To ship picture frames with glass, the key is careful packing, focusing primarily on protecting the fragile glass from breaking during transit.
Essential Steps for Shipping Picture Frames with Glass
Shipping picture frames, especially those with glass, requires meticulous attention to detail to prevent damage. Follow these steps for a secure shipment.
1. Protect the Glass
The most critical step is safeguarding the glass. Use bubble cushioning, a corrugated board, or foam to prevent glass from shattering and damaging the artwork or photograph. This material should be cut to the size of the glass. Place this protective layer directly over the glass. For extra security, particularly if shipping valuable art, apply masking tape to the glass to reduce damaging the artwork if broken in transit. Tape across the glass in a star or criss-cross pattern.
2. Wrap the Frame Securely
Once the glass is protected, wrap the entire frame.
- Use a layer of protective material like bubble wrap or packing foam.
- Secure the wrap with packing tape, ensuring edges and corners are well-covered.
3. Choose the Right Box
Select a sturdy cardboard box that is slightly larger than the frame on all sides. Using a box that is too small increases the risk of damage, while one that is too large requires excessive packing material.
4. Cushion and Pack
Proper cushioning inside the box is vital.
- Place a layer of cushioning material (like packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or foam inserts) at the bottom of the box.
- Carefully place the wrapped frame on top of this layer.
- Fill all remaining empty space around the frame with more cushioning material, ensuring the frame cannot shift inside the box. The goal is to immobilize the frame.
5. Seal and Label
- Seal the box securely with strong packing tape along all seams and edges.
- Clearly label the box with shipping information.
- Consider adding "Fragile" or "Handle with Care" labels to the outside of the box, although note that carriers may not guarantee special handling based on these labels alone; proper internal packing is paramount.
Materials Needed
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bubble Cushioning | Glass & frame protection |
| Corrugated Board/Foam | Glass protection cover |
| Masking Tape | Glass shatter prevention |
| Packing Tape | Sealing |
| Sturdy Cardboard Box | Outer packaging |
| Cushioning Material | Internal padding (peanuts, etc.) |
Additional Tips
- Double Boxing: For added protection, especially for valuable or very fragile frames, consider placing the first packed box inside a second, slightly larger box with cushioning material between the two boxes.
- Insure Your Shipment: For valuable items, purchasing shipping insurance is highly recommended.
- Check Carrier Guidelines: Different shipping carriers may have specific guidelines or recommendations for packaging fragile items like glass. Always check their requirements.
By following these steps and focusing on secure protection for the glass and frame, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage during shipping.
