If your artwork is to be freighted it must be packaged very securely as it will be need to be protected against shock and movement. It will be your responsibility to package your artwork appropriately if exhibiting. We will return your artwork to you or your buyer, if sold, in the packaging in which it was sent. We are aware that every artwork will be different both in 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional form. Provided to you below are options on how to package your work. Make sure to choose the method most suitable for your work and read the directions carefully.
2D Works
This form of artwork should be soft packed using the box or sandwich packing method. Be sure to give further support to weak points such as the corners of the artwork to avoid any damage.
Works on Paper
Paper works should be rolled and place into a strong tube or pressed flat in a strong sandwich pack in-between layers of acid free tissue paper. This will ensure that the artwork will not tear or crinkle.
3D Works
3-Dimensional works should be supported with padding in a box or crate strong enough to holdthem in place, avoiding movement within the box/crate. Package your artwork with care and make sure the following key instructions are addressed. Make sure your work is:
- Protected against shock and knocks
- Kept clean and insect free
- Kept dry
- Easy to handle (For example, if the work is heavy to lift, it should have handles)
Box
It is best to soft pack the artwork before it goes into the box ensuring the safety of your work. Place further emphasis in protecting any fragile areas and creating padding so the artwork does not move around in the box. Suitable padding material you could use include Polyethylene Sheeting and Ethafoam.
Tube
If the artwork is in paper format it can be easily rolled loosely and place into a tightly fitted tube. Both ends of the tube (inside) should be protected with bubble wrap or plastic. Be sure to also securely tape the lids on both sides.
Sandwich Packs
Sandwich packs are an affordable way to properly pack 2-Dimensional artworks. Firstly soft pack your work then sandwich the wrapped object. Use two sheets of heavy cardboard but also using Styrofoam blacks (if applicable) to hold the sheets apart. After you have done this carefully, firmly strap tape or tie the sandwich together. Wrapping the sandwich in plastic wrap will provide further protection to your artwork and is necessary if it s not completely sealed.
Crate
If you choose to send your artwork in a crate, we will have a crate designed to accommodate your artwork unless you have chosen to pre-crate your artwork b yourself. The exhibition will travel in a number of crates to ensure that the size and weight of the crate is practical for the venues it is travelling to. If your work is too fragile or unsuitable for a box or sandwich pack and you are not delivering or collecting your artwork at the Flying Arts office you will need to arrange your own crating, whether homemade or bought. If you are sending your artwork down in a custom made box or crate please advise us of this and send us the dimensions of the crate. Your artwork will either travel separately in this crate or be packed in the specially designed exhibition touring crates. If your crate is complex, please email us detailed instructions on how to unpack and repack your artwork.
Soft Packing
Soft packing means wrapping your artwork in bubble wrap, clear plastic or within tissue paper. Artworks which have only been soft packed are NOT suitable for freighting but this method is to be used before the artwork is sandwich packed or put into a box/crate. When wrapping your work be sure t use acid free tissue paper or if it is an acrylic or oil painting artwork, use wax paper, then bubble wrap. Ensure that the bubble side is on the outside for maximum benefit.