Packing and transporting artwork when you are shifting to a new place is quite a difficult task. When you know your items are extremely fragile then shifting becomes a scary task. This is why you need to provide extra protection to such items. If you are worried about packing your artwork then here are some tips that you should follow for safely packing your costly artwork and safely move it to your new destination. Professional movers and packers in Pune can handle the task well but if you want to do it on your own then it is better to follow these below-mentioned tips.
Tips for Safely Transporting Your Valuable Art Pieces
When you want to safely shift a precious artwork, family photo, or similar other costly item then make sure to pack them with extra cushion provided. Artworks are of different shapes and sizes. They can be large, small, or any awkward shape so you need to keep a check on the packing boxes so that they can be stored properly inside them. Also, you need to take care of the frame and glass too so that they don’t get shattered or damaged during the move.
Things you need for packing artwork:
• Boxes in multiple sizes
• Masking tape
• Brown packing paper
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Markers or labels
How you should pack your artwork?
- Match the box size
This is one of the most important steps of packing an artwork. You need to match the size of the box with that of the artwork you are going to put in it. If you want to safely pack your paintings and artwork then buy small to medium sized boxes and if you have multiple same size artwork then you can group them and pack them together in a box of similar size. If you are moving a large piece of artwork then it is better to pack it separately in a specialty box that would be slightly larger that the frame so that the artwork won’t get damaged. Buy specialty boxes from a moving supply store to pack your valuable artwork safely. If you do not find the right size of box then you can also custom build a box with old cardboard boxes. - Mark glass with an X
If any of your artwork or photo frame features glass then use an artist’s low-tack tape to place an X across it. This will protect the glass during the move and also stop it from completely shattering or moving around much in case if it breaks. This tape has less adhesive and thus, it becomes easier to remove. - Protect the face of the artwork
You need to protect the face of your artwork as it is really crucial. If it doesn’t have glass over it then pack the face by wrapping it with many layers of plastic food wrap used in kitchens. You can also get commercial wraps. - Wrap your artwork with bubble wrap
To make sure that your artwork is fully secured then wrap it using a bubble wrap or packing paper. Lay the brown paper on the flat work surface and then position your artwork having the glass side down against the paper. After this, wrap the ends of the paper around the frame and secure it with a tape. Always make sure to not wrap your artwork with a newspaper. After this, wrap the artwork with a packing tape both lengthwise and widthwise. This makes sure that the paper will stay in place during the move. Also, repeat the same process using bubble wrap. Please note, if you are packing small photos and frames together in a moving box then wrap each one individually in a packing paper. This will ensure that the glass will not break during the move. - Movement test
Before finally sealing the box of the artwork, make sure to test the movement inside. For this, you need to gently close the box and wiggle it a bit to see if you feel anything like shifting from one place to another. If it does then add some crumpled packing paper or newspaper to fill the gaps. Do not ever leave an empty space inside the box otherwise the artwork will move and collide, which will result in damage. - Seal the box in carefully
If you are making use of a specialty box for packing your artwork then tape one end of the box closed. Make the box stand on the sealed end and gently put the wrapped frame inside the box. If you are unable to fit on your own then ask for help. If the box is not covering the entire artwork well then you can make use of the other cardboard pieces to cover the exposed side. - Mark the boxes properly
Marking and labeling of the boxes from outside is very important. Label both the sides with the word “Fragile”. Also mention the side that you want to be up so that your professional movers handle these boxes carefully while following your instructions. - Position the boxes inside the truck
When you are loading the moving truck then lay the packed picture on the side and not flat as it will lead to damage of the artwork. The artwork will be able to absorb pressureeasily during the move. Secure the pictures on the edges well and place them from where they will not fall. You can also try to wedge them between heavy objects so that they will not shift from one place to another while moving.
So, always keep in mind all of the above tips. Make sure that your packers and movers in Puneare also following the same. If they are not then guide them to do so for protecting your valuable artwork.