Pieces of art, whether they’re original oil paintings or sculptures, are often precious because of price and sentimental value. When moving house, it’s essential to take extra care while packing your art to ensure it arrives safely. Here are a few tips to help.

Pieces With Glass

Use masking tape to make an “X” across the glass. This reduces the risk of shattering if the glass is broken or cracked.

Cover the piece in mat board or heavy cardboard, then wrap the entire item in bubble wrap or foam. Encase the wrapped-up art in a heavy-duty mirror or picture box. Seal the box with tape. 

Oil Paintings

The surfaces of oil paintings are delicate, so use extreme caution. Particularly for large, heavy, or valuable pieces, a custom wooden crate is best to ensure a precise fit.

If you choose to box it yourself, wrap it in glassine paper, followed by bubble wrap. Then cut a piece of Styrofoam™ that is about two inches larger than the frame to cover the front of the painting. Cut more strips to cover each side of the frame.

Next, cut cardboard sheets of the same size as the Styrofoam and tape it to the foam. Put the packaged picture in a box and tape it shut. 

Sculptures & Figurines

Large sculptures should also be shipped in custom crates if possible, as their unique shape makes them difficult to fit into standard boxes. Small pieces and figurines may be packed in a carton.

Wrap the item in a few layers of bubble wrap. You shouldn’t be able to feel the piece within its wrapping. Secure the cover with tape, and place the package in a tight-fitting box with at least two inches of packing peanuts at the bottom and packing paper to fill any gaps. 

If you need help packing and moving your fine art, turn to M. Dyer & Sons in Pearl City, HI. For over 50 years, this local storage, shipping, and moving company has helped residents throughout Oahu. Call (808) 456-4200 or visit the website to learn more about their range of moving and storage services.