Moving Paintings

• February 15, 2023
• Bill Chen

Last updated on October 30, 2023

Moving house is a daunting task. Among the many difficult tasks is packing and moving your paintings. By preparing your artwork for the move, you can ensure that it arrives at its destination safely and with minimal damage.

The following guide will help you properly pack your paintings for moving.

Bills Removalists Sydney has years of experience safely advising our customers on how to pack paintings for moving. Read here for more info on this.

Preparing your paintings for moving

Prior to packing, you should take a few steps to ensure that your artwork is prepared for the move.

STEP 1:

First, you should thoroughly clean the surface of the painting. This is important because any dirt or dust can cause damage during the move. If necessary, use a soft brush or rag to gently remove dirt and debris.

STEP 2:

Secondly, if the painting is framed, make sure the frame is secure and free of any cracks or damage.

STEP 3:

Lastly, take a picture of the artwork before packing it. This will help you remember how it looked before you moved it.

It is also important to use the right materials when packing your artwork. Make sure to follow the next steps on how to correctly package your artwork to prevent any damage whilst in transit to your new location.

Also, follow the recommendations to follow on the best boxes to use for the move and label them correctly. Taking the time to ensure the correct preparation will go a long way to ensure the safety and security of your valuable artwork during your move.

Ensure you use the correct packing material to wrap your artwork and that it will not damage the canvas in transit.

Choosing the right packing paper and packing tape

Once your painting is prepared, it’s time to select the right packing materials. The most important item you will need is acid-free paper. This type of paper is specially designed to prevent acids from coming into contact with your artwork.

You should also use glassine paper, bubble wrap, foam board, and packing tape to secure the painting in a box. For large paintings, use a moving blanket to provide extra cushioning and protection.

When packing your artwork, make sure to use plenty of cushioning materials to prevent any damage during transit. You can also use packing peanuts or air pillows to fill any empty spaces in the box.

Make sure to label the box with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to ensure that your artwork is handled with care.

Tips to wrap artwork

To protect your artwork during the move, you should wrap it in several layers of acid-free paper. Make sure the paper is securely attached to the surface of the painting. If you have a large painting, use two pieces of paper and overlap them in the middle.

For framed artwork, make sure to cover the frame and glass with acid-free paper as well.

When wrapping your artwork, use tape sparingly. Too much tape can damage the paper and the artwork itself.

Instead, use a few pieces of tape to secure the paper to the painting. If you are using bubble wrap, make sure to use the larger bubbles to protect the artwork from any bumps or jostling during the move.

Securing your paintings in a box

Once your painting is wrapped, it’s time to secure it in a box.

1. Use bubble wrap and foam board to create cushioning around the painting. Make sure that there is space between the edges of the painting and the inside of the box so that it won’t be damaged during transport. Fill the extra space in the box with moving nuts.
2. Once you have secured the painting in the box, secure the box closed with packing tape. Label the box with the contents and the destination address. This will help ensure that the painting is delivered to the correct address and that the contents are not damaged in transit.

You may want to consider purchasing insurance for the painting to protect it in case of any damage during shipping.

To keep your paintings secure during a move, it’s important to wrap them correctly.

Labelling and storing your packed paintings

Once your paintings are packed and secured in boxes, you should label them appropriately. Include information such as the artist’s name, size, and date of creation. Doing this will help you locate your artwork quickly when unpacking. Store the boxes in a cool, dry place to prevent any damage.

When labelling the boxes, be sure to use a waterproof marker or label. This will ensure that the information remains legible even if the box is exposed to moisture. If you are storing the boxes in a basement or attic, be sure to check the area for any signs of pests or mould. If you find any, take the necessary steps to address the issue before storing your artwork.

Properly loading and unloading your canvas

When loading and unloading your paintings, make sure to lift them with two hands and keep them close to your body. This will help prevent any potential damage to the artwork. Additionally, make sure that the boxes are secured in the moving truck or vehicle so that they won’t shift during transport.

When unloading the paintings, be sure to take your time and be careful. Place the paintings on a flat surface and make sure that the artwork is not exposed to any direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

If you are transporting the paintings in a vehicle, make sure to use a protective covering to prevent any dust or dirt from getting on the artwork.

Tips for shipping or transporting your paintings

If you are shipping or transporting your paintings by air or by sea, make sure to get insurance for your artwork. This will cover any potential damage or loss during transit. Be sure to use sturdy boxes that are designed for shipping fragile items. Then make sure to include detailed instructions on how to handle your artwork when shipping.

When packing your artwork, use bubble wrap or foam to cushion the painting and protect it from any bumps or jostling during transit. Label the box with “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” to ensure that your artwork is handled properly.

If you are shipping your artwork internationally, make sure to research the customs regulations for the country you are shipping to, to ensure that your artwork is not held up in customs.

It is recommended to use a professional moving company to transport valuable art pieces safely.

Additional considerations for moving paintings

When moving your paintings, always stand them on their sides rather than laying them flat. This will help prevent damage caused by gravity as well as possible shifting during transport.

If possible, try to keep the boxes elevated so that they stay dry in case of a leaky truck or water entering the interior of a shipping container.

Moving paintings can be a difficult task, but with proper preparation, knowledge, and materials, it is possible to do it safely and effectively. Using this guide as a reference, you can confidently prepare your artwork for transport.

If you require assistance in moving your valuable art pieces, please contact Bills Removalist Sydney for a quotation.

FAQ

Have some more questions about how to move and pack artwork? Our helpful FAQ section can answer them:

Can you safely move art in displayed glass frames?

Yes, you can safely move art in displayed glass frames. It is important to take precautions when handling glass frames to avoid damaging the artwork or breaking the glass.

What is the best way to transport paintings?

The best way to transport paintings is to wrap them in bubble wrap and then place them in a sturdy cardboard box with plenty of packing material to provide a cushion. Make sure the box is sealed securely with tape and marked “Fragile” or “Handle with Care”.

How do you transport unframed artwork?

Unframed paintings should be transported flat and protected with acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap. Place the painting on top of the tissue paper and wrap it gently. Place the wrapped painting in a box filled with packing peanuts and seal the box securely.