Introduction: The Paradox of Sculpture
A sculpture is both heavy and extremely fragile. This paradox is precisely what makes it the natural enemy of conventional transport.
Whereas a Carrier thinks in terms of pallets and weight, a 2 kg resin sculpture held at arm's length or an antique bronze with prominent details obey physical laws that automated sorting chains are completely unaware of. Conveyor belts, stacks, 32-inch drops in logistics centers, vibrations from 310 miles of road: every step of the journey is a threat.
The first instinct is to think about packaging. This is essential. But most shippers make a fatal mistake: believing that packaging alone is enough to protect a unique, irreplaceable item, whose real value will never be recognized by carriers in the event of damage.
This guide details structural packaging techniques approved by art and collection transport professionals, the materials suitable for each type of artwork, and the financial realities that every collector or gallery owner must anticipate before shipping.
Why Compensation by Weight (CMR) is a Failure for Art
Before we talk about packaging, let's talk about money. Because that's where the real risk lies.
The CMR Convention, which governs international road freight transport, sets carriers' liability at 8.33 SDR per kilogram of goods, or approximately €26 per kg at the current exchange rate (February 2026). For domestic transport, carriers' general terms and conditions generally align with these same Limits.
Here's what that means in practical terms:
The Carrier breaks your €8,000 sculpture reimburses you €46. It's legal. It's reality.
The only effective protection isad valorem insurance: coverage based on the actual declared value of the work, not its weight. At Claisy, this coverage is offered at 0.60% Excluding VAT the declared value, with no deductible and compensation within 48-72 hours.
For the bronze statue valued at €5,000 mentioned above: €30 Excluding VAT (5,000 × 0.60%). DHL Art Shipping generally charges 1% with a minimum fee that is often higher than €50. Claisy covers up to €100,000 per package with no high minimum, making it the most suitable solution for medium- and high-value items.
Choice of Materials: PE Foam vs. PU Foam
The most common mistake when packing sculptures is using the wrong foam. Not all foams are created equal, and your choice directly affects the survival of your artwork.
Polyethylene (PE) Foam: The Museum Standard
Polyethylene foam is the standard material used by museums and art curators. Its properties make it indispensable for transporting collections:
- Recommended density: minimum 35 kg/m³ for optimal protection against medium impacts; 45-50 kg/m³ for heavy or very high-value items.
- Chemical resistance: pH neutral, does not migrate, does not transfer any compounds to painted or patinated surfaces
- Mechanical memory: absorbs repeated shocks without permanent compression
- Can be cut: easily machined to create cells that perfectly match the shape of the sculpture
Polyurethane (PU) Foam: Avoid Using on Valuable Items
PU foam (standard packaging foam, furniture foam) is unsuitable for transporting art for several reasons:
- Acidity: releases chemical compounds that can alter patinas, finishes, and pigments over time.
- Permanent compression: after an impact, it does not return to its original shape, reducing protection during subsequent impacts.
- Insufficient density: most standard PU foams have a density of 15-20 kg/m³, which is largely insufficient to cushion impacts on fragile parts.
Exception: Memory foam (viscoelastic) PU foam has interesting intermediate properties for objects with complex shapes. It molds perfectly to contours and absorbs continuous vibrations well, complementing an outer layer of PE foam.
Other Complementary Materials
- pH-neutral tissue paper (glassine): in direct contact with sensitive surfaces (paintings, gilded bronzes, lacquerware)
- Aluminum corner protectors: for protecting the protruding corners of a box or frame
- Polyethylene film: moisture-proof barrier, essential for exports or long distances
The Double-Box and Wooden Crate Method
The Double Box: Minimum Standard for All Sculptures
The double box is the technique recommended by ICOM (International Council of Museums) standards for transporting collectibles. It involves creating two separate and independent levels of protection:
- Inner box: Custom-made packaging made of PE foam cut to the exact shape of the sculpture, allowing for a millimeter-precise fit without putting pressure on fragile parts. The piece must be held in place without any play, but without being subjected to stress.
- Outer box: Reinforced double-wall cardboard (or wooden crate) at least 10 cm larger than the inner box on each side. The space between the two boxes is filled with additional padding (PE foam sheets or rolls).
- Physical principle: in the event of an external impact, the outer box absorbs and disperses the initial impact energy. The inner box, floating in its cushioning, transmits only a residual fraction of the energy to the sculpture.
Wooden Crates: Essential for Heavy Items and Export
For any item weighing more than 10 kg, valued at over €5,000, or intended for export, a wooden crate is a better choice than a cardboard box:
- Mechanical strength: a 10 mm plywood box can withstand stresses that no cardboard box can absorb.
- Crush protection: pallet stacks and loads placed on top have no effect.
- Visual indication: a wooden crate immediately alerts the Carrier presence Carrier exceptional Carrier .
Critical point for export: the ISPM 15 standard. Any wooden crate intended to cross a customs border must be made from wood that has been heat-treated or chemically treated in accordance with this international phytosanitary standard. Failure to comply will result in customs seizure and may expose the shipper to penalties. Check that your crate manufacturer certifies ISPM 15 compliance and affix the official marking to each panel.
Case Study: Shipping a bronze statue worth €5,000
Scenario: Parisian gallery shipping a 4 kg contemporary bronze sculpture to a collector in Lyon via Carrier .
Required materials:
- Glassine paper: 2 square meters
- PE foam 35 kg/m³: 0.01 m³
- Double-box cardboard (double fluting): 1 set
- Reinforced tape 75 mm: 1 roll
- Polyethylene film: 2 m²
Estimated packaging cost: €15 to €25 depending on the quality of the materials
Carrier Insurance: approximately 1% with a minimum charge of €50 for €5,000 of declared value — and compensation times of 60 to 90 days, with numerous exclusions for works of art.
Claisy: €5,000 × 0.60% = €30 Excluding VAT. Effective coverage, compensation within 48-72 business hours, Limit ,000.
Direct savings: €20 compared to DHL for this single shipment, with incomparably superior coverage and delivery times. Over 50 shipments per year, the savings exceed €1,000 for a professional level of protection.