Sofia Martinez
Shrink-wrapping your paintings is a great way to protect them from damage during shipping and storage. It is also a cost-effective method to preserve your artwork and make it presentable. When applying the shrink wrap, it is important to ensure that you have enough material to cover the front, back, and about a 6 overlap all around the painting. The use of a soldering iron is recommended for sealing the edges, as its fine point provides localized heat. Alternatively, you can use a heat gun or an iron on its lowest setting with a barrier to prevent the plastic from melting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect artwork during transport or storage |
| Tools | Heat gun, heat-resistant pad, heat sealer bar, roll of film, soldering iron, hair dryer, barrier for ironing, cardboard or acrylic corners |
| Process | Measure artwork and cut plastic wrap with a 6" overlap, place artwork face down on plastic, seal edges with a soldering iron, apply heat to tighten wrap, place corners and tape if needed |
| Advantages | Protection, efficiency, presentation, inexpensive, reusable |
| Disadvantages | Risk of ruining the artwork due to chemical reaction, plastic wrap sticking to varnish |
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What You'll Learn
Use a soldering iron to seal the edges
Sealing the edges of a plastic wrap painting with a soldering iron is an effective method, as demonstrated by an artist who wanted to protect their paintings from dirt and potential damage during art shows and sales. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a soldering iron to seal the edges of a plastic wrap painting:
- Prepare your work surface: Ensure your work area is clean and free from dust as the static electricity of the plastic wrap will attract dust.
- Place the painting between two sheets of shrink-wrap: Pull out enough wrap to cover the front and back of the painting with an overlap of about 6 inches all around. This overlap is crucial to prevent gaps as the plastic film shrinks.
- Use a metal straightedge: Lay the painting and backing face down on the center of the wrap. Then, place a metal straightedge against one edge of the painting, pressing down on the shrink-wrap.
- Seal the edges with the soldering iron: With the metal straightedge in place, run the hot soldering iron along it to seal the edges of the shrink-wrap. The fine point of the soldering iron provides localized heat, sealing the edges effectively.
- Remove the metal straightedge and excess wrap: After sealing one edge, carefully lift the metal straightedge and pull away the excess shrivelled shrink-wrap from the seam. Repeat this process for the remaining edges.
- Tighten the wrap: Once all edges are sealed, use a hairdryer to apply heat to the back of the painting. This will tighten the shrink-wrap and ensure a smooth finish.
It is important to note that a soldering iron may be overkill for this purpose, as there are smaller handheld sealing irons available in craft stores. Additionally, when using a soldering iron, be cautious and avoid applying direct heat to the painting, as it can damage the artwork.
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Avoid adhesives to attach the artwork
When shrink-wrapping a painting, it is important to avoid using adhesives to attach the artwork. This is because the buyer of the painting will likely want to mat and/or frame the piece differently, and adhesive will make it difficult to remove the painting from its backing. Instead, the friction and the wrap itself will hold the art in place.
If you are set on shrink-wrapping, there are a few methods you can use. One option is to use a soldering iron, which can provide a more localized heat than a flat iron. Place the painting between two sheets of shrink-wrap, then lay a metal straightedge against one edge, pressing down the shrink-wrap. Run the hot soldering iron along the straightedge to seal the edges. Pull away the shrivelled shrink-wrap from the seam, then repeat for the other edges. Finally, use a hairdryer to apply heat to the back of the painting to tighten the shrink-wrap and bring the seam to the back.
Another option is to use an impulse sealer, which resembles a paper cutter. Fold the film over your item, then cut the film with scissors, leaving enough room to fit the excess under the arm of the impulse sealer. Place the open edges of the film onto the impulse sealer and close the arm to heat and seal the sides. You can also use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat up the film, causing it to shrink around the item.
Alternatively, you can use clear bags with an adhesive strip on one end, which are inexpensive and easier to deal with than shrink-wrapping. Simply slip the artwork, a backer, and a printed bio/info into the bag and seal it.
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Use a barrier when applying heat with an iron
When using an iron to apply heat to shrink wrap a painting, it is important to use a barrier between the iron and the wrap. This is because the iron can get extremely hot and may melt the wrap, creating a mess. A soldering iron with a fine point can also be used to apply heat, as it provides a more localized heat. However, it is still recommended to use a barrier to protect the painting.
The barrier can be a metal straightedge or a ruler, which can be pressed against the edge of the painting to seal the edges of the shrink wrap. This technique involves laying the painting between two sheets of shrink wrap and then running the hot iron or soldering iron along the straightedge to seal the edges. The barrier helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents direct contact between the hot iron and the delicate painting.
Another option for a barrier is to use a heat-resistant pad or a heat-resistant glove. These barriers can be placed directly onto the painting and then covered with the shrink wrap. This method is useful when using a heat gun or hair dryer to apply heat, as it allows for more control and an even distribution of heat. It is important to note that when using a heat gun, one should be cautious and keep a safe distance to avoid direct heat damage to the painting.
Using a barrier when applying heat with an iron is a crucial step in the shrink-wrapping process. It not only protects the painting from direct heat but also ensures that the shrink wrap is sealed properly. By following these instructions, artists can safely and effectively preserve their artwork for transport, storage, or display.
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Wrap paintings in cardboard before plastic wrap
Wrapping paintings in cardboard before plastic wrap is a great way to protect your artwork during storage and transport. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you prepare your paintings for their journey:
Choose the Right Cardboard
Select a rigid cardboard that is slightly larger than the front of your painting frame. Cut the cardboard to the exact outside dimensions of the frame, or slightly larger if you want to provide even greater protection. Score and bend the cardboard so that it easily folds over the sides of the frame without sagging and touching the painting's surface. For larger paintings, consider using a stiffer material, such as multi-wall cardboard.
Prepare the Cardboard
To ensure the long-term preservation of your artwork, it is essential to condition the cardboard to the appropriate relative humidity (RH) level. Store the cardboard in the same environment as the painting for at least one day before wrapping and packing. This helps the cardboard add to the RH-moderating capacity of the painting's organic materials when sealed inside the plastic wrap.
Wrap the Cardboard and Painting
Place the painting between two sheets of plastic wrap, ensuring enough overlap to cover the front, back, and about a 6-inch overlap around the edges. Lay the artwork and its backing face down on the centre of the wrap. Fold the wrap over and press out as much air as possible. Then, fold over the ends, creating a tight seal.
Next, lay the prepared cardboard over the plastic, with the front side down against the plastic. You can also cut a second cardboard piece for the back of the painting to create a box-like structure, providing even more protection. Tape along the overlapping edges and all other edges with packaging or carton tape to seal the package securely.
Final Steps and Precautions
Before sealing, ensure that the painting is secure and cannot shift within the cardboard box during handling and travel. Add non-abrasive material along any gaps between the frame and the cardboard to prevent movement. Mark the package with the appropriate labels, such as "Fragile," and indicate the front and back sides for easy unpacking.
Additionally, when storing or stacking multiple paintings, ensure they are gently packed and given space to breathe. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture, as these can damage the artwork over time.
By following these steps, you can effectively wrap paintings in cardboard before plastic wrap, providing an extra layer of protection and toughness during transportation and storage.
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Use a roll of heat shrink wrap for storage
Heat shrink wrap is a convenient way to package items for storage or transport. Rolls of heat shrink wrap can be purchased in multiple thicknesses and colours, with some offering UV protection for items stored outside.
To use a roll of heat shrink wrap for storage, first, lay out a clean work surface. Pull out enough wrap to cover the front, back, and about a 6" overlap all around the item. Place the item and its backing face down in the centre of the wrap. Fold the wrap over, pressing out as much air as possible, and then fold over the ends. Apply heat to the back first, then tighten the front with a bit more heat. You can use a hairdryer, a heat gun, or an iron on its lowest setting. If using an iron, be sure to place a barrier between the iron and the wrap to prevent the wrap from melting.
For items with sharp edges, polyolefin is a more durable option. However, it is more expensive and has a stronger odour. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is typically more suitable for most jobs.
If you are shrink-wrapping artwork, do not attach the artwork with any adhesive. The wrap itself and friction will hold the art in place.
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Frequently asked questions
Shrink-wrapping is a great way to preserve, protect, and present your artwork. It ensures that the painting remains in pristine condition and is shielded from moisture, dirt, and scratches.
You will need a work surface, a soldering iron or a hot iron, a ruler, a hair dryer, and shrink wrap. You can also use a heat gun, a heat-resistant pad, a heat sealer bar, and a roll of film.
First, lay the painting face down on the plastic wrap, leaving a 6" overlap around the edges. Then, place a metal straight edge against one side of the painting and run the soldering iron along it to seal the edges. Repeat this process for the other sides. Finally, use a hair dryer to apply heat to the back of the painting and tighten the wrap.
