The Right Way to Pack Artwork for a Safe Move
Moving artwork can be stressful. Whether it’s a framed painting, a delicate print, or a priceless sculpture, improper packing can lead to irreversible damage. Many people underestimate the risks of self-packing, only to find their cherished pieces cracked, scratched, or warped. The good news is that there’s a safer way to get your artwork from point A to point B without disaster striking.
Union Fine Art Services specializes in professional artwork moving, ensuring each piece is packed securely, transported safely, and handled with expert care. If you’re considering packing framed pictures or other valuable pieces yourself, here’s what you need to know—and why trusting professionals is the best option.
Common Packing Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Artwork
Many people try to save money by packing their artwork themselves, but cutting corners often leads to expensive mistakes. Here are some common errors:
Using the Wrong Materials
Bubble wrap alone won’t protect artwork from pressure, moisture, or impact. Without proper insulation, glass can shatter, corners can dent, and canvases can tear. Packing framed pictures in standard boxes without padding leaves them vulnerable to shifts during transit.
Taping Directly to Artwork
Some try to secure protective layers by applying tape directly to the artwork or its glass cover. This can lead to damage when removing the tape, ruining the finish, or even lifting paint off the surface.
Ignoring Climate Conditions
Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause warping, mold growth, and color fading. Improper packaging allows exposure to these environmental factors, leading to costly restoration work.
Poorly Sealing the Box
Leaving gaps in the packaging means dust, dirt, and moisture can sneak in. If the box is not completely sealed, even minor exposure to rain or humidity during transport can cause damage.
Overlooking Handling Risks
Artwork is fragile, and improper lifting or stacking can cause frames to bend, glass to crack, and surfaces to get scratched. Artwork moving requires careful handling, which DIY packing often overlooks.
How to Pack Artwork Like a Pro
If you still want to attempt packing framed pictures or other pieces yourself, here are some tips that can help:
Step 1: Gather the Right Supplies
- Acid-free paper to prevent discoloration
- Glassine paper for oil paintings
- Foam corner protectors for framed art
- Bubble wrap for cushioning
- Sturdy cardboard or custom crates
- Packing tape (but never directly on artwork)
- Climate-resistant packaging for long-distance moves
Step 2: Protect the Artwork Surface
Wrap the artwork in acid-free paper, followed by glassine for extra protection. If the piece has a glass cover, tape an X across the glass to minimize breakage risk.
Step 3: Use Padding Strategically
Foam corner protectors prevent impact damage. After applying those, wrap the piece in bubble wrap, ensuring all sides are covered. Avoid wrapping too tightly, as this can put pressure on delicate surfaces.
Step 4: Choose the Right Box or Crate
For framed artwork, a durable, double-walled cardboard box is better than a standard moving box. For high-value or large pieces, custom-built wooden crates provide the best protection.
Step 5: Secure and Seal the Package
Fill any empty spaces in the box with padding materials like foam sheets or packing peanuts. The goal is to prevent movement inside the box. Seal it completely and label it as fragile.
Why Professional Artwork Moving Is the Best Choice
Even with the best DIY efforts, risks remain. That’s where Union Fine Art Services comes in. Here’s why trusting professionals is the safest choice:
Expert Handling from Start to Finish
Moving artwork isn’t the same as moving furniture. The team at Union Fine Art Services consists of trained art handlers who understand the delicate nature of each piece. They use industry-standard techniques to ensure artwork arrives in perfect condition.
Custom Packing Solutions
Not all artwork fits in a standard box. Custom crates, humidity-resistant packaging, and shock-absorbing materials provide the level of protection fragile pieces require.
Climate-Controlled Transport
Temperature and humidity changes can ruin artwork. Union Fine Art Services offers climate-controlled transportation to maintain optimal conditions during transit.
Insurance Protection
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Professional services come with insurance options to cover potential damage, offering peace of mind that a DIY move can’t provide.
Hassle-Free Installation
The job isn’t finished when the artwork arrives. Proper installation ensures pieces are displayed safely and securely in their new space. Union Fine Art Services handles the full process, from unboxing to final placement.
Get Professional Artwork Moving Assistance Today
Packing artwork isn’t as simple as wrapping it in bubble wrap and hoping for the best. Without the right materials, techniques, and handling, valuable pieces can suffer irreversible damage. Union Fine Art Services provides expert packing, secure transport, and professional installation to keep your artwork safe from start to finish.
Don’t take unnecessary risks with your collection. Contact Union Fine Art Services today for a stress-free, professional approach to artwork moving. Whether you need assistance packing framed pictures, shipping paintings internationally, or setting up an entire gallery, our team is ready to help.