How to Ship a Painting the Safest Way
Shipping artwork can be a real challenge. How much does it cost to ship a painting, and how should you do it? Whether you're in the art business, sending a cherished piece of fine art to a client or gallery, moving to a new home, or having it restored, your artwork faces many risks — theft, accidental loss, damage, and all the perils of transportation.
Here are some vital tips to ensure your painting travels unscathed.
1. Packing and Crating
Protect the surface of the painting from scratches or abrasions with glassine paper (also called crystal or wax tissue paper). Its acid-free qualities make it impermeable to air, water, and grease.
Wrap the piece with solid packing materials:
- Place it between two rigid panels (cardboard or Styrofoam) to keep it flat and secure.
- Use a sturdy cardboard box slightly larger than your artwork.
- Line it with bubble wrap, padding, and plastic wrap to prevent damage.
- Fill empty space with packing peanuts or foam to cushion the canvas.
- Place the artwork in the center of the box to prevent shifting during transit.
- For unframed paintings, roll the canvas into a shipping tube.
- Use strong packing tape, protect the corners, and shrink wrap the entire package.
For fragile or glass-covered paintings, contact your carrier directly for packing advice.
A custom-made crate designed for your painting’s dimensions provides maximum protection.
2. Climate Control
Artworks are sensitive to temperature changes, humidity, and vibrations.
Use custom-designed insulation and proper packing to prevent cracking, chipping, or warping.
If possible, choose temperature-controlled transportation for valuable or delicate works.
3. Orientation and Handling
Clearly label your package as “FRAGILE” and mark “This Side Up” for correct orientation.
Include your contact details (especially for international shipments) and specific handling instructions such as “Do not stack or lean.”
4. Insurance and Documentation
Before shipping, determine the painting’s value with an expert appraisal.
Visit Secursus.com — we offer shipping insurance policies designed for art and collectibles, covering damage, theft, and loss during transit or storage. Confirm that the coverage applies to both domestic and international shipments.
Prepare detailed documentation:
- Artist, title, medium, dimensions
- Professional appraisal report
- High-quality photographs from multiple angles (to prove condition before shipping)
5. Best Art Shipping Companies in the USA
Choose a shipper experienced in handling fine art, not just the cheapest option.
- FedEx Art Services: temperature-controlled transport, custom crating, white-glove handling for high-value items.
- UPS Fine Art: custom crating, insurance, and specialized tracking.
- USPS Art & Antique Shipping: Priority Mail services, insurance, and specialized handling.
- Specialized Art Handlers (Cooke’s Crating, Atelier Art Services, Crozier Fine Arts): work with museums and galleries; offer tailored packing and logistics solutions.
- Local art shippers may also offer customized and cost-effective solutions.
These providers are equipped with proper tools, insurance options, and handling procedures for artwork shipments.
Consolidated freight may reduce costs but could increase delivery time.
6. How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Painting?
Shipping costs depend on several factors:
- Dimensional weight (length × width × height)
- Handling requirements
- Insurance (adds 1–3% of declared value)
- Distance — long-distance costs more than regional
- Packaging materials — specialized crates can cost $50–$300+
- Delivery time — express shipping is more expensive
Examples:
- A 24" × 36" oil painting: $50–$150
- A 48" × 60" canvas: $100–$300
- Ground shipping is most cost-effective ($50–$150).
- UPS Next Day Air can add up to $500 more.
Always request quotes from multiple carriers to compare services and pricing.
By following these steps, you’ll know how to ship a painting safely, protect it from damage, and ensure it’s properly insured against unforeseen incidents.
