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Moving artwork requires careful planning and proper packing techniques to prevent damage during transit. Whether you’re relocating valuable oil paintings, delicate watercolors, or framed prints, ensuring they are securely packed is essential. Hiring professionals for this task can be costly, but with the right materials and approach, you can safeguard your artwork yourself. A reliable moving team can transport your pieces safely, but your preparation plays a crucial role in preserving their condition throughout the move.
To protect paintings during transport, gather essential supplies such as artist tape, glassine paper, corner protectors, sturdy picture or mirror boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam boards. If the artwork is highly valuable, consider using wooden crates or professional-grade art shipping materials. Measuring tape is useful for selecting appropriately sized boxes. Labels marked “fragile” will help ensure careful handling during the move.
Carefully remove paintings from the walls, keeping any attached hanging hardware intact. Cover the painted surface with glassine paper for oil paintings or acid-free paper for other mediums. Secure the edges with artist tape that won’t cause damage. Frames should only be removed if necessary, and photographing the artwork beforehand can help with reassembly.
Wrap each painting in bubble wrap, ensuring all corners are well-protected. Corner protectors help safeguard framed pieces from impact. Larger artworks benefit from additional layers, such as moving blankets. Foam boards placed on both sides of the painting create a protective barrier against pressure and potential punctures.
Select boxes that allow a small amount of extra space around the artwork to accommodate padding. Line the interior with packing paper and place a layer of bubble wrap at the bottom for cushioning. Position paintings upright inside the box rather than laying them flat. When packing multiple pieces together, use rigid dividers to prevent movement and friction between them.
Fill any remaining gaps with crumpled packing paper to minimize shifting. Seal the box securely with strong packing tape along all seams. Clearly mark each box with “FRAGILE – ARTWORK” and “KEEP UPRIGHT” on multiple sides. Directional arrows and “DO NOT STACK” warnings will help ensure careful handling. For particularly valuable pieces, using climate-controlled transport may provide additional protection.
