How to pack framed pictures and mirror for overseas shipping

by Ben Dor
(Rockville, 20852)

How to pack pictures and mirrors for overseas shipping?

Answer

There are 4 hazards to guard against here:

1) Pressure against the glass, either from a handler's boot or from load shift in a sea container.

2) Rattle and bumping and scratching in handling or transit.

3) Careless handling putting pressure on the corners of a fragile picture frame.

4) The big one: if you have ornate plaster or carved wooden frames, the whole frame will need to be protected against it's own weight.

You will need 3 ply removal paper, plenty of bubble wrap and card board. The cardboard could be flattened or un made up removal boxes to be taped or cut to match the dimensions of the picture.

Leaving 4 aside for the moment, and assuming that the pictures are of reasonable size, say less than 4 square feet: assemble all the items in one room and:

1) Pair ones of similar size, to wrap with glass face to glass face, and bubble wrap between then to avoid scratching. This way the picture's back will provide protection. If you cannot match the frames exactly, use cardboard between the glass faces to ensure there is no pressure applied from frame to glass.

2) Lay out 3 ply removal paper, possibly taping several pieces together so you have enough to surround the pictures completely. Put down cardboard (flat boxes) to match the dimensions of the pictures.

3) Place your picture 'sandwich' on the paper and cardboard and slide bubble, doubled up (or more) under the straight edges, and fold over.
This bubble is your shock absorber so the cushion should be impressive!

4) Place more flat cardboard on top and wrap it up: the 3 ply paper should be creating trust worthy corner cushions, and wrap it tight so nothing can move out of place.

5) Stand up your package and check for corner, straight edge protection.

Should you have (expensive) ornate frames, then you will need to consider the above encased in a simple frame of 2 thin plywood sheets and timber.
Ideally the package inside the frame has a small amount of pressure applied by additional bubble to stop it moving.

All further contributions welcome.