure all artwork is cushioned in some way to protect it - and also to make sure it can't move within the package( use bubble wrap, cardboard, polystyrene packaging etc)
- Make sure artwork is contained within a waterproof sealed envelope. Mail in many areas leave parcels to be picked up in areas which are exposed to the elements - and your package may become vulnerable to rain or snow.
- Make sure you fill any voids or open spaces before sealing the package to avoid any exceissive movement in transit(eg If an envelope is too big, try folding it over and taping it down)
- Use strong, wide packaging tape to seal the shipment and any vulnerable edges (envelopes and paper packages often come apart at the edge if they contain a weighty item which is moving around)
- Brown paper and string is NOT recommended. Use modern packaging materials
HOW TO: Protect and cushion artworks
Many shipping firms recommend that, in order to protect artwork and prevent damage to other shipments you should leave at least two inches of cushioning
- between fragile materials and
- between materials and the outside of the box.
Options for cushioning fragile/valuable items include:
- between fragile materials and
- between materials and the outside of the box.
Options for cushioning fragile/valuable items include:
- Crumpled Paper - this is suitable for items which are light and not fragile.
- Bubble Pack - this is frequently used to to protect lightweight fragile and/or valuable items from damage. It can also be reused if removed carefully.
- Foam Core and still cardboard liners are useful for protecting flat artworks such as matted drawings
- Polystyrene forms: Polystyrene can be used to create different small forms which can then be used to fill voids simply and easily. Beware - this is a one-way only option. They far too annoying to remove and reuse easily!
- Foam and Corrugated Liners: Protect heavier works with liners that have some resilience and depth.
Protective Packaging - what I use
Remember to recycle!
Protective packing I use includes:
* bubble wrap - good for cushioning. Bubble wrap can be recycled if you are careful when unpacking - although almost always in smaller pieces.
* board backed manilla envelopes - useful for smaller pieces. Less good for larger sizes
* polythene envelopes - good for keeping work dry - but needs internal stiffening of some sort
* bubble envelopes - useful and provides some cushioning but also needs a stiffener
* poster tubes - are sold for larger/odd shaped works which are sent rolled
* foam core in various sizes and thicknesses is light and robust - use for backing sheets or to provide a sandwich inside which the work(s) go. If taking a a sandwich approach then tape the foam core sheets together.
* sheets of corrugated cardboard. This comes in different thicknesses. I prefer foam core as I'm always worried about what would happen if the cardboard got wet.
* small self-assembly mailing boxes - these come in varying sizes and are best for 3D works or small consignments. Pack to fill and make sure works do not move.
* book boxesIf you buy books on the internet, some of them come in very robust packaging - which can then be recycled
* bubble wrap - good for cushioning. Bubble wrap can be recycled if you are careful when unpacking - although almost always in smaller pieces.
* board backed manilla envelopes - useful for smaller pieces. Less good for larger sizes
* polythene envelopes - good for keeping work dry - but needs internal stiffening of some sort
* bubble envelopes - useful and provides some cushioning but also needs a stiffener
* poster tubes - are sold for larger/odd shaped works which are sent rolled
* foam core in various sizes and thicknesses is light and robust - use for backing sheets or to provide a sandwich inside which the work(s) go. If taking a a sandwich approach then tape the foam core sheets together.
* sheets of corrugated cardboard. This comes in different thicknesses. I prefer foam core as I'm always worried about what would happen if the cardboard got wet.
* small self-assembly mailing boxes - these come in varying sizes and are best for 3D works or small consignments. Pack to fill and make sure works do not move.
* book boxesIf you buy books on the internet, some of them come in very robust packaging - which can then be recycled
Types of packaging - inside the external packaging
- Art Supplies from Daniel Smith - clear art bags
- Archival clear art bags
- Clear Plastic Boxes Acid Free Boxes for Gifts, Photos
- Crystal clear pvc plastic boxes are acid free and perfect for cards, envelopes, gifts or photo storage. Other styles are hanging, pillow, and cube. Stores flat, easy to fold.
- Crystal Clear Plastic Bags, Reclosable Poly Bags, Photo Sleeves, Hanging Bags
- Crystal clear poly bags for merchandise such as jewelry or protecting cards, photos. Poly envelopes and acid free zip lock plastic bags are reclosable and come in several sizes and styles for optionally hanging.
External packaging
- Foam Core Board
- Foam Core Board It has a white, rigid polystyrene foam centre, with smooth white paper laminated onto both faces. This board is very light, very stiff and very flat.
- Royal Mail - shop
- Bubble envelopes - protective packaging for valuable and delicate articles
- Royal mail - shop
- Polythene envelopes - the lightweight waterproof alternative to paper envelopes
- Royal Mail
- White and Manilla Envelopes in various sizes
- Art Packaging Shipping Crating Air Float Systems Boxes
- AIR FLOAT SYSTEMS: AFFORDABLE ART PACKAGING
- Strongbox® : Airfloat Systems Online Shop
- Airfloat Systems Online Shop : Strongbox®
Plywood strength without the weight.
Ship your important pieces in a Strongbox by Airfloat,the protective solution to shipping framed art. Your art is safely encased in three layers of protection - two layers of convoluted foam and one layer of Perf-Pack foam. Customize the Perf-Pack layer to your specifications in a matter of minutes. Simply remove perforated squares to form an opening that precisely encases your treasure. These multiple layers work together to provide superior shock absorption, guarding your art from bumps and scrapes during shipping.
Strongbox is available with Puncture Guard liners, providing the strength of plywood without the weight. - Printpad : Airfloat Systems Online Shop
- Airfloat Systems Online Shop : Printpad
Eliminate the worry of damaged prints with protective PrintPads from Airfloat. An Airfloat PrintPad is a container within a container, which means your print is nestled inside multiple layers of protection. PrintPads come in the following sizes: 17" x 22", 24" x 34" and 32" x 45". And you can customize your package further with adjustable corner triangles that create a snug fit for your shipment.
Reusable PrintPads feature optional Puncture Guard liners that add even more protection for your art. - Download Brochure : Airfloat Systems Online Shop
- Airfloat Systems Online Shop : Download Brochure
HOW TO: Ship your work to art exhibitions
If you have any other suggestions please use the feedback module at the end
Q: What's a "Handling Fee" and what does this fee cover?
A: Handling fees are standard and charged by many major exhibits in the country. Th reality is that most galleries simply do not have the storage space nor the staff to handle lots of artwork before or after an exhibition.
Fees tend to directly to the cartage company which unpacks the artwork, stores the box, delivers the painting to the gallery, retrieves them from the gallery, and repacks them for shipping back to the artists.
Some exhibitions require artists to pay this fee. This is sometimes paid direct to the cartage company.
Note that not all cartage companies offer an unpacking and packing service.
Q. Do exhibition organisers provide information about shipping my artwork?
A: They should do. Well organised exhibition hosts will post detailed information and instructions about shipping your artwork after the selected artists have been notified. This may come with the selection notice and is often also repeated on the relevant website. Make sure you read ALL the small print at least twice!
Q. Which shipping company is the best one to use for shipping fine art?
A: Selecting a courier/shipper is an important decision. Research the terms, conditions and tariffs - and read the small print. Ask your fellow artists what shipping company they use and which they recommend and which ones they've had bad experiences with.
There is no one right decision - it depends on where you're located, where the exhibition is located and the precise requirements for drop-off and pick-up.
Q. When should I send my artwork for the exhibition?
A: Exhibition organisers generally give you
- either a precise date
- or a "window" of acceptable shipping and receiving dates.
It depends on the gallery and receiving arrangements. Be sure to research shipping methods early, so you will be prepared if the shipping window is a short one and/or a precise date for receipt.
Q. On average, what does it cost to ship my artwork to an exhibition?
A: It is impossible to determine the average because shipping costs are based on the size of the box, its weight and the shipping distance. Insuring your work - during transit and while at an exhibition - will also add to your costs.
Make sure you do some advance research before you are notified that your work has been accepted. You may incur additional costs if you have a professional mailing service pack and ship your piece.
Q. What type of container will best protect my artwork during shipping?
A: A number of national art societies and exhibitions in the USA recommend using an Airfloat reusable shipping box (see links to website on this page). These boxes are made especially for the transportation of fine art.
Taping all the edges with extra clear or beige shipping tape will help your box last longer and protect it during shipping.
Q. What is the most common damage done to artwork when it is being shipped?
A: The most common problem happens when the artwork has not been secured properly to the mat prior to framing. During shipping, the artwork shifts and the painting may drop behind the mat.
Remind your framer to use strong hinges to secure your work and, if necessary, put a piece of masking tape at the bottom of your piece to prevent it from falling down behind the mat.
Other problems can occur when frames have not been assembled properly or secured tightly in the corners. This can mean that the Plexiglas or glass becomes loosen and may smash and damage your artwork.
Q. What do I need to think about if shipping work internationally?
A. Coming soon! Bookmark this site.
The above has been developed from the advice provided by the CPSA to artists selected for its annual exhibition.
A: Handling fees are standard and charged by many major exhibits in the country. Th reality is that most galleries simply do not have the storage space nor the staff to handle lots of artwork before or after an exhibition.
Fees tend to directly to the cartage company which unpacks the artwork, stores the box, delivers the painting to the gallery, retrieves them from the gallery, and repacks them for shipping back to the artists.
Some exhibitions require artists to pay this fee. This is sometimes paid direct to the cartage company.
Note that not all cartage companies offer an unpacking and packing service.
Q. Do exhibition organisers provide information about shipping my artwork?
A: They should do. Well organised exhibition hosts will post detailed information and instructions about shipping your artwork after the selected artists have been notified. This may come with the selection notice and is often also repeated on the relevant website. Make sure you read ALL the small print at least twice!
Q. Which shipping company is the best one to use for shipping fine art?
A: Selecting a courier/shipper is an important decision. Research the terms, conditions and tariffs - and read the small print. Ask your fellow artists what shipping company they use and which they recommend and which ones they've had bad experiences with.
There is no one right decision - it depends on where you're located, where the exhibition is located and the precise requirements for drop-off and pick-up.
Q. When should I send my artwork for the exhibition?
A: Exhibition organisers generally give you
- either a precise date
- or a "window" of acceptable shipping and receiving dates.
It depends on the gallery and receiving arrangements. Be sure to research shipping methods early, so you will be prepared if the shipping window is a short one and/or a precise date for receipt.
Q. On average, what does it cost to ship my artwork to an exhibition?
A: It is impossible to determine the average because shipping costs are based on the size of the box, its weight and the shipping distance. Insuring your work - during transit and while at an exhibition - will also add to your costs.
Make sure you do some advance research before you are notified that your work has been accepted. You may incur additional costs if you have a professional mailing service pack and ship your piece.
Q. What type of container will best protect my artwork during shipping?
A: A number of national art societies and exhibitions in the USA recommend using an Airfloat reusable shipping box (see links to website on this page). These boxes are made especially for the transportation of fine art.
Taping all the edges with extra clear or beige shipping tape will help your box last longer and protect it during shipping.
Q. What is the most common damage done to artwork when it is being shipped?
A: The most common problem happens when the artwork has not been secured properly to the mat prior to framing. During shipping, the artwork shifts and the painting may drop behind the mat.
Remind your framer to use strong hinges to secure your work and, if necessary, put a piece of masking tape at the bottom of your piece to prevent it from falling down behind the mat.
Other problems can occur when frames have not been assembled properly or secured tightly in the corners. This can mean that the Plexiglas or glass becomes loosen and may smash and damage your artwork.
Q. What do I need to think about if shipping work internationally?
A. Coming soon! Bookmark this site.
The above has been developed from the advice provided by the CPSA to artists selected for its annual exhibition.
HOW TO: Ship artwork internationally (coming soon)
COMING SOON!
Bookmark this site
Bookmark this site
HOW TO: Package and ship pastel paintings
Artists' Tips
- The Pastel Pointers Blog - Shipping Pastels (A Fragile Matter)
- Richard McKinley provides tips on shipping pastels - starting with considerations about boxing the artwork, glass and plexiglas
- The Pastel Pointers Blog - Shipping Pastels, Continued
- Richard McKinley talks about paperwork, insurance, accounts with shippers
Tips from artists
- Carol Marine - Artist - FAQ's from buyers
- If you're thinking of creating a FAQs page for buyers about your approach to packaging and shipping take a look at this one on the website of popular daily painter Carol Marine
PACKAGING: materials on Amazon
tape and bubble wrap
Parcel services - UK Based websites
The most popular questions that people want answers to are:
* Can a service deliver a shipment to its destination?
* How quickly will a shipment arrive at its destination?
* How much will it cost to send an international shipment?
* Can a service deliver a shipment to its destination?
* How quickly will a shipment arrive at its destination?
* How much will it cost to send an international shipment?
- Royal Mail Group
- Royal Mail Group Ltd is the parent company of
- Royal Mail, Post Office® and
- Parcelforce Worldwide. - Royal Mail Delivery Services
- Learn more about options available for sending and receiving letters and packets quickly and easily.
- Parcelforce Worldwide
- Parcelforce Worldwide is part of the Royal Mail Group Ltd (turnover £ 8.4 billion) and is one of the top five express carrier businesses in the UK, operating in what is a highly competitive express market environment.
The vision of Parcelforce Worldwide is 'To be the UK's most trusted worldwide express carrier' - Welcome to UPS in the UK
- UPS United Kingdom
Create a Shipment
Calculate Time and Cost
Schedule a Collection
Use International Tools
UPS Labels, Paks and More
Open a UPS Account
Set Preferences
Help Track Shipments - Royal Mail - complete online pricing guide
- Just select UK, Overseas or HM Forces and then enter your item's weight to see every price for all our services. You can then buy, and print your postage online.
- Royal mail - estimated weights
- examples of estimated weights
- Royal Mail - Customer Collection Service
- Take the time and hassle out of managing your business mail with our cost-effective Customer Collections service. Open an account with us and we'll visit your office and collect all your mail.
UPS
- UPS Global Home
- You can select your location and find out about UPS
- UPS Worldwide
- UPS Web Sites: Select a Region
UPS Worldwide
Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Middle East, North America, South America - UPS Global Trade: International Shipping, Import, Export, Europe, Asia, Americas, Latin America, United States, Canada
- Going global? With UPS shipping services to more than 200 countries and territories around the world, UPS is the right choice for your global trade and international shipping needs.
- Ground Shipping-UPS: any size, freight, LTL, less-than-truckload, package, pallet, Hundredweight
- The proven performance of UPS, now for any size ground shipment. Rely on UPS for small package, multiple package and LTL shipments.
- US Commercial Service - Export - UPS Global Trade
- UPS has teamed up with the U.S. Commercial Service to help you get started exporting or increase your sales to new global markets.
- UPS Global Trade: International Shipping, Import, Export, Europe, Asia, Americas, Latin America, United States, Canada
- Going global? With UPS shipping services to more than 200 countries and territories around the world, UPS is the right choice for your global trade and international shipping needs.
FedEx
- Shipping, Logistics Management and Supply Chain Management from FedEx
- FedEx offers Global Shipping, Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management and more
Choose your location - FedEx Tracking - FedEx Shipping - FedEx Web Site
- Official FedEx Web Site USA
- Your single source for FedEx tracking, FedEx Shipping, time-sensitive, time-definite and day-definite package, envelope and freight transportation services both domestic and international. - FedEx Express United Kingdom (UK) - FedEx International Shipping, Tracking, Express Delivery, Supply Chain Logistics, Air Cargo Freight, Import Export - FedEx Web Site
- FedEx Express UK
offers a wide variety of international shipping services, international courier services and overnight parcel delivery options to get your packages to their destination on time. Your single source for FedEx tracking, FedEx Shipping, time-sensitive, time-definite and day-definite package, envel - FedEx Rates and Transit Times
- FedEx Rates and transit times from the UK
DHL
- DHL | Global | Welcome to DHL Global
- DHL is the global market leader in international express, overland transport and air freight. It is also the world's number 1 in ocean freight and contract logistics. DHL offers a full range of customised solutions - from express document shipping to supply chain management.
- DHL: Home - USA
- DHL USA
- DHL: DHL Authorized Shipping Center%uFFFD
Making A Mark
Katherine Tyrrell's blog about: - Making marks with pastels, pencils and pen and ink - Creating new drawings and paintings - Influences on developing both artwork and art careers - Interviews with artists - Information about resources for artists and art lovers ....and best viewed in Firefox
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Who is Making A Mark?
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Who is Making A Mark?
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I'm an artist with a very wide range of interests who enjoys learning about art, making art and sharing information about art. I've combined all my information sites with sections of my other websites and blogs to highlight my main interests and acti...
