Transporting Oil Paintings

Shipping or moving an oil painting requires more than just a cardboard box. Oil on canvas is a delicate medium sensitive to pressure, humidity, and temperature changes. To ensure your artwork arrives in pristine condition, follow this professional packing guide.

Essential Packing Materials

To protect your investment, you will need:

1. Acid-free Glassine paper: The gold standard for protecting the paint surface (unlike plastic, it won’t stick to the paint or trap moisture).
2. Bubble wrap: For shock absorption and cushioning.
3. Corner protectors: Foam or cardboard guards to prevent frame damage.
4. Heavy-duty corrugated cardboard or Gatorboard: To create a rigid “sandwich” around the painting.
5. Packing tape: Use only on the outside of the packaging.

Step-by-Step Packing Process

• Protect the Surface: Cover the face of the painting with Glassine paper. Secure it to the back of the stretcher bars or frame with low-tack artist tape.
• Corner Safety: Attach corner protectors. The corners are the most vulnerable parts of the frame or stretcher during a fall.
• Cushioning: Wrap the entire painting in 2–3 layers of bubble wrap, ensuring the bubbles face outward to avoid leaving marks on the surface.
• The Rigid Shield: Place the wrapped painting between two sheets of heavy-duty cardboard. These sheets should be 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the painting on all sides. Tape the edges of the cardboard together firmly.

Professional Shipping Tip: The Cratе

For high-value artworks or international shipping, a wooden crate is mandatory. A crate provides a puncture-proof barrier that cardboard simply cannot match. If you are shipping via a courier, always mark the box as “Fragile – Artwork” and “Keep Upright.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Can I roll an oil painting for shipping?
  It is not recommended for impasto (thick paint) or old paintings. Rolling can cause the paint to crack. Always ship on a stretcher if possible.
• How do I prevent the painting from sticking to the bubble wrap?
  Always place a layer of acid-free glassine paper between the painting’s surface and the bubble wrap.
• Should I insure my painting during transit?
  Yes, for high-value artworks, standard courier insurance is often insufficient. Consider specialized art insurance.