Fine Art Transportation 101

Fine Art Transportation 101All mediums of fine art require immense care and attention. That same case is needed for fine art transportation as well. When moving your art to another location or storage, it’s crucial to keep those pieces safe.

Here are tips to keep your art and collections secure during their journey.

Package for Transportation

Even the smallest scratches or tears can compromise the value of fine art pieces. When selecting the right packaging for your piece, you need to do the following:

  • Measure your artwork
  • Check weight and dimensions
  • Find out size restrictions for delivery
  • Select durable packaging materials

Relying on things like cardboard boxes can result in limited security for transportation. Instead, custom crates are a better option to protect any size of the piece you are moving. Even if you’re transporting large artwork such as paintings, consider using a wooden travel frame instead of classic paper and plastic packaging. Travel frames can also be the most economical solution for packaging. 

Select a Fine Art Transportation Company

There are many options to choose from for shipping your artwork. If you are using the DIY route, you will need to select a local carrier or carriers and coordinate with their team. With this method,  your art may travel with other standard mail pieces and may not receive the same meticulous care as an art logistics company. 

When choosing to work with a fine art transportation company, it’s important to select the company that will treat your art with the right care. Working with a company like Art Work FAS will give your security that your pieces will be transported safely. Our experienced art handlers will determine which shipping services fit your needs best, facilitate the process, and help track your art along its journey. We also have a fleet of shuttles that travel along the west coast to hand-deliver fine art pieces.

Avoid Common Fine Art Transportation Mistakes

When preparing your fine art for travel, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid.

Packaging incorrectly

Packaging fine art for transportation is a complex process. Many people can cut corners in this process to save time. This can result in damage to artwork. Be sure to use only the most secure packaging and consult an expert.

Skipping insurance

Even if you follow all safety procedures thoroughly, there is always the risk of damage. Purchasing extra insurance for travel gives a little extra protection to your art, just in case. 

Settle for low-quality supplies

The biggest mistake you can make during fine art transportation is using low-quality materials to save costs. Skipping out on the right materials can severely damage your fine art. We recommend hiring a professional to handle all aspects of transporting your art.

Do you need art transportation services? Contact us for an estimate.

Specialized Knowledge From Our Experts  

For nearly 30 years, Art Work Fine Art Services has served as the trusted logistics partner to some of America’s most highly-regarded museums, galleries, collectors, and artists. We specialize in expert and custom solutions for domestic and international shipping, warehousing, and preservation of artwork. 

Our team is made up of passionate experts in many mediums, including design, painting, printmaking, carpentry, photography, and sculpture. Art Work FAS offers services in Portland and Seattle, in addition to California’s Bay Area and Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, New York City, and across the Rocky Mountains.  

To request an estimate or find out more about the services Art Work Fine Art Services offers, contact us.  

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