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The Daily Insight

How do you ship art supplies

Author

John Parsons

Updated on April 14, 2026

Smaller works can be shipped in new, double-wall corrugated cardboard boxes.Anything larger than 48” on one side should be crated for maximum protection.Unmounted artwork can be rolled and shipped in tubes that are at least 4 inches longer than the shortest side of the piece when it’s rolled flat.

How do you ship art properly?

  1. Smaller works can be shipped in new, double-wall corrugated cardboard boxes.
  2. Anything larger than 48” on one side should be crated for maximum protection.
  3. Unmounted artwork can be rolled and shipped in tubes that are at least 4 inches longer than the shortest side of the piece when it’s rolled flat.

How do I protect my art for shipping?

As shown in the third image above, it’s best to put the face of the artwork toward the empty space in the box to give room for more bubble wrap or scrunched packing paper for extra protection. Fill all the extra space in the box until there is very little room left for movement or shifting during shipping.

How do you send art through the mail?

Cover your entire piece with two layers of bubble wrap at the minimum. Use packing tape to secure the wrap. Bubble wrap is your primary means of keeping your artwork safe, so be generous. If there is extra wrap on the sides of your artwork, fold it over and tape along the edges to provide extra protection.

How much does it cost to ship a painting USPS?

USPS charges approximately $5 for shipping an extremely small print. Generally speaking, the cost of shipping larger prints or paintings on paper can range from $5 to $20 when they are rolled up and shipped in a tube. Shipment of small or medium-sized paintings on canvas is typically $10-$50 via UPS or Fedex.

Does UPS pack and ship art?

Framed, sculpture or ceramics – we can help pack and ship your artwork today. Use The UPS Store Certified Packing Experts® to properly pack and ship your valuable artwork. Our Pack & Ship Guarantee ensures the proper packing of fragile and high-value items, including artwork.

How much does it cost to ship an art print?

MethodCostParcel shippingBetween $50 and $300, depending on the speed of travel and packing methodPeer-to-peer shippingDepends on the size of the painting and how many pieces you’re shipping; typically between $175 and $1,000

How much does it cost to ship a 24x36 canvas?

How much does it cost to ship a 24×36 painting? Small or medium-sized paintings on canvas can be shipped via UPS or Fedex for approximately $10-$50, depending on the size. Declaring value (similar to insurance) will add more to the price of shipping as well.

Do you pay import duty on art?

There is generally no customs duty charged on imports of mainstream categories of art (eg original oil paintings or original pencil drawings) under EU customs laws and the UK’s own new customs law will usually follow the same approach.

How do you pack artwork for storage?

To prep your paintings for storage, you’ll need to wrap them tightly in protective materials. For framed paintings, use a storage blanket or quality bubble wrap, and seal them tightly using packing tape. Pad the front and back of your framed paintings with pieces of sturdy cardboard, and tape them together.

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How do you pack acrylic paint for shipping?

When packing acrylic paintings to ship, store or move, you should wrap acrylic first with wax paper or glass line paper, so it does not ruin the painting by sticking to it. Also, make sure that the picture is absolutely waterproof before covering it.

How much does it cost to ship a painting Fedex?

Small or medium-sized paintings on canvas can be shipped via UPS or Fedex for approximately $10-$50, depending on the size. Declaring value (similar to insurance) will add more to the price of shipping as well. Large paintings that are over 30 inches in one dimension usually cost at least $50 to ship via UPS or Fedex.

How do I figure out shipping costs?

  1. Navigate to the USPS Postage Price Calculator page. …
  2. Enter the details of your letter or package. …
  3. Select the shipment type. …
  4. Compare shipping options. …
  5. Add Extra Services. …
  6. Hit “Continue” for your result. …
  7. Pay for shipping and print postage for your shipment.

How do you wrap art prints for shipping?

Place one or two layers of corrugated cardboard or mount board on both sides of the art package. Make sure that the cardboard is at least 2 inches larger than the wrapped original. Tape around the outside of the cardboard pieces so they stay together and the corners of the original are protected from impact damage.

How much does it cost to ship a 12x12 canvas?

How much does it cost to ship a 12×12 painting? The cost of shipping a small print via USPS is approximately $5. If you wish to ship larger prints or paintings on paper, you can roll them up and ship them in tubes for about $5 to $20.

Does FedEx Ship paint?

FedEx only ships metal paint cans of hazardous liquids. … Affix a red hazard label (OP-900 label), which you can obtain at a FedEx office, to the package and write the identification number for paint (UN1263) on each side of the box. Also, include a return address, or the package will not be shipped.

How do you ship a painted canvas?

  1. Cover your entire canvas with packing paper, taping it so that no part of the canvas is exposed.
  2. Wrap the whole canvas in a couple layers of bubble wrap and tape it so that it stays in place.
  3. If you have any more room, tape on another layer of foam sheets for additional protection.

How do I ship art prints USPS?

Option One: Hand write or print the customer’s name and address on paper and affix with tape to the box. Have USPS weigh, measure, and print postage label at the post office. Option Two: Use a shipping app like Shippo. Weigh and measure the shipment, and print your own labels at home.

How much does an art print weigh?

Typical household print paper weights range between 60gsm and 100gsm. For an A4 sheet of print paper, this is the weight you’d expect to feel. Traditional poster papers usually weigh between 110gsm and 140gsm.

Is FedEx or UPS better for shipping artwork?

Since both carriers provide better package tracking and speedier delivery than the government-run postal service, FedEx and UPS are your go-to delivery services when shipping a piece of art. …

Is it cheaper to ship UPS or USPS?

UPS is often more expensive than USPS due to fees and surcharges, especially when it comes to shipping smaller packages. Generally, USPS offers much better rates when shipping smaller packages less than two lbs., though UPS typically is a better choice when shipping larger, heavier packages by offering superior value.

How do I ship a picture frame USPS?

When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately. Sealing: Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2″ wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape (do not use scotch tape).

Does VAT apply to artwork?

​The standard rate of VAT on most goods and services in the UK is 20%. This is mandatory for all businesses selling art who are above the VAT threshold i.e. must be VAT registered. The VAT Rate on art IMPORTED into this country is 5%

Is original art duty free?

In the UK, original works of art are “import duty free”, but there will still be 5 per cent VAT to pay if they come from outside the EU. A good dealer will advise on how to complete the paperwork and will probably be able to arrange shipping, but it’s wise to shop around.

How much is import tax from the USA to UK?

Type and value of goodsImport duty rateGifts worth £135-£6302.5% (lower for some goods)

How much does it cost to ship a 5 lb box USPS?

Parcel Select (wt. not over)Zones 1 & 2Zone 53 lb$7.75$9.294 lb$7.85$10.085 lb$7.95$11.356 lb$8.06$13.97

How much does it cost to ship a 16x20 canvas USPS?

Product priceStandard shipping 5–9 business days8x10″$32.99$9.9911×14″$35.99$9.9916×16″$44.99$10.9916×20$49.99$9.99

How much does it cost to ship a 16x20 canvas?

I just shipped one of my 16×20 paintings and it was $25 to ship through UPS. I would use the post office but they’re so rough with items and they don’t have a box to fit a 16×20 painting.

How do you protect unframed artwork?

For unframed pieces Use a sheet of silicone release paper to cover the canvas and seal it with packing tape, ensuring that no tape makes contact with the canvas. If you can’t find silicone paper, a clean plastic sheet works too.

How do you store unframed paintings?

The best way to pack up an unframed artwork or a canvas is to wrap it up in glassine, an air and water-resistant material and securely place it in between two sheets (slightly bigger than the artwork) of another sturdy material like foam or cardboard.

How do you store prints and paintings?

  1. Make Sure to Avoid Direct Sunlight. …
  2. Make Sure You Store Canvas Prints & Paintings Upright. …
  3. Keep Canvas Prints & Paintings in a Cool, Dry Place. …
  4. Avoid Storing Canvas Prints on the Floor. …
  5. Protect Your Canvas Prints with Cloth. …
  6. Store Large Paintings and Canvas Prints in Mirror Boxes.