This article assumes you are forgoing shipping the painting in a custom built wood crate.
Extreme care needs to be taken while boxing your artwork. Most shipping "carriers" do not sell shipping insurance or honor claims for “one of a kind” original fine art. Some shipping carriers offer insurance which has a value ceiling usually much lower than your artwork’s value. Many shipping "retailers" or "franchisee's" will take your money for insurance but if the package is damaged the actual shipping carrier (not the retailer) will refer to their company policy (which no one ever seems to be able to furnish) regarding fine art and will try to escape paying any claims due to the item either not being packaged under their certain specifications or they simply do not insure "one of a kind" original fine art. Some retailers or franchisee's can provide additional shipping coverage through a third party insurance underwriter for an additional fee.
To Box Your Artwork Using Cardboard
1. Completely wrap the framed painting in paper (or plastic bag). Make sure no tape touches the painting or frame.
2. Cut two sheets of thick cardboard one inch larger than the framed size of your painting.
3. Place one sheet of cardboard in front of the paper wrapped framed painting and one sheet of cardboard in back of the paper wrapped framed painting. Tape the two sheets of cardboard together with the paper wrapped framed painting sandwiched firmly between the two sheets of cardboard.
The cardboard should extend one inch over and beyond the paper wrapped framed painting. It is good if the two sheets of cardboard surrounding the paper wrapped framed painting slightly bend inward a little after being taped. The paper wrapped framed painting should now be firmly sandwiched between the two sheets of thick cardboard. This will prevent the framed painting from sliding around between the cardboard.
4. Completely wrap the two sheets of cardboard covering the paper wrapped framed painting in a thick coat of bubble wrap.
5. Place the entire contents into the thickest cardboard box you can find. A “mirror pack” is best whereas one box slides over another. Make sure the package is stuffed secure with additional bubble wrap or foam so that the package cannot slide or move around inside the box. Bubble wrap is better than foam peanuts.
6. Tape the box secure and write in huge bright red letters all over the box, the words “Glass”, and “Fragile”.
California Art Company prefers Federal Express “Next Day Air Delivery” for shipping artwork. Although Federal Express is usually more expensive than other shipping carriers it is our opinion that they are the most consistent and safe shipper. Ordering the painting shipped "Next Day Air Delivery" is definitely more expensive but by paying the extra money to have the package shipped "Next Day Air Delivery" the package will go through less shipping hubs, conveyor belts, forklifts, be handled less thereby reducing the liklihood of damage due to handling.
