Selling your artwork online opens up opportunities to reach collectors around the world. But once a piece is purchased, the next challenge is making sure it arrives safely.

Learning how to pack and ship art for sale properly is an important part of running an art business. Paintings, prints, and framed artwork can be fragile, and poor packaging can lead to damage during shipment.

The good news? Shipping artwork becomes much easier once you develop a reliable process! With the right packing materials, careful preparation, and secure packaging, artists can protect their work and ship it with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll walk through practical tips for packing and shipping artwork, whether you're sending a canvas painting, a framed piece, or prints to a collector. So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!

When Artists Need to Ship Artwork

Many artists begin thinking about shipping once they start making online sales. However, shipping artwork is useful in several situations.

Artists commonly ship artwork when they:

• sell art through their website
  
• send work to collectors or customers
  
• deliver paintings to galleries or exhibitions
  
• ship prints purchased online
  
• send artwork across the country or around the world

Because artwork often has both financial and personal value, protecting it during shipping and shipment is essential.

Packing Materials You Will Need

Before you pack artwork, it helps to gather the necessary packaging materials. Having a dedicated shipping area or workspace can make the entire process more efficient.

Common packing supplies include:

• glassine paper or acid-free paper
  
• clear plastic sleeves or protective wrap
  
• bubble wrap for cushioning
  
• sturdy cardboard sheets
  
• packing tape or shipping tape
  
• corner protectors
  
• cardboard boxes sized for your artwork
  
• foam sheets for filling space

One thing to note is that we generally do not recommend using styrofoam peanuts because they're very messy for the person unpacking them. We had this problem too when we used to ship art to art fairs, which is why we stopped using it and advise against it as well.

Using acid free materials helps protect the surface of paintings, prints, and drawings. These materials prevent damage that can occur from direct contact with plastic or adhesive surfaces.

Keeping these supplies ready makes it easier to pack artwork quickly when a customer purchases a piece.

Preparing the Artwork Before Packaging

Before placing artwork in a box, take a moment to prepare the surface and edges properly.

First, make sure the artwork is completely dry. This is especially important for acrylic painting, oil painting, or other painted surfaces.

Next, cover the artwork surface with glassine paper or acid free paper. This protective layer prevents scratches and helps protect the artwork during shipment.

Pay special attention to:

• corners
  
• edges
  
• the surface of the painting or print

Many artists also photograph or record a video of the artwork before packing it. This documentation can help if an artwork arrives damaged during shipping.

How to Pack Artwork

Whether it's framed or unframed paintings and prints, they all require careful wrapping to protect the surface and edges.

Follow these steps when packing artwork:

Cover the Artwork Surface

Place glassine paper or acid free paper over the front of the artwork to protect the surface. If the artwork is behind glass, place cardboard over the glass surface before wrapping. Some artists add tape across the glass in an X pattern to reduce the risk of shattering.

Add Protective Layers

Place cardboard sheets on both sides of the artwork to create a rigid protective layer.  Corner protectors are especially helpful for framed artwork.

Wrap the Artwork

Wrap the artwork with bubble wrap and secure it using packing tape. Be careful not to place tape directly on the artwork itself.

Place the Artwork in a Box

Choose a sturdy cardboard box that leaves several inches of space on each side. Fill empty space with packing material such as foam sheets or paper. When framed, make sure the piece does not move inside the box.

Seal the Package

Seal the box securely with strong tape to ensure it stays closed during shipment.

How to Pack an Unstretched Canvas

Unstretched canvas can be easier to ship than stretched work, but it still needs proper protection to avoid creases or surface damage.

Here’s a simple approach:

• Place acid-free paper or glassine over the artwork surface
  
• Roll the canvas slowly and evenly (paint side facing outward)
  
• Avoid rolling too tightly to prevent stress on the surface
  
• Secure the roll with protective wrapping
  
• Insert the canvas into a durable mailing tube

Using a strong tube helps protect the artwork from bending during shipping. For larger pieces, consider using thicker tubes or double-layered packaging.

How to Pack Works on Paper

Works on paper, such as drawings, prints, or watercolor paintings, require careful handling to protect the surface and edges.

At UGallery, we ship these artworks flat rather than rolled whenever possible. Shipping flat helps preserve the integrity of the artwork and avoids unnecessary stress on the paper.

To pack works on paper:

• cover the surface with glassine paper or acid-free paper
  
• place the artwork between rigid cardboard sheets
  
• secure the edges to prevent shifting
  
• place the piece inside a flat, sturdy box

Flat packaging provides better protection and ensures the artwork arrives in its intended condition.

Choosing the Right Shipping Box

The box you use plays a major role in protecting artwork during shipping.

When selecting a box, consider:

• the dimensions of the artwork
  
• how much protective material will be added
  
• whether the artwork needs double boxing

Double boxing means placing the wrapped artwork inside one box, then placing that box inside a second larger box with additional padding. This method provides extra protection for valuable or fragile pieces.

Including Documentation and Extras

Shipping artwork isn’t just about protection, it’s also part of the overall experience for your customer.

Many artists include additional materials inside the package to provide context and create a more professional presentation.

These can include:

• a certificate of authenticity
  
• a business card
  
• artwork information cards
  
• small promotional materials or notes

A certificate of authenticity helps establish provenance. It verifies the artwork and is especially important for original pieces.

A business card gives collectors an easy way to stay connected with you. This can include your name, website, and even a short artist statement.

Finally, the artwork information cards can include:

• title of the piece
  
• medium and dimensions
  
• year created
  
• a short artwork description

Some artists also include a short thank-you note to add a personal touch and strengthen the connection with the buyer.

Labeling the Package Properly

Clear labeling helps ensure the package is handled carefully during shipment.

Artists often add:

• Fragile stickers
  
• orientation arrows
  
• clear shipping labels

These labels let shipping carriers know which side should stay flat and which side should remain upright.

While labels cannot guarantee perfect handling, they can help reduce the risk of damage.

Choosing a Shipping Carrier

When shipping artwork to customers, reliability is often more important than speed.

Many artists use major carriers such as:

• UPS
  
• FedEx
  
• USPS
  
• DHL

If your artworks are extra delicate and need specialized courier services, you can also go to Google and search for art logistics companies.

Each service offers different shipping costs, tracking options, and delivery times.

Before choosing a carrier, compare:

• shipment cost
  
• delivery speed
  
• tracking services
  
• insurance availability

These factors can affect both the customer experience and the overall cost of shipping artwork.

Consider Shipping Insurance

Because artwork can be valuable, many artists choose to purchase shipping insurance.

Insurance helps protect both the artist and the customer in case a package is lost or damaged during shipment.

Keeping records can also help if a problem occurs. Some artists:

• photograph the artwork before packaging
  
• record the packing process
  
• keep shipping receipts and tracking numbers

These steps provide documentation if a claim needs to be filed.

Tips for Reducing Shipping Costs

Shipping large artwork can become expensive, especially when sending paintings long distances.

Artists sometimes reduce shipping costs by:

• choosing appropriately sized boxes
  
• purchasing shipping supplies in bulk
  
• comparing carrier rates before shipment

Planning ahead can help keep shipping costs manageable while still protecting the artwork.

Common Mistakes Artists Make When Shipping Artwork

Even experienced artists sometimes make mistakes when packing artwork.

Some common issues include:

• using boxes that are too thin or weak
  
• not protecting the surface of the artwork
  
• leaving empty space inside the box
  
• using too little bubble wrap or padding
  
• placing tape directly on artwork surfaces

If packaging is not secure, the artwork may shift during shipment and arrive damaged.
Taking a little extra time to pack carefully can prevent these problems.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to pack and ship art for sale is an essential skill for artists who want to sell their work professionally.

While the process may feel complicated at first, many artists eventually develop a simple system that works for their studio and art business. Once you establish a reliable method, shipping artwork becomes a natural part of sharing your work with collectors around the world.

Hopefully, this article has helped you learn the basics of packing and shipping art. Now go get those sales and let’s get packing! Good luck!

UGallery is a juried platform, and we are seeking artists who are the right fit for our business and collectors. To see if that's you, get started today!