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 Artwork: Where Should You Start?
- Which Artwork Shipping Boxes Do You Need?
- How to Choose the Right Courier for Art Shipping?
- 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 Artwork: Where Should You Start?
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 you mail artwork 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.
Which Artwork Shipping Boxes Do You Need?
Before you tape a box, match the container to the artwork. Shipping a framed painting isn’t the same as mailing a drawing or rolling a poster, and each needs a different artwork shipping box and packing method.
Flat Artwork (Drawings, Prints, Posters)
For flat artwork you can use a rigid flat mailer or flat corrugated box.
- Protect the surface using glassine or acid-free tissue to prevent smudges or abrasion.
- Add rigidity with foam board or cardboard on both sides to prevent bending during transit.
- Place the protected piece in a flat mailer or hard-backed envelope with at least ½ inch of clearance on all sides.
- For extra protection, consider placing the mailer inside a second, larger envelope or flat box.
Rolled Artwork (Posters or Unframed Prints)
For rolled artwork you can use a heavy-duty mailing tube with end caps
- Roll loosely in glassine/archival tissue and use a mailing tube with sufficient diameter to avoid over-tight rolling.
- Use end caps and fill any extra space with cushioning material to prevent shifting.
- Clearly label the tube as “Do Not Bend” or “Fragile – Artwork Inside” to signal careful handling.
Paintings and Framed Pieces
To ship a painting or framed pieces use a two-piece telescopic picture/mirror box; upgrade to double-wall or a simple crate for larger/high-value works.
- Wrap the artwork in glassine, then bubble wrap, and secure the corners with foam protectors.
- Sandwich the wrapped piece between two pieces of corrugated cardboard, cut larger than the artwork dimensions.
- For added protection, use a double-walled box or custom-sized crate if the painting is large or high-value.
- Seal all edges securely and label the box as “Fragile” with arrows indicating upright orientation.
How to Choose the Right Courier for Art Shipping?
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
This applies whether you're shipping a drawing, a large sculpture, or a framed painting:
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, bubble wrap, and foam corners to protect surfaces and edges.
- Choose sturdy double-walled boxes or mailing tubes, depending on the artwork type.
- Packaging methods vary, shipping a painting requires different materials than mailing a drawing or print.
- Select an experienced artwork courier who offers proper handling, insurance, and tracking.
- Use same-day artwork delivery services when timing and condition are critical for local deliveries.
- Always document your artwork’s value and request coverage to protect high-value shipments.
- Creative professionals in art, fashion, film, and design trust Airpals for reliable, last-minute deliveries.
Next Steps on How to 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 Artwork Courier has your back.
Our same-day service in New York, plus our Concierge solution in over 100 U.S. cities, makes using an artwork delivery service 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 mail a painting?
To mail a painting safely, wrap it in glassine paper, add bubble wrap, secure the corners with foam protectors, and place it inside a double-walled box.
How to ship art prints?
Place art prints in acid-free sleeves, back them with cardboard, and ship them in a rigid flat mailer. Choose a trusted artwork delivery service for safe handling and tracking.
How much does it cost to ship a painting?
The cost of shipping a painting depends on dimensions, weight, destination, and delivery speed. Airpals offers fast, affordable same-day shipping for artwork in +100 U.S. cities.
How to ship art canvas?
To ship a stretched canvas, wrap it in glassine or plastic sheeting, add corner protectors, and double-box it if needed.
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 to wrap a painting for shipping?
Use glassine, bubble wrap, corner protectors, and cardboard sheets. Place the wrapped painting in a reinforced box for safe 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.
