Professional Packaging for Shipping Art
The safest ways to protect your valuable and fragile artwork in transit is to either follow the methods outlined in our self-packing guide or involve Flight Logistics-ShipArt™. It’s not as expensive as you might think, and you can be sure that it will comply with international shipping packing regulations.

Art packaging service
We will arrange to have your artwork collected and packed for you, alternatively we can have a case built to your specifications and sent directly to you. Packing cases for art are created to accommodate two- and three-dimensional pieces of work using a variety of materials using such as tri-wall, ply or foam lined ply depending on the size and nature of the work you are sending.

The following offers a simple guide to art packing methods available at Flight Logistics-ShipArt™.

Inner Packaging – Packaging frameless prints

Many of our clients store their print runs at our Heathrow facility because we offer a professional storage, packaging, and shipping service (more on that on our ShipArt Services page).

Here is a step-by-step video tutorial showing how we package prints to prevent them from bending, tearing or being damaged by other packaging surfaces.

This would become ‘inner packaging’ if the item is shipped to another location and requires additional protection.

The following shows the different types of outer packaging…

Tri-Wall Case Packaging

Tri-wall is made up of 3 layers of corrugated cardboard anchored at the sides by wooden struts. This will provide you with a strong, but lightweight packing solution. Not recommended for high value, heavy, or very fragile items.

Foam Lined Tri-Wall Case Packaging

All the ingredients of the above tri-wall example, but with a layer of foam for an added level of protection against unforeseen knocks. Not recommended for high value, heavy or very fragile items.

Foam Lined Plywood Crate Packaging

A stronger solution than tri-wall, plywood cases are used when contents are either fragile, valuable or there are multiple items. Obviously heavier than the cardboard solution they offer a stronger solution and peace of mind.

Foam Lined Plywood Crate Packaging – Glass Content

All the benefits of the above foam lined plywood example, but with extra care due to glass component. The glass face is taped to reinforce it and to stop damage through flexing. An extra layer of bubble wrap is added.

Multipiece Plywood Crate Packaging

An economical way of shipping multiple items is to deliver them in one purpose-built plywood crate. If appropriate an internal frame will hold everything in place.

A-Frame Crate Packaging

An A-Frame case is designed to stand the item (or items) vertically offering the benefits that they won’t bend due to being laid down, and also reducing the potential of being stacked upon. Ideal for larger items and fragile artwork that includes neon tubes, and large glass faces as it lessens the chance of breakage due to flexing.

Useful facts

• Any wooden packaging material used must be heat treated and stamped in accordance with import regulations. Without the stamp, destinations such as the USA and Australia will reject its entry and deport it back to you. Nobody wants that!
• If you have multiple pieces of artwork going to a single UK or European address, it may be more cost effective to deliver it in a dedicated vehicle.
• Most insurers want proof of the type of packing. Ask your packer to take before, during (showing internal packing) and after packing photos.
• Packed dimensions that exceed 160cm in any direction won’t fit through the freight hold loading door on a passenger jet service and will have to go on a scheduled cargo only flight, potentially causing delays!

What information does a packer need, to advise on suitable packing?

• The number of items.
• Dimensions of each (L x H x W).
• Description/medium of the item /s.
• Any glass?
• Is it framed?
• The final destination.
• Who is insuring it? (We take photos before, during, and after packing).

Myths

• “Bubble wrap will do it” – No, it’s useless against heavy pressure such as another item being stacked or falling on it, or flexing.
• “Professional packing will 100% protect my item” – No it won’t, but it will mitigate most risks and it will provide the very best chance of it arriving unscathed.

For more information on our packaging service or to get a quote, please contact our ShipArt™ team.