How paintings are packed so they arrive undamaged
Most damage in transit can be traced to one of three things: rolling too early, the wrong wrapping against the paint, or unprotected corners.
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Rolled paintings
The canvas is fully cured, interleaved with glassine paper, rolled face-out around a wide core, wrapped and sealed in a rigid tube with end caps.
Stretched paintings
The painted surface is covered with glassine, the corners are protected with corner guards, and the painting is wrapped and boxed with padding on all sides.
Large and framed paintings
Custom wooden crates with foam blocks at the corners keep the painting from moving and the surface from touching anything.
Why curing comes first
A painting that's dry to the touch may still be soft underneath. Rolled or stacked too early, it can crack along the curve, stick to its wrapping or transfer color. We wait until the paint has cured.
Why glassine, not plastic
Glassine is a smooth, air-resistant paper that doesn't stick to paint. Plastic film can cling to a paint surface, especially in heat, and traps moisture against the canvas.
When the painting arrives
- Check the outer box or tube for damage before signing, and note any on the delivery receipt.
- Photograph any damage before unpacking further.
- Check the front, the sides and the back of the painting.
- Unroll rolled canvases promptly and let them rest flat.
In the rare case a painting arrives damaged, send us the photos and we'll send a replacement.
Related guides
Standard canvas sizes, and how to choose one for your wall
Standard canvas sizes in inches and centimeters, simple rules for sofas, beds, hallways and lobbies, and how high to hang a painting.
Rolled or stretched: which to order, and what it does to your freight bill
How rolled and stretched canvases differ in cost, risk and convenience, and which paintings should never be rolled.
How to stretch a rolled canvas
A step-by-step guide for framers and buyers: margins, order of stapling, and how to avoid wrinkles and cracking.