Omar Khalid
Moving can be a scary prospect, especially when you have fragile items like artwork to pack, transport, or store. Paintings are incredibly delicate and require proper handling and protection. One way to protect your paintings during a move is to use plastic wrap. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to plastic wrap paintings for moving, ensuring they arrive at your new home in perfect condition. From sorting your artwork by size to using the right materials and packing techniques, we'll cover everything you need to know to make your move a little less daunting.
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What You'll Learn
Packing materials to use
Packing materials are essential to ensure the safety of your paintings during a move. Here are some materials you can use to wrap and protect your paintings:
Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap is a versatile and affordable option for protecting your paintings during a move. It provides a non-permeable layer that prevents foreign particles from dulling the paint. It is also effective in preserving the artwork and giving it a professional presentation. If your painting is not covered by glass, plastic wrap is critical to protect the painted surface. You can use several layers of standard plastic wrap or palette wrap to minimise friction damage and protect against scratches and accidental damage.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is a popular choice for packing fragile items, including paintings. It offers excellent protection and can be wrapped around the painting to provide a cushion. Use multiple layers of bubble wrap to ensure adequate protection, and secure it with tape. Bubble wrap is especially useful for 3D art pieces and sculptures, providing a protective layer that conforms to the shape of the artwork.
Glassine Paper
Glassine paper is a thin, translucent paper that can be used to cover the surface of your painting. It helps to keep dust, grease, and water away from the artwork. Place your painting face-down on the glassine paper and then pull the sheet over the edges, taping it to the rear frame. Glassine paper is particularly useful if you plan to roll up your unframed paintings for transport, as it provides a protective barrier.
Cardboard
Cardboard can be used in several ways to protect your paintings. Firstly, you can use a flat picture box made of cardboard, which is ideal for keeping paintings secure during transport. Choose a box that is slightly larger than your artwork to allow for padding. Secondly, cardboard corner protectors can be used to safeguard the corners of your framed paintings, providing extra protection for vulnerable parts of the artwork. Finally, a piece of cardboard placed over the face of a canvas painting can help prevent warping.
Packing Tape
Packing tape is essential for sealing boxes and securing wrapped items. Use strong and durable shipping tape, such as acrylic or polypropylene, to secure bubble wrap in place and seal boxes. Packing tape can also be used to label boxes as "fragile" or "artwork" to alert movers to handle them with extra care.
Other Materials
Other materials that can be used for packing paintings include wadded newsprint or crumpled newspaper, which can be placed at the bottom of boxes to provide cushioning and minimise movement. Packing peanuts are also lightweight filling options that can be used for the same purpose. Additionally, if you are packing a small painting, a firm, clean table can serve as a solid surface for wrapping, while a sheet or blanket can provide extra protection.
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Packing materials to avoid
When packing paintings, it is important to consider the materials you should avoid using to protect your artwork. Firstly, while plastic wrap is commonly used for the long-term storage of valuable portraits and can provide protection and a professional presentation, it is not suitable for oil paintings. Oil paintings require ventilation and should not be wrapped in plastic. Plastic wrap can trap moisture and create condensation over time, which can damage artwork, especially in uncontrolled climates.
Similarly, bubble wrap should not be used to wrap canvas paintings. Bubble wrap can create a humid environment inside a tube, which can damage the painting. However, bubble wrap is suitable for framed paintings, where it can be secured with tape.
When packing paintings, avoid using packing materials that are too small to fit the artwork. Small and medium-sized artwork can often be packed together, but large pieces of artwork require a separate box that is slightly larger than the frame. Additionally, avoid using packing materials that are not sturdy or protective enough, such as flimsy boxes that do not provide adequate space or protection for large paintings.
It is also important to avoid using materials that can damage the artwork over time. For example, materials that trap moisture, such as plastic, can create condensation and damage the artwork. Instead, opt for breathable materials such as tissue paper, blankets, and wood crating for long-term storage.
Finally, when packing unframed paintings, avoid using materials that can cause sticking or damage. Use the correct interleaf barrier, such as Mylar film or Kraft paper, to separate the paintings. Mylar film should not be used on pastel or charcoal pieces due to its electrostatic charge, and Kraft paper should only be used if the paintings are completely dry.
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How to pack framed paintings
Packing framed paintings for a move requires careful preparation to ensure that they remain in perfect condition. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pack framed paintings:
Prepare the Surface and Materials:
Firstly, find a solid, clean, and flat surface to work on. If you are packing a small painting, a table should suffice, while a large painting may require you to use the floor. Cover your chosen surface with a sheet of thin foam or a blanket for extra protection.
Next, gather the necessary materials:
- Glassine paper or parchment paper: Glassine paper will protect your painting from dust, grease, and water.
- Bubble wrap: This will provide cushioning and protect the painting from damage.
- Packing tape: Use this heavy-duty tape to seal boxes and secure wrapped items.
- Cardboard corner protectors (optional): These are especially useful if the frame is valuable or highly ornate, as they provide added protection for the corners.
- Flat picture box: Choose a box that is slightly larger than the painting to allow for padding.
Wrap the Painting:
Cover the surface with a sheet of glassine paper, then place your painting face-down on the paper. Pull the paper up and over the edges of the painting, taping it to the rear frame.
Now, lay down a sheet of bubble wrap, ensuring it is large enough to cover both sides of the painting with some overlap. Place the painting face-down on the bubble wrap, then pull the wrap over the painting until everything is covered snugly, with no air pockets. Secure the bubble wrap with tape, making sure the taping is firm and tight.
For extra protection, you can add another layer of bubble wrap or use plastic wrap/palette wrap as an additional protective layer. Plastic wrap is particularly useful for paintings without glass covers, as it protects the painted surface from scratches and accidental damage during the move.
Pack the Painting:
Prepare the bottom of your chosen box by placing wadded-up newspaper or packing peanuts inside. Gently place the painting inside the box, being careful not to damage the surface or sides. Test the packaging by gently moving the box back and forth. If you feel the painting shifting, add more padding until everything stays in place.
Once you are confident the painting is secure, seal the box with tape and label it as "fragile" and, if desired, "artwork" to alert movers to handle it with extra care.
By following these steps, you can ensure your framed paintings are properly protected during your move.
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How to pack unframed paintings
Packing unframed paintings can be a delicate process, but with the right materials and techniques, you can ensure their safety during your move. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pack unframed paintings:
Prepare the Work Surface and Gather Materials:
Start by finding a clean, solid, and cushioned surface to work on. This can be a table or the floor, depending on the size of your painting. Cover your chosen surface with a sheet of thin foam or a blanket for extra protection. Gather all the necessary packing materials, including glassine paper, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, cardboard, packing tape, and a suitable box.
Cover the Surface and Prepare the Painting:
Pull out a sheet of glassine paper long enough to cover one side of your painting, including its edges and rear. Place the painting face-down on the glassine paper, and then pull the sheet up over the edges and tape it to the rear frame. Glassine paper will help protect your painting from dust, grease, and water.
Wrap the Painting:
Lay down a sheet of bubble wrap and place your painting on top, with the painted side facing down. Make sure the bubble wrap is large enough to cover both sides of the painting, leaving a few extra inches on each side. Wrap the painting securely with the bubble wrap, ensuring no air pockets are left between the painting and the protective material. You can use multiple layers of bubble wrap for added protection. Finally, seal the bubble wrap with tape, making sure the taping is firm and tight.
Box the Painting:
Find a suitable box for your painting. The box should be slightly larger than the painting to accommodate the protective wrapping. Place wadded paper or packing peanuts at the bottom of the box to provide cushioning. Gently place the painting inside the box and add more padding around it until it stays put when you gently move the box back and forth. Seal the box with tape and label it as "fragile" to ensure it is handled with care during the move.
Additional Considerations:
When packing unframed paintings, it is essential to separate them with an interleaf barrier to prevent them from sticking together. You can use materials such as Mylar film or Kraft paper as interleaf barriers. Additionally, consider using acid-free rigid dividers and extra cushioning to protect the corners of your paintings.
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How to pack canvas paintings
Packing paintings safely for transport starts with sorting your artwork according to size. Small- and medium-sized artwork can be grouped and packed together. If you're moving large pieces of artwork, it's best to pack each piece separately in a specialty box that is slightly larger than the canvas.
To pack a canvas painting, cover a solid, cushioned surface with a sheet of glassine paper. Then, set your painting face-down on the glassine paper. Pull the sheet up over the edges of the painting and tape it to the rear frame. Next, lay down a sheet of bubble wrap and place the painting on top. Secure the bubble wrap to the painting with masking tape. Finally, slip the painting into a cardboard shipping crate lined with bubble wrap and cover the sides with masking tape.
If your painting has a glass cover, take some masking tape and place an 'X' across the glass. This will prevent the glass from moving around if it gets broken. If your painting doesn't have glass, it is critical to protect the painted face. A great option is to wrap the painting in several layers of plastic wrap.
When packing, place wadded newsprint on the bottom of your box. Then, slowly insert the artwork into the box, being careful not to damage the surface or sides. Once the artwork is inside, test it by gently moving the box back and forth. If you sense any shifting, add more padding until everything stays in place. Seal the box with packing tape and label it as fragile.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to find a solid and cushioned surface, such as a table or the floor, and cover it with a sheet of glassine paper.
Small 3D paintings are best wrapped in plastic. Place them inside a small plastic bag to keep dust, dirt, and grime out.
Cover a solid, cushioned surface with a sheet of glassine paper, then set your painting face-down on the glassine. Pull the sheet up over the edges of the painting and tape it to the rear frame. Then, lay down a sheet of bubble wrap, place the painting on top, and secure the bubble wrap to the painting with masking tape.
If your painting has a glass cover, place masking tape in an "X" formation across the glass. This will prevent the glass from moving around if it gets broken. Then, cover the artwork and part of the frame with glassine paper. Wrap the piece in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of bubble wrap secured with packing tape.
Place the painting in a flat picture box. The box should be slightly larger than the painting to avoid damage and allow for extra padding.
