How to Pack Artwork and Framed Pictures

Moving your cherished artwork and framed pictures requires a delicate touch and the right approach. Whether it's a priceless oil painting, a beloved family photograph, or a large statement piece, ensuring its safe arrival at your new Minneapolis home is paramount. At Blue Dolly Moving & Storage, we understand the unique challenges of transporting these valuable items. Our team in the Twin Cities is experienced in handling everything from delicate watercolors to robust framed prints, and we want to equip you with the knowledge to protect your art during a move.

Assessing Your Artwork and Frames

Before you even think about tape and bubble wrap, take a moment to assess the pieces you need to pack.

• Condition Check: Carefully examine each piece for any existing damage. Note any chips in the frame, tears in the canvas, or loose hanging hardware. This documentation can be helpful for insurance purposes if any issues arise during the move.
• Size and Weight: Larger, heavier pieces will require more robust packing materials and potentially more than one person to handle.
• Material and Fragility: Is it an oil painting on canvas, a delicate pastel, a photograph behind glass, or a piece with a glass-covered mirror? The material will dictate the best packing method.
• Value: For extremely valuable or irreplaceable pieces, you may want to consider professional art crating or specialized insurance. While Blue Dolly takes every precaution, high-value items might warrant extra measures.

Essential Packing Supplies for Artwork

Having the right supplies on hand is crucial for a secure pack. Don't skimp here – investing in quality materials will save you potential heartbreak later.

• Cardboard Boxes: Use sturdy, new boxes that are slightly larger than the artwork. This provides cushioning space. Double-walled boxes are ideal for heavier pieces.
• Bubble Wrap: Opt for large-bubble wrap for better cushioning, especially for items with glass.
• Packing Paper/Newsprint: Unprinted newsprint or packing paper is excellent for interleaving fragile surfaces and filling voids.
• Painter's Tape (Low-Tack Tape): This is essential for securing glass and protecting delicate surfaces without leaving residue. Never use regular packing tape directly on artwork or frames.
• Cardboard Sheets/Pads: Large pieces of cardboard can be used to create a rigid outer shell.
• Corner Protectors: Cardboard or foam corner protectors are invaluable for frames.
• Moving Blankets/Furniture Pads: These offer an extra layer of protection for larger, bulkier items.
• Sealing Tape: Strong packing tape for sealing your boxes securely.
• Markers: For labeling your boxes clearly.

Packing Techniques for Different Types of Artwork

The "one size fits all" approach doesn't work when it comes to packing art. Here's how to handle common types:

Pictures and Mirrors with Glass

These are among the most vulnerable items due to the easily breakable glass.

• Tape the Glass: Apply painter's tape in an "X" pattern across the glass surface. Add a few horizontal and vertical strips as well. This helps prevent shards from scattering if the glass breaks.
• Wrap Individually: Lay the taped artwork on a clean, flat surface. Cover the front (taped glass) with a layer of packing paper, followed by a generous layer of bubble wrap. Ensure the bubble wrap overlaps.
• Corner Protection: Place cardboard corner protectors on all four corners of the frame.
• Create a Cardboard Sandwich: Cut two pieces of cardboard to slightly larger than the artwork. Place one piece of cardboard on either side of the bubble-wrapped artwork.
• Box It Up: Carefully slide the cardboard sandwich into a box that is a few inches larger than the artwork. Fill any empty space with crumpled packing paper or more bubble wrap to prevent shifting.
• Label Clearly: Mark the box with "FRAGILE," "PICTURE," "THIS SIDE UP," and the room it should go in at your new Minneapolis home.

Canvas Paintings (Unframed)

Unframed canvases are still susceptible to punctures and dents.

• Protect the Surface: Lay the canvas on a clean, soft surface. Cover the painted surface with a sheet of glassine paper or acid-free packing paper. This prevents the paint from sticking to any packing materials.
• Bubble Wrap: Wrap the entire canvas securely in at least two layers of bubble wrap. Ensure there's good overlap.
• Cardboard Protection: Create a cardboard sleeve or "sandwich" similar to the framed picture method, using sturdy cardboard sheets that extend beyond the canvas edges. This protects against punctures.
• Box or Crate: For smaller pieces, a sturdy box can be used, ensuring it's well-padded. For larger or more valuable pieces, consider a custom-built crate for maximum protection.
• Label: Mark clearly as "FRAGILE CANVAS ART – DO NOT LAY FLAT."

Framed Artwork (No Glass)

Even without glass, frames can be chipped or scratched, and canvasses can be punctured.

• Protect the Surface: Cover the artwork with glassine paper or acid-free packing paper, especially if the paint is textured or delicate.
• Bubble Wrap: Wrap the entire piece generously in bubble wrap, paying close attention to the corners and edges of the frame.
• Corner Protectors: Essential for protecting the frame corners from impact.
• Cardboard Shield: Use cardboard sheets to create a protective outer layer, similar to the framed picture method.
• Box It: Place the protected artwork in a sturdy box, filling any voids with packing material.
• Label: Mark as "FRAGILE ARTWORK."

Storing Your Artwork Safely with Blue Dolly

When your artwork is packed, the next step is ensuring it's handled and transported with the utmost care. Blue Dolly Moving & Storage offers both local and long-distance moving services throughout the Twin Cities area. We understand the unique needs of art relocation.

If your move involves storage, we have secure, climate-controlled storage units perfect for protecting your valuable pieces from temperature fluctuations and humidity, which can be detrimental to artwork.

Don't Risk It – Trust the Professionals

Packing artwork can be a stressful part of any move. The fear of damaging a precious or sentimental item is understandable. Blue Dolly Moving & Storage is here to alleviate that stress. Our trained professionals have decades of experience in packing and moving all types of household goods, including delicate and valuable items like artwork. We use specialized packing materials and techniques to ensure your pieces arrive at their new destination in Minneapolis or St. Paul, or anywhere beyond, in the same condition they left.

Ready to move your art with peace of mind? Get a free, no-obligation quote from Blue Dolly Moving & Storage today! Call us at (612) 360-2534.