Ideas for packaging framed artwork (with glass) for shipping?

keithostertag · Mar 5, 2019

I have about two dozen matted photos framed in Nielsen extruded aluminum frames with glass, most are 20x24 hanging in my house. In anticipation of moving next year, I'm wondering how best to package them for shipping. Not sure at this time if I will transport them myself via car/truck, or pay a company like UPS to ship them.

How to package them? Would you take them apart and package the artwork separate from the frames and glass?

I have been wondering if I should instead leave them assembled and build some crates or boxes, using some type of foam as separators. What type of foam, and where to get it? That black stuff you see in photo cases that is slightly squishy seems best, but I've never seen sheets of that for sale. If I go this way, should they be oriented in the package vertical or horizontal, or does that make a difference?

Just wondering what you guys whom have had to do this have learned... I suppose it would be similar if you needed to ship a portfolio of frames photos to a gallery?

Thanks,
Keith Ostertag

mrosenlof · Mar 5, 2019

I've had movers pack up several framed pieces of art recently. They have a type of box they call a mirror-pack or some such. Basically a more or less flat cardboard box. You might find one at your local u-haul store. Maybe. Glass in frames needs to be protected from impact with some air space between the glass and the cardboard. You could always remove the glass from the frames and pack separately.

keithostertag · Mar 5, 2019

Huh... gives me some more ideas of how to search for solutions... thanks!

That was placing one framed art piece into its own box, though, and it appears those mirror-pack boxes are pretty pricey...

I guess I was thinking to put several, like maybe 6 or 8, framed pieces in each box...separated by foam (?)

adelorenzo · Mar 5, 2019

There are companies that make reusable boxes specially for this. Airfloat systems is one example. They are $$$ but may give you some ideas for DIY.

They also sell special tape for the glass so that if it gets broken it stays in one piece. I would definitely consider doing this, again you can always use something from the hardware store instead of the speciality stuff.

Pieter12 · Mar 6, 2019

https://masterpak-usa.com/collections/frontpage

AgX · Mar 6, 2019

mrosenlof said:
I've had movers pack up several framed pieces of art recently. They have a type of box they call a mirror-pack or some such. Basically a more or less flat cardboard box. You might find one at your local u-haul store. Maybe. Glass in frames needs to be protected from impact with some air space between the glass and the cardboard. You could always remove the glass from the frames and pack separately.

I know such cardboard boxes from an art-work lending institution. They were custom made from corrugated cardboard. But as being just plain cardboard, just slipping over the frame, at large sizes with a hole in center to grip, they were good enough to transport by hand or in a car if handled with care, but not for mailing.

removed account4 · Mar 6, 2019

Hi Keith

You might go to your local frame company and see if they will give you a crate their glass arrived in. Their glass comes in these wooden crates and each lite is interleaved with something like craft paper / newsprint. I'd crate up the glass, then put cardboard corners on the frames, bag, box and ship them in a big box filled with packing foam. You could always go to a UPS store and see what they suggest, they ship "stuff" like what you have, all day and all night, and they might have insights that don't involved de-construction. Art packing boxes tend to cost a bunch of clams, and since you have about 2 dozen prints that's gonna be a lot of quahogs!

Safe Travels !
John

jeffreyg · Mar 6, 2019

Glass is heavy. I would check to see if the packaging and the extra weight will cost more than replacement glass since it is easy to remove frame. It might be moe practical and safer to ship witout the glass. Just a thought.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

http://www.sculptureandphotography.com/

keithostertag · Mar 6, 2019

Thank you gentlemen!

After reading your ideas and considerations, I am more convinced that, since I don't expect to be in a hurry, and that the glass would only cost approx $100 or so to replace, I would probably feel safer disassembling all the frames (easy, though time consuming). The frames and hardware are easy to ship once disassembled, and the matted prints can go in portfolios, while the glass can be simply replaced. Re-assembly will be time consuming, but easy, and I've got much more time than money!

Thanks!
Keith

faberryman · Mar 6, 2019

Why not replace the glass with acrylic? Then you won't have to worry about breakage. I think that would be cheaper than specialty packaging.

jim10219 · Mar 6, 2019

I always double box anything that's fragile and I expect won't get treated well. I never lets me down. That way the first box can get destroyed and the second box will still survive. Just make sure there's plenty of room between each box's wall and whatever is inside it, and pack it loosely but adequately.

Sirius Glass · Mar 6, 2019

Pay the shipper to pack, then if there is a problem then they have to handle it. If one packs the framed photograph, the shipper will void the insurance.

jeffreyg · Mar 7, 2019

Along with my suggestion to remove the glass you might be able to trade the glass to your local frame shop for some additional frames or mat boards. That would somewhat offset the cost of replacing the glass after your move.

fdi · Mar 8, 2019

I own Frame Destination and we ship thousands of frames with glass. Make sure the spring clips are holding everything tight inside of the frame. As long as the glass cant bang against the inside of the frame I would leave them assembled. The frame will help protect the glass. I would get the stretch film and strap the pairs of frames together with the fronts facing each other and than wrap that pair with a some bubble wrap and drop it on a cardboard box. Since you are not shipping them, you should not need a lot of protection. Just put fragile on the boxes so the movers know not to throw them around.

fdi · Mar 8, 2019

Also, if you do break some glass, my company can ship you framing grade glass or better at a reasonable cost. You might be able to get it locally and save on shipping. Some people say we are less expensive even after shipping but I think they tend to be in smaller towns with few options.

Ideas for packaging framed artwork (with glass) for shipping?

keithostertag

mrosenlof

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AgX

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Sirius Glass

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fdi

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