When shipping your valuable fine art pieces, it goes without
saying that you don’t want to do anything risky. Your fine art deserves
transportation that is safe, cautious, and customized to the items you are
sending and their unique care instructions.
The last thing you want is for your art to reach its final
destination damaged. This is why it’s so important to carefully think about the
type of shipping method you choose for your fine art and precious, fragile
items. It makes sense to ship these items separately and to package them
differently than you would regular things.
Keep reading to understand your various options when
shipping fine art items. This article will detail the reasons why fine art
shipping is different from regular shipping, and how it can help you keep your
art pristine and in excellent condition.
Specialized Packaging and Handling
Regardless of whether you own a fine art business or you are
transporting your personal art collection, you should always package your art
pieces carefully. This means protecting delicate materials with bubble wrap,
cling film, cardboard, or paper. Use artist tape to secure items and tightly
wrap pieces within protective layers.
To be safe, you will probably want to add multiple layers of protective materials and be sure to cover all surfaces, especially glass. Handle all artwork carefully and delicately. You may want to use gloves to handle these items and avoid doing anything to damage them.
Before packaging, clean your art pieces so that they are
free of dust, dirt, or grime. This way, once you unwrap them at their final
destination, they will be clean, sparkling, and ready to showcase.
Customized Transportation
When shipping fine art (or anything delicate for that
matter), you want to be sure to transport these items as carefully as possible.
Air transportation is generally the best way to transport valuable pieces of
art as it is secure, fast, and requires less handling of the art itself.
Also, air transportation keeps your precious art off the
bumpy roads, which can sometimes lead to damage to your valuable pieces. If you
can’t transport your fine art via air travel, then rail, road, and sea
transportation are also widely accessible. There are pros and cons to each,
though.
For example, sea transportation may be more economical and
environmentally friendly, whereas travel by rail is more cost-effective and
faster. Depending on your needs, you can weigh your different options and make
the best decision.
Climate Control and Security
Fine art surely needs climate-controlled storage. It is best
to store your valuables in a climate-controlled truck or unit, especially with
winter on the horizon. Humidity, extreme heat, and extreme cold can cause your
fine art to become damaged, warped, or discoloured.
Climate-controlled storage is a necessity for fine art
because it keeps the art in good condition and does not expose it to outside
elements. A steady, comfortable temperature is ideal for your fine art, as
different canvases and pieces of art can be temperamental and finicky.
Climate-controlled storage units should also offer a decent
level of security so that your fine art is safe and behind lock and key that
only you can access. The only thing worse than damaged or deteriorated artwork
is artwork that has been stolen or gone missing.
Insurance and Valuation
When thinking about the different modes of art shipping, it is important to also
consider the value of your pieces and insurance. Most art collectors or
businesses choose to insure their fine art pieces in case anything goes wrong
such as fire, theft, or damage. Many horror stories have been made more horrific
by the lack of insurance.
Additionally, insurance is one of those things where you
won’t need it until it’s too late. Don’t rely on your existing homeowner’s
insurance either. Most of these policies do not include fine art.
Instead, look into working with an individual fine art
insurance company, and do your research into different policies and what
exactly is covered. After all, unexpected events do happen and it’s always
better to be safe than sorry.
Expertise and Documentation
Another factor to consider with fine art shipping is the
careful attention to best practices and procedures. Since fine art shipping
usually contains valuables and pricier items, there is often a lot more
documentation that goes with it, such as permits, invoices, and business
information.
You will need to cover all your bases and understand what
documents are required for proper shipping. This sometimes means filling out
extra paperwork or paying additional fees or duties. Check your local
guidelines or regulations, and don’t be afraid to ask for professional help or
expertise if you are unsure.
Choose Fine Art Shipping for Your Valuable Pieces
All in all, choosing fine art shipping for your precious art
and delicate items is worth any additional costs or extra precautions. Your
fine art deserves to remain beautiful regardless of where it is transported.
Make the right decision and choose fine art shipping when it comes to these
timeless, artistic pieces.
Remember the key differences between fine art shipping and
regular shipping, such as special packaging, climate control, documentation,
careful transportation, and insurance. You can never be too careful with fine
art. Invest in fine art shipping and you will be well on your way to
maintaining your beautiful art wherever you go.
