How to Travel With Paintings

A painting is a combination of monetary value and sentimental value. Often when you move, you take your artwork along with you, and since each piece has value to you, the protection of that artwork during transport becomes a priority. Protecting a painting for travel usually consists of creating travel friendly conditions for the painting. A carefully packed crate that keeps damaging elements at bay, combined with a stable, cool temperature, are enough to keep most artwork safe during transport. Preparation is key, and with the right combination of travel elements, your painting should arrive in the same condition it left in, ready for immediate display.

Instructions

1

Have the painting professionally appraised for value prior to moving it and insure it based on that appraised value in case of damage. Homeowner's insurance will usually cover artwork, but you should verify coverage before transportation.

2

Place the painting in an envelope of glassine, a smooth, thin, airtight paper to avoid any material placed onto the painting from imprinting the painting surface.

3

Surround the glassine with plastic sheeting followed by a layer of foam to provide cushioning for the painting during transport.

4

Place corner protectors around the corners of the painting and then slide the painting into a cardboard shipping box. Make certain the box fits snugly around the corners of the painting so that the painting doesn't move within the box. For extra protection of expensive paintings, place in a wooden shipping crate instead. The wood should prevent anything from piercing the sides of the shipping crate and damaging the canvas.

5

Transport the painting in a temperature controlled enclosure with the temperature set to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity set to 50 percent. High temperatures can have negative effects on paintings, stretching the canvas enough to warp the painting.

6

Unpack the painting immediately upon reaching your final destination.