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THE EXHIBITION ALLIANCE TECHNICAL NOT
Basic Soft-Wrapping for
Paintings and Framed Works of ArtWritten by Lisa M. J
Edited by Donna K. L
There are many occasions when artwork needs to travel: loans,
conservation, acquisitions, etc.. Soft packing can bafe,
cost-effective was to transport these works of art.
Before soft-wrapping works of art for travel, certain risks need
to be considered. Works should be in stable conditio
nd be able to withstand basic shipping and handling. Items that
are extremely fragile may require crating or more
xtensive packing than is outlined here. Soft packing is not
appropriate for international or domestic air-freight
hipments, or for traveling exhibitions. The following are basic
guidelines for soft packing. For more detailed
nformation or soft packing methods, or properties and
applications of specific materials, refer to the sources in the
ibliography or contact The Exhibition Alliance (315)
824-2510.
Soft-wrapping generally involves three layers of material: the
surface layer (polyethylene sheeting or glassine) prote
gainst dirt and prevents other materials from having direct
contact with the art; the cushioning layer (foam sheeting ubble
wrap) protects against vibration and handling damage; the exterior
layer (cardboard or Fome-Cor) protects
gains low impact punctures and provides a more durable package
for handling and securing.
First, check the stability of the artwork. If it is frames, make
sure it is secure in the frame. Framed pieces must also
have a secure backing. Remove protruding hardware from the
artwork or frame as it can cause damage to other wor
hat may lean against it during shipping. To minimize risks, soft
packed items should be handled by professional fin
rt carriers or trained art handlers who provide air-ride
suspension and climate controlled vehicles. Artwork should
hipped as directly as possible to the final destination. Be sure
to notify the carrier of any special handling instructio
when you schedule the shipment. Now you are ready to
soft-wrap.
General Rules
. Prepare a clean padded work surface and gather
necessary tools before you begin. Useful tools include a
traight edge, a measuring tape, scissors, a mat or utility
knife, and self-adhesive tape.
2. Always use clean, new materials. Materials that are
dirty, torn and covered with old tape are ineffective for
protecting artwork.
. Works glazed with standard glass should be taped with
ow-tack tape. Never tape Plexiglas. To tape glass,pply tape in
strips directly onto the glass so that the
ntire surface is covered, leaving no more than 1/4
etween strips of tape. The tape should not touch the
rame. This procedure helps contain any glass shards
hould the glass break during transit, and prevents them
rom damaging the artwork. To remove the tape after
ransit, pull each length of tape off at a 45-degree angle.
Clean the glass surface with a glass cleaner to remove any
xcessive adhesive. If the artwork is glazed with
aminated or non-reflective glass (e.g. Denglas), consult
the glass manufacturer for detailed instructions. (For
more information, a technical note on taping glazed
works is available from The Exhibition Alliance).
4. Cut materials large enought to wrap around both sid
of the artwork.
5. Place work face down on the wrapping material. (D
not place a painting face down if the surface is fragile.
Wrap the work tautly, and secure in the back with tape
The tape should be fastened only to the wrapping mateitself and
should not touch the frame or the artwork.
6. Construct a cardboard sleeve:
Cut a piece of double-walled cardboard the width of th
wrapped object, long enough to fold around the top an
bottom and to completely or partially cover the back.
Score the cardboard along the top and bottom edges
where it will be folded. Fold the cardboard around the
artwork and tape securely.
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7. Label each piece of artwork with the following
nformation:
Senders name and address
The name and address of the destination
Travel instructions such as arrows showing travel
orientation
Indicate whether or not the package contains glass.
Paintings
. Wrap the painting in glassine or polyethylene sheeting
o protect the surface.
2. Wrap in a cushioning layer (foam sheeting or bubble
wrap).
. Construct a cardboard sleeve for additional protection.
4. Label the package.
Framed Works on Paper
. Tape glass.
2. Wrap in a cushioning layer (foam sheeting or bubble
wrap).
. Construct a cardboard sleeve for additional protection.
4. Label the package.
List of Suppliers
3M, Inc.
3M Center
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
(800) 3M HELPS (1-800-364-3577)
fax: (800) 713-6329Bee Paper Company
Hamburg Tpke
PO Box 2366
Wayne, NJ 07474-2366
(973) 942-0260
Light Impressions
Monroe Avenue
PO Box 940
Rochester, NY 14603-0940
(800) 828-6216
University Products, Inc.
Main Street
PO Box 101
Holyoke, MA 01401-0101
(800) 628-1912
Gaylord Bros.
PO Box 4901
Syracuse, NY 13221-4901
(800) 628-1912
Masterpak
West 57th Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10019
(800) 922-5522
Bibliography
Buck, Rebecca and Jean Gilmore, eds.Museum Regist
tion Methods. 4th Edition. Washington, D.C.: Americ
Association of Museums, 1998.
Droll, Christine, ed. Soft Packing. Washington, D.C.
Packing and Crating Information Network (PACIN).
American Association of Museums, 1994.
Horne, Steven A. Way to Go!. Hamilton: The Gallery
Association of New York State, 1985.
Richard, Mervin, Marion F. Mecklenburg and Ross M
Merril, eds.Art in Transit Handbook. Washington, D.
The National Gallery of Art, 1991.
THE EXHIBITION ALLIANCE TECHNICAL NOT
