Gallery Ship · Painting packing
How to Pack and Ship Paintings
Pack your painting the right way—protect the painted surface, add rigid support, cushion thoroughly, and eliminate movement. Then use Gallery Ship to get a discounted shipping label in seconds.
Whether you are sending a canvas to a gallery, a collector, or a buyer, ship with confidence knowing your painting will arrive safe, on time, and ready to hang.
Overview
Painting packing steps
Shipping paintings does not have to be complicated. Follow the steps below to pack stretched canvas, framed oils, or works on panel—then generate a discounted shipping label on Gallery Ship.
You can also streamline your workflow with Orders to manage shipments and
Products to save preset box sizes for repeat use.
Whether you are shipping to a gallery opening, art fair, collector, or online buyer, proper packing keeps brushwork, varnish, and frames intact—protecting both the painting and your reputation.
If you are shipping a painting ahead of time
Shipping ahead helps you:
Avoid traveling with fragile canvases or framed work
Prevent damage from improper handling
Ensure the painting arrives ready to hang
Deliver a professional experience to buyers or galleries
If you are selling a painting
Careful packing helps you:
Ensure it arrives exactly as described
Reduce returns, refunds, and damage claims
Painting shipping box or crate
Use a double-wall cardboard box, mirror/picture box sized for paintings, or a wooden crate depending on size and value:
Small to medium → sturdy cardboard or mirror box
Large or high-value → wooden crate
Always allow 2–3 inches of padding space on all sides
Packing materials — the goal
Protect the painted surface, prevent movement, and absorb impact. Never let bubble wrap touch the paint or varnish directly—glassine paper or another acid-free barrier must contact the painting first.
Supplies
Glassine paper (acid-free—must touch the painting)
Bubble wrap (bubbles facing outward)
Foam boards or rigid cardboard sheets
Corner protectors
Packing paper or foam padding
Plastic wrap (moisture protection)
Packing tape
Painter's tape (for framed paintings with glass)
Ziploc bags (hardware if needed)
Fragile / This Side Up labels
Follow in order
Protect, cushion, box, seal, label
1
Start clean & dry
Make sure your painting is fully dry and clean before packing. Oil paintings should cure at least two weeks before sealing in plastic.
Start with a clean, dry painting—dust and moisture can damage canvas, paint, and varnish in transit.
2
Protect the surface
Wrap the painting in glassine paper as an acid-free barrier over the painted surface.
Never skip the barrier layer
Bubble wrap must not touch the painted surface directly.
Glassine is the only layer that should contact the paint or varnish.
3
Protect glass on framed paintings
On framed paintings, tape the glass in an X or grid with painter's tape so shards stay in place if the frame is struck.
Taping glass limits shard movement if the frame takes an impact.
4
Add corner protection
Corners on stretched canvas and frames are the most damage-prone areas—protect them before wrapping further.
Corner guards absorb impact where stretcher bars and frame rails are most vulnerable.
5
Create a rigid sandwich
Place the painting between foam boards or rigid cardboard sheets to prevent bending or puncture.
Rigid front and back panels keep canvas and panel paintings from flexing in the box.
6
Bubble wrap protection
Wrap 2–3 layers with bubbles facing outward, away from the painting.
Multiple layers absorb shock—keep bubbles on the outside.
7
Moisture protection
Wrap with plastic or poly sheeting to guard against humidity and condensation.
A moisture barrier helps protect canvas, ground layers, and framing materials.
8
Box the painting
Ensure 2–3 inches of space on all sides and fill gaps with padding so nothing shifts.
Fill voids completely—movement is the enemy of safe painting shipments.
9
Double box (recommended)
Place the first box inside a larger box with padding between the two layers.
Double boxing adds an extra shock-absorbing layer for valuable paintings.
10
Final check
Nothing should move inside the box when shaken gently.
If you hear shifting, add more padding before sealing.
11
Seal & label
Reinforce all seams with packing tape and apply shipping labels on a flat surface.
Strong tape on every seam; cover the label with clear tape so it cannot tear in transit.
Pro tips
Ship paintings flat whenever size allows—never roll finished canvas work for shipping
On high-risk routes, consider removing glass from framed paintings and shipping the frame separately
Crate paintings valued at $500 or more
Photograph your packing process for insurance documentation
Once your painting is securely packed, generate a discounted shipping label in seconds on Gallery Ship. Use Orders to manage shipments and Products to save
presets for faster repeat shipping.