Continued from December..............
How to pack a framed print:
Does it need to be crated or can it be boxed? Size and weight are the determining factors. If it is relatively light and of a smaller size it can be boxed.
A Boxed print should be “sandwiched” with thin plywood protecting the front and back then wrapped in bubble wrap and put into a box leaving no space for movement.
If the artwork is heavy, large or expensive, a wooden crate should be built specifically to ship the artwork.
How to pack an unframed print flat:
An unframed print needs to be completely wrapped with vellum or another type of acid free paper. It then needs to be attached to a larger piece of cardboard using paper corners. The corners and sides should be taped securely. It then needs to be sandwiched between two pieces of cardboard. They need to be taped together thoroughly. Next, the cardboard needs to be sandwiched between 2 larger plywood sheets. These need to be taped around 100 percent of the perimeter with the corners receiving extra tape reinforcement. Attaching “Fragile” stickers to the sides are always recommended.
Tape to be used:
When affixing the print to the cardboard, the corners need to be taped using rubber packing tape. All four sides need to be secured to the cardboard using a length of masking tape (Masking tape can be peeled off the vellum during unpacking). The two pieces of cardboard need to be taped around the perimeter with rubber packing tape. The plywood needs to be taped securely with a fabric based heavy duty duct tape. We ship artwork all over the world using this method with excellent results.
Insuring the shipment:
Most shippers will insure only to a maximum of $500. UPS will insure for the value if they do the packing. Always call any shipper to get the current details.
What carriers are the best?
We prefer FedEx for both domestic and overseas shipments. D. B. Shenker or UPS are also recommended. Investigate local shipping companies in your area.
