Shipping artwork is a delicate process. Whether you’re an artist sending a single piece, a gallery preparing for an exhibition, or a collector moving a valuable work, one small oversight can lead to unnecessary damage, delays, or additional costs.
Here are the 12 most common art shipping mistakes, and the practical steps you can take to avoid them.
1. Using non-specialist packaging materials
Bubble wrap and cardboard alone aren’t enough to protect fragile or high value works.
Why it’s a problem:
General packaging materials don’t shield art from pressure, vibration, moisture, or punctures.
How to avoid it:
- Use museum-grade glassine or Tyvek
- Wrap artworks in multiple layers
- Use corner protectors, foam boards, and rigid outer layers
- For valuable or fragile pieces, consider a custom-built crate
2. Wrapping artwork too tightly
Over-wrapping can cause pressure points, cracks, and deformation.
How to avoid it:
Leave a small air gap around the artwork by using foam spacers and gentle cushioning.
3. Not protecting against temperature and humidity
Artwork can warp, crack, or even grow mould during transit.
How to avoid it:
- Use moisture barriers
- For sensitive mediums (e.g., oil paintings), choose temperature-controlled transport
4. Forgetting shock and tilt indicators
These are simple, inexpensive devices that reveal whether a package has been dropped or mishandled.
Why they help:
They act as a visual deterrent and encourage carriers to treat the parcel with care.
5. Using the wrong box size
A box that’s too big allows movement as well as adds cost. One that’s too small increases impact transfer.
How to avoid it:
Choose a container that leaves 5 – 8cm of space around all sides for cushioning.
6. Not checking carrier restrictions
Some couriers won’t take certain materials (e.g., flammable fixatives, organic materials, or artworks requiring special handling).
How to avoid it:
Always check:
- Maximum size
- Maximum weight
- Restricted items list
- Insurance limitations
7. Incorrect or incomplete customs paperwork
This is one of the biggest causes of delays for international art shipments.
Common issues:
- Missing commodity codes
- Incorrect descriptions
- Undeclared materials
- Wrong origin country
How to avoid it:
Prepare:
- A clear invoice
- Accurate HS codes
- A full description (medium, title, materials, value)
- Any licences needed for cultural goods
8. Under-insuring the artwork
Many people rely on standard carrier liability, which rarely covers the full value of artwork.
How to avoid it:
Use specialist art insurance and list the value based on:
- Artist’s current market value
- Provenance
- Sales history
Don’t guess.
9. Failing to photograph the artwork before packing
A quick photo record provides crucial proof of condition.
How to avoid it:
Take:
- Clear front and back photos
- Close-ups of delicate areas
- Photos of each packaging layer
- A final image of the sealed box or crate
10. Not considering the final delivery environment
Staircases, narrow hallways, uneven floors, and weather exposure can cause avoidable risks.
How to avoid it:
Inform logistics teams ahead of time if:
- There are access restrictions
- Delivery needs multiple handlers
- Specific tools or lifting equipment are required
11. Using the wrong tape or adhesive
Standard tape can peel paint, damage frames, and affect sensitive surfaces.
How to avoid it:
Use:
- Low-tack tapes
- Acid-free materials
- Non-adhesive wrapping whenever possible
12. Choosing the cheapest shipping option
Low-cost options may not include tracking, environmental control, or handling suitable for artwork.
How to avoid it:
Prioritise:
- Proven art logistics experience
- Tracking from collection to delivery
- Protective packaging standards
- Climate-controlled transport where needed
Final thoughts
Most art shipping problems happen because of small, avoidable oversights.
By using the right materials, preparing accurate paperwork, and choosing a logistics partner experienced in handling artwork, you dramatically reduce the risk of damage, delays, and unexpected costs.
