How to Package High-Value Fragile Art for Safe Shipping

Art is more than just a product—it’s a personal masterpiece. Shipping high-value art can feel daunting, but with the right precautions, you can safely send your artwork with confidence. This guide is designed to help you package fragile art, step-by-step, ensuring the safest possible journey. We encourage you to take detailed pictures of each step to prove that you've followed these instructions, setting yourself up for success with ShipSimple’s insurance coverage.

Step 1: Gather Essential Packaging Materials
Art requires special care, so it’s important to use the right materials:

• Rigid Cardboard or Plywood: For framed art or canvases, choose a sturdy outer layer to prevent bending.
• Glassine Paper: Protect the surface of the artwork with acid-free, non-abrasive glassine paper.
• Foam Corners: Use pre-made foam corners to protect the frame’s edges.
• Bubble Wrap and Cushioning: Wrap the art in bubble wrap and use cushioning materials like foam or air pillows for extra protection.
• Custom Shipping Box or Crate: Select a custom-sized box or shipping crate for larger pieces.

Take a photo: Document your materials before beginning.

Step 2: Protect the Artwork Surface
Cover the artwork with glassine paper, ensuring it’s fully protected from dust, moisture, and abrasion. For unframed artwork, roll the paper loosely around the art to avoid creases.

Take a photo: Capture the protected artwork to show that the surface is properly covered.

Step 3: Add Frame or Canvas Protection
For framed art, add foam corner protectors to all four edges of the frame. Wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap, securing it with tape. For unframed canvases, sandwich the canvas between two layers of rigid cardboard or plywood to prevent bending.

Take a photo: Take a picture of the bubble-wrapped or secured piece with the corner protectors in place.

Step 4: Cushion and Place in the Shipping Box
Place a layer of foam peanuts or cushioning material at the bottom of the box. Carefully insert the artwork into the center, ensuring it doesn't touch the sides of the box. Surround it with cushioning materials to prevent any movement.

Take a photo: Document the cushioned artwork inside the box.

Step 5: Seal and Secure the Box
Once the artwork is well-cushioned, add padding to the top of the box and seal it with strong packing tape. For fragile art, we recommend using a double-boxing method (placing the smaller box inside a larger one filled with padding) for extra security.

Take a photo: Photograph the sealed box before applying labels.

Step 6: Label and Finish
Clearly label the box as “Fragile – Artwork” and indicate which side should be facing up. Include any additional handling instructions on the outside of the box.

Take a photo: Take a final picture of the labeled and sealed box.

By following these steps, you’re ensuring your art is packaged with the highest level of care and ready for secure transport. Documenting each stage helps validate your efforts and sets you up for success if an insurance claim is ever needed.