Make Your Own Shipping Boxes

Over the past few weeks I have been focused on finding the best - and most economical way to ship framed paintings. 

My criteria for the perfect shipping box has evolved from my early version of simply wrapping a piece of artwork in bubble wrap. I've decided that the perfect container needs to be sturdy, affordable, designed to safely protect the artwork during shipping, be reusable, and provide an easy-in-easy-out loading system. 

My ideal shipping container is a product called the Airfloat Strongbox. However, I simply can't afford to purchase as many of these boxes as I need.  So I've come up with two versions of my own that are easy to make and far more affordable.

 The first version is one I've used for a few years.  It consists of a crate constructed out of foamcore, and sized to be large enough to accommodate the bubble-wrapped artwork. This inner crate slips into a larger cardboard shipping box - UPS offers Art Boxes in small, medium and large sizes, which are supposed to be slightly stronger than the usual brown cardboard boxes.  I fill the void between the inner and outer carton with bubble wrap, and if the outer box gets damaged, I simply replace it.

The second version is also constructed with foamcore.  The size is measured to exactly fit inside the outer box.  I also attach thick foam padding, using ATG tape, to the inner side of the foamcore box.  My bubble-wrapped artwork is then placed into a plastic bag and slipped easily into the padded interior.

I've posted detailed instructions and pictures on how to build these crates if you are interested in trying these designs. These instructions will always be available in the right hand column under pages. 

There's one other tip I've picked up from a variety of sources that I really like.  On the top of the inner flap of the foamcore crate, I tape a printout showing a picture of the artwork, my address and phone - and if I'm using an art mover, I include the delivery information such as where to deliver and times for delivery and pick-up for their convenience.

I learned the hard way that it's my responsibility to make sure my packing system is easy to use while protecting my artwork. I once sent out two same-size paintings in a single crate and received them back with dents in the canvas - it was my own fault for not realizing that the person repacking them probably had between fifty and one hundred paintings to crate up in an afternoon and simply didn't have the time to be sure everything fit properly.  Now I try to make it as quick and easy for that person as possible, while still protecting my artwork.

And without breaking the bank.

Comments

[box to the philippines]

This blog is very insightful good you shared this so helpful,i'll try it.

missy

[www.kuenstler-und-feste.com]

Always check the location where you intend to place your piece. Always avoid any area that is prone to extreme heat or cold, or humidity. This includes places like over the fireplace and in a front room that isn’t normally heated. Also keep in mind that prolonged sunlight will cause the paint to fade, and choose the location accordingly.

[Stacy]

Thank you so much for sharing this information about your shipping boxes. I've been looking for a way to ship paintings that is both safe and cost effective. I think my search is over.

[Sharon Crute]

Terrific post Sue!

Always a challenge to ship my large paintings and keep them safe throughout transport. I'll try the "box within a box" idea.

[Aggie Villanueva]

This is so helpful. I love this article. I have the same problems with shipping photography.

[Peggy Guichu]

I thoroughly appreciate your offering this information. Who hasn't had a problem with shipping paintings. Especially those paintings that contain glass. I love your design and will file it away for future shipping. Thanks again. Peg

[sue smith]

Vivien, Airfloat has a product called Glas-skin that comes in a roll and can be cut to size and pressed against the glass. In the event of breakage, it would hold the glass up off the artwork and is easy to remove. The gallery where I work uses a product like this and has not had any breakage.

[vivien]

a fantastic post Sue and very very helpful - do you post framed work behind glass successfully in these? I'm always scared trusting those to the mail.