Like any artwork, picture frames require extra care during shipping. When you're sending someone a gift, submitting your work to a gallery, or moving house, pack the frames well so they don't get damaged.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Protecting Glass
Step 1. Use artist tape
To protect the frame during shipping, cover it with several layers of artist tape. That way, if it breaks in transit, the shards will stick to the adhesive and not fall onto the artwork. Do not use regular tape or hard adhesives as these are difficult to remove and can leave ugly marks on the frame.
Artist tape is available at craft stores, home supply stores, and discount stores (supermarkets)
Step 2. Create a star pattern to protect the small glass panes
Glue 2 strips of artist tape onto the glass in an X shape from one end to the other diagonally, then tape 2 more strips in a cross or plus shape from the center of one side to the other.
Step 3. Create a checkerboard pattern using artist tape to protect the large glass pane
Make vertical and horizontal stripes using artist tape on the entire surface of the glass. The order in which it is done is not important, but in the end, the pattern should cover the entire surface of the glass. For more protection, glue them in an overlapping checkerboard pattern.
Step 4. Do not apply adhesive to the outline of the frame
This adhesive is difficult to remove from the frame and will eventually cause damage. If there is excess at the end of the strip, cut it off with scissors or bend the end inward and tape it back together.
Part 2 of 3: Closing the Frame
Step 1. Wrap the frame with brown paper
Place a sheet of brown paper on a flat surface. Flatten the paper, then place the frame on the paper face down. Take the long side of the paper, pull it over the frame and glue it using artist tape, then bend in the shorter side of the paper, pull it over the frame, and glue it back together using artist tape.
You can buy brown paper at craft stores and stores that sell tools and packing materials
Step 2. Use a cardboard cover to protect the edges of the frame
Purchase 4 cardboard frame end protectors. These materials are available at craft stores or stores that sell tools and packing materials. If you purchased an uninstalled version, assemble it first by following the instructions you got when you bought it or on the box. After that, attach protective cardboard to each end of the frame so that the frame is protected from impact damage.
Step 3. Lay the cardboard sheet on top of the frame
Take a piece of cardboard that is almost the same size as your painting. Place it at the top of the frame so the glass gets extra protection. Even if you don't need it, you can glue it to brown paper using artist tape if you want.
Step 4. Wrap with bubble plastic
Place the frame on top of the bubble wrap. Take the long side of the plastic, wrap it tightly, and secure it using masking tape or duct tape. Bend the short sides over the frame and glue them back together. If the artwork you are wrapping is very valuable, add 1 or 2 layers of bubble wrap.
Buy bubble wrap at a discount store (supermarket), craft, or tool and packaging store
Part 3 of 3: Putting the Frame in the Box
Step 1. Purchase a cardboard box that is slightly larger than the frame
Go to a tooling and packing supplies store or craft store and buy a sleek cardboard box. Cardboard must be thick enough to withstand normal use. If possible, buy a box slightly larger than the frame so you can fit in the padding for extra protection.
Step 2. Insert the frame into the box
If the box opening is on the top, place the bubble wrap on the bottom first, place the frame on top, and cover with another layer of bubble wrap. If the box opening is on the side, place a roll of plastic inside, tuck the frame in, then insert another roll of plastic over the top.
Step 3. Fill the empty space with bubble plastic
To prevent the frame from moving during shipping, fill the empty space with bubble wrap or other thick material. Fill in the blanks with bubble wrap until the painting doesn't feel like it shifts when you shake the box.
Step 4. Close the box and secure the sides with adhesive
Close the lip of the box and glue it using duct tape then wrap the four thin sides of the box with duct tape. Make sure there are no areas that have not been covered. The adhesive will strengthen your box and reduce the risk of the box tearing.
