Clear plastic sheeting (acrylic/Plexiglas, polyethylene film, etc.) and corrugated cardboard are indispensable tools for art professionals. They form a double shield that guards paintings, prints, sculptures, and other valuables from moisture, dust, scratches, impact, and bending. Artworks on paper or canvas are extremely fragile: they can crease, tear, or get water-damaged if not packed properly. Transparent sheets (often called clear plastic sheets or see-through plastic panels) are used as moisture barriers and surface guards, while sturdy cardboard layers provide rigidity and shock absorption. By layering a painting between clear plastic wrap and corrugated board, one creates a rigid “sandwich” that keeps objects flat and dry during shipment or storage. For example, art handler David M. Kessler advises enclosing a work in a sealed plastic bag (to protect the surface) with stiff cardboard on front and back (to prevent bending). This approach – often practiced by museums and galleries – ensures paintings “arrive in perfect condition” by protecting them against bending, moisture, and physical knocks.
Corrugated cardboard and packing tools are ready for use. Layered cardboard sheets and a clear plastic barrier create a sturdy, moisture-resistant “sandwich” for safely shipping artwork.
Challenges in Shipping and Storage: Why Art Needs Extra Protection
Moving or storing art carries risks that no home can prevent. Changes in temperature or humidity can cause canvases and paper to warp or mold, while exposure to dirt, liquids, or grease can stain fragile media. Even the slightest impact – dropping a crate or bumping into a frame – can shatter glass or dent a frame. Clear plastic barriers address several of these threats at once. A layer of polyethylene or polyester film (for example, a sealed clear polythene sheet over a painting) keeps out moisture and dust. Conservation guidelines recommend “wrapping the works in plastic” to shield them from any water damage during transport. Thick plastic sheeting (typically ≥4 mil thick) is water-resistant and airtight, so it forms an effective moisture barrier. Because plastic can also attract condensation, experts say to add ventilation holes or insert acid-free tissue to absorb any trapped moisture.
At the same time, cardboard adds structural support. Rigid corrugated board prevents flat works from creasing or folding under stress. A common practice is to place the art between two custom-cut corrugated cardboard sheets that are taped together around the edges. This assembly resists bending and absorbs any shocks. (Be aware that ordinary cardboard contains acids; if artwork will touch it directly, use archival-quality or acid-free corrugated layers.) Indeed, shipping guides note that while corrugated cardboard has a “high acid content”, it is “fairly strong and makes an excellent protective layer” against bending. By coupling cardboard’s strength with the plastic’s barrier properties, handlers protect art from both physical and environmental damage.
Clear Plastic Sheeting: Types and Terminology
Art packers use many kinds of transparent plastic sheets. You’ll see products labeled as acrylic, plexiglass, Lucite, polycarbonate, or polyethylene sheets. Each has different properties, but all are clear and allow easy viewing of the art beneath. Common terms include clear plastic panels, clear plastic board, clear plastic sheets, or see-through plastic panels when referring to rigid boards. Softer film materials might be called clear polythene sheet or clear plastic cover sheets. Even terms like clear material, transparent plastic, or clear plastic paper (for very thin film) can show up in packaging catalogs.
Among these, acrylic (PMMA) sheets are very popular for glazing. Sold under brand or generic names like Plexiglas®, Perspex®, and Lucite®, acrylic panels are prized for being light, shatter-resistant, and UV-filtering. (A conservation handbook notes that Perspex/Lucite sheets are “scratch-resistant and low static, as well as UV filtering.”) Acrylic boards are available in many thicknesses – from just 1–2 mm up to 1/2 inch (12 mm) or more. Such heavy, thick, clear plastic sheeting can be used as backing, display glazing, or even as temporary protective walls. Polycarbonate (e.g., Lexan) is another hard plastic option, noted for higher impact strength. It’s often sold as a transparent hard plastic sheet and is useful if extra durability is needed.
For packaging, flexible films are used too. Rolls of clear polythene sheet (thin polyethylene) or polypropylene film come in 2–6 mil thickness (0.05–0.15 mm). These are often used as simple, clear plastic cover sheets over frames or table surfaces, or as inner liners in crates. One must remember that clear poly film can cling electrostatically to art surfaces; nonetheless, its chemical inertness makes it safe for use (with precautions against condensation). In summary, if you search for “where to buy perspex sheets” or “perspex sheets near me,” you’ll find many hardware and plastics stores offering large clear plastic sheets by the sheet. These come in sizes up to 4×8 or 5×10 feet, and can be cut to custom dimensions.
To be thorough, here is a quick rundown of plastic packaging products often used in art shipping:
- Acrylic/Perspex Panels (Rigid): Branded sheets (Perspex, Plexiglas, Lucite) in clear or even colored-tint versions. Sold as clear Perspex panels, clear plastic board, or sheets of clear Perspex. Available through an acrylic sheet supply, art supply shops, or big-box stores. (Thickness: 1/16″ up to 1″ or more.)
- Polycarbonate/Hard Plastic Sheets: Industrial clear sheets are known as transparent hard plastic sheets. Often used where glass might break. (Keywords: transparent plastic sheet material, thick transparent plastic, thick transparent plastic sheet.)
- Clear Plastic Film (Polyethylene/Polypropylene): Thin clear polythene sheet and film rolls used as dust or moisture barriers. (Also referred to as clear plastic cover sheets, clear plastic paper, see-through plastic sheets.) Available in large rolls or cut sheets. Note: Use ventilation or acid-free buffer paper to prevent moisture buildup.
- Corrugated Plastic: Fluted polypropylene panels (Coroplast) – not fully transparent but lightweight and moisture-resistant. These provide rigid backing similar to corrugated cardboard. Often sold alongside acrylic in archives.
- Tinted/Clear Colored Plastic: Occasionally clear plastic is lightly tinted for artistic effect or labeling; called clear color plastic or clear color plastic sheets. These see-through colored panels can be used decoratively or for protective covers.
No matter what the name, the function is the same: to keep a visible, protective barrier in place without obscuring the art. Many collectors have noted that even ordinary painters’ plastic drop cloths (plastic sheeting) or “shower curtain” material can serve in a pinch, though true acrylic or polycarbonate panels provide far more rigidity.
Corrugated Cardboard: Lightweight Armor
Corrugated cardboard has been a stalwart art-packing material for decades. It’s inexpensive, lightweight, and absorbs shocks. Common formats are flat sheets or cut-to-size inserts. For example, for an 18×24″ unframed print, you might sandwich it between two 18×24″ sheets of single-wall corrugated board and tape the edges. The board prevents the print from creasing or puncturing. Higher-end options include double-wall cardboard or corrugated fiberboard crates for very large works. These are often custom-built, with heavy fluting to support artwork on shipping pallets.
One drawback of ordinary corrugated cardboard is that it can contain lignin and acids, which could, over the years, discolor paper-based art. Therefore, professionals use buffer layers (archival tissue or foam core) between the art and the board, or they procure acid-free corrugated sheets. Aside from acidity, however, its protective value is clear: guides on art transport specifically cite corrugated cardboard as “fairly strong” and an “excellent protective layer,” especially against bending or puncture. It’s so effective that many artists repurpose the original packaging of art paper or panels for shipping – those original boxes often include ready-cut corrugated layers.
When loading up a crate or box, conservators will often alternate layers of cardboard and other cushioning (foam or bubble wrap). For flat works, at a minimum, you want at least one rigid board on each side of the item. For example, Kessler’s method (cited above) taped the painting between two boards. Larger framed pieces might use custom-cut cardboard rails along the edges or foam corners, then overall cardboard panels. In any case, the cardboard supports maintain shape: even if the parcel is dropped, the load is distributed across the board instead of directly on the artwork.
Combining Plastic and Cardboard in Packing
The true magic comes when clear plastic sheets and corrugated board are used together. First, one typically seals the artwork in plastic. Paintings on canvas can be wrapped with specialized plastic, and works on paper are often placed in a clear polyethylene sleeve or a vacuum-sealed bag. This plastic wrapping repels moisture, dirt, and even insects – effectively, “nothing gets through” the plastic. Then the plastic-wrapped object is sandwiched between a stiff board. The sandwich is taped at the edges to keep it closed. This dual-layering approach harnesses both materials’ strengths: the plastic shield guards surfaces and slows down humidity changes, while the cardboard shell prevents bending or puncture.
As one packing guide summarizes, the plastic acts as a moisture barrier, and the cardboard layers keep the painting “not easily bent” during shipping. To avoid condensation, holes may be pierced through the plastic barrier (tiny vent holes). Another tip is to align the plastic more loosely rather than tautly, which reduces trapped air. For framed pieces with glass fronts, special foams or corner protectors are often added as a third layer, but the fundamental combination remains: clear plastic to seal out moisture and dust, corrugated cardboard to prevent collapse or impact.
This layering technique is used not only for shipping. In galleries, it’s common during installation to cover floors and walls with cardboard, then drape equipment or surfaces with a protective plastic sheet. For instance, during a gallery setup, one might cover incoming crates with clear plastic drop cloths to catch paint drips or sawdust. In transport vehicles, large clear acrylic panels (such as 4×8 ft clear plastic board) are sometimes used as interior panels or bulkheads to keep crates separated and stable.
Sizes, Thicknesses, and Where to Find Them
Art professionals have standardized on certain sheet sizes and thicknesses. Rigid plastic sheets commonly come in 4×8 ft or 5×10 ft stock sizes, and can be cut to match the artwork’s dimensions. Smaller precut sizes (e.g., 2×3 ft, 24×36″) are also sold for convenience. Filmy plastic sheeting is sold in rolls, often 10–20 ft long. In terms of thickness, clear polyethylene tarps might be 3–6 mil (0.003–0.006 inch) thick, enough to resist small tears. Acrylic/acrylic sheets typically start around 1.5 mm (about 1/16″) and go up to 12 mm (almost 1/2″) for specialty boards. Heavier-duty acrylic (for display cases or building partitions) may be even 3/4″ or thicker. Corrugated cardboard is available from about 1/8″ (single-wall) up to 1/2″ or more (double-wall flutes), depending on needed strength.
These products are widely available at building suppliers and online retailers. National chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s list acrylic sheet and polycarbonate panel options alongside lumber and hardware. Likewise, Amazon, ePlastics, Acme Plastics, TAP Plastics, Canal Plastics, and similar stores offer cut-to-size services. Searching “where to buy perspex sheets” or “perspex sheets near me” will turn up local plastic suppliers and sign shops. Many offices carry 32”×40” to 48”×72” Plexiglas sheets you can purchase by the piece. For quick crafting, hobby shops sell smaller clear plastic boards or acrylic plexiglass (often called Lucite sheets). For flexible sheeting, home centers sell “shower curtain liner” material or painter’s drop cloth as a budget transparent plastic sheet for windows or surfaces.
Designers should note UV filtering properties: some acrylics block 80–90% of UV, helping protect art from fading. Always check the label: products are sometimes marketed by thickness (“3mm clear acrylic sheet”) and by finish (gloss or matte). Similarly, corrugated boards are sold by flute type (A, B, E flutes, etc.). When ordering for shipping, choose flute E or B (thinner) for flat objects to reduce bulk, and C or double-wall for heavy crates.
Best Practices for Art Handling and Shipping
- Pre-Cover Before Moving: Keep artwork flat or upright on soft, padded surfaces. Apply corner protectors (foam or cardboard edges). If works are unframed prints, slip them into archival clear sleeves (polyester/Mylar). Always wear cotton gloves when handling to avoid skin oils on plastics or paintings.
- Clean Surfaces: Dust and fingerprints on the clear plastic panels can scratch art, so handle sheets carefully and clean them with a soft cloth. Remove the release film from new acrylic sheets only after installation.
- Seal and Label: Seal plastic enclosures with non-acidic tape. Label the exterior “Fragile – Artwork” and mark top/bottom. This ensures shippers handle the package correctly. Include orientation arrows if the art must stay upright.
- Avoid Adhesives on Art: Never tape or glue anything directly to the artwork or the face of a protective sheet. If you must affix a label or note, do so on the cardboard backing or a corner of the plastic.
- Transport Orientation: Always transport framed paintings vertically on edge; a mattress load or an upright crate is preferred. For flat files of prints, keep them flat and supported on all sides.
- Crate and Truck Safety: Use padded supports or cradles inside crates so items float without pressing on any surface. If using an enclosed vehicle, ensure the crates are braced and can’t slide. Hanging art should never be loose on a truck wall unless it has a friction strap or rail system.
- Environment Control: Keep artworks in climate-controlled conditions. If you must store them wrapped, do it in a dry space to prevent mold growth. Check plastic wrappings periodically for trapped moisture or pests.
By following these practices – combining high-quality clear plastic sheeting with sturdy cardboard backing – galleries and movers minimize almost every common risk. Even beyond shipping, artists sometimes cover canvases with a plastic sheet as a drop cloth when installing or remodeling studios, knowing they can see the canvas underneath and that the material is easy to clean off later.
Conclusion: Professional Care with Union Fine Art Services
Protecting valuable art during moves and installations takes knowledge and the right materials. Clear acrylic and polycarbonate sheets (Perspex, Plexiglas) and corrugated cardboard are inexpensive, accessible, and effective when used correctly. High-quality see-through plastic sheets serve as moisture- and scratch-barriers, while corrugated board provides impact resistance. Together, they address the key vulnerabilities of fine art – fragility, humidity, abrasion, and bending – and make shipping and handling far safer. For collectors, museum curators, or designers who want confidence that their artwork will arrive undamaged, expert handling is essential. Union Fine Art Services specializes in every aspect of art moving, crating, and installation. Our team can advise on or supply the exact materials – from thick clear plastic panels to acid-free cardboard – needed for your project. If you’re planning an exhibition move, studio relocation, or any fine art transport, contact Union Fine Art Services today. Our professional art handlers and shippers ensure that your valuable paintings and artifacts are fully protected and arrive safely at their destination.