To pack an oil on canvas painting, especially if it has raised areas like impasto, the key is to protect the delicate surface from direct contact. You can achieve this by securing a rigid board, such as plywood or plexiglass, a few inches above the painting's surface.
Protecting the Painting Surface
Oil and acrylic paintings, particularly those with impasto, are considered delicate. This means the surface can be easily smudged, scratched, or damaged by pressure or friction. The primary concern when packing is to ensure nothing touches the paint layer directly.
A crucial step in this protection involves creating a space between the painting surface and any packaging material.
- Secure a Protective Board: Use a board like plywood or plexiglass that is slightly larger than the painting itself.
- Create Space: Attach this board above the painting, ensuring there are a few inches of clear space between the board and the highest point of the canvas. This creates a buffer zone, preventing external pressure or impacts from reaching the delicate paint surface.
Comprehensive Packing Steps
Proper packaging requires several layers of protection to ensure the painting arrives safely.
- Protect the Surface: As mentioned, secure a protective board (plywood or plexiglass) a few inches above the canvas to create a buffer zone and prevent anything from touching the delicate paint layer.
- Wrap the Painting: Once the surface is protected, wrap the entire painting (including the frame if present) securely. Materials like glassine paper or archival plastic can be used first, followed by bubble wrap. Ensure bubble wrap seams are taped away from the painting surface if no inner wrap is used.
- Protect Corners: Add cardboard or foam corner protectors to the painting's corners to prevent dings during transit.
- Add Cushioning: Place cushioned padding, such as foam sheets or crumpled paper, inside the box on all sides, bottom, and top to absorb shocks.
- Box the Painting: Use a sturdy box designed for shipping art, or construct one from double-walled cardboard. The box should be large enough to accommodate the painting plus several inches of cushioning on all sides.
- Seal and Label: Securely tape the box seams. Clearly label the box with "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" indicators.
Reducing Shipping Risk
Understanding your painting's specific shipping risks—and packaging it accordingly—will drastically reduce its risk of damage during transit. Consider factors like the painting's size, weight, age, medium (oil with heavy impasto is more vulnerable), and the planned shipping method (e.g., air cargo vs. ground). Packaging should directly address these potential risks.
By combining surface protection with robust cushioning and boxing, you significantly increase the chances of your oil on canvas painting arriving at its destination undamaged.
