Packing something for shipping or moving house is risky, but painting has its challenges. If it's framed with glass, you'll want to make sure the glass won't shatter and if it's just canvas, you'll want to make sure the painting doesn't rip or have holes. Whether moving or shipping them, paintings require special treatment during the packaging process. Pack the painting by preparing a box that will fit it snugly and securely, also using bubbled plastic, newsprint, and other packaging tools to ensure the painting is safe during shipping or transport.
Step
Step 1. Remove the painting from the wall and place it on a flat and stable surface
Step 2. Make a cross on the front with masking tape if the painting is framed with glass
These marks will protect the painting and keep the glass in place in case the glass breaks or cracks when moved.
Step 3. Cover the glass or the top of the painting with a thick, heavy piece of cardboard
You can use unused cardboard. The cardboard should be large enough to cover the glass, but not larger than the entire painting.
Use a mat board, a special placemat made of thick paper used to frame paintings, foam, and even carpet padding, if you don't have cardboard. This additional layer serves to prevent the painting from sticking to the bubbly plastic due to static electricity
Step 4. Wrap the painting with thick bubbled plastic
You can wrap it vertically or horizontally depending on the size of the painting, or even from both directions to make the painting safer.
Secure the bubbly plastic corner with tape on the back of the painting. The painting should feel wrapped tightly and securely when you're done wrapping it
Step 5. Find a square of the appropriate size for your painting
Most moving and shipping companies also sell boxes for shipping mirrors and paintings.
Look for a box that is slightly larger than the painting you are packing. You will need to make room for thick bubbled plastic and any other packaging tools you use
Step 6. Put only one painting in one box
If there is room left in the box, fill it with old newspaper, rags, or other filling so that there is no room for the painting to move or shift.
Step 7. Gently shake the box to see if the painting can still move in the box
If the painting is still moving, fill the box with more additional packing tools.
Step 8. Close the box and use a large piece of tape to cover all the corners of the box
Step 9. Write "breakable objects" in large black marker on each side of the box so the person moving it knows that the box contains fragile and valuable items
Step 10. Use a telescopic case if your painting is too large for the regular-sized box you get from a packaging supply store or other retailer
A box like this is actually two squares put together and is perfect for paintings larger than 76X91 cm.
