The world of artwork is vibrant and diverse, and packaging plays a crucial role in protecting and showcasing these valuable pieces. In this industry spotlight blog post, we will delve into the unique packaging requirements for artwork. From archival materials to innovative design solutions, get ready to explore how packaging can elevate the presentation and value of artwork, while ensuring its safe transport and storage.
Your artwork is precious and priceless. Whether you're creating art to sell or for your personal collection, they still require a lot of care and looking after because of all the time, sweat and effort you've put into them. That's why packing them up whether for storage or to be shipped is a momentous task.
You need to make sure your artwork is kept safe from damage and debris through shipping and handling. That's where packaging comes in. In recent years, packaging has been playing a big role in the transport of artwork. Regardless of value or who the artist is, more and more people are paying closer attention to how they prepare artworks for shipping in respect to all the work that goes into creating the masterpieces.
Of course, you can use more affordable options like old newspapers, magazines and trash bags but think about the kind of impression you want to make. Do you want to show your clients and partners that you're a serious artist or art dealer? You wouldn't want any of your artworks near garbage, would you? Why would you use bin liners? If you want to be viewed as a serious professional, you have to be serious and professional in everything that you do and that includes packaging artwork.
Think about your packaging as an extension of your marketing strategy. If you want your brand to be known for high-quality, professional and exceptional art, it all has to cover everything that concerns your art from the materials you use in creating them, the quality you produce and how you package them to be sent off to buyers and dealers.
If you're a customer and you receive a damaged artwork that you bought online, you would be heartbroken. Then you would have to go through all the hassle of returning your purchase and waiting for a refund to be processed or an exchange order to be sent. You can save yourself and your customers the headache by packing your artwork responsibly.
There's also the matter of insurance. Some art galleries and collectors insure works of art, yes, but the coverage oftentimes doesn't cover artworks that are damaged in shipping. Some also have their own packaging guidelines that need to be adhered to otherwise, your artwork might be damaged and therefore deemed uninsurable.
If you're packaging your artwork for storage, you need to make sure it's packed carefully and packed well to keep it safe from damage, dust and debris. You also have to think about the artwork collecting moisture from the elements especially if it will be stored for some time.
If you're packaging your artwork to be shipped, you need to keep in mind that some collectors or galleries do not insure artworks if they're damaged during shipping. While some do offer insurance, there are those that deem artworks non-insurable if they're damaged during shipping due to poor packaging prior to shipment.
For paintings on canvass, you need acid-free tissue paper to help shield the artwork from getting soiled before wrapping it in cellophane or poly wrap to protect in from moisture until finally, bubble wrap. You can also use boxboards on top of the tissue paper for extra protection.
In the case of framed portraits, especially the bigger and heavier ones, it's important to make sure the glass panel fronting the portrait and the portrait itself is kept safe. Bubble wrap is the best choice for packaging.
For artwork that need to be shipped to buyers and collectors, don't use packing peanuts. They can get everywhere and can be a nuisance to clean up. You want to project professionalism even in your packaging. You can use tissue paper or boxboards to keep the artwork safe before wrapping it in bubble wrap. You can also use shredded kraft paper as cushion. With old newspapers, the ink sometimes bleeds into whatever they come into contact with. If you want to keep your packaging presentable, go with the kraft paper.
For unframed artwork, start out by wrapping the piece in acid-free tissue paper. You can also use the tissue paper to secure the corners of your artwork to help create a stronger backing. From here, you can tape cardboard sheets to both sides of the artwork to keep it secure.
Sculptures are a lot simpler because you only need to wrap them in bubble wrap before putting it in a box filled with shredded kraft paper. Afterwards, you only need to put the wrapped parcel in a shipping box and secure it with packaging tape.