Creating art is an exhilarating process, but crating artwork before shipping or storing it can be a daunting task. As an artist or collector, it is crucial to ensure that your artwork is adequately packed to prevent damage during transportation. In this article, we shall explore what crating artwork entails and the steps you can take to protect your artwork.
1. Material Selection
The first step towards crating artwork is selecting the appropriate materials. The most common materials used in crating artwork include plywood, bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, packing paper, and packing tape.
It is important to note that not all materials are valuable for crating artwork. For instance, packing paper may not offer adequate protection for large and heavy artwork. Therefore, your choice should be informed by the size, weight, and delicacy of your artwork.
2. Prepare the Packing Box
The packing box is the medium through which your artwork will be transported, and thus its preparation is of utmost importance. The box should be slightly larger than your artwork by at least two inches on all sides. This allows you to add extra cushioning material for protection in case of any unforeseen movement.
Once you have the right size for your box, strengthen the box corners with packing tape. This will prevent any premature damage to the box when subjected to external pressure. It is also important to wrap the corners of your artwork with additional bubble wrap or cardboard to prevent rubbing or direct hits with the edges of the box.
3. Wrapping and Cushioning the Artwork
After finishing the box preparation, it is time to wrap and protect the artwork. Start by wrapping the artwork with acid-free glassine paper to avoid direct contact with bubble wrap, which may leave imprints on the artwork’s surface.
Next, wrap the artwork with a layer of bubble wrap. This layer should be thick enough to protect the artwork from any external pressure or vibrations during transportation. Ensure that the bubble wrap is tightly wrapped around the artwork’s corners and edges to avoid any movement. Use packing tape to seal the bubble wrap.
The delicate nature of some artwork may require additional cushioning material. In this case, you can use rigid foam sheets or Styrofoam inserts placed between the layers of bubble wrap. Ensure that the foam is cut out to fit the artwork’s size and shape.
4. Placing the Artwork in the Box
Once the artwork is well-wrapped and cushioned, carefully place it in the prepared box. Ensure that the artwork is placed in the center to minimize any movement during transportation. Fill any extra space with packing paper or air pillows to add an extra layer of protection to the artwork.
Seal the box tightly with packing tape. The tape should be applied to the edges of the box and around the top and bottom flaps to prevent any accidental openings. Label the box with the artwork’s title and location to make it easy to identify if mixed up with other shipments.
5. Special Considerations
For fragile artwork, such as glass sculptures or paintings with glass, it is advisable to add an extra layer of protection around the glass. Use a heavy-duty packing tape to create an X-shape across the glass surface. This will prevent shattering if the glass is hit from accidental vibrations or pressure.
For oversized artwork, which may not fit into a standard box or require special handling, it is wise to consult with your shipping company for custom crating services. They will create a tailor-made crate that is perfect for your artwork’s size, thickness, and delicacy.
In conclusion, crating artwork is crucial to prevent damage during transportation or storage. It is important to choose the right materials, prepare the box correctly, wrap and cushion the artwork properly, place it in the box, and apply any special considerations when necessary. These steps will ensure that your artwork arrives at its destination safely and in perfect condition.