How do you pack a painting? Explain the differences and procedures of packing tape and materials

Published date:
2025-09-03
How do you pack a painting? Explain the differences and procedures of packing tape and materials
How do you pack a painting? Explain the differences and procedures of packing tape and materials
In order to safely ship works of art such as paintings,How to choose the right packaging method and the right packaging materialsis important.
In particular, when the transportation distance is long and the environment changes greatly, such as when sending the work to an overseas exhibition, it is essential to prepare sufficiently to protect it from damage or damage.
In this article, in addition to painting packaging procedures, I will explain the differences and precautions of tape used for packaging in an easy-to-understand manner.

How do you pack a painting? 4 basic steps

Here are the basic steps for packing a painting.

Things to prepare

Here's what you need to pack your paintings.

① What protects the surface of a painting

② Cushioning materials/exterior materials

③ Various types of tape

Basic steps

The basic procedure for how to pack a painting when sending it is as follows.

  1. Protect the surface of the painting
  2. Put it in the inner box
  3. Put it in the outer box

I will explain them one by one.

1. Protect the painting surface

In order to protect the delicate surface of the painting, we recommend using the following materials to cover the surface of the painting.

  • laminated paper, craft masker
  • Japanese paper, glassine paper

Here are the characteristics and suitable works for each material that protects the surface of a painting.

資材特徴適した作品
ラミネート紙、クラフトマスカー絵具と接着しにくい油絵・アクリル画など
和紙、グラシン紙透湿性があり湿気をこもらせない日本画、墨絵、書道作品など

Cut these pieces of paper larger than the work and wrap the work,masking tapeI will fasten it with.

It's OK to roll the work all the way around.

Other than paper,A frame with a masquerade or acrylic panelBy using, it is possible to reduce the risk of contact with the surface of the work.

Put the 2 works in a box (inner box) that matches the size

Once the surface is protected, put the work in a “cover box” or “box” (= inner box) that matches the size of the work.

In addition to protecting the entire work from damage during transportation, the risk of damage associated with exhibition work can be reduced by using a box that is easy to take out and store.

When you buy a temporary gift, it often comes with a box, but if you don't have an appropriate box, you can also create one that fits the size.

Industry No. 1 at a bargain price for online shopping, purchasing, and sales of cardboard [Earth Cardboard] official

A “cover box” with a separate main body and lid

Source:308 x 265 x 35 (C type (lid) (body) set) (white)

A “box” with a fastener

Source:[F10 size compatible] Painting/frame shipping holder

If the inner box cannot be prepared by any means, wrap the painting in double to triple layers with bubble wrap (air cap) and fasten it with tape. Fastening bubble wrap makes it easier to peel it off latercuring tapeI recommend it.

[Note]

Pack so that the surface of the work touches a smooth surface without any irregularities.

In particular, if the surface of the picture is not protected in step 1., there is a risk that bubble marks will remain if the convex surface directly touches the surface of the work.

3. Put it in the outer box

Once you put your work in an inner box that fits the size, be sure to put it in an impact-resistant outer box such as cardboard by following the steps below.

  • Prepare a cardboard (outer box) that is slightly larger than the painting
  • Place cushioning material (rolled paper, bubble wrap), etc.) on the bottom and put in the work
  • Fill the sides with cushioning material and secure the work so it doesn't move in the box

How to pack when shipping multiple works

If there are multiple works,Each work was includedPut the inner boxes together in a larger outer box, fill the surrounding area with cushioning material, and secure them.
By using this method, it is possible to prevent the risk of works directly touching and rubbing against each other, or colliding with each other due to impact during transportation.

[Note] Be sure to ship in an outer box

There is a big risk of damage if the painting is simply wrapped in bubble wrap (air cap). The packaging is not strong enough, and the work may be damaged or the corner may be broken due to impact or compression during transportation.

We also recommend using a site where you can custom-order cardboard of the right size from 1 sheet.

Note that when putting in and out many times at overseas exhibitions, etc., it is not recommended to use soft materials such as rolled cardboard because they are easily damaged. It is safe to choose thick, durable cardboard or a special shipping box.

Packing tape list

What is essential for finishing packagingHow to choose tapeThat's it.

By using tape properly according to the material and application, the stability of packaging is greatly improved.

In the table below, for each commonly used type of tape,Advantages and disadvantages and situations of useIt is being organized.

テープの種類メリット・働きデメリット使う場面
マスキングテープ綺麗にはがれやすい粘着力が弱い表面保護の素材の固定
養生テープ比較的接着力が強いはがす際、ビニール素材以外は傷めるプチプチやビニールなどの固定
ガムテープ粘着力が強い
手で切って使いやすい
はがしにくい外箱・ダンボールの固定
透明テープ粘着力が強い
見た目がよい
はがしにくい外箱・ダンボールの固定

Also, make sure that the tape does not touch the work directly. If tape sticks to the work, there is a possibility that the work will be damaged when you peel it off.

summary

When sending a work, it is important to choose the right packaging and appropriate materials, especially when the transportation distance is long and the environment changes greatly, such as when sending it overseas.

By referring to the procedures introduced in this article, you can drastically reduce the risk of damage or dirt by carefully protecting the surface of the work to properly using cushioning materials, exterior materials, and tape.

Up to now, our corporation has supported the holding of over 3600 overseas art fairs and solo exhibitions.

We also provide transportation support and exhibition support, so please contact us if you are interested.

Outbound supportArt fairArt Shopping Paris

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