If you have to prepare a house move in the coming weeks or in the near future, one of the questions that may arise is how to wrap pictures and paintings for a move. Paintings and other works of art are very fragile items with high sentimental and material value, which must arrive at their destination in perfect condition.
Today we offer some tips on this subject, including packaging for oil paintings and the entire process involved in how to pack works of art.
Tips for wrapping pictures for transport
Before starting with the move, the first thing to do is stock up on appropriate packing materials to effectively protect pictures, works of art and photo frames. This list includes cardboard picture boxes in suitable sizes, high-quality tape, soft packing paper and packaging for paintings. Alongside this, don't forget a marker pen to label each box.
How to pack a picture for transport
If it is a photo, place it on a large sheet of soft packing paper, face down, and wrap it in the same way as if it were a gift. You can use additional sheets to cover the entire frame. Once this step is done, close the whole thing with packing tape, with the image — a painting works just as well — as tight as possible, without any folds.
If they are works of art or very valuable images, you can include bubble wrap or another protective element, but always making sure that everything is securely fastened with adhesive tape.
Putting pictures into boxes
The ideas for wrapping photo frames include using all kinds of protective materials, from bubble wrap to newspaper and even cotton wool and fabric. The boxes in which pictures and photos are placed must be larger than the framed items, but not excessively loose.
In addition, the corners and the gaps between the framed items and the box must be filled with padding material or crumpled packing material. Individual frames should be well insulated from one another.
Finally, once the box is closed, all that remains is to label it with the marker pen, so you know what it contains, and to use enough tape to seal it hermetically. If the items inside are very fragile, it is not a bad idea to write instructions on the inside for re-hanging the pictures.
Trusting a removal company
All of this work can be done individually, acquiring the right materials for the job, or you can trust a transport company. Services such as the one we offer at Horizont Atlantic ensure that your belongings will arrive at their destination in perfect condition.
Furthermore, we also offer the possibility of renting storage units and furniture storage should you not have enough space at home for all your belongings.
The tips on how to wrap pictures and paintings for a move end here, but can be quickly summarised as: treat these delicate items with the utmost care, equip yourself with sufficient protective materials and consult a specialist company if in doubt.
Frequently asked questions about packing pictures
Can I use bubble wrap directly on the painting?
NOT on the painted surface. Bubble wrap can stick to recent varnishes or oil paints and leave a permanent mark. First use tissue paper or a soft cloth over the painted surface and only then apply bubble wrap as a cushioning layer.
How do you transport very large pictures (over 1 metre)?
Custom-made boxes (available to order from art shops and removal warehouses) or pallets with a wooden frame. For pictures larger than 1.5 m, the best option is vertical transport with specific securing. Never stack other items on top.
Do you need to remove pictures from their frames for transport?
Normally NO. The frame protects the canvas. It is only dismounted if the frame is very fragile (gold leaf, antique marquetry) or if the picture is to travel by plane and the frame does not meet size requirements. For road or sea removals, keep the frame assembled.
Are watercolours transported the same way as oils?
No. Watercolours (being works on paper) are even more sensitive to moisture and creasing. Best stored in a rigid portfolio folder with glassine paper sheets between works. Never roll them up (this can damage the paper fibres). For valuable watercolours: professional portfolio case with a clasp.
What about pictures with glass? Do you tape over the glass?
Yes, adhesive tape (painter's tape, not strong tape) is applied in an "X" or "*" pattern over the glass. If the glass breaks during transport, the tape prevents the fragments from falling onto the work and damaging it. This is a common professional trick. More on art and collectibles: transporting collectibles.
