Comprehensive Guide to Shipping and Selling Art and Posters

Whether you're an established artist or just starting to sell your creations, knowing how to ship artwork properly is essential for your business. Proper packaging and shipping methods ensure your paintings, posters, and prints arrive safely at their destination, maintaining customer satisfaction and your reputation. This guide covers everything from packaging materials to shipping methods, plus recommendations on where to sell your art.

Choosing the Right Packaging Materials for Art

Selecting appropriate materials is the first step in learning how to ship art safely. The right supplies create a protective barrier against damage during transit.

Essential Packaging Supplies

• Acid-free tissue paper or glassine paper
• Bubble wrap (small bubbles for delicate surfaces)
• Foam board or corrugated cardboard
• Corner protectors
• Sturdy shipping tubes (for posters and prints)
• Picture frame boxes or custom art boxes
• Packing tape and painter's tape
• "Fragile" labels

When shipping valuable artwork, consider using a flat protective surface like our specialty trays to provide additional support and prevent warping during transit, especially for larger pieces that need maximum protection.

How to Ship a Painting: Step-by-Step Guide

Paintings require special attention due to their delicate nature and often high value. Follow these steps to ensure safe delivery:

For Framed Paintings

1. Cover the glass with painter's tape in an X-pattern to prevent shattering
2. Wrap the entire painting in acid-free tissue or glassine
3. Add a layer of bubble wrap, securing with tape
4. Place corner protectors on all corners
5. Sandwich the painting between two pieces of foam board or corrugated cardboard
6. Place this package in a slightly larger box with 2-3 inches of packing material on all sides
7. Seal thoroughly and label as fragile

As noted in this comprehensive guide to mailing paintings, double-boxing valuable artwork provides an extra layer of protection and is highly recommended for original pieces.

For Unframed Canvas

Unframed canvas paintings need special handling to prevent damage to the painted surface:

1. Allow paint to fully dry (at least 1-2 weeks for oils)
2. Cover the painted surface with glassine paper
3. Wrap in bubble wrap with bubbles facing outward
4. Use foam corner protectors
5. Secure between rigid boards
6. Package in a box with adequate padding

How to Ship Posters and Prints Safely

Learning how to ship posters requires a different approach than paintings. Here's how to do it properly:

Using Shipping Tubes

1. Roll the poster with the printed side facing outward to prevent creasing
2. Cover with acid-free tissue paper
3. Roll carefully into a shipping tube (at least 2 inches larger than your poster)
4. Add padding at both ends
5. Seal securely with tape
6. Label clearly with shipping information

For valuable or limited edition prints, consider additional fragile item shipping precautions such as insurance and tracking services.

Flat Packaging for Posters

For customers who prefer posters to arrive flat:

1. Place the poster between two pieces of rigid cardboard
2. Secure the edges with tape without touching the poster
3. Place in a flat mailer or box
4. Add "Do Not Bend" labels on all sides

Understanding Art Shipping Costs and Insurance

Shipping costs vary based on size, weight, destination, and service level. Consider these factors when pricing your art:

Carrier Comparison

• USPS: Often most economical for smaller pieces within the US
• UPS/FedEx: Better tracking and insurance options for valuable items
• Specialty Art Shippers: Recommended for high-value or oversized artwork

Insurance is essential when shipping artwork. Most carriers offer declared value coverage, but specialized art insurance may be necessary for valuable pieces. Document your artwork with photos before shipping as evidence for potential claims.

Similar to shipping large packages, dimensional weight often applies to art shipments, making proper packaging optimization important for controlling costs.

Where Can I Sell My Art: Top Platforms and Marketplaces

Once you've mastered how to ship artwork, you'll need to find the right platforms to sell your creations:

Online Marketplaces

• Etsy: Ideal for handmade and unique artwork
• Society6/Redbubble: Print-on-demand services that handle shipping
• Saatchi Art: Curated platform for fine art
• Amazon Handmade: Access to Amazon's large customer base

Building Your Own Presence

• Personal website with e-commerce functionality
• Instagram with shopping features
• Facebook Marketplace for local sales
• Email newsletter to past customers

Each platform has different fee structures and audience demographics. Many artists use multiple platforms to maximize exposure while developing direct sales channels to improve profit margins.

Professional Artist Shipping Tips for Success

As your art business grows, implementing these professional practices will streamline your shipping process:

Shipping Workflow Optimization

• Create a dedicated packing station with all supplies readily available
• Develop standard operating procedures for different artwork types
• Consider batch shipping on specific days to improve efficiency
• Keep detailed records of shipping costs to optimize pricing
• Collect shipping feedback from customers to continuously improve

For international shipments, familiarize yourself with customs forms and requirements. Similar to shipping valuable items like jewelry, international art shipments require customs declarations and may incur import duties.

Finally, consider your environmental impact. Using recycled materials and minimizing plastic where possible appeals to environmentally conscious customers. Clear communication about shipping timeframes and methods also builds trust with buyers, leading to repeat business and positive reviews.