How to Ship a Painting the Safest Way
Written by Valentin Scemama, Art Shipping Expert at Secursus.
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.
📦 Packing Checklist
- Place it between two rigid panels (cardboard/Styrofoam).
- Use a sturdy cardboard box slightly larger than your artwork.
- Line with bubble wrap to prevent damage.
- Fill empty space with packing peanuts or foam.
- Place artwork in the center to prevent shifting.
- For unframed paintings, roll the canvas into a shipping tube.
- Use strong packing tape and shrink wrap the 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 the best 3rd party 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.
Art Insurance Calculator
Protect your investment
Max coverage is $120,000
Prepare detailed documentation: Artist, title, medium, dimensions, professional appraisal report, and 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.
| Provider | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx Art Services | Temp control, Crating | High Value |
| UPS Fine Art | Custom crating | Tracking |
| USPS Art & Antique | Priority Mail | Smaller Items |
| Specialized Handlers* | White-glove | Museums |
*Includes Cooke’s Crating, Atelier Art Services, Crozier Fine Arts.
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 dimensional weight, handling, insurance (adds 1–3% of declared value), distance, and packaging materials (specialized crates can cost $50–$300+).
| Canvas Size | Ground Shipping | Express / Air |
|---|---|---|
| 24" × 36" | $50 – $150 | +$500* |
| 48" × 60" | $100 – $300 | Varies |
| Speed | Most Cost-Effective | Expensive |
*Example based on UPS Next Day Air rates. Always request quotes from multiple carriers.
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.
