Choosing the Right Crate for Your Artwork

The container you choose for shipping artwork can mean the difference between safe arrival and costly damage. Understanding your options helps you make informed decisions about protecting your valuable pieces.

Packaging Options Overview

Art shipping packaging exists on a spectrum from minimal protection to maximum security. The right choice depends on your artwork's value, fragility, and shipping distance.

Softpacking

What It Is Softpacking involves wrapping artwork in protective materials without a rigid outer container. The wrapped piece ships in a cardboard box with internal padding.

Best For - Lower-value works - Sturdy, unframed pieces - Short-distance shipments - Budget-conscious shipping

Limitations - Minimal protection against crushing or impact - Limited climate buffering - Not suitable for fragile or high-value works

Cardboard Art Boxes

What They Are Purpose-built corrugated boxes designed for flat artwork. Often feature internal suspension systems and reinforced corners.

Best For - Moderate-value framed works - Prints and works on paper - Regional shipping - Repeat shipments (reusable designs)

Considerations - Better protection than softpacking - Still vulnerable to significant impact - Limited climate control capability

Wooden Crates

Standard Crates Built from plywood or OSB with internal padding. Provides good protection for most artwork at a moderate cost.

Museum-Grade Crates Premium construction featuring: - Moisture-resistant materials - Thermal insulation - Travel frames to isolate artwork from crate walls - Foam-lined interiors custom-fitted to each piece - Climate-buffering materials

Best For - High-value artwork - Fragile or sensitive pieces - Long-distance or international shipping - Works traveling to exhibitions

Making Your Decision

Consider these factors when choosing packaging:

Artwork Value The insurance value of your piece should guide your investment in packaging. A $50,000 painting warrants museum-grade crating.

Material Sensitivity Works on paper, panel paintings, and pieces with delicate surfaces need superior protection.

Shipping Distance Longer journeys mean more handling opportunities and greater exposure to environmental fluctuations.

Destination Climate Shipping to different climate zones increases the need for insulated, climate-buffering packaging.

Artliner's Approach

We assess every piece individually and recommend appropriate packaging based on its specific needs. Our team builds custom solutions in-house, ensuring perfect fit and optimal protection for your artwork.