Packing Artwork
16 April 2010- Moving artwork is a very delicate task as any artwork is a valuable investment. If you are moving highly priced paintings or fine art, you must consider hiring a moving company that is specialized in packing and moving artwork. They do it with the help of specialized packing supplies and moving equipment. Moving artwork other than enormously high value can be considered to be undertaken by yourself but ultimate care has to be taken while packing artwork and the whole process of art move. Here are some tips on how to move artwork in the form of tips for packing artwork and shipping them properly to your new destination.
Moving Artwork- Unframed Paintings
Get some special packing supplies for packing and moving paintings like cardboards, picture and mirror boxes, bubble wraps, acid free paper etc.
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Do not roll fine art for avoiding its corners from getting bent or the art work from getting creased.
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Place the unframed artwork between multiple layers of sturdy cardboard so that it doesn't bend. Secure with tape on the outside of the cardboard pieces to let them stay together.
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For ensuring that the artwork doesn't move within the layers of cardboard, fold sheets of paper in shape of triangle with one end open. Place one paper triangle each on the corner edges of the artwork. Now secure the triangle and the cardboard with tape. Now the painting will not move.
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After preparing the cardboard containing painting, place it between two pieces of corrugated cardboard and tape on all sides securely. Instead of corrugated cardboard, you may also use a mirror box.
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If your artwork is a canvas painting, wrap it with “acid free” paper to ensure that the art is not affected by wrapping materials. Wrap the box in bubble wrap again and tape it. To avoid the box being punctured by sharp objects during the move, build a second box for the first box.
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Mark the box in bold and bright 'Fragile Artwork' and write instructions for leaving it at a particular place in your new home.
Moving Artwork- Framed Paintings
For packing artwork that are framed, get strong quality packing boxes. Mirror pack boxes are specially suitable for framed paintings. If yours is a large painting, you might have to join two or three such packing boxes by telescoping them.
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Wrap artwork completely by using bubble wrap. Also cover all its corners. If required, use corner protectors for the frame of artwork.
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Use masking tape across the front of the painting in the shape of “X” so that the art piece remains in place in case the glass breaks during the move.
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When placing the framed artwork inside the box, secure it with additional bubble wrap or newspaper wads on bottom, top and sides to secure the artwork from moving.
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Secure the entire box by using tapes all around its edges.
Moving Artwork- Care During Shipping
Picture or mirror boxes containing artwork should be placed in the upright position and never be laid flat during shipping. Always hire the shipping company who lets you insure your artwork for its full value. Avoid ground service for shipping as it might take time in transit which poses your artwork at high risk for damage. Whenever moving artwork, hire a mover that specialize in shipping art work and take care to monitor about the proper packing of artwork by them.
Get some more Smart Packing Tips for other household goods while moving
