Avoid These Common Mistakes When Shipping Artwork

Shipping artwork seems like it should be straightforward - just put it in a box and send it, right? But then you realize you're dealing with something that's fragile, often expensive, and usually irreplaceable. One wrong move and you could be looking at a damaged piece that can't be fixed, or worse, something that's completely destroyed.

I've heard way too many horror stories from artists and collectors who thought they could just wrap their painting in some bubble wrap and ship it like any other package. They end up with cracked frames, punctured canvases, or sculptures that arrive in pieces. It's heartbreaking and usually totally avoidable.

That's why a lot of people end up working with shipping artwork experts who can take care of it for you - they know exactly what materials to use, how to pack everything properly, and how to handle the whole shipping process. But if you're planning to do it yourself, knowing what not to do can save you from making expensive mistakes.

Here are the most common ways people mess up when shipping artwork, and how you can avoid them.

Skimping on Packing Materials

This is probably the biggest mistake I see. People think they can get away with using a regular cardboard box and some basic bubble wrap, but that's just not going to cut it for artwork. Art needs serious protection - we're talking foam corners, double boxing when necessary, and acid-free materials for valuable pieces.

The wrong packing materials can actually cause damage. Some materials trap moisture, others allow too much movement during shipping. Cheap bubble wrap might seem fine, but if your artwork shifts around inside the box, all that bubble wrap in the world won't help.

Good packing materials cost more upfront, but they're way cheaper than dealing with damaged artwork later.

Not Using the Right Box Size

Getting the box size wrong is another classic mistake. If the box is too big, your artwork bounces around inside no matter how much padding you use. If it's too small, you don't have room for proper cushioning and everything gets compressed.

You want at least 2 inches of space around all sides of your artwork for proper padding. That might mean ordering a custom-sized box, and yes, it costs more than grabbing whatever box you have lying around. But custom boxes are usually worth every penny when you're shipping something valuable.

Think of the box as the foundation of your protection - get this wrong and everything else falls apart.

Forgetting to Label "Fragile" and Orientation

You'd be amazed how many people forget this basic step. Always mark which side should be up and label the package as fragile in big, bold letters that anyone can see. Include clear handling instructions because you can't assume the people moving your package know anything about art.

Make the labels impossible to miss. Use bright colors, large fonts, whatever it takes. The goal is to make sure everyone who touches your package knows they're dealing with something that needs special care.

Don't be subtle about this - spell out exactly what kind of handling your artwork needs.

Ignoring Insurance or Declared Value

This one can really hurt you financially. Most basic shipping insurance barely covers anything, and it definitely won't cover the full value of artwork. You need to declare the actual value of what you're shipping and buy additional coverage if the piece is worth more than the basic coverage.

Take photos of the artwork before you pack it up. If something goes wrong, you'll need proof of what condition it was in before shipping. Document any existing damage or wear so there's no confusion later.

Don't assume your artwork is automatically covered just because you're using a major shipping company.

Overlooking Temperature or Humidity Concerns

Some artwork is really sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Oil paintings, wood pieces, certain sculptures - they can get damaged by extreme weather conditions during shipping. If you're dealing with climate-sensitive pieces, you need to plan accordingly.

Ground shipping might take longer and expose your artwork to more temperature variations. Air shipping is faster but can be rougher on packages. Ask your shipping provider about temperature-controlled options if your artwork needs special climate considerations.

This is especially important if you're shipping during extreme weather seasons or to areas with very different climates.

Rushing the Process

When you're in a hurry, that's when mistakes happen. You skip steps, use whatever materials you have on hand, or don't double-check your packaging. Last-minute shipping almost always leads to problems.

Give yourself plenty of time to pack everything carefully and research your shipping options. Schedule pickup or drop-off in advance so you're not running around at the last minute trying to get everything together.

Taking your time usually means better protection and fewer headaches later.

Protecting What Matters

Artwork isn't just another package - it represents time, creativity, and often significant financial and emotional value. Whether you're an artist shipping to a client, a collector moving pieces, or a gallery preparing for a show, taking the time to avoid these common mistakes can save you from costly and heartbreaking damage.

If you're not confident about handling the shipping yourself, there's no shame in working with professionals who specialize in art shipping. They know all the tricks, have the right materials, and can handle the entire process so you don't have to worry about it. Sometimes the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.