How To Pack Wall Art For Moving & Protect It

Moving your cherished wall art requires careful planning to ensure it arrives at your new home in pristine condition. Can you pack wall art safely for a move? Absolutely, with the right techniques and materials. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for packing wall art for moving and protecting it from potential damage, covering everything from selecting the right moving supplies to securing artwork for transit. We’ll delve into frame protection, the best ways to use bubble wrap and packing paper, and specialized methods for transporting canvases and wrapping paintings, ensuring your art shipping needs are met with confidence.

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Preparing Your Artwork for Packing

Before you start wrapping, take some time to prepare your artwork. This initial step is crucial for preventing damage and making the packing process smoother.

Assessing Your Artwork

Each piece of art is unique, and its fragility can vary greatly. Consider the following when assessing your collection:

• Material: Is it an oil painting, watercolor, print, photograph, or a mixed-media piece? Each material might require slightly different handling.
• Frame: Is the frame ornate, delicate, or sturdy? Are there any loose parts or chips? The frame itself can be a weak point.
• Surface: Is the artwork behind glass or acrylic? Is the surface textured or smooth?
• Value: Consider the sentimental or monetary value of the piece. Higher-value items may warrant more robust protective measures.

Cleaning and Dusting

Gently clean your artwork before packing. Dust and debris can scratch the surface or the frame during transit if not removed.

• For framed art with glass: Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a glass cleaner.
• For unframed canvases or paintings: Use a very soft brush (like a makeup brush) or a dry, lint-free cloth to gently dust the surface. Avoid any moisture.

Removing Loose Elements

If any parts of the frame or artwork are loose, try to secure them if possible without causing further damage. For example, if a small piece of decorative trim on a frame is loose, you might consider a tiny dab of appropriate adhesive, but be cautious. If you’re unsure, it’s better to leave it and ensure extra padding around that area.

Essential Moving Supplies for Wall Art

Gathering the right moving supplies is half the battle when it comes to packing art. Having everything on hand before you begin will save you time and prevent last-minute rushes.

What You’ll Need:

• Moving Boxes: Specifically, picture boxes or mirror boxes are ideal. These are often adjustable in size and provide good structural support. For larger pieces, you may need to create custom boxes from large flat cardboard sheets.
• Bubble Wrap: Opt for large-bubble bubble wrap for maximum cushioning. Smaller bubbles can sometimes leave impressions on delicate surfaces if the art shifts.
• Packing Paper: Acid-free packing paper is essential for wrapping paintings and other artworks. It protects surfaces from scratches and absorbs moisture, which is crucial for certain mediums. Plain newsprint is a common alternative, but ensure it’s clean and doesn’t have excessive ink that could transfer.
• Painter’s Tape or Masking Tape: This is less likely to leave residue on frames or surfaces compared to strong packing tape.
• Cardboard Sheets: For reinforcing corners and creating custom protective layers.
• Foam Sheets or Corner Protectors: These are excellent for adding extra frame protection.
• Stretch Wrap (Plastic Wrap): Can be used to hold bubble wrap in place and provide a moisture barrier.
• Markers: For labeling your boxes clearly.
• Scissors or Box Cutter: For cutting tape and cardboard.

Packing Different Types of Wall Art

The method of packing will vary slightly depending on the type of art you’re moving.

Packing Framed Artwork (Including Mirrors)

Framed art, especially pieces with glass, requires careful handling to prevent breakage and damage to the frame.

Step-by-Step Guide for Framed Art:

1. Protect the Surface: Cover the front of the artwork, particularly the glass or acrylic, with a layer of packing paper. Secure it with painter’s tape around the edges, ensuring the tape doesn’t touch the artwork itself.
2. Add Corner Protection: Use cardboard corner protectors or cut pieces of cardboard to create custom corner guards for the frame. Secure these with painter’s tape. This is a critical part of frame protection.
3. Wrap in Bubble Wrap: Generously wrap the entire piece in several layers of bubble wrap. Ensure the bubbles are facing outwards for maximum cushioning. Pay extra attention to the corners and edges, as these are most vulnerable.
4. Secure the Wrapping: Use painter’s tape to secure the bubble wrap, ensuring it doesn’t shift during the move. Avoid wrapping tape too tightly around the frame itself.
5. Reinforce with Cardboard: If the frame is particularly delicate or if you’re using a less sturdy box, consider adding a layer of sturdy cardboard over the bubble wrap on the front and back of the artwork.
6. Choose the Right Box: Select a picture box that is slightly larger than your artwork. If your artwork fits snugly into a box, it will be less likely to shift.
7. Place in Box: Gently slide the wrapped artwork into the box.
8. Add Padding: Fill any empty spaces in the box with more packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent the artwork from moving around.
9. Seal and Label: Seal the box with tape and label it clearly with “FRAGILE,” “WALL ART,” and “THIS SIDE UP.” Indicate which side is the front if necessary.

Packing Unframed Canvases and Paintings

Transporting canvases and unframed paintings requires a different approach as there’s no glass to worry about, but the canvas surface itself is the primary concern.

Step-by-Step Guide for Unframed Canvases:

1. Protect the Canvas Surface: Lay down a sheet of packing paper or glassine paper on a clean, flat surface. Place your canvas face down on the paper.
2. Wrap the Canvas: Cover the entire canvas with at least two layers of packing paper. If it’s an oil painting or has a textured surface, consider using acid-free tissue paper first, followed by packing paper. Ensure the paper covers the edges and the back of the canvas.
3. Secure the Paper: Use painter’s tape to secure the packing paper around the edges.
4. Add Corner Protection: As with framed art, cut pieces of cardboard or use corner protectors to shield the corners of the canvas.
5. Wrap in Bubble Wrap: Generously wrap the paper-covered canvas in several layers of bubble wrap. Ensure the bubble side is out.
6. Reinforce with Cardboard: For added protection, especially for larger canvases, create a cardboard “sandwich.” Cut two pieces of heavy-duty cardboard that are larger than the canvas. Place the bubble-wrapped canvas between these two cardboard sheets and tape them together securely. This provides a rigid protective shell.
7. Use a Picture Box or Custom Crate: Ideally, place the protected canvas in a picture box or a custom-made wooden crate for maximum security during art shipping. If using a box, ensure it’s a snug fit.
8. Pad and Seal: Fill any remaining gaps in the box with padding material. Seal the box and label it clearly: “FRAGILE – CANVAS,” “HANDLE WITH CARE,” and “THIS SIDE UP.”

Packing Prints, Posters, and Photographs

These items are typically flatter and can be susceptible to creasing or bending.

Step-by-Step Guide for Flat Art:

1. Protect the Surface: Place a sheet of packing paper or glassine over the print. If it has a protective sleeve, leave it on.
2. Create a Cardboard Sandwich: Lay a piece of sturdy cardboard flat. Place the print (with its protective paper) on top. Place another piece of cardboard on top of the print. The cardboard should be the same size or slightly larger than the print.
3. Tape Securely: Tape the edges of the cardboard sandwich together to keep the print flat and protected. Use painter’s tape.
4. Choose the Right Box: Use a picture box or a flat, sturdy box. You can pack multiple prints together in a single box if they are all protected in their cardboard sandwiches.
5. Pad the Box: Ensure there is ample padding around the boxed prints to prevent them from shifting.
6. Label Clearly: Label the box as “FRAGILE – PRINTS” and indicate the orientation.

Special Considerations for Art Shipping and Transport

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the method of transport can impact your artwork.

Transporting in Your Vehicle

If you’re moving yourself, you have direct control over how the art is handled.

• Secure the Load: Place the packed art where it won’t slide around. Wedging it between furniture or using blankets to secure it can work. Avoid placing heavy items on top of artwork.
• Climate Control: Try to avoid leaving artwork in a hot car for extended periods, as extreme temperature fluctuations can damage some materials.

Using a Professional Moving Company

If you’re hiring movers, it’s crucial to communicate your needs clearly.

• Discuss with Movers: Inform the moving company that you have valuable or delicate artwork. Ask about their specific procedures for packing and handling delicate items.
• Professional Packing Services: For highly valuable or irreplaceable pieces, consider using the professional packing services offered by the moving company or a specialized art packer.
• Insurance: Ensure your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers your artwork during the move, or consider purchasing separate transit insurance.

Advanced Techniques for Frame Protection and Securing Artwork

For truly valuable or antique pieces, you might want to go the extra mile with frame protection.

Double Boxing

This involves placing a packed item into a larger box, with plenty of padding in between.

1. Pack Your Artwork: Follow the standard packing steps outlined above.
2. Choose a Larger Box: Select a second, larger box.
3. Add Padding to Outer Box: Fill the bottom of the outer box with a layer of cushioning material like bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
4. Place Inner Box: Place your packed artwork (in its inner box) into the center of the outer box.
5. Fill Gaps: Fill all the surrounding space with more cushioning material to completely cradle the inner box.
6. Seal and Label: Seal the outer box and label it clearly.

Custom Crates

For the ultimate in protection, especially for large or very valuable pieces, custom wooden crates are the best option. These can be built to the exact dimensions of your artwork and offer superior rigidity and protection against punctures and crushing. Many professional art shipping services can provide custom crating.

Specific Tips for Wrapping Paintings and Canvases

When wrapping paintings, especially those with impasto (thickly applied paint), consider how to protect the textured surface.

• Surface Protection First: Always use acid-free packing paper or glassine directly against the painted surface.
• Avoid Direct Tape Contact: Never apply tape directly to the paint or canvas.
• Protect the Edges: The edges of a canvas can be prone to damage. Ensure they are well-covered with cardboard or extra layers of bubble wrap.
• Ventilation for Oil Paintings: While you want to protect oil paintings from moisture, some sources suggest allowing for a small amount of air circulation for very old oil paintings by not sealing the bubble wrap completely air-tight, or by using breathable padding. However, for typical moves, ensuring a good seal to protect from dust and moisture is generally preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the best way to protect the corners of framed art?

A1: Use cardboard corner protectors specifically designed for moving, or cut pieces of thick cardboard to create custom corner guards. Secure these with painter’s tape.

Q2: Can I use regular packing tape on my artwork?

A2: It is highly recommended to use painter’s tape or masking tape on any part of the artwork or frame that might come into direct contact with the tape. Regular packing tape can leave a sticky residue or damage finishes.

Q3: How do I pack very large pieces of wall art?

A3: For very large pieces, you will likely need to create custom boxes from large sheets of cardboard or use specialized art crates. Ensure you have enough help to handle the size and weight, and use ample padding.

Q4: What if my artwork doesn’t have a frame?

A4: Unframed artwork, such as transporting canvases or prints, should be protected with packing paper first, followed by layers of bubble wrap, and then reinforced with cardboard or placed in a sturdy picture box.

Q5: Should I use bubble wrap or packing paper first?

A5: Always place packing paper directly against the surface of the artwork first to prevent any potential damage from the bubble wrap itself. Then, wrap the packing paper-covered item in bubble wrap.

Q6: How do I transport mirrors?

A6: Mirrors are very similar to framed artwork with glass. Protect the glass with paper, add corner protection, wrap thoroughly in bubble wrap, and place them in a sturdy mirror or picture box, ensuring no weight is placed on them. Label clearly.

By following these detailed steps and using the right moving supplies, you can confidently pack your wall art for a move, safeguarding your cherished pieces throughout the process. Remember, careful preparation and adequate protection are key to ensuring your artwork arrives safely at your new destination, preserving its beauty and value.