AboutRobert M. Vincent Experience Past/Present clients include several galleries and specialty retail shops in Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. Also, several commissions in Watercolor, Oil Paintings, Glass & Tile Mosiac, Charcoal, and Metal Sculpture from large corporations to private collectors.
Question QUESTION: I have been following the answers you gave about packaging an oil painting and would be interested in knowing how to package it on our own if we aren't near a UPS store, and if the paint isn't necessarily dry (I don't get wet paint on me, but the painting dents a little if I press on areas where there is a buildup of paint). I should mention that the painting is oil on wood and that I am abroad, and have limited resources. I do have a hammock and could probably find butcher paper and plastic wrap. ? Would this work? I have a cardboard box that the painting fits into with room for extra packaging. I'd love to hear how to best protect the painting.
Best,
Ashley
ANSWER: Dear Ashley,
I have been thinking about your question since I got it. Of course I can assist you in packing your painting for shipping abroad but I am EXTREMELY concerned that because your oil painting is not yet dry or close to being dry that you risk destroying it. Is sending this painting right now that important to you? I will help in any event but I need to know if you MUST ship it now!
Sincerely,
Robert M. Vincent
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for your response. I am abroad right now and will be returning to the US with the painting on the 20th of August. Right now, I'm in a hotel/hostel and have been storing it in the cardboard box, open, so that it is protected, but still open to the air. I was hoping to package it appropriately to take on board the airplane with me. But, in two weeks it must either go with me on the airplane or be shipped (preferably on the airplane). The painting is too large for carry-on (already checked with the airline).
Thanks for taking a look at my question.
Best,
Ashley
Answer Dear Ashley,
Okay, lets get you and your painting home in great shape! I don't know the size of your painting nor do I know the size of the cardboard box you are currently using; however, the sizes really don't matter as long as the cardboard box will allow for the following:
1st Step: Find some Styrofoam and cut it into strips at least as wide as your painting. Glue the Styrofoam strips (just 3# into the box. Insert the painting and make sure it fits snug but DOES NOT DISTORT the board on which the painting is applied.
2nd Step: Next, fill both sides of the interior of the box with Styrofoam popcorn. I would suggest you open the opposite end of the box that you are working from to add extra Styrofoam popcorn. DO NOT shove the Styrofoam popcorn into the box as you do not want to burst any of the oil texture mounds. VERY IMPORTANT: Place a sheet of paper #use large fonts# that lists your name, the address you will placing the painting, your phone #'s #home, cell, and that of a friend of relative that lives closely to the address you will be moving to#, and your e-mail address. I might even paste a current photo of myself on this sheet of paper listed above. This will serve to identify you as the owner if the painting is lost during shipment.
3rd Step: Once you feel comfortable that Step 1 & 2 have been adequately completed, then begin to start closing both ends of the box with duct tape. Then wrap 3 to 4 rows of duct tape totally around the box covering both ends of the box that were previously open. Now, re-wrap the rows that you applied with duct tape with high strength clear packing tape on top of the duct tape. Turn the box to the right, and now wrap the other 2 #unwrapped# sides with 3 to 4 rows of clear packing tape. Once finished, your package will resemble a large checker board of sorts.
4th Step: Print at least 4 labels that state: FRAGILE, PAINTING ENCLOSED! Please DO NOT STACK ANYTHING ONTO THIS BOX. Use the clear packing tape to adhere these caution messages to each side of the painting box #2 per side#. Also, tape a copy of the sheet that you placed in the box #i.e., name, address, phone #, etc., etc.) to both sides of the packing box.
I truly hope that these packing list instructions will help. However, If you need any additional assistance or require further information, Please do not hesitate to contact me again.
