If your business sells artwork or frames, you may find yourself having to ship fragile products. Be sure to package your framed artwork carefully so that the frame does not get damaged and the artwork does not get bent or scratched. That way, your customers will receive the product perfectly intact. Otherwise, you may have to deal with a frustrated customer and product returns.

Gather Your Packaging Materials

The first step to shipping a framed picture is figuring out what materials you will need. Measure your frame and find a double-wall corrugated box that is around 6 inches larger than your frame on all sides. Having this extra space will allow for cushioning to ensure your product arrives safely. In addition to the boxes for shipping the art canvas, you’ll also need to have the following on hand:

  • Tape measure
  • Bubble wrap
  • Foam boards
  • Scissors
  • Packing tape
  • Painters' tape
  • Cardboard corner protectors

Package Your Artwork Shipping Boxes Carefully

Begin packaging your framed artwork by taping the surface of the glass with painters' tape. The best format is to make two "X" shapes with the tape, one vertically and one horizontally, so they overlap in the center. This method will prevent sections of the glass from coming loose and ripping the artwork if the glass breaks during shipping.

The corners of the frame can get bent or damaged during shipping, so be sure to place the cardboard protector corner covers on your frame. Use painters' tape to make sure they stay secure. Next, use the bubble wrap and wrap the entire frame in three layers. It’s important to ensure that the entire surface of the framed picture is covered in bubble wrap. Tape down the seams using packing tape.

Use two foam boards on either side of the bubble-wrapped frame to provide additional protection. You can then tape the two sides of the boards together with packing tape. Place your bundle in the box and add additional bubble wrap to fill any remaining gaps along the sides. Seal the box closed with a few layers of packing tape

Get Your Package Ready for Shipping

Once your package is securely wrapped, write the return address in the top left corner of the box. You may need to print out labels with the return address and stick them on the box instead of writing directly on the box. Sometimes, the tape on the box can prevent pens and markers from writing legibly. Use this format on separate lines for writing your address:

  • Sender’s full name
  • Company name
  • Full street address and apartment or suite number
  • City, state and ZIP Code

The recipient’s address goes in the middle center of the box on the same side as the sender’s address. This format is the same as you would use on an envelope. Use this format and put each element on a separate line:

  • Recipient's full name
  • Full street address and apartment or suite number
  • City, state and ZIP Code

When shipping framed pictures to your customers, it’s critical to ensure you have the correct address. Double check the spelling of the recipient’s name as well as the spelling of the street address and the accuracy of the ZIP Code. Otherwise, your customer may not receive the product on time.

Mail Your Artwork Shipping Boxes

Select the mail service you want to use depending on your shipping window. You’ll want to make sure that your package arrives in the time frame you have promised your customer. Depending on the size of your artwork shipping box and your location, you may be able to have the postal service come to your business to pick up the package. Otherwise, you can drop it off at the post office or with an approved postal provider.