Artists and collectors often encounter the need to mail artworks, either to send paintings to exhibitions or to deliver artwork purchases. mailing a painting requires special attention to ensure that the artwork arrives intact and unblemished. Here are tips and tricks for successful and safe shipping of paintings.
Prepare the Painting for Shipping
The first step in mailing a painting is to prepare it for transport. Careful preparation is necessary to minimize the risk of damage during shipping. The best way to prepare a painting is to follow these steps:
1. Remove loose dust and dirt: Use a soft, dry brush to remove dust from the surface of the painting. Avoid using any liquids or cleaners to clean the painting, as they may damage the surface. If there is stubborn dirt or grime, seek professional cleaning services.
2. Protect the surface: Cover the painting surface with a glassine paper, wax paper or tracing paper. This will protect the surface from scratches and smudges.
3. Secure the painting: Use a low tack masking tape to hold the protective paper in place. Avoid using too much tape, as it may damage the surface or remove paint.
4. Frame the painting: Place the painting in a sturdy frame to offer additional protection. If the painting is unframed, make sure to add a stiff backing to keep the artwork flat and protected.
Select the Right Shipping Carrier
Selecting the right carrier is crucial to ensure that the painting arrives safely and on time. It would be best to choose a reputable shipping company that specializes in artwork shipping or offers insurance to protect against loss or damage during transport. The following are some of the most common shipping companies:
1. FedEx: FedEx offers a range of secure shipping services for large and small paintings. They provide a range of packing materials for delicate artwork, including foam, bubble wrap, and foam-in-place packaging.
2. UPS: UPS has years of experience in shipping art and offers an art box designed explicitly for art transport. They also offer insurance and tracking services.
3. U.S. Postal Service: USPS offers several shipping options, including First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express. They offer insurance up to $500 for Priority Mail and up to $100 for First-Class Mail.
4. DHL: DHL has an extensive global network that provides secure and reliable artwork shipping services. They also offer temperature-controlled and customs clearance services.
Look for Custom Packaging
Custom packaging offers maximum protection for artwork during transport. Custom packaging is specifically designed to fit the size and shape of the artwork and protect it against bumps, dents, and scratches. Some custom packaging materials commonly used for mailing paintings include:
1. Polyethylene Foam: Polyethylene foam is flexible and lightweight, making it ideal for cushioning artwork during shipping. It is non-abrasive and does not react with chemicals in the paint.
2. Bubble Wrap: Bubble wrap provides a soft cushion between the artwork and the outer layer of the package. It also protects against moisture and temperature changes.
3. Corrugated Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard provides a sturdy layer, preventing the artwork from being crushed during shipping. It also acts as a barrier against moisture and temperature changes.
4. Styrofoam Inserts: Styrofoam inserts offer a snug fit around the artwork, preventing movement during shipping.
Add Shipping Insurance
Shipping insurance provides financial protection against loss or damage during shipping. Most shipping carriers offer insurance for artwork transport at an additional cost. If you are mailing a valuable painting, it is recommended to purchase shipping insurance as a precaution. Shipping insurance covers:
1. Damage or loss during shipping, including theft and damage in transit.
2. Damage or loss caused by weather conditions.
3. Natural disasters such as fire, flood, or earthquakes.
4. Loss due to delivery to the wrong location or non-delivery.
Track the Package
Tracking the package ensures that the painting arrives at the intended destination and provides an estimated time of delivery. Most shipping carriers offer online tracking services that allow customers to track the package in real-time. Customers can enter the tracking number on the carrier’s website to track the painting’s progress. Tracking the package also helps to confirm delivery and ensures that the artwork arrives on time.
Conclusion
mailing a painting requires careful attention to prevent damage during transport. Preparing the painting for shipping, selecting the right shipping carrier, adding custom packaging, shipping insurance, and tracking the package are essentials to ensure a successful delivery. Following these tips and tricks can help artists and collectors avoid potential damage to paintings and ensure safe delivery to their intended destinations.