Sell art
your how to guidePacking and posting
"Your single biggest risk!
OK, you've spent a lifetime developing your artistic techniques; you've mastered
photography for the web, managed to work out an appropriate pricing schedule,
and (drum roll...) sold some art."
Now comes the tricky bit: packing!
Think of risks to artwork and you probably think of theft, but insurance giant AXA
reports that 25% of all claims involving art were for damage in transit,
with only 15% for theft, including onsite burglary.
Clearly, art is at its most vulnerable when it's moving.
This carries the single biggest risk of disappointment for both you and your buyers,
and having come this far, it would be a shame not to adequately protect
both your artwork and your reputation.
Before we continue, I'll just slip in the formal disclaimer and
the 'All About Packing' menu so you can skip ahead if you'd like to check out something
specific, otherwise click
here or scroll to continue.
DISCLAIMER
|
|
The following is offered for your convenience,
and while we believe this information presents current best practices, ArtSales.com.au
cannot take responsibility for the safe delivery
of any works packed and shipped according to these guidelines.
|
|
|
|
|
Your single biggest risk (continued...)
Artwork of all types requires a bit more attention than standard packing. In some
cases, special containers and packing materials will be needed to provide adequate
protection.
The expense incurred in packing or preparing your art for delivery, is related to
the size and value of the work. At one end of the scale, small, inexpensive works
such as prints, or maybe drawings, will usually only need an envelope and rigid
support, like cardboard, for protection. At the other end are specialist international
art couriers used for transporting large important works for galleries or individuals.
These fine art couriers cost much more than general freight - how much depends on
the services required, the dimensional size and cubic volume of the item, and its
fragility. Actual weight is less of a factor in determining price. Most ArtSales.com.au
users will pack and despatch their own work, but we've also included some information
about fine art couriers.
Regular surface, sea, and airmail, will result in your work will being treated less
carefully, and being in transit for longer than necessary; needlessly increasing
the chances of damage. The middle ground between this scenario, and specialist fine
art couriers, are registered freight services. This is the option adopted by ArtSales.com.au.
With overnight air freight companies like FedEx, UPS, DHL and our recommended carrier,
Express Courier International (part of Australia Post and much cheaper), you can
have the best of both worlds: expert packing (provided by you) coupled with guaranteed,
non-stop delivery overseas, for much less than the often thousands of dollars charged
by fine art couriers.
The addition of computerised tracking (as required by ArtSales.com.au) of your parcels
by the better freight companies, both domestically and overseas, gives added security
and peace of mind, both to you and your buyers.
PACKING ESSENTIALS #1
|
|
Artwork is easily damaged in shipping if it is not packed properly.
If after reading these guides you have doubts about how to
pack artwork for shipping, consider using a professional
art shipper, a museum, framer or a gallery.
|
|
|
If you have a framer or shipper pack the artwork, please make sure to have them
follow the guidelines listed below. Keep in mind that not everyone knows how to
ship artwork. It's also a good idea to keep all of your tracking numbers and receipts
from everyone involved just in case a claim must be filed for damage.
You may be tempted to think the extra effort required to apparently ship art properly
is excessive. The level of professionalism adopted in packing is, of course, your
choice, and is a balance between expense and how seriously you take your art business,
as well as how seriously you want to be taken. Treating your artwork as valuable
reinforces the perception of its value. Treating your work as special also allows
the buyer to feel as though they have bought something special. But at the end of
the day, how you present your artwork and yourself is up to you.
top
Non-specialist packing materials
Air encapsulated plastic (bubble-wrap)
Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items. Used in multiple wraps and layers
to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges.
According to AXA Art Insurance, bubble wrap secretes a sticky substance when exposed
to heat that can irreparably damage paintings and photographs, so always use a protective
layer if you are using bubble-wrap with these items.
Foam 'peanuts'
Used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items. Overfill the box with
peanuts, gently close the flaps, and seal securely. Do not use with flat or narrow
products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit. Due to the
shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of
three inches (8 cm) of cushioning be used around the contents. It is recommended
that flat pieces of corrugated fiberboard be used between contents and peanuts to
help prevent migration through the peanuts.
Corrugated liners and inserts
May be added to the package to increase strength and improve package performance.
Crumpled paper
Used primarily as a void-fill material for light-to-medium weight, non-fragile items
and items that are suitable for such packing materials. Must be tightly crumpled
with at least four inches (10 cm) of paper between contents and outer box.
Tape
Less is more when using tape. Always consider the person who will be unpacking the
artwork. It should be evident where the tape is and how to remove it. For this reason
using invisible tape or 'Magic Mending' tape is unsuitable. Folding one end on itself
will make lifting the tape easier. Proper closure of your container is just as important
as proper cushioning for the safety and security of your shipment. To close a box
securely, do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, duct tape, string, or paper
over-wrap. Instead, use a strong tape, two inches (five cm) or more in width, such
as those below:
Pressure sensitive plastic or nylon reinforced tape
Generally the easiest, most convenient tape to use. Versatile because it adheres
without water and sticks to a variety of surfaces and shapes. Make sure the surface
isn't damp or dusty. Apply three strips to both the top and bottom of the box.
Water-activated reinforced tape
Use 60 lb (27 kg) grade tape at least three inches (eight cm) wide. This type requires
only two centre-seam strips of tape for both the top and bottom of the box, due
to the reinforcing fibres.
Labels
The carrier you use should supply you with any necessary labels and may be able
to supply extra labels, label printing services or software, for future shipments.
For fast and efficient delivery, keep the following points in mind when labelling
your package:
•Use a waterproof pen and write clearly and
legibly.
•Use a single address label that has clear,
complete delivery and return
information. Make every effort to obtain a street address. Some couriers may offer
reduced services for a P.O. Box address, Army Post Office (APO), or Fleet Post Office
(FPO) address. Always include the recipient's postal code with the complete street
address. For international shipments, include a contact name, telephone number,
and postal code. Include the apartment or unit number, if applicable.
•Always include your own complete return address,
including full street address
and postal code. For international shipments, include a contact name, telephone
number, and postal code and a Certificate of Origin, whenever possible.
•Place the shipping label on the top of the
package. To avoid confusion, place
only one address label on the package. If you are using a packing slip, place it
on the same surface of the package as the address label.
•Do not place the label over a seam or closure
or on top of sealing tape.
•Remove or cross out old labels or markings
on a used box.
•Place a duplicate label or other form of identification
inside your package.
•Label each box in a shipment in the event pieces
get separated. You may also
want to write the number of boxes that comprise the shipment
(e.g. Box 1 of 4.)
•Crates should be clearly marked, with all required
certificates indicating the
exact contents and materials contained inside.
•If you are using a mailing tube, place the
label horizontally, with each end of
the label pointing toward the ends of the tube, so the bar code can be scanned.
top
Specialist packing materials
General guidelines
The three factors most likely to be involved in damaging your art are:
•Heat: causing blistering and
adhesion failure
•Moisture: causing warping,
pigment compromise, and mould
•Movement: causing bending,
breaking, abrasion and puncturing
We recommend that you read this whole section, with the view to reducing the impact
of these three factors as much as possible.
Boxes, cases and crates
Whenever possible, use a new box. The more times a box is used, the more it loses
its original protective qualities, so a previously used box may not adequately protect
your shipment.
If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in excellent condition with no
punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Remove
any labels and all other shipment markings from the box.
Choose a box strength that is suitable for the contents you are shipping. Never
exceed the maximum gross weight for the box, which is usually printed on the Box
Maker's Certificate on the box's bottom flap.
Packing cases should be secured with screws (not nails) - they are much simpler
to open and pose less potential risk to artworks during packing and unpacking.
Packing
Make sure that all cartons are firmly packed, but not overloaded. Cartons should
not rattle or bulge when correctly packed.
There should be cushioning in the space between your object and the carton walls
to ensure a safe environment. Wrap individual items carefully in paper, cloth or
bubble-wrap and be sure to provide sufficient cushioning to absorb shock. Pack items
in layers, with the heaviest things on the bottom and the lightest on the top. Do
not mix hard or heavy items with fragile items in the same container and be careful
to protect your items from product-against-product damage.
Please use proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer container, to
protect your shipment fully. Make sure you use enough cushioning material to ensure
that the contents do not move when you shake the container.
Improper cushioning material includes clothing, blankets, and pillows. Instead,
please use the materials listed above to cushion and protect your shipment.
Moisture
It is a good idea to seal card protected works with "Tyvek" paper or plastic (even
cling-wrap) as protection from moisture. Use tape to secure the covering.
Heavy Items
Your carrier will advise you if individual works exceed their limitations and large
sculpture or monumental works will probably require specialist fine art couriers.
top
Flat unframed works
Flat packing
We recommend that you never lift an unmounted print or drawing by the corners. When
lifting a print or drawing, slide a sheet of cardboard beneath it as a support and
hold the cardboard, not the art. If you must use your hands, use tissue paper or
photography gloves so that your fingers do not touch the artwork since oils from
our fingers damage paper.
Protect the artwork with tissue or tracing paper (acid free if you're aiming at
archival standards) on both the front and the back.
Place a layer of card or foamcore board on both sides of the art sufficient to prevent
any sort of bending. Tape around the outside of the boards so they stay together.
You might consider leaving a tab of tape where you fold the tape over at the end
so it is easier to remove.
To prevent the art from moving around within the cardboard, fold a sheet of paper
into a triangle, and in half again so that it forms a pocket. Slip a triangle over
all four corners of the print or drawing. Then tape ONLY the triangles to the cardboard.
The triangles can be easily removed by removing the tape on the triangles when it
is received. Leave a lip of tape on the triangles as well so they are easier to
remove. Never try to bend the print into a triangle. Place each triangle on an edge
of the artwork, and then tape each triangle to the cardboard.
Place the taped up cardboard between two pieces of corrugated cardboard and tape
all sides securely. You could also further pack it into a mirror pack or another
couple pieces of cardboard to prevent any type of bending during transit.
Serigraph (silk screen) prints are best shipped flat since they are prone to crack.
Also, if the work of art is a valuable investment, rolling is not recommended since
corners can get bent and the art could be accidentally creased.
Build a box to fit that is slightly bigger than the work, or purchase one. If you're
packing a canvas (no frame, no glass), wrap the cardboard box in bubble wrap again,
tape it, then build or buy a second box slightly bigger than the first. Double boxing
is a guarantee against other sharp objects puncturing the box and canvas during
the move.
Rolling
Rolling is not recommended for anything other
than posters.
Rolling can promote flaking of inks and/or pigments, can distort paper fibres, and
cause tearing or creasing if the roll is accidentally crushed. Rolling some older
canvases can cause cracking. If a work is to be rolled, do so as loosely as possible
with a coversheet of tracing or tissue paper protecting the image, and secure it
with another paper strip around that. Never apply adhesive or tape directly to the
work. Place the roll in a tube. Further protection is added by placing the tube
in a corrugated box.
top
Flat framed works
Mirror Pack Boxes
These types of boxes are found at most moving companies or storage companies and
are reasonably priced. If you have an artwork that has quite a bit of depth, then
purchase two so that you can make the box deeper. The cardboard used for this type
of box is quite thin so how you pack the actual artwork within the box is what is
truly important to keeping the artwork safe from damage. The mirror box will adequately
package a framed piece that is approximately 20" x 30" x 1" or 3"- 4" deep if using
two boxes as suggested above. Should the frame on the artwork be larger than 20"
x 30", buy enough boxes to actually create a large enough box to allow 3" of packing
space around all four sides of the frame.
Wrap the framed artwork in a piece of material or simply cover it with tissue paper.
This will protect any glass from any sticky residue from the bubble-wrap which goes
on next.
Wrap the bubble wrap completely around the material or tissue paper making sure
to cover all corners. Specifically, protect all the corners of the frame since the
corners tend to be the points of impact when the box gets moved around during shipping.
Place some packing peanuts or additional bubble-wrap inside the bottom, top and
sides of the mirror box to create a cushion for the artwork. Place the bubble wrapped
piece on to a layer of packing material inside the mirror box and stuff the sides
and top with additional packing material. A tight fit will ensure the artwork does
not slide around in the box.
Seal the entire box securely by taping completely around the edges.
Call your carrier for package standards and size limitations since not all shippers
will accept mirror pack boxes.
Standard packing
Remove any glass and cover it with Glassmask or GlassSkin. Alternatively, apply
wide strips of tape horizontally and vertically. This is to hold the glass in place
should it break. (Note: do not use on non-glare glass as it will damage the surface).
Package glass between fibre board or heavy card (not corrugated), and seal all edges
with tape. Protect the work on both sides with a coversheet of tissue or tracing
paper and sandwich between sheets of card. Place the now packaged glass on top.
Protect all corners including the frame with cardboard protectors, bubble wrap,
or scrunched up plastic bags. Bubble-wrap the entire pack and place in a suitable
box, or an envelope between sheets of card for support.
top
Ceramics and glass
For these sorts of fragile items, the outer box must be large enough to allow approximately
75mm / 3" cushioning (bubble wrap, foam peanuts, foam sheet, corrugated dividers,
or crumpled paper), on all sides, top and bottom. Wrap all pieces individually in
paper, tissue or bubble wrap to protect them from each other. (Consider boxing items
individually.) If the item has a hollow centre (such as a vase), fill the area with
paper to make the item more solid. Beakers, platters, and shallow bowls should be
placed in the carton on edge. Deeper bowls and larger vessels should be placed in
the carton with their rims toward the bottom of the carton.
top
Sculpture and irregularly shaped items
Some carriers will charge extra for irregularly shaped items, so where possible,
pack these items in boxes. You'll need a box at least one-third larger than the
size of your item or sculpture. Small items like figurines should be wrapped individually
in paper, tissue or bubble-wrap. Allow adequate cushioning between the items and
the walls of the box (bubble wrap, foam peanuts, foam sheet, corrugated dividers,
or crumpled paper), on all sides, top and bottom, to provide ample protection against
shock. Works that are particularly awkward in shape may need to be packed or crated
professionally. Foam peanuts may shift in transit, so overfill your box - you don't
want to hear any rattles.
top
Posting
PACKING ESSENTIALS #2
|
|
To safeguard sellers and clients, ArtSales.com.au requires verification of despatch
by supplying us with a valid computer tracking number. This number, (which is automatically
forwarded to the buyer), when entered on the carrier's website, allows stage by
stage tracking of your delivery. For this reason you must select a carrier which
has this service.
|
|
|
Domestic
Postage within your own country is often handled most efficiently and cheaply by
your national postal service. Within Australia, Australia Post offer Express Post
Platinum. The following link can be used to calculate postage costs within Australia
for inclusion on your gallery page.
Australian
Domestic Postage Assessment Calculator
International
Again, postage outside your own country is often handled most efficiently and cheaply
by your national postal service. Within Australia this is Express Courier International.
The following link can be used to calculate postage costs outside Australia for
inclusion on your gallery page. Click on the 'send a package' tab.
International Postage Assessment Calculator
Below is a selection of other carriers offering domestic and international shipment
tracking:
•FedEx
•UPS
•DHL
top
Customs
General
When a single artwork is crated, the packing should not disguise its shape and nature
so that it is easier for Customs to make an assessment of it.
Customs regulates and may prohibit the entry of certain materials, especially organic
materials, such as animal and plant products.
Consider the types of wood used in packing cases, e.g. if the wood has been processed
(kilned) before use to kill insects and pests. Art that requires crating must be
packed in certified heat-treated wood crates or they may be sent back whence they
came. Last year, the European Union, the United States and China, among others,
enacted restrictions on the use of wood-based packing materials for import or export.
All crates must now be certified and stamped "heat- treated" to insure against infestation
by wood-boring pests.
Documentation
Most international mail weighing 500 grams or more, or valued at (AUD) $500 or more
requires customs documentation. The type of article being sent determines which
customs form is required. In Australia, all customs forms are available at Australia
Post outlets. Check for outlets in your particular country. As the forms require
carbon copies, they are unavailable for download on the internet. Incorrect or incomplete
paperwork can result in the delay or seizure of artworks.
As well as having the correct customs form, when sending international articles
you must also adhere to
international security procedures.
It is also important that you are aware of prohibited and
restricted articles which may not be accepted either by Australia Post,
or by the postal administration in the destination country. For instance, there
may be restrictions on 'obscene' material which should be considered on an individual
basis, as different countries have different levels of culturally acceptable material.
Under international mail security requirements, customers in many countries are
required to provide acceptable photo or signature identification when lodging international
mail. Failure to provide identification will result in mail being delayed, and many
carriers will not accept international mail unless the necessary Customs documentation
is completed and signed.
Details of how each country accepts valuable items are available in the International
Post Guide, which includes details of country specific conditions, such
as insurance and custom requirements. Some countries will not accept valuable items
into their mail system whatsoever. Other countries may accept them only if they
are insured, and some may accept valuable items in some services but not others.
Specialist fine art carriers
Fine art handlers with their knowledge of and ability to handle customs, carnets
and documentation procedures, can play a vital role managing the customs clearance
process, including hiring customs brokers and organizing documentation.
Please note: The above tips are general guidelines only and ArtSales.com.au cannot
be held responsible for items damaged or seized in transit.
top
Insurance
It is highly recommended that you use a shipper who allows you to insure the art
for its full value or at least the price at which it was sold and ArtSales.com.au
recommends insurance under all circumstances, especially when shipping internationally.
Because it is a cost borne by the purchaser, insurance adds to the price of your
work and should be factored into pricing. Insurance is usually offered by better
carriers and you will need to decide the level of insurance required, usually based
on the sale price of the work. Once this has been determined, make a note of insurance
as a separate price on your gallery page. Buyers like to know what they are paying
for.
top