How to Ship a Painting the Safest Way (2026 Guide)
Written by Valentin Scemama, Art Shipping Expert at Secursus.
⚡ Quick Answer: The "Gallery Standard" Packing Method
To ship a painting safely, never let bubble wrap touch the canvas directly. Always wrap the artwork in acid-free Glassine paper first. Protect the four corners with cardboard protectors, sandwich the piece between two sheets of foam board, and float it inside a telescopic artwork box (or a wooden crate for pieces over $5,000).
Need to know how to ship a painting without discovering a hole in the canvas upon arrival? Whether you are an artist sending to a gallery or a collector moving home, artwork is the single most fragile category in logistics. In 2026, automation in sorting hubs means your package must withstand drops and compression.
Here is the professional protocol to ensure your painting travels unscathed.
1. The Packing Protocol (Step-by-Step)
The #1 mistake beginners make is using standard plastic bubble wrap directly on the oil or acrylic surface. Heat can cause the plastic to stick to the paint, ruining the artwork permanently.
Step 1: Surface Protection (Crucial)
Wrap the entire painting in Glassine Paper (acid-free / water-resistant). This is the only material that should touch the art. Secure it with artist tape (low tack), never scotch tape.
Step 2: The "Star Tape" Technique for Glass
Expert Warning: If your painting is framed under glass, we strongly recommend replacing the glass with acrylic (Plexiglass) before shipping. Glass breaks easily and shards will slash the canvas.
- If you must ship glass: Apply specialized blue painter's tape in a "Star" or "Grid" pattern across the entire glass surface. If it breaks, the tape holds the shards together, preventing them from scratching the art.
Step 3: Corner & Sandwich
- Corners: Apply cardboard corner protectors. This is where 80% of impact damage occurs.
- Sandwich: Place the wrapped painting between two sheets of rigid foam core or double-wall cardboard. Tape this "sandwich" tight.
Step 4: Boxing
Use a Mirror/Picture Box (telescopic boxes from Uline or Home Depot work well). Line the bottom with 2 inches of packing peanuts or foam. Insert your sandwich. Fill ALL empty space. If you shake the box and hear movement, it is not ready.
2. Choosing the Right Carrier in 2026
Not all services are equal for art. While Ground services are cheaper, they involve more bouncing in trucks.
| Painting Size & Type | Recommended Service | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas / Prints | UPS / FedEx Air (2-Day) | Less time in transit = Less risk. |
| Large Framed Art | FedEx Ground | Good balance of cost/handling. |
| High Value (>$5k) | Private Art Shuttle | Temp-controlled, white glove (Crozier, etc.) |
3. Insurance and Documentation
Before shipping, determine the painting’s value with an expert appraisal. Standard carrier liability is often capped at $100 for artwork or excluded entirely under "items of extraordinary value" clauses.
Trusted by galleries, artists, and dealers since 2018, Secursus has insured millions of dollars in fine art, covering breakage, theft, and loss up to $120,000 per package.
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How much does it cost to ship a painting? (2026 Rates)
The table below outlines the estimated total cost, including fuel surcharges and necessary packaging materials for safe transport.
| Painting Size & Type | Recommended Service | Shipping Fee (Est.) | Packaging Cost (Box or Crate) | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Canvas / Prints (< 24" x 24") | USPS Priority or UPS Ground | $30 - $65 | $15 - $25 (Cardboard Box) | $45 - $90 |
| Medium Framed Art (< 36" x 36") | UPS / FedEx Ground (Fragile Handling) | $90 - $180 | $50 - $90 (Reinforced Box) | $140 - $270 |
| Large Statement Piece (> 48" Long Side) | UPS / FedEx Ground (⚠️ Handling Surcharge) | $250 - $450 | $120 - $200 (Wooden Crate) | $370 - $650 |
| Oversized / Museum (> 60" or >$5k Value) | Fine Art Shipper (Consolidated Freight) | $500 - $1,200+ | $300 - $600+ (Custom Crate) | $800 - $1,800+ |
🧠 Expert Analysis: The "Hidden" Costs in 2026
When budgeting for art shipping, be aware of these three factors that can drastically increase the final price:
1. The "48-Inch Rule" (Handling Surcharge) As of 2026, FedEx and UPS apply an "Additional Handling Surcharge" (approx. $30-$40) on any package where the longest side exceeds 48 inches.
- Tip: If your painting is 46", adding too much bubble wrap could push the final box dimensions over 48", triggering the fee automatically. Always measure the final box, not just the canvas.
2. Dimensional Weight (The Price Killer) Carriers charge based on volume, not just weight. A lightweight 40" x 40" painting will be billed as if it weighs ~80 lbs (Formula: L x W x H / 139).
- Solution: Cut your box down to the exact size of the frame. 2 inches of empty space ("dead space") can cost you $20 extra in shipping fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best way to ship a canvas painting without a frame?
If the paint is completely dry, the safest and cheapest way is to unstretch the canvas and roll it into a hard-shell shipping tube. Roll the painted side outward (to prevent cracking) interleaved with glassine paper. If you cannot unstretch it, you must use a specialized artwork box.
Does FedEx or UPS insure artwork?
They offer "declared value," which is not true insurance. They often exclude damage to artwork in their terms of service, especially if they deem the packing insufficient. Third-party insurance like Secursus is recommended for full protection.
Should I put fragile stickers on the box?
Yes, but don't rely on them. Automated conveyor belts cannot read stickers. Label the box "FRAGILE - ARTWORK" clearly on all sides, but assume the box will be flipped and bumped. The internal packing is your only real protection.
