Moving your artwork can be nerve-wracking, especially if it includes valuable or sentimental pieces. The last thing you want is to find your artwork damaged after the move. Properly packing your artwork is essential for ensuring it arrives safely in your new space. This guide will take you through step-by-step instructions for packing different types of artwork, including framed pieces, sculptures, and canvases, so you can have peace of mind during your move.
Gathering the Right Supplies:
Before you start packing your artwork, you’ll need the right materials. These items will help protect your art from impact, moisture, and other potential damage during the move.
Essential Packing Materials:
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Foam sheets
- Cardboard sheets
- Packing tape
- Painter’s tape
- Corner protectors
- Sturdy moving boxes or custom crates
- Markers for labeling
Protective Wraps and Padding:
Bubble wrap is a go-to for fragile pieces, but foam sheets and packing paper can be used for extra padding. Corner protectors are important for framed pieces, especially those with glass.How to Pack Framed Artworks:
Framed artwork, whether it’s behind glass or not, needs extra care to prevent scratches, cracks, or breakage. Follow these steps to protect your framed pieces:
- Apply Painter’s Tape to Glass:
For glass-framed art, place painter’s tape in an "X" shape over the glass. This will prevent the glass from shattering completely if it breaks during the move.
- Use Cardboard Corners:
Attach cardboard corners to all four edges of the frame to protect them from impact.
- Wrap the Frame in Bubble Wrap:
Wrap the entire frame in several layers of bubble wrap, securing it with packing tape.
- Place the Frame in a Box:
Use a box slightly larger than the frame, and add extra padding around the frame to prevent movement during transit.
Packing Unframed Canvases:
Unframed canvases are delicate, as they don’t have the support of a frame to protect them. Here’s how to pack them safely:
1. Cover the Canvas with Glassine Paper:
Glassine is a smooth, protective paper that will shield the surface of the canvas from scratches.
2. Wrap in Bubble Wrap or Foam:
Add a layer of bubble wrap or foam sheets around the entire canvas, making sure the corners are well protected.
3. Place Between Two Pieces of Cardboard:
Sandwich the canvas between two sheets of sturdy cardboard to keep it flat and protected.
4. Pack in a Sturdy Box:Choose a box that’s slightly larger than the canvas, and fill any gaps with crumpled paper or foam to keep the canvas secure.
How to Pack Sculptures and Fragile Pieces
Sculptures, ceramics, or other 3D artwork often require custom packing to ensure their safety. Depending on the size and fragility, consider the following steps:
Wrap in Foam or Bubble Wrap:
Cover the sculpture entirely in foam or bubble wrap, securing it with tape.
Use a Custom Crate for Larger Sculptures:
For large or delicate sculptures, it may be necessary to build or purchase a custom crate for extra protection.
Fill All Gaps in the Box:
Ensure that no part of the sculpture can move inside the box by filling gaps with packing peanuts or foam.
How to Handle Large Artworks:
Oversized pieces, such as large canvases or framed artwork, can be tricky to move. If possible, break down the artwork (such as removing the frame) to make it easier to transport.
- Wrap each piece individually: Wrap the frame and canvas separately if possible.
- Use moving blankets for extra-large pieces: In addition to bubble wrap, moving blankets can provide an extra layer of protection for large items.
Protecting Glass on Framed Artworks:
Glass is one of the most fragile parts of framed artwork, and it’s essential to take precautions to prevent it from breaking during the move.
- Apply tape to the glass: As mentioned earlier, painter’s tape will help contain the glass if it breaks.
- Use extra padding: Add padding, such as foam or bubble wrap, around the frame to prevent the glass from shattering.
How to Label and Organize Your Art:
Proper labeling is crucial for ensuring your artwork is handled with care during the move. Use clear labels to mark which side is up and indicate that the contents are fragile.
- Fragile labels: Make sure every box containing artwork has a “Fragile” label on all sides.
- Mark which side is up: This ensures that the artwork is always kept in the correct orientation.
Packing Art for Short vs Long-Distance Moves:
The distance of your move will determine how much protection your artwork needs. For short moves, basic packing may suffice, but for long-distance moves, extra precautions are necessary.
- Short-distance moves: Bubble wrap, corner protectors, and sturdy boxes are usually enough.
- Long-distance moves: For longer moves, consider adding an extra layer of padding, such as foam or moving blankets, and use more durable crates or boxes.
Using Professional Movers for Art:
If you have valuable or large pieces of artwork, hiring professional art movers might be the best option. Art movers specialize in handling fragile and valuable items, ensuring they arrive safely at their destination.
What to expect?
Professional art movers often use custom crates, specialized packing materials, and climate-controlled vehicles for transportation.
Tips for Moving Art in Your Own Vehicle:
If you prefer to transport small or medium-sized pieces yourself, here are some tips:
- Lay the artwork flat: Make sure the artwork is placed flat in your vehicle and secured with blankets or padding.
- Avoid stacking: Don’t stack other boxes or items on top of your artwork.
Storing Artwork During a Move:
Sometimes, artwork may need to be stored temporarily before it can be unpacked. If this is the case, make sure the storage facility is climate-controlled to prevent humidity or temperature damage.
- Use climate-controlled storage: Artwork can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so proper storage is key.
- Elevate your art: Keep your artwork off the ground to avoid any potential water damage.
Unpacking Your Artwork Safely:
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, unpack your artwork carefully to avoid damage. Take your time, and ensure that each piece is unwrapped and inspected for any damage before hanging or placing it in your new space.
- Inspect for damage: Check each piece for cracks, scratches, or dents.
- Take your time: Rushing through unpacking can lead to accidental damage.
How to Handle Damaged Artwork:
In the unfortunate event that your artwork gets damaged during the move, don’t panic. If you have insurance, file a claim right away. You can also look into art restoration services to repair any damage.
- File an insurance claim: If you have insurance for your artwork, start the claims process immediately.
- Look for art restorers: If damage occurs, a professional art restorer may be able to repair it.
Conclusion:
Packing artwork for a move requires careful planning and the right materials. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your valuable and sentimental pieces are well-protected during transit. Whether you’re moving your art across town or across the country, taking the time to pack it properly will give you peace of mind.
