How To Pack A Sculpture For Long Distance Transportation?

fine art shipping companies

Are you new to being a gallery owner? Do you need to transport your sculpture art over a long distance? Are you afraid of this daunting task?

Don’t worry, here we have gathered detailed information about how you can pack the sculptures for transporting them both nationally and internationally. 

Go on and read this comprehensive guide to learn about ways to pack the sculptures and mistakes to avoid throughout the packing and shipping process that most experienced fine art shipping companies opt for. 

Ways To Pack The Sculptures:

Every sculpture is different in every way. Each of these art pieces will have a unique set of packaging requirements for their safe transportation. For the same reason, the packing and shipping process must be designed carefully for every individual piece of art. There are chances that what works well for a large marble sculpture won’t work for any wooden or metal sculpture. Right?

Here are the three common things you must know when you pack a sculpture for long-distance transportation. 

  • Make Sure To Keep The Fine Art Piece Upright 

It may be a little awkward to pack a sculpture in an upright position due to its shape and height, but it is definitely the safest way for their transportation. 

  • Packaging Must Ensure Its Protection From Any Shaking

The long ride in the back of the truck or in an airplane might be a rigorous journey, which requires you to pack it accordingly. Although the vibrations caused to the art pieces while it is in the back of the truck are unavoidable, one can provide maximum protection to them from any damage by packing them in custom shipping crates. Besides the custom crates, you must also add proper padding in it to immune it from any shaking. 

  • Placing Tags Or Fragile Stickers On The Package

It is best to use some important tags or stickers on these packages for additional protection. It may protect your parcel from regular bumping or dropping during both loading and unloading of the transportation truck. 

Why Custom Shipping Crates?

  • Usage of custom shipping crates is a common practice that people consider when it comes to shipping fine arts, sculptures or artifacts. It is a widely accepted and trustworthy way to pack your parcel for long-distance transportation. 
  • Professional fine art shipping companies secure your art piece while keeping it upright on a pallet and then build a crate around it. However, this process may not be important for small sculptures. 
  • Regardless of the outer material of the crates, making a foam-padded crate can work well for adding cushioning to protect the sculpture from any impact during transit. 
  • It is highly recommended to get a professionally crafted custom shipping crate to protect your sculpture of any shape, size, fragility, or weight. 
  • In the case of a small and strong sculpture with low cost or sentimental value, you can pack it yourself without hiring any professional shipping company. 

Packing Materials Required For Doing It Yourself

  • Bubble wrap
  • Packing sheet 
  • Packing foam rolls 
  • High-quality and sturdy packing tape
  • Artist’s tape for delicate and fragile materials
  • Moving blankets
  • Shipping box or crate
  • Pallet

How To Determine The Packing Method?

If you are planning to pack the sculpture on your own, you must initiate the process by following the steps mentioned below:

  • Review The Art Piece Carefully Before Packing It 

It is best to review the problematic areas of the sculpture, such as any existing damage, chips or cracks. Besides that, it is best to understand the fragile points that are mainly susceptible to damage to take appropriate precautions. 

  • Learn The Dimensions Of The Sculptures

Make sure to carefully measure all the dimensions of the sculpture, including the length, width, depth, and weight. It will help you to pack it most appropriately. It will also provide the most accurate information to the fine art shipping company you opt for.