painting on a blank canvas

Best Packaging and Shipping Practices for Selling and Transporting Artwork

When you sell or transport artwork, especially stretched canvases, framed pieces, or mixed-media panels, proper packaging isn’t optional. It protects your work, your reputation, and your investment. Here’s a guide to packing and shipping artwork safely.

1. Use Professional, Clean Materials

  • Begin with acid-free glassine or tissue paper to wrap the artwork. These materials shield against smudges and prevent abrasion.
  • Next, layer bubble wrap around the art. Use multiple layers and keep the bubbles facing outward to avoid imprinting paint.
  • Avoid Styrofoam peanuts. They scatter, don’t cushion well, and are hard to clean up.

2. Put Corner Protection

  • Use cardboard corner protectors or DIY sturdy corner padding. These shield vulnerable edges from bumping during transit.
  • Wrap the entire piece again with bubble wrap after adding corners to ensure full coverage.
Reusable wood case with double wall cardboard
Reusable wood case with double wall cardboard

3. Choose the Right Box or Crate

  • For smaller pieces, custom-fit boxes that leave 2″ of padding help prevent shifting.
  • Medium pieces work fine with sturdy USPS or UPS art boxes. Just add extra bubble wrap and support.
  • For large or framed works, sandwich the painting between foamboard or honeycomb cardboard, then build or buy a double box or crate.

Did you know? Canvases from CanvasLot come in a professional wood frame case with double wall cardboard. You can use it to protect and deliver the finished artwork to your clients.

4. Secure and Seal Smartly

  • Use heavy-duty, 2–3.5 mil packing tape and apply it in an “H” pattern across seams. Cheaper tape fails, risking your art.
  • Plaster your box with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” labels for clarity.

5. Document Everything

  • Before sealing, photograph and note the condition of your piece. These images may prove essential for insurance or claim disputes.
  • Include a packing slip, your business card, and a care note inside the box for the recipient.

6. Choose the Right Carrier & Insure

  • USPS Priority is budget-friendly for small pieces; include insurance. For heavier or framed art, consider UPS or FedEx Ground with declared value.
  • For valuable or international shipments, think about specialized fine art shippers and make sure your art is covered by in-transit insurance.

Bubble wrapped items for shipping

7. Plan for Long-Term Protection

  • For exhibitions or storage, build or buy wood crates or travel cases with internal foam lining. These offer serious protection over time and travel.
  • Keep good padding and tools in a dedicated packing area. An organized setup makes a big difference.

Shipping artwork is part of your artistic presentation. Use clean, acid-free materials, secure padding, appropriate boxes, and clear documentation with insurance. When done right, you protect your work and reputation in every delivery.

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