How to Safely Pack Art

We often receive questions about the best means of packing an artwork, and fair enough too! We want the work to safely reach its new home just as much as our artists, so we’ve created a video to make the process as clear as possible.

Here we have Bluethumb team member Sheeraz expertly packing up Carol Zsolt‘s piece Purple Haze to send off to a collector. As you can see, Sheeraz takes us through the process of bubble wrapping the piece, boxing it up, sealing it with tape and adding the shipping labels. He also adds FRAGILE stickers, but you can write this on in black marker if you don’t have stickers on hand. Unfortunately our branded ‘Bluethumb’ stickers are not yet available, but we hope to change this in the not too distant future!

A quick disclaimer: This video shows how to pack using the ideal materials, and we understand this isn’t always possible. For example, we had a packing box available and it just happened to be the right size for the artwork. We’ve found that using two boxes is a good way to deal with larger artworks (with a little artful cutting and folding), however, if you don’t have any on hand, then some sturdy cardboard will also do the trick. The same case-by-case approach goes for the rest of the process too – the key is protection, rather than perfection!

Thanks to Bluethumb photographer/videographer Megan for her production expertise!

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34 Comments

  1. Eva Miller says:

    This video is useful. However, it does not indicate where the box can be purchased and where the labels come from.

    • Megan George says:

      Hi Eva! We’re glad you found the video helpful. Bluethumb boxes and branded supplied can be purchased from the Bluethumb Art Supplies store. With the shipping labels, these are emailed to you once you’ve booked a courier pickup date for your artwork. All you have to do is print them off and stick them on!

      • Noellene Foster says:

        Hi. The link goes to shopify. Is this correct?

        • Grace Wye says:

          Hi Noellene,

          The link would normally go to our Art supplies store – unfortunately due to the lockdowns and restrictions we’ve made the call to take the website down until restrictions ease. Thanks!

  2. Catherine Fitzgerald says:

    Great packing video to follow. . Could you please let me know the sizes of boxes I can purchase from Bluethumb thank you.

  3. james CONGDON says:

    I wonder if its possible to purchase boxes suitable to send paintings in…
    if that was possible Id be very interested…I think its worth investigating

  4. Alison says:

    Any ideas where to purchase custom boxes from in Adelaide? My artwork is bigger than the 125cm x 125cm boxes you sell… TIA!

  5. David Roberson says:

    Hi there, I am wondering, do I have to use your brand boxes,if I have access to some plain boxes already and cardboard to make my own , thanks ?
    Dave

    • Megan George says:

      Hi Dave,

      You’re completely welcome to use your own boxes! We don’t mind, so long as the artwork is safe and sound when it arrives.

  6. Jules says:

    That link for your Bluethumb art supplies shop does not work…

    • Grace Wye says:

      Hi Jules,

      The Art Supplies store is currently unavailable while the team are working from home. We hope to have it back up and running in the near future!

  7. Erica says:

    The video is no longer able to be viewed, is there an updated version? Thanks

  8. Lauren says:

    Hi, the video accompaniment is unavailable. Do you have an alternative available by chance please? Cheers 🙂

  9. Parita says:

    the video for packaging your artwork is currently unavailable. Can you please send me the link/ upload the video here to view.

  10. Anmari says:

    The https://bluethumbartsupplies.com/ linked in multiple responses above just shows an empty shopify site

    • Grace Wye says:

      Hi Anmari,

      The Art Supplies store is currently offline whilst we change suppliers. We hope to have it up and ready again soon!

      Thanks,
      Grace @ Bluethumb

  11. Lynette Joy Brown says:

    Sorry, but it wouldn’t allow me to run video. Hopefully your info here is enough.

  12. Si Ladd says:

    Thanks for the instructive video. Any tips on packaging for glass-fronted framed works would greatly appreciated.
    cheers,
    S

    • After bubble-wrapping, always attach a sheet of cardboard over the face of the painting and glass. Pack lots of foam between the painting and box on all sides so there’s no movement and a layer of shock absorption.

  13. I find that boxes from TVs and computer monitors are fantastic for packing large paintings. The cardboard is thick and very sturdy. If it’s not the right size, you can be creative in cutting it down or adding extra cardboard on a side to extend it. If it’s too wide, then cut it in half longitudinally, turn both halves inside out so all the branding is on the inside and you have clean cardboard on the outside. Then tape up the corners again to make a base and a lid. TV boxes give you a good starting place for packaging and it’s a lot easier than constructing the whole thing from scratch. Get friends and family to collect any discarded TV and monitor boxes for you.

  14. Sandra Messner says:

    Thank you for the video, it was great to refresh the mind. I’ve still got boxes and fragile tapes which I bought from you a couple of years back. Would like to get some more, do you still have more boxes, can I purchase the bubble wrap as well. Regards Sandra Messner.

    • Grace Wye says:

      Hi Sandra,

      Unfortunately due to the current restrictions, the Bluethumb Art Supplies store will remain closed for the time being. We hope that towards the end of the year we’ll be back in full swing for all your packing needs!

      Grace @ Bluethumb

  15. Marilyn Jecks says:

    Thank you. This is most helpful.
    Stay well and safe
    Marilyn 🌷

  16. Carly says:

    Can you please tell me the preferred method for wrapping art prints in postage tubes?
    I am looking at purchasing postage tubes, acid-free paper and was wondering if you also prefer brown paper once the artwork is wrapped in acid-free tissue paper? Do you have a video tutorial for your preferred technique?

  17. J Wilkinson says:

    I do not own a printer to print labels. Can the address be handwritten?

    • Eden Young says:

      Hi Jennifer, thanks for your message!
      Handwritten labels are also acceptable. Just make sure it’s in block letters (i.e. each letter of a word is written separately and using capital letters).
      All the best, your team at Bluethumb 💙

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