Packing objects to be transported or shipped is always risky, but paintings face particular dangers. If they have protective glass, you'll be careful to secure it so it doesn't break. If, on the other hand, it is a simple canvas, you will do everything to prevent the painting from being damaged or punctured. Both to ship them and to move them, paintings need special care during packing. Collect a few boxes large enough to hold them and secure them in bubble wrap, newspaper, or any other material that will protect them well during transport.
Steps
Step 1. Remove the paintings from the wall and place them on a flat, stable surface
Step 2. Make an "X" of masking tape on the front of the painting, if glass is present
This precaution protects the painting and keeps the glass together in case of breakages or cracks that can be created during movement.
Step 3. Cover the glass or the front of the painting with thick cardboard
You can cut it out of a box you are not using. The cardboard must be large enough to cover the glass, but no larger than the painting.
Use cardstock, sponge, or even loose batting if you don't have thick cardboard. The purpose of this step is to reduce the static electricity that can form between the painting and the bubble wrap plastic
Step 4. Wrap the paintings in a thick layer of bubble wrap plastic
Depending on the shape of the painting, you can wrap it horizontally or vertically, or both ways - you decide which method makes the packaging safer.
Reinforce the ends of the packaging with tape on the back of the painting. In the end, the picture will have to be very tight and firm in its protective layer
Step 5. Look for boxes of the right size for your paintings
Many shipping companies supply specific boxes for paintings and mirrors.
Take the boxes slightly larger than the paintings you are going to pack. Also consider the space that the layer of air bubbles and the other layers of cardboard take up around the painting
Step 6. Put one painting at a time in the box
If there is any free space left in the box, fill it with newspapers, rags or other materials, so that the painting has very little room to move.
Step 7. Gently move the box back and forth to check if the picture still moves
If so, add other materials to fill in the still empty spaces.
Step 8. Close the boxes and seal them with packing tape
Step 9. Write "Fragile" on the side of the box, using a thick marker:
in this way, whoever takes the box will know that it contains something of value.
Step 10. If your painting is too big for the boxes you have available, use an extendable box
This type of packaging actually consists of two separate boxes that fit together. This type of boxes is the most suitable for paintings larger than 75x90cm.
