TL;DR: Protecting your artwork during international shipping starts with proper packing, labeling, and insurance. Follow these steps to make sure your canvas art arrives safely anywhere in the world.
The Artist’s Guide to Shipping Canvas Art Internationally
Nothing is more stressful than sending your art across the world and worrying about its condition on arrival. Canvas pieces, especially stretched or framed works, need extra care when shipped overseas. With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can protect your art and your reputation by ensuring each shipment arrives intact and ready to display.
Step 1: Gather the Right Packing Materials
Start by collecting the tools and supplies you’ll need before packaging your artwork. Having everything ready prevents mistakes and saves time. You’ll need:
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Box cutter or scissors
- Marking pen or pencil
- Artist’s or painter’s tape
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap (small and large bubbles)
- Protective glassine paper
- A sturdy double-walled shipping box
Step 2: Measure and Choose the Right Box
Measure your canvas carefully, including the frame depth, to determine the correct box size. Allow enough space for protective layers without letting the artwork shift inside. A box that is slightly larger than your wrapped piece provides room for cushioning materials like bubble wrap or foam corners.
Step 3: Pack Your Artwork Securely
Use Protective Paper
Begin by covering the surface of your painting or print with glassine paper. This acid-free paper prevents smudging, moisture, and dust buildup. Tape the edges gently using painter’s tape, attaching only to the paper or wooden frame, never directly to the canvas.
Add Bubble Wrap Layers
Wrap the piece completely in bubble wrap, placing the flat side against the canvas to avoid texture impressions. Larger bubbles cushion against impacts, while smaller bubbles protect corners and fine details. Use multiple layers for long-distance or international shipments.
Seal the Wrapping
Secure the bubble wrap with packing tape, ensuring no loose ends that could catch or tear. Slide the artwork carefully into the box and fill empty spaces with soft packing material to prevent movement. Seal every seam with high-quality packing tape for durability.
Label for Protection
Attach clear “FRAGILE” and “HANDLE WITH CARE” stickers on every side of the package. If shipping prints or thin panels, also include “DO NOT BEND.” These labels alert carriers to take extra precautions during handling and customs checks.
Step 4: Choose a Reliable Carrier
Use shipping services with proven international experience. UPS and FedEx both offer international tracking and art-specific shipping solutions. Check each service’s maximum weight and dimension limits before booking. Exceeding these limits can lead to customs delays or surcharges. For higher-value pieces, consider specialized art logistics companies for added security.
Step 5: Consider Shipping Insurance
Accidents can happen, even with careful packing. Purchase shipping insurance to protect yourself against damage or loss in transit. Some carriers include a limited coverage amount, but it’s often worth purchasing additional insurance for valuable or irreplaceable art. Keep all documentation, including declared values, tracking numbers, and photos of the packed artwork for claims support.
Step 6: Plan for the Customer Experience
When selling artwork internationally, presentation matters as much as protection. Include a thank-you note, certificate of authenticity, or care instructions inside the package. These small details create a professional impression and reassure buyers that you value their investment.
Final Thoughts
Shipping canvas art internationally requires preparation, but it’s well worth the effort to keep your work safe. Proper packaging, labeling, and insurance protect both your art and your reputation. Following these steps ensures your canvases arrive ready to hang and in perfect condition.
If you plan to expand your audience globally, start by reproducing your work as high-quality prints. At The Stackhouse, we offer giclée fine art prints and gallery-wrapped canvas prints that ship beautifully and withstand the challenges of international delivery.
Ready to sell worldwide? Explore our printing services and let us help you create durable, professional prints that ship safely to customers everywhere.
