Contents

• 1. Introduction1
• 2. Purpose and Scope1
• 3. Common Causes of Transit Damage2
• 4. Core Packing Principles2
• 5. Recommended Materials3
• 6. Materials and Methods to Avoid3
• 7. Preparing the Artwork Before Packing4
• 8. Packaging Flat Artworks5
• 9. Packaging Rolled Canvas Works6
• 10. Protecting Fragile and Textured Surfaces6
• 11. Labelling and Dispatch Preparation7
• 12. Pre-Shipment Photography7
• 13. International Shipping Guidance8
• 14. Short International Shipping Checklist9
• 15. Sender Declaration10

1. Introduction

These guidelines set out a clear and professional standard for packing artwork for shipment, storage, collection, and delivery. Their purpose is to help reduce preventable damage during handling and transit while presenting work in a manner consistent with a careful gallery or studio practice.

Every artwork should be packed with the assumption that it may be lifted multiple times, placed beside other parcels, exposed to changes in temperature, and subject to ordinary transport vibration or pressure. A well-packed work should remain protected, dry, supported, and stable throughout the journey.

2. Purpose and Scope

This document applies to most flat artworks and flexible canvas works, including framed works, unframed works on paper, photographs, prints, paintings on panel, and canvases suitable for rolling.

Particularly fragile, historic, unusually heavy, or high-value works may require enhanced methods, custom crating, or specialist art logistics support.

3. Common Causes of Transit Damage

Surface Friction

Delicate surfaces can be marked when unsuitable materials touch the work directly or when movement inside the package causes rubbing over time.

Impact and Shock

Packages may be set down firmly, stacked, transferred between vehicles, or moved through multiple handling points.

Corner and Edge Damage

Corners are among the most vulnerable parts of both framed and unframed works.

Internal Movement

If the work can slide or shift inside the package, damage becomes significantly more likely.

4. Core Packing Principles

• Use a clean protective layer between the artwork and all external packing materials.
• Build packaging in layers: surface protection, moisture protection, cushioning, rigid support, and outer packaging.
• Ensure the work cannot move within the final package.
• Use materials suited to the artwork’s size, weight, and surface condition.
• Pack for real transit conditions, not ideal handling.
• Keep presentation neat, secure, and professional.

5. Recommended Materials

• Glassine or acid-free tissue for first-contact surface protection
• Bubble wrap for cushioning and shock absorption
• Plastic sheeting or poly wrap for moisture resistance
• Rigid foam board or support board for flat work protection
• Cardboard corner protectors for exposed corners
• Strong packing tape for secure sealing
• Double-wall cartons for stronger outer packaging
• Heavy-duty mailing tubes or PVC tubes for rolled works

6. Materials and Methods to Avoid

• Household refuse bags or coloured plastic waste liners
• Newspaper, magazine pages, or printed scrap paper
• Loose fill peanuts for flat or delicate artworks
• Worn, crushed, damp, or damaged cartons
• Low-grade tape with weak adhesion
• Direct adhesive contact with the artwork itself
• Tight rolling of painted canvas

7. Preparing the Artwork Before Packing

Condition Review

Before packing begins, inspect the work carefully and note any visible marks, vulnerabilities, or existing wear.

• Front surface reviewed
• Back or reverse reviewed
• Edges and corners reviewed
• Frame joints and hardware checked, if applicable
• Glazing checked, if applicable
• Dimensions confirmed

Workspace Preparation

The packing area should be clean, dry, and large enough to support safe handling.

Handling Standards

• Handle works with clean hands or gloves, depending on the medium.
• Do not place the artwork directly on dirty or abrasive surfaces.
• Prepare all packing materials in advance to minimise unnecessary handling.

8. Packaging Flat Artworks

Framed Works

1. Wrap the work in glassine or acid-free protective paper.
2. Add a plastic moisture barrier where appropriate.
3. Apply corner protection to all four corners.
4. Wrap in multiple layers of bubble wrap.
5. Place inside a strong outer carton with protective padding around all sides.
6. Fill empty space so the artwork cannot move.

8. Packaging Flat Artworks

Unframed Flat Works

1. Cover the artwork fully with glassine or acid-free tissue.
2. Protect all corners using paper folds or corner protectors.
3. Secure the wrapped work to a rigid support board without taping directly onto the artwork.
4. Add a moisture-resistant layer.
5. Create a rigid board sandwich using front and back support boards.
6. Wrap the board package in bubble wrap.
7. Place into a strong outer carton and remove all internal movement.

9. Packaging Rolled Canvas Works

Rolling should only be used for works that are structurally suitable for it. Canvases with brittle paint, heavy impasto, unstable cracking, or rigid supports should not be rolled.

1. Place acid-free interleaving material over the surface.
2. Roll the artwork gently around an inner support tube.
3. Keep the roll broad and relaxed rather than tight.
4. Wrap the rolled work in bubble wrap.
5. Insert it into a rigid outer tube.
6. Pad the ends so the roll cannot slide within the tube.
7. Seal the end caps securely and label the package clearly.

10. Protecting Fragile and Textured Surfaces

Works with raised detail, textured paint, collage elements, metallic additions, resin accents, or especially delicate paper surfaces require additional care.

• Use spacing or built-out protection where the front surface should not be compressed.
• Add extra cushioning around fragile edges and protrusions.
• Never apply bubble wrap directly against unstable or delicate finishes without a suitable barrier.
• For unusually fragile works, consider custom boxing or crating.

11. Labelling and Dispatch Preparation

• Apply the shipping label neatly and securely.
• Add handling notes where relevant, such as Fragile, Keep Upright, or Do Not Bend.
• Place duplicate sender and recipient information inside the package.
• Check all seams, edges, and corners before dispatch.

12. Pre-Shipment Photography

Photographic records are strongly recommended before dispatch. Images should show the condition of the work before packing, key stages of the packing process, and the sealed package before collection.

• Front photographed
• Back photographed
• Edges and corners photographed
• Packing stages photographed
• Final parcel photographed

13. International Shipping Guidance

International shipments require careful documentation in addition to strong physical packing. Cross-border deliveries may involve customs review, taxes, brokerage handling, and additional transit stages.

Before Shipping Internationally

• Confirm the full recipient name, address, phone number, and email address.
• Confirm the purpose of shipment: sale, consignment, return, exhibition, or gift.
• Check whether the destination country requires additional import information or tax details.
• Ensure the declared value is accurate and consistent across documents.

Essential Documentation

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list, where appropriate
• Carrier shipping label or waybill
• Insurance details where applicable
• Any special import or temporary export documents, if required

Artwork Description Guidance

Descriptions should be clear and specific. Avoid vague terms such as “art” on their own. Prefer descriptions such as “Original acrylic painting on canvas” or “Framed photographic print”.

14. Short International Shipping Checklist

• Recipient details confirmed
• Destination country confirmed
• Purpose of shipment confirmed
• Artwork title, medium, and dimensions recorded
• Declared value confirmed
• Insurance arranged where appropriate
• Artwork condition checked before packing
• Reference photographs taken
• Artwork packed securely and checked for internal movement
• Commercial invoice prepared
• Additional customs information completed if required
• Carrier booked and tracking received
• Recipient informed of shipment progress

International Shipping Record

15. Sender Declaration

This declaration may be completed by the sender, artist, studio representative, or packer responsible for preparing the work for dispatch.

I confirm that:

• I have read and understood these Artwork Packaging Guidelines.
• The artwork has been inspected prior to packing.
• The work has been packed using suitable protective materials and methods.
• Reasonable steps have been taken to reduce movement, impact risk, and moisture exposure during transit.
• Photographic records of the work and package have been taken where applicable.
• All shipment information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Name

Artwork Title / Shipment Reference

Company Details

Arthoods

Operated by Slowmade Ltd, registered in the United Kingdom.

Company No. 16593392