I need to know a professional (and preferably quick and easy) solution
for packaging 40"inch x 30"inch x 2" paintings to be shipped by a
courier.
These are stretched canvasses on a wooden mount. (No frame or glass).

Do I need to fill the 2" deep void at the back of the canvas?
Does the canvas neeed to wrapped in bubble wrap?
Does the canvas need reinforcing in any way to stop in stretching?
What type of cardboard is best?
If I need protection around all edges, what materials are best, and
how much would be needed?
Perhaps there are any UK packaging companies that can supply a
complete solution, or at least a flat box (pizza style)that would work
ok.

To sum up, I need to know the best way of packaging these canvasses so
they aren't damagaged in transit.

---

Request for Question Clarification by denco-ga on 19 May 2004 00:39 PDT

Howdy astonishingape-ga,

It would help Researchers to know the value of the paintings and an approximate
budget you have for the packaging.  How far and the method of shipping planned
would be nice to know as well.

If you really want it done correctly, there is really only one solution to your
situation, and it doesn't involve very much cardboard.

Thanks!  denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

Hi astonishingape,

Briefly, you will want to sandwich your artwork within layers of
sturdy material (do not use shredded paper, styrofoam pellets, or
packing peanuts) - this can be accomplished by purchasing a special
shipping container, making your own, or hiring someone to do it for
you.

>>>>>>>>>

DO-IT-YOURSELF (hummer's preference):

Shipping Artwork: Packing Artwork: Step-by-Step Instructions:
"The secret to packing artwork is to freeze it inside a strong but
inconspicuous container. To freeze something, in shipping parlance,
means to make it completely immobile within it's shipping container."
http://bethpeterson.20m.com/shipping.html

>>>>>>>>>

READY-MADE:
(I've not been able to find any available in the UK, even UK
directories have the US websites listed):

MasterPak:
http://www.masterpak-usa.com/hil_01_strong.htm

Art Carton:
http://www.artcarton.com/

Airfloat Systems:
http://www.globalarttransport.com/packing_airfloat.php

Airfloat Systems:
https://secure.redmagnet.com/airfloatsys/strongbox.asp

Artwork Shipping Case:  Fits artwork up to 30"x40":
http://www.portfolios-and-art-cases.com/cdc-p5030403-d.html

>>>>>>>>

PACKER/SHIPPER:

Hedleys Humpers UK:
http://www.antiques-uk.co.uk/hedleys-humpers/Default.htm

>>>>>>>>

Additional Links:

Safco Art and Drawing Portfolios:
"Durable portfolios offering outstanding versatility for storing or
transferring large flat materials. These lightweight portfolios are
excellent for both carrying and shipping artwork. Equally useful for
active and inactive materials. Each portfolio features a corrugated
fiberboard shell with a sturdy wood frame. Two metal turnbuckle
closures secure the top and bottom. Reinforced plastic handle for easy
carrying."
http://store.artcity.com/saf-300xts.html

Shipping Artwork Considerations:
"When shipping artwork, it is important to not allow anything other
than air to touch the paint surface. This includes any type of
glassine, paper, bubble wrap or other plastic, as these may stick to
the surface and result in ferrotyping (transferring a texture to the
paint surface).
Conservators take many precautions when shipping artwork in regard to
temperature and humidity. After packing the artwork, allow it time to
adapt to its new surroundings."
http://www.goldenpaints.com/justpaint/jp3article1.php

I hope I've helped you to figure out how to ship your artwork. If you
have any questions, please post a clarification request before
closing/rating my answer and I'll be happy to reply.

Thank you,
hummer

Google Search Terms Used:

"shipping  artwork"
shipping artwork
"how to pack artwork"
"how to ship artwork"
conservation shipping artwork
"shipping paintings"

thankyou, this is very useful info.
I'll have to make these myself though, becasue no uk suppliers for these boxes.
cheers now

Try posing your shipping related questions (especially international
shipping) in the forum at http://www.itintl.com.  If you can't find
someone who's already asked your question, you can generally get a
useful response.