Transporting multipart art installations—comprised of several interlocking elements—poses significant challenges during transit. If not properly secured within a crate or packaging system, individual components can shift, rub, or even collide. This leads to damage ranging from minor scratches to structural failure or complete disassembly upon arrival.
At Union Fine Art Services (Union FAS), we specialize in bespoke packing, crating, and transport of complex artworks, ensuring each part of a multipart installation remains exactly where it should be during the journey. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:
- Why are multipart installations uniquely vulnerable
- How to select the right materials and crate design
- Best practices for building secure mounting systems
- Custom strategies from Union FAS
- Monitoring, labeling, and final quality control
1. Why Multipart Installations Are Vulnerable
Multipart installations—sculptures, kinetic art, light works, immersive pieces—often contain:
- Multiple interlocking or suspended elements
- Fragile connections or wiring
- Delicate finishes, coatings, or electronics
During movement or vibration:
- Even the slightest gap between components allows movement
- Shifting parts can impact each other and damage surfaces
- Vibration can cause paint cracking, loose hardware, or component misalignment
Solution: custom mounting and bracket systems that firmly secure each piece inside the crate.
2. Choosing Proper Materials & Crate Design
2.1 Strong Outer Shell: Custom Wooden or Steel Crates
Custom-built, rigid crates—made from plywood or steel—create a protective barrier. According to Canada’s Conservation Institute, high-density structural frames or transit structures secure items at strong attachment points while guarding against deformation.
Museum-grade crates should have:
- Heat-treated, ISPM‑15 compliant wood
- Bolted or gasketed panels with secure fastenings
- Handles, skids, or forkable bases for safe handling
2.2 Inner Support & Cushioning: Foam Mounts & Negative Spaces
The base of protection lies in precise inner support:
- Inner “travel frames” or negative mounts:
Custom-cut HDPE or polyethylene foam molds for each component hold each piece securely. - Cushioning around the frame:
Surrounding this frame with cushioning foam (Ethafoam, Volara) absorbs shock and dampens vibration. - Correct foam fitment:
Aim for near-zero clearance; too much allows shifting, too tight risks abrasion. - Floating mount system:
Foam ride-mounts ensure the inner structure floats, isolating it from outer crate shocks.
3. Securing Each Component—No Shift Left Behind
3.1 Custom Bracket & Strapping Solutions
- Build a steel or plywood pallet/interior panel anchored to the crate shell
- Use padded clamps, straps, or soft bolts to fasten components at structurally strong anchor points.
Best practices include:
- Using multiple attachment points to distribute the load and reduce stress
- Padding contact areas to prevent abrasion or finish damage
3.2 Inter-component Partitions
If components are separate yet housed within one crate:
- Use cavity-packed partitions (crafted from foam or Coroplast) to maintain separation
- Include interleaves—cardboard, foam, or archival tissue—to prevent contact and cushion during movement.
3.3 Vibration Damping & Anti-Shock
Protect against high-frequency vibration:
- Use foam liners or padding where the frames connect to the crate
- Create firm mounting inside cushioned travel frames to reduce movement inside the box
3.4 Dead-Center Alignment
Align each component’s center of gravity low and central:
- Select attachment points that resist sway
- Prevent torque at joints and ensure balanced mass distribution
4. Union FAS Custom Strategies
4.1 Initial Condition Assessment
Our process begins with:
- Visiting your site or reviewing plans to measure, photograph, and analyze each element
- Identifying critical points—fragile joins, tensioned parts, electronics, or projections
4.2 Tailored Crate & Mount Design
We craft designs that include:
- Rigid outer crate per museum specifications (ISPM‑15, bolted lids, handles)
- Custom internal travel frames or foam cavities for multipart security
- Interlocking trays, partitions, or pods for each section
Example: A kinetic light sculpture might need:
- Labeled trays for glass components
- Strap-secured modules for electronics
- Rigid mounts for lightbulb housings
- Foam isolation between modules
4.3 Materials & Fasteners
We use:
- High-density Ethafoam/Volara for critical areas
- Anti-static foam for electronics
- Padded plywood or steel supports where needed
- Heavy-duty foam-backed straps and foam-covered clamps
4.4 Prototyping & Load‑Testing
Union FAS builds a mock-up first to assess:
- Fit accuracy
- Security under mild shock and vibration
- Ease of unpacking and reassembly
This step identifies refinements before final transport.
4.5 Labeling, Monitoring & Quality Assurance
- All components are clearly labeled with the installation sequence
- Crates marked “THIS SIDE UP,” “FRAGILE,” etc.
- Pre‑shipment inspection: photos, condition report
- Upon receipt, unpacking review, and damage check
5. Insurance & Risk Management
Even the best packing can’t eliminate all risk:
- Union FAS can assist with transit insurance covering damage, loss, or theft
- We advise photographing the pre-boxed condition for insurance claims
- Risk management includes quality inspections, documentation, and post-delivery review
6. Summary of Best Practices
| Step | Key Points |
| Outer crate design | ISPM‑15 wood, bolted/gasketed, forkable base, handles |
| Inner support structure | Travel frames, foam negative mounts, balanced load, vibration control |
| Component securing | Multi‑point straps/clamps, padded contact, partitions between parts |
| Cushioning & fit | High-density foam, 0‑clearance fit, proper cutouts for handling |
| Testing & prototyping | Mock-up status checks, shock tests, and ease of unpacking |
| Labeling & documentation | Clear markers, unpack instructions, and condition reporting |
| Insurance & inspection | Transit policy, damage photos, and final QA at both ends |
7. Why Choose Union Fine Art Services?
- Specialists in multipart & complex installations: tailored solutions for every component
- Industry-standard crate fabrication: certified wood, bolting, gasketing, and finish
- Advanced internal systems: HD foam, travel frames, anti-shock designs
- Hands-on testing & inspections: We verify security before shipment
- Seamless packaging-to-installation: labeling, staging, and onsite mounts
- End-to-end transit insurance & documentation
When you work with Union FAS, you tap into expertise, materials, and a proven workflow that eliminates guesswork. We treat each multipart installation as a unique project, ensuring every element remains perfectly positioned until installed in its new space.
FAQ
Q1: Can I ship multiple installation components in one crate?
Yes—if properly partitioned and cushioned using foam cavities or Coroplast partitions. Union designs multi-tray or pod-based interiors.
Q2: What if components are fragile or glazed?
We use archival-quality materials like anti-static or archival foam, add glassine wraps, corner padding, and secure parts to prevent rubbing.
Q3: How do I prevent vibration damage?
Our floating travel frames, integrated anti-vibration foam, and internal dampening layers minimize shock during transit.
Q4: Does Union insure shipments?
We partner with carriers for full-value transit coverage and thoroughly document pre- and post-packing conditions.
Q5: What about unpacking at the destination?
Uniquely labeled components, step-by-step instructions, and onsite support ensure a smooth installation.
Conclusion
Securing multipart installations demands precision design, expert materials selection, and rigorous execution. From rigid crate structures to soft internal stabilization, every element works together to prevent movement, abrasion, or shock damage.
With careful planning, testing, documentation, and insurance, your installation can travel across the globe unscathed. And with Union Fine Art Services, you gain a trusted partner capable of delivering professional, museum‑grade packing tailored to each unique artwork.
Considering a multipart installation? Reach out to Union FAS for a customized packing and crating consultation—your art will travel safely, securely, and arrive in pristine condition.
Union Fine Art Services – protecting the soul of your art, from studio to installation.