Moving art can be nerve-wracking. Paintings are delicate, valuable and unique so it is important to know how to pack paintings for moving properly. Whether you’re moving down the street or cross country, packing incorrectly can cause your belongings to get scratched, broken, or permanently damaged.
We at Chamomile Go have a lot of experience helping people to plan moves with fragile belongings such as works of art. This article teaches how to package a painting for moving, how to consider protection for various types of paintings, and what to watch out for, So your artwork gets to you safely.
Why Paintings Need Special Care During a Move
Pressure and impactPaintings are vulnerable to:
Moisture and humidity
Moisture and humidity can cause permanent damage to paintings that are not properly framed.
Temperature changes and paintings
Bumping and scrubbingBumping and rubbing in transit can remove paint from a painting, loosen taking out the pigment.
Canvas, oil, and framed paintings all react differently to movement and atmospheric variation. Which is why you shouldn’t wrap up paintings for moving the same way you wrap up everyday household items.
Supplies You’ll Need to Pack Paintings Safely
- Before you start, collect all the necessary materials. Proper tools make a huge difference.
- Here is what you need:
- Glassine paper or acid-free paper
- Bubble wrap (small and large bubble)
- Protectors for corners
- Sheets of cardboard or foam board
- Painter’s tape (aka masking tape)
- Blankets for moving
- Strong cardboard boxes or custom art boxes
Don’t use newspaper – it can leave ink stains on your work.
How to Wrap a Painting for Moving (Unframed Canvas)
Because the canvas surface is exposed, unframed canvas paintings need to be given additional consideration.
Step 1: Protect the Surface
Place the glassine paper lightly on top of the painting your. This prevents sticking or smudging, or any damage to the surface.
Step 2: Add Padding
Turn the bubble wrap so that the bubbles are facing out and bubble-wrap the entire canvas. Use painter’s tape to fasten everything — never stick tape directly on the art.
Step 3: Reinforce with Cardboard
For added protection, place cardboard or foam board on each side of the canvas covered.
Step 4: Final Wrap
Wrap the entire box with a moving blanket or more bubble wrap.
This approach works great for applications of how to safeguard canvas painting when moving, particularly for acrylics or other forms of mixed-media art.
How to Pack Framed Paintings for Moving
Framed artwork contains glass, making it more susceptible to breaking.
Step 1: Protect the Glass
Put down painter’s tape diagonally over the glass to help prevent shattering.
Step 2: Wrap the Artwork
The painting with glassine paper, then bubble wrap it completely.
Step 3: Use Corner Protectors
Put on cardboard or foam corner protectors to shield your frame.
Step 4: Box It Properly
Place in a picture box, or build a custom one from cardboard. Then fill in the gaps with padding to avoid moving around.
How to Pack Oil Paintings for Moving
Oil paintings must be handled with great care because oil paint continues to be sensitive to temperature and pressure — even years after it has been finished.
A few additional pointers if you’re thinking, “how do I pack oil paintings for moving?”:
- Do not wrap oil paintings in plastic film in contact with the surface
- Always add a layer of glassine paper
- Refrain from placing oil paintings right next to one another and stacked
- Keep them upright during transport
Do not place oil paintings flat for extended periods, particularly in warm environments.
When You Shouldn’t DIY
Large or Expensive Artworks
High-value paintings, antiques, or oversized canvases are fragile and can be easily damaged during a move. Attempting to pack them without proper skills or materials increases the risk of scratches, tears, or frame breaks. Hiring professionals ensures these valuable pieces are handled safely and arrive intact.
Limited Experience
If you have limited experience packing artwork, mistakes can easily lead to scratches, dents, or broken frames. Improper techniques may also cause long-term damage to delicate canvases. Hiring experts ensures your paintings are packed correctly and arrive safely at their destination.
Recommended Services
Use packing services Sherman oaks for secure handling. Chamomile Go recommends professional services to reduce stress and guarantee safe delivery.
Packing Multiple Paintings Together
When group packing paintings for relocation, observe the following:
- Never let painted surfaces come in contact.
- Insert cardboard in between every wrapped painting.
- Record like, paintings should be packed vertically.
- Mark boxes clearly: “FRAGILE - ART – THIS SIDE UP”
For a number of works, the best option is to use a garment box or order a custom art crate.
Unpacking and Reinstallation Tips
Gentle Handling
Handle paintings with care by always carrying them upright to prevent bending or pressure on the canvas. Avoid stacking multiple pieces flat, as this can cause scratches or frame damage. Gentle handling ensures your artwork stays safe from accidental impacts during the move.
Remove Wrapping Slowly
Peel off protective layers carefully, checking for any hidden damage before placing the art in its new spot.
Reinstall Hooks or Wires
Ensure wall hooks and wires are strong enough to support the weight of the painting. Double-check alignment before hanging.
How to Protect Canvas Painting When Moving Long Distance
While long-distance or cross-country moves make items vulnerable to such things as vibration, temperature fluctuations, and increased handling time, local moves are fraught with potential for jostling as too.
Reduce risk:
- Twice-wrap oil paintings on canvas.
- Add rigid back board.
- Don’t place paintings under heavy furniture.
- When possible, keep your work of art in a climate-controlled truck.
Professional movers recommended by Chamomile Go often insist on the fact that valuable artwork should be transported alone if feasible.
Should You Use Professional Art Packing Services?
You may want to confide wrapping your high value, antique or sentimental art work to the professionals.
The many benefits of being a professional include:
- Specialty crates
- Climate-controlled transport
- Insurance coverage
- Well-versed in fine art
If it is the only one you have, you’ll have the peace of mind that come with professional packing, which makes it all definitely worthwhile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Packing Paintings
Avoid Making These Mistakes:
- Applying plastic wrap to paint
- Allowing the tape to touch the artwork
- Do not transport paintings lying flat
- Do not neglect surface protection
- Packing artwork with weights is a mistake
These errors top the list of causes of damage during moves.
You may read How To Pack Artwork For Moving?
Unpacking Paintings After the Move
When the time comes:
- Unpack paintings immediately
- Allow them to warm up to room temperature
- Check or damage
- Rehang only after 24 hours
This is to avoid condensation-related damage, in particular for oil and canvas paintings.
Conclusion
Properly packing artwork is key to keeping it safe during relocation. Learning How to Pack Paintings for Moving—from wrapping canvas to protecting oil paintings—can mean the difference between lasting beauty and permanent damage. With the right supplies and expert guidance, your artwork can arrive safely at your new home without stress or risk.
Chamomile Go helps you compare professional movers, understand handling risks, and choose the right packing services for fragile items. Contact us today or give us a call to get expert help and trusted moving solutions that keep your paintings safe from start to finish.
FAQs
Can I use plastic wrap to pack paintings?
No, plastic wrap can trap moisture and damage the canvas. Use acid-free paper and bubble wrap instead.
How do I pack paintings without frames?
Roll unframed canvases with acid-free paper and place in a sturdy tube. Avoid tight rolls to prevent creases.
Should I hire professionals for small paintings?
Small, low-value paintings can be safely packed DIY. For expensive or fragile pieces, professional packing is safer.
Can paintings be stacked in boxes?
Only if properly padded with separators. Vertical placement is safer for framed paintings.
How do I protect paintings from moisture during a move?
Use moisture-resistant wrapping materials and insulated boxes, especially for long-distance moves.
