How to pack a painting

If you are moving house or simply want to transport an art painting, packing is one of the most important steps. Packing a painting is a difficult task as it needs to be packed and handled throughout the shipment with great care, and its confidentiality must be protected. The aim is that the painting arrives as safely as possible at its destination. Here we explain how to do it, taking into account whether you are sending one or more paintings and whether you need secure or ultra-secure packaging. Take note!

Tips for packing a painting

Protect a painting safely

These tips are ideal to keep in mind when you want to send a single painting of average cost

If the painting is protected by glass , tape it in an X shape. It will keep the glass safe from cracking during shipping. You can use normal masking tape but we advise you to use painter’s tape as it leaves no trace when peeled off.
Place bubble wrap on a flat surface and support the front of the painting, the most delicate part. Wrap the panel with at least 2 layers of bubble wrap, it is important that the protection is abundant, especially on the fragile sides, so it will absorb any bumps.
Wrap everything with wrapping paper to protect the confidentiality of the shipment.
Seal with several wraps of adhesive tape. We recommend PVC tape or tape with information such as: FRAGILE/HANDLE WITH CAUTION, to inform the carrier of the sensitive contents inside.

Embalar un cuadro sin que se rompa el cristal — STEP 1: Tape to protect the glass

sTEP 2: Place the frame face down on the bubble wrap

sTEP 3: For confidentiality wrap with kraft paper

Are you sending multiple paintings together?

Follow the above steps replacing step 3 and use cardboard boxes such as a telescopic box or a flat product box.
Foam adhesive blocks are a good solution to put between glass and glass and in the corners of the frames as this is the most shock-prone part of the frame.

telescopic boxes to make sure the frames don’t move

the studs separate the paintings securely

You also have an alternative solution!

Do you know the Bulkraft bubble wrap? It has a kraft layer that prevents overpacking and allows writing. It is very secure and will keep your paintings confidential. The bubble wrap absorbs shocks during storage and transport. It is a 2×1, combining bubble wrap and kraft paper. Our customers have rated it 5/5!

Protect and send a painting in an ultra secure way

These tips are ideal to keep in mind when you want to send a high-cost painting

You should consider using plywood boxes for international transport, which are resistant to shocks and atmospheric changes and will safely protect your pictures and paintings.
Foam profiles to absorb shocks and vibrations that can damage the corners of frames. They have a flexible shape and are designed to adapt to different thicknesses. They are also environmentally friendly and reusable.
Labels with positioning indicators or, even better, impact indicators or tip-over indicators. For example, the latter can change colour if the package/box is tipped over. This will allow the recipient to immediately report the tip-over on the transport document and immediately inspect the package. This precaution is necessary for important shipments, it is absolutely secure as the rigid plastic coating prevents any attempt of forgery.