If you’re planning on packing or shipping fine art, you need to use extreme care during the entire process. Art pieces are very delicate, and mishandling them can have a major impact on their value. To keep your fine art safe during the shipping and transportation processes, here are some best practices to keep in mind and several common mistakes to avoid.

Do:

Wear white cotton gloves.

No matter how clean your hands are, handling art without gloves can leave behind dirt or fingerprint smudges that damage the piece. Always use white cotton gloves for this type of work, since they provide a soft grip that will keep oil off the painting.

Use high-quality packing tape.

When you’re shipping fine art, packing tape is essential for holding protective wrapping in place and keeping boxes intact. If the tape is of low quality, it may lose its grip and allow your piece to get jostled around.

Don’t:

Use acidic packing materials.

Certain types of acid can cause fine art to deteriorate. When you purchase packing paper or cardboard for your artwork, make sure that it’s completely acid-free. This will keep your item secure without affecting the surface of the piece.

Forget to label items.

When you’re shipping fine art, label items as fragile so the carrier knows to handle each package with care. Specify the contents on the exterior of the box so the handler and recipient understand how to transport and open the package.

If you’re planning on shipping fine art, Box Stop in Lexington, KY can help. This independently-owned shipping company has been in business for over 30 years, and they offer a wide array of options for local customers. They carry more than 200 types of boxes, along with all the packaging materials you’ll need to ship items safely to their destination. You also have the option of working with several different carriers, including USPS, FedEx, DHL, and UPS. View a full list of services on the company’s website or call (859) 271-2393.