Gallery Ship · Works on paper
How to Pack and Ship Prints & Works on Paper
Pack prints, photographs, and drawings the right way—keep them flat, rigid, and dry. Interleave with glassine, build a board sandwich, and eliminate bending. Then use Gallery Ship to get a discounted shipping label in seconds.
Whether you are shipping an editioned print to a collector, photographs to a gallery, or drawings to a fair, ship flat with confidence knowing the surface will arrive uncreased and unmarked.
Overview
Works on paper packing steps
Works on paper are vulnerable to creasing, moisture, and abrasion. Follow the steps below to keep prints and photographs flat and protected, then generate a discounted shipping label on Gallery Ship.
You can also streamline your workflow withOrdersto manage shipments andProductsto save preset flat-box sizes for repeat shipments.
Whether you are sending to a gallery, art fair, collector, or online buyer, rigid flat packing prevents bent corners, surface scuffs, and broken glass—protecting both the work and your reputation.
If you are shipping works on paper ahead of time
Shipping ahead helps you:
Avoid carrying fragile framed pieces while traveling
Prevent bending, creasing, and glass damage in transit
Ensure work arrives ready to hang or install
Deliver a professional experience to galleries and buyers
If you are selling prints or photographs
Careful packing helps you:
Ensure the work arrives exactly as described
Reduce returns, refunds, and damage claims
Flat shipping box or mirror box
Use a sturdy double-wall box or flat mirror/picture box sized to the rigid sandwich:
Unframed prints & drawings→ rigid mat-board sandwich in a snug flat box
Framed works with glass or acrylic→ mirror box with 2–3 in. padding on all sides
Alwaysship flat—never roll valuable works on paper unless a conservator advises otherwise
Packing materials — the goalKeep the paper surface rigid, dry, and untouched by tape or plastic. Glassine must contact the image face; bubble wrap never touches paper or mat board directly.
Supplies
Glassine paper (acid-free—must touch the image surface)
Acid-free mat board or foam core (rigid backing)
Archival tissue paper
Bubble wrap (bubbles facing outward)
Corner protectors (for framed work)
Painter's tape (for glass on framed pieces)
Packing paper or foam padding
Packing tape (never on the artwork or frame)
Fragile / DO NOT BEND labels
Desiccant pack (optional, for long or humid routes)
Follow in order
Interleave, sandwich, cushion, box flat, label
1
Clean hands & inspect
Wash and dry your hands or wear cotton gloves. Inspect the work for flaking media, buckling, or loose elements—pastels and charcoal must be fixed before shipping.
Oils from skin and unseen edge damage cause problems that only show up after transit.
2
Interleave with glassine
Place a sheet of acid-free glassine directly over the image face. For stacked prints, interleave each sheet with glassine between every piece.
Glassine is the only layer that should contact the printed or drawn surface.
3
Build a rigid sandwich
Cut two pieces of acid-free mat board or foam core at least 2 in. larger than the work on all sides. Place the work between the boards.
The sandwich must stay perfectly flat—any flex will crease paper and photographs.
4
Tape boards at edges only
Tape the two boards together along the edges only—never let tape touch the artwork, mat, or frame. Create a rigid flat envelope.
Never skip the rigid layer
Paper and photographs cannot resist bending on their own—a board sandwich is mandatory.
Edge tape only; the artwork itself should never be taped.
5
Protect glass (if framed)
On framed works, apply painter's tape in a star or cross pattern over glass or acrylic glazing to contain shards if the frame is struck.
Taping glazing limits shard movement and protects the print beneath.
6
Add corner protection
Install foam corner guards on framed pieces before further wrapping. Corners take the most impact in flat shipments.
Corner guards absorb shock where frames are most vulnerable.
7
Bubble wrap the sandwich
Wrap the rigid sandwich in bubble wrap with bubbles facing outward. Use 2–3 layers; do not let plastic touch the artwork surface.
Multiple layers absorb shock—keep bubbles on the outside of the board sandwich.
8
Box flat with padding
Place the wrapped sandwich in a flat box with 2–3 in. of padding on all six sides. The box should fit snugly without forcing a bend.
Fill voids completely—a loose flat box still allows corner dings and flex.
9
Double box (recommended)
Place the inner flat box inside a larger outer box with 2–3 in. of cushioning between them. This is the standard method galleries use for valuable paper.
Double boxing is the single most effective protection for framed prints and photographs.
10
Final check
Nothing should shift or rattle when the box is gently shaken. Confirm the package cannot be bent by light pressure on the lid.
If you hear shifting or can flex the box, add padding before sealing.
11
Seal & label
Reinforce all seams with packing tape. Apply FRAGILE and DO NOT BEND labels on multiple sides. Cover the shipping label with clear tape.
Strong tape on every seam; a covered label cannot peel off in transit.
Pro tips
Ship flat whenever possible—never roll editioned prints or original drawings
Use humidity-buffer materials for long-distance or international shipments
Remove glass from high-risk frames when a conservator recommends it
Photograph the packed sandwich and sealed box for insurance documentation
Once your work on paper is securely packed, generate a discounted shipping label in seconds on Gallery Ship. UseOrdersto manage shipments andProductsto save flat-box presets for faster repeat shipping.