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Packaging for Paintings & Artworks: 2026 Guide to Safe Shipping

Louise
•
4
reading time
Published on
February 6, 2026
•
Updated on
February 10, 2026

Do you ship paintings for your gallery, sell artwork online, or organize a traveling exhibition? Transporting artwork is the leading cause of damage—far ahead of theft or fire. A frame that cracks at the first impact, a canvas torn by improper packaging, an oil painting damaged by moisture during transit: every packaging mistake puts years of creative work and thousands of euros at risk. This guide gives you the 10 PRO steps for packing paintings, canvases, and sculptures using the exact materials employed by specialized carriers and museums. Bonus: you’ll discover how to protect your artwork for up to €100,000 with compensation within 72 hours, regardless of the Carrier.

The 4 Major Risks Involved in Transporting Works of Art

Before delving into packing techniques, it is important to understand why transporting works of art is such a delicate process. Sedgwick’s claims experts confirm that the majority of claims occur during transport, packing, or unpacking, with very few total losses but many partial losses requiring restoration and resulting in depreciation.

Structural damage to the frame and chassis

Even a minor bump is enough to crack a picture frame (CAP Express). The corners are the first to break during handling, especially on solid wood frames or fragile gilded moldings. Continuous vibrations during transport can also loosen mortise-and-tenon joints.

Source: CAP Express – How to Transport Works of Art

Deterioration of the painted surface

Oil and acrylic paints react differently to changes in temperature and humidity. An old painting may develop cracks if exposed to sudden movements, while recent paintings may stick to bubble wrap if it is applied directly to the paint layer while it is still semi-dry.

Temperature fluctuations and humidity

The organic components of paint (linseed oil, gum arabic) are sensitive to fluctuations in relative humidity (RH). Transporting a painting in a non-air-conditioned truck during the summer can cause its temperature to rise from 20°C to 45°C in a matter of hours, leading to expansion of the stretcher frame, peeling of the varnish, or premature yellowing.

Load shifts and repeated handling

Every transfer increases the risks. Specialized carriers such as Perceval-Express prioritize direct transport without transshipment using dedicated "parcel taxi" vehicles to minimize handling that could damage the artworks.

Source: Perceval-Express – Artwork Transport

⚠️ By the numbers: Only 15 to 20% of collectors insure their artworks (GSA Assurances 2025). Standard home insurance policies often cap coverage between €1,000 and €5,000, which is insufficient for gallery-quality paintings.

🖼️ Protect your art shipments starting today

Table: €15,000 = €112.50 Claisy Full Coverage • 72-hour compensation • Up to €100,000

Learn About Ad Valorem Insurance

Professional Packaging Materials for Paintings & Works of Art

The packaging consists of three successive layers made of specialized materials that are non-acidic, non-static, and capable of absorbing shocks while regulating moisture.

🖼️ Packaging Standards: Works of Art

Type of work Minimum box dimensions (L × W × H) First-Layer Protection Specific alignment
🎨 Oil or acrylic painting, less than 100 cm Custom-made box with a 5-cm margin pH-neutral tissue paper + crumpled kraft paper 40 kg/m³ polyethylene foam, 5 cm thick
📜 Large-format stretched canvas (>120 cm) Reinforced cardboard tube, 10 cm in diameter Acid-free paper roll + Tyvek Foam end caps + longitudinal spacers
🖼️ Glass frame with glass Plywood box, 10–25 mm thick Scratch-resistant plastic film + cross-shaped tape on glass Reinforced 8-point cardboard corner protectors + foam padding
🗿 Small sculpture (less than 10 kg) Custom Double-Wall Corrugated Box Sculpted foam in the exact shape of an object 8-cm air cushions + non-electrostatic polystyrene beads

Sources: RAJA France – Packaging for the transport of works of art, Demeco – Artwork Transportation, ICC Canada – Notes on Packaging Paintings

💡 PRO Tip: pH-neutral tissue paper (acid-free muslin) is ESSENTIAL as the first layer to prevent the paint from yellowing over time. NEVER use regular kraft paper directly on the canvas: it is acidic and will irreversibly stain light-colored pigments.

🖼️ 10 Steps to Perfectly Pack and Ship Paintings

1

🛡️ Rigid back protector

Attach a piece of stiff cardboard to the back of the frame. This creates an insulating air chamber and protects the canvas from punctures.

ICC Canada Standard: Dust Protection.
2

📜 pH-neutral tissue paper

Use tissue paper (Tyvek/Melinex). Cotton gloves are required to prevent the transfer of acidic fats.

ICOM Recommendation: Chemically neutral materials.
3

🟫 Crumpled Kraft paper cushioning

Crumpled kraft paper creates pressure-free micro-cushions. Secure with paper tape (leaves no residue).

Avoid placing constraints on the paint layer.
4

📐 Protection for all 8 corners

Place cardboard or foam "L" shapes on the 8 corners of the frame (4 front sides + 4 back sides).

80% of impacts occur at the corners.
5

🫧 Bubble wrap (bubbles on the outside)

Wrap it in two layers of thin bubble wrap. Important: Make sure the bubbles face outward so they don't leave marks on the paint.

Prevents permanent circular marks.
6

📦 Custom Box or Crate

Double-wall corrugated cardboard (with a 5-cm margin) or an ISPM 15-compliant plywood crate for works valued at over €10,000.

Museum Standard: Structural Protection.
7

☑️ Density setting: 40 kg/m³

Fill any gaps with PE foam or air cushions. The artwork must be completely secured.

Golden rule: "No slack" in the container.
8

🏷️ Directional Markings

Label all four sides with "FRAGILE." Indicate the direction in which the package should be handled using directional arrows.

Assistance with manual sorting to identify the top layer.
9

⚖️ Actual Value Insurance

Avoid the CMR limit (€23/kg). Claisy covers the total value up to €100,000, with refund paid within 72 hours.

Required for a painting priced at €5,000.
10

📸 Photos from 6 different angles

Take 6 HD photos: the front, back, and sides of the sealed package. Save them to the cloud with a timestamp.

Critical evidence for validating a claim.

🎨 Comprehensive coverage for your artwork

From €500 to €100,000 per painting • All carriers accepted • Declaration in 2 minutes

Activate Ad Valorem Insurance

What should I do if a piece of art arrives damaged after delivery?

Even with perfect packaging, accidents happen. Here's the exact process to maximize your chances of getting a quick settlement.

Note any damage BEFORE signing the delivery receipt (if possible)

TIP: If the package shows signs of damage (crushed cardboard, tears, re-taped areas), refuse the delivery OR sign with specific reservations: “Damaged package—crushed corners—to be inspected upon opening.” Take photos of the package before opening it, with the delivery person present. Signing without reservations drastically reduces your ability to file a claim against the Carrier.

Open the package and document any damage

Unpack the artwork methodically, filming or photographing each step: outer packaging, successive layers of protection, and the condition of the artwork. Make precise notes regarding: torn canvas (location, size of the tear), cracked frame (affected corner), scratched paint (depth of the scratches), broken glass (shattered glass on the canvas?), and warped stretcher.

Benchmark for Artwork Transportation Insurance Solutions

🖼️ Shipping Insurance Comparison: Paintings & Art

Solution Cost of the painting: 15,000€ Maximum compensation Processing Time Rejection Rate
🚛 Without insurance (CMR) 0€ 33€ (180 g × 23€/kg) 3–6 months 8–12%
🚚 SpecializedCarrier ation (Perceval-Express) ~109€ (0.725%) 15,000€ appraised value 45–60 days 5–8%
🏆 Claisy Ad Valorem €112.50 (0.75%) 100 000€ 48–72 hours 4%

Sources: Perceval-Express 2025 Fares

💡 Claisy Advantage: Unlike specialized carriers that require their own crates and packaging (cost: €150–400 per custom-made wooden crate), Claisy accepts your packaging as long as it meets professional standards. You’re free to choose your own Carrier (Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, Carrier dedicated) while still benefiting from full coverage.

🖼️ For insured shipping of artworks valued at over €50,000: expert appraisal

Masterpieces, monumental sculptures, exceptional collections

Request a Custom Quote

❓ FAQ: Packaging and Shipping of Paintings and Works of Art

🖼️ Cardboard tube or flat box for large items?
Reinforced cardboard tube, 10 cm in diameter, for canvases larger than 120 cm that are removed from the stretcher. Roll the canvas with the painted side FACING OUTWARD (a wider radius of curvature prevents cracking). Protect the rolled canvas with acid-free paper, slide it into the tube, and add foam plugs to both ends. Flat plywood box for paintings under 100 cm mounted on a stretcher: removing and remounting the stretcher increases the risk of damage.
🫧 Can you put bubble wrap directly on the paint?
NO, NEVER. Bubble wrap leaves permanent circular marks on unvarnished or semi-dry paintings. RAJA France and ICC Canada recommend:
  • First layer = pH-neutral tissue paper OR Tyvek OR Melinex (chemically neutral, non-electrostatic materials).
  • THEN crumpled kraft paper.
  • THEN, a fine bubble with bubbles pointing outward, at least 2 cm from the painted surface.
💎 Shipping insurance for artworks valued at over €50,000?
Claisy provides coverage with no value limit based on an expert appraisal. For exceptional works (>€50,000), the process includes: appraisal by a CNES (National Council of Specialized Experts) auctioneer, multi-angle HD photos showing the serial number, a certificate of authenticity, and an approved valuation prior to shipment. The premium is calculated based on a personalized quote depending on value, destination (domestic/international), and duration of exhibition, if applicable.
🌍 International shipping: What are the customs formalities?
Claisy + declared value = a simplified customs process. Required documents for exporting/importing works of art outside the EU:
  • Commercial invoice OR certified value certificate (proof of value for tax purposes).
  • Certificate of authenticity if the work is more than 100 years old (verification by the cultural heritage authorities).
  • Export license for protected cultural property (DRAC France).
  • Ad Valorem Insurance certifying full coverage during international transport.
Wooden crates must comply with the standard ISPM 15 (phytosanitary heat treatment) for entry into most countries.
🗿 How can you protect fragile bronze or ceramic sculptures before shipping?
Custom-sculpted foam that exactly matches the shape of the object. Museum-grade technique: high-density polyurethane foam (50–60 kg/m³) is cut to the precise dimensions of the sculpture, creating a negative mold. The sculpture is placed inside this foam, which completely immobilizes it, preventing any movement during transport. An antistatic bag is added for polished metal parts (to prevent oxidation), followed by a plywood crate with non-electrostatic polystyrene chips as peripheral padding.
🛡️ Broken glass during shipping: What does shipping insurance cover?
Ad Valorem insurance covers the replacement of the glass and the restoration of the canvas if it is damaged by shards. Prevention: For paintings larger than 1 m² under glass, ICC Canada recommends museum-quality anti-reflective laminated glass (such as Tru Vue or equivalent). In the event of an impact, the laminated glass cracks but remains bonded to the inner plastic film, preventing shards from falling onto the painting. Cost-effective alternative: Apply cross-patterned tape to ordinary glass to hold the fragments in place in case of breakage.

Further Reading