Shipping artwork can be stressful. Whether you’re an independent artist, a gallery owner, or part of a creative agency, ensuring your art arrives intact is non-negotiable. At Airpals, we’ve helped countless creative professionals ship original pieces with confidence.
This guide will walk you through how to package, choose a courier, and ship artwork safely, so your art arrives exactly as it left.
Table of Contents:
- How to Ship Art and Creative Materials Safely
- Choosing the Right Artwork Courier
- Why Creative Professionals Choose Airpals
- Key Takeaways on Shipping Artwork
- Next Steps: Ship Your Artwork with Confidence
- Frequently Asked Questions about Artwork Shipping
How to Ship Art and Creative Materials Safely
Preparing Your Artwork for Shipping
Before choosing a delivery service, make sure your artwork is ready to be packed. Every box and every package will need a custom treatment, but some things to consider every time are:
- Use Sturdy Boxes: Double-walled boxes provide extra protection. Try not to reuse a box that’s damaged, cut be mindful with the planet and try to recycle previously used boxes.
- Protective Padding: Bubble wrap, foam boards, and corner protectors reduce impact damage, just be mindful of how you use them. Take your time to understand your materials and needs
- Secure Framed Pieces: Use glassine paper and cardboard to protect the surface, also masking tape is a great choice for wrapping your pieces and convenient for whoever unboxes the items.
- Waterproofing: Seal artwork with plastic coverings to prevent moisture damage. Consider using silica gel pouches for more delicate items that need dry environments.
- Custom Crating: For high-value paintings and sculptures, custom crates ensure the best protection during transit. Always keep close contact with the artists to accommodate their needs.
We recommend double-boxing for expensive or irreplaceable pieces.
Choosing the Right Artwork Courier
Not every courier understands how to handle artwork. Look for a specialized artwork delivery service or a same-day courier with real experience handling fragile items.
At Airpals, we work with creative professionals across New York who need to ship artwork on tight deadlines without compromising safety.
When to Use Same-Day vs. Standard Shipping for Creative Projects
Use Same-Day Shipping When:
- Delivering same-day commissions
- Shipping fragile or high-value art
- Meeting tight deadlines
- Coordinating a last-minute event setup
Use Standard Shipping When:
- Shipping large, non-urgent items
- Sending nationally or internationally
- Handling bulk orders that are not time-sensitive
No matter which service you choose, we recommend always getting shipping insurance, especially for valuable or one-of-a-kind pieces. Make sure your courier offers declared value coverage, and keep documentation of your artwork’s value.
Why Creative Professionals Choose Airpals
Airpals specializes in same-day artwork shipping for artists, galleries, and production teams who need fast and secure delivery. Our team is trained to handle fragile items, and we offer:
- Real-time tracking
- Urgent deliveries arrive on time, every time
- Specialized handling protects delicate materials
- Accommodates last-minute requests and schedule changes.
- Hands-on support tailored to creative workflows
But don’t just take our word for it, here’s how real creative professionals keep their projects on track with Airpals:
Fashion Designers: The Race Against the Clock
In fashion, timing is everything. Take Mia, a rising fashion star preparing for a career-defining show. With only days left before the big event, her signature fabric samples were stuck at a supplier across town. One call to Airpals and her swatches arrived within hours, just in time to finalize her designs. “Without Airpals, I would have missed my deadline. They kept my vision alive,” she says.
Interior Designers & Architects: Crafting Spaces with Precision
For designers like Theo in SoHo, every item, from rare tiles to custom artwork, matters. When bespoke pieces for a luxury penthouse were delayed across state lines, Theo turned to Airpals. Our same-day service ensured the artwork arrived on time and in perfect condition. “They don’t just deliver packages; they deliver peace of mind,” Theo reflects.
Filmmakers & Production Teams: Beating the Clock on Set
Consider David, a filmmaker on the set of an indie production in Brooklyn. With a critical night shoot ahead, he realized a specialized camera rig was still sitting in his apartment miles away. Airpals retrieved and delivered it within the hour. “They saved my production from an expensive delay. Airpals is my filmmaker’s best-kept secret,” he admits.
The next time your creative vision is on the line, trust Airpals to bridge the gap between inspiration and execution. Because in the world of art, fashion, and film, success often arrives in a well-timed delivery.
Key Takeaways on Shipping Artwork
- Use glassine paper to protect surfaces.
- Add foam corners and bubble wrap for cushioning.
- Choose sturdy, double-walled boxes.
- Same-day shipping helps creative professionals meet tight deadlines without compromising safety.
- Airpals offers secure, fast, and professional artwork delivery.
Next Steps: Ship Your Artwork with Confidence
Shipping art takes precision, care, and a partner who understands how creatives professionals work. If you’re sending framed pieces to a gallery, delivering artwork to a buyer, or managing last-minute production needs, Airpals has your back.
Our same-day service in New York, plus our Concierge solution in over 100 U.S. cities, makes shipping art simple, secure, and stress-free.
Create your shipment now and get your artwork where it needs to be, fast.
Frequently Asked Questions about Artwork Shipping
How to ship art prints?
Secure art prints by using acid-free sleeves, sturdy mailers, and protective layers before shipping with a trusted service, like Airpals.
How much does it cost to ship a painting?
Costs vary based on size, distance, and delivery speed. Airpals provides cost-effective same-day shipping for artwork.
What is the best way to ship artwork?
Use protective wrapping, sturdy packaging, and a professional artwork delivery service like Airpals to ensure safe transport.
How to pack a framed painting for shipping?
Wrap the frame in glassine paper, add padding, use a rigid box, and secure it with corner protectors before shipping.
How do I package my art for delivery?
Use appropriate materials like bubble wrap, cardboard sheets, and waterproof layers to ensure protection during transit.
How can I leverage Airpals to ship art?
Airpals offers same-day artwork shipping, allowing artists, galleries, and collectors to ship art securely and efficiently. Open a free account with us and let us start moving your stuff.
