Artwork is not only a form of creative expression but also a valuable asset for artists and collectors. As an artist or a collector, you want your masterpieces to be safely transported and delivered to your clients or collectors in perfect condition. The solution to this need is to crate artwork properly. In this article, we will discuss the art of crating artwork and how to pack and ship your masterpieces safely.
What is crating artwork?
Crating artwork is the process of constructing a wooden box, known as a crate, to protect artwork during transportation. Crates are commonly used to package large and delicate artworks, such as sculptures or paintings, for safe transport. The process involves padding and securing the artwork inside the crate to ensure that it does not move or shift during transit.
Preparing to Crate Artwork
Before crating artwork, you need to evaluate the size, weight, and fragility of the artwork. This will help you determine the materials you will need to construct the crate and the level of protection required. You will need to choose a screwdriver, saw, drill, nails, screws, wooden boards, wood glue, padding material, and a measuring tape.
The Crate Building Process
Step 1: Measure
Measure the artwork and add extra inches for padding. The extra inches should be equal to the thickness of the padding material to ensure that the artwork is well padded.
Step 2: Cut the Wooden Boards
Using a saw, cut the wooden boards to the required sizes for the bottom, sides, and top of the crate. Ensure that the boards are smooth and free from splits or cracks that may damage the artwork.
Step 3: Assemble the Bottom and Sides
Using a drill, screw the bottom of the crate to the sides. Make sure that the screws are evenly spaced, and the seams are stable and tight. You can reinforce the seams using wood glue.
Step 4: Fit the Padding Material
Fit the padding material into the crate, ensuring a snug fit. The padding material can be foam, bubble wrap, paper, or a combination of all three. Use tape to secure the padding to the crate walls.
Step 5: Add the Artwork
Place the artwork on the padding, and ensure that it lies flat and centered in the crate. If you are shipping multiple artworks, pad each piece separately to avoid them rubbing against each other.
Step 6: Seal the Crate
Seal the top of the crate using screws, ensuring that they are spaced evenly and tight. You can reinforce the seams with wood glue or tape.
Step 7: Mark the Crate
Mark the crate with the artwork name, sender, recipient address, and “fragile” label. The “fragile” label indicates that the package requires careful handling during transit.
Shipping Your Artwork
Now that you have your artwork packed and ready to go, you need to choose a reliable shipping service. Ensure that the shipping service specializes in art transportation and provides insurance coverage for your artwork. It is also important to track your shipment to monitor its progress and ensure timely delivery.
Conclusion
Crating artwork is not only about building a wooden crate and placing your artwork inside; it involves a series of steps to ensure that your precious artwork is safe during transportation. Taking the necessary precautions and investing time and effort into properly preparing your artwork for shipping is the best way to ensure that it arrives at its destination in perfect condition. Remember to choose a reputable shipping service that specializes in art transportation to ensure that your artwork arrives safely and on time.