How to Safely Mail Paintings and Art Prints: A Comprehensive Guide

Shipping artwork requires careful planning and proper materials to ensure pieces arrive undamaged. Whether you need to mail a painting on canvas, send flat art prints, or ship framed artwork, this guide covers essential techniques to protect your valuable creations during transit.

Choosing the Right Packaging Materials for Artwork

The foundation of safely mailing artwork begins with selecting appropriate packaging materials. For paintings and prints, you'll need:

• Acid-free glassine or archival tissue paper
• Bubble wrap (small bubble size preferred for art)
• Rigid backing boards or foam core
• Corner protectors for framed pieces
• Sturdy cardboard shipping boxes or tubes
• Packing tape (not masking or painter's tape)
• "Fragile" and "Do Not Bend" labels

Professional art shippers often use specialized materials like custom-sized protective packaging solutions that provide excellent protection while maintaining a reasonable shipping weight. These materials help prevent damage from both impact and environmental factors during transit.

How to Mail a Painting on Canvas: Special Considerations

Canvas paintings require extra care due to their vulnerability to punctures, tears, and frame damage. To properly mail a painting on canvas:

For Stretched Canvas:

1. Cover the painting surface with glassine paper, securing it with low-tack artist's tape at the back (never on the painting itself).

2. Wrap the entire canvas in bubble wrap, with bubbles facing outward to avoid imprinting patterns on the canvas.

3. Place the wrapped canvas between two pieces of foam board cut slightly larger than the canvas dimensions.

4. Secure this "sandwich" with tape, then place it in a box with at least 2 inches of packing material on all sides.

For Unstretched Canvas:

1. If possible, roll the canvas with the painted side facing outward around a wide cardboard tube (at least 6 inches in diameter).

2. Cover with glassine paper first, then a layer of bubble wrap.

3. Place in a heavy-duty shipping tube with end caps securely taped.

When learning how to send a canvas painting in the mail, remember that temperature fluctuations can affect canvas tension. Consider this when choosing shipping methods and timing.

Mailing Art Prints: Protecting Flat Artwork

For flat artwork like prints, photographs, or drawings, the goal is to prevent bending and surface damage. Here's how to mail art prints effectively:

1. Place the artwork between two pieces of rigid cardboard or foam board that extend at least 1 inch beyond the artwork on all sides.

2. Secure the boards with tape around the edges, but never place tape directly on the artwork.

3. Mark the package clearly with "DO NOT BEND" on both sides.

4. For valuable prints, consider double-boxing with cushioning between boxes.

Many professional artists have found success using specialized mailers designed specifically for art prints, which provide built-in rigidity and protection.

Shipping Carrier Options and Costs

Each major carrier offers different services for artwork shipping:

• USPS: Often the most economical for smaller pieces. Priority Mail includes $100 of insurance.
• UPS: Good tracking capabilities and generally reliable handling.
• FedEx: Offers specialty services for high-value items and excellent tracking.

When comparing carriers, consider not just the base shipping cost but also insurance rates, delivery timeframes, and tracking capabilities. For valuable artwork, the cheapest option is rarely the best choice. Some artists prefer to use specialized art shipping services for museum-quality or high-value pieces.

Similar to shipping posters and commercial art, standard shipping methods can work for less valuable pieces, but premium services are recommended for original artwork.

Insurance, Tracking, and Delivery Confirmation

Protecting your financial investment is just as important as protecting the physical artwork:

Insurance Guidelines:

1. Always insure artwork for its full replacement value.

2. Document the condition with clear photographs before shipping.

3. Keep all receipts and shipping documentation.

4. Consider specialized art shipping insurance for high-value pieces, as standard carrier insurance may have limitations.

Tracking Requirements:

1. Always choose services with tracking capabilities.

2. Opt for signature confirmation for valuable items.

3. Monitor the shipment's progress and save the tracking information until delivery is confirmed.

This approach to securing your shipment is similar to methods used when shipping other valuable items like jewelry, where documentation and insurance are critical.

International Shipping Requirements for Artwork

Shipping artwork internationally involves additional considerations:

• Complete customs forms accurately, describing the artwork and its value.
• Research import duties and taxes for the destination country.
• Include a commercial invoice for customs purposes.
• Consider climate differences between origin and destination.
• Allow extra time for customs clearance.

Some countries have specific regulations regarding importing artwork, particularly for antiques or pieces with cultural significance. Research these requirements before shipping to avoid delays or confiscation.

Professional Packaging Solutions for Frequent Art Shippers

For artists, galleries, or collectors who regularly ship artwork, investing in professional-grade solutions can save time and reduce damage risks:

• Reusable art shipping crates for frequent shipments of similar-sized work
• Custom-cut foam inserts for oddly shaped pieces
• Climate-controlled shipping options for sensitive media
• Relationships with specialized art handling companies

Many professional artists find that the initial investment in quality shipping materials pays off through reduced damage claims and improved customer satisfaction. Whether you're shipping a single piece or regularly mailing artwork, proper packaging is essential for preserving the value and integrity of the art.

By following these guidelines for how to send a painting or mail art prints, you can ensure your artwork reaches its destination in the same condition it left your studio. Remember that each piece is unique and may require adjustments to these general recommendations based on its specific characteristics.