How Art Is Packed and Shipped: What a Buyer Should Know

The biggest hesitation about buying art online is not price but shipping. "What if it gets damaged" puts a lot of people off.

This article answers that plainly: how pieces are packed, what to check on delivery, what to do if there is damage, and how to protect your own work when moving.

Packing by type of work#

Different works are packed differently; putting everything in the same box is the mistake itself.

Paintings on canvas travel flat. First a protective layer that does not touch the surface, then foam or bubble wrap, then corner protectors, and a rigid board outermost. The critical point is the corners: almost all damage begins there.

On framed and glazed work the glass gets separate protection. Taping a cross over the glass is an old method: if it breaks, it stops the pieces scattering and scratching the surface.

Tufted wall panels travel flat, never folded. A fold mark can be permanent on a textured surface.

Tufted floor rugs travel rolled. The direction matters: they are rolled with the surface facing inwards so the loops do not rub against each other.

Both get a moisture-protective layer. Vehicles and depots are unpredictable for humidity, and given that backing is sensitive to moisture, this step cannot be skipped.

What to do on delivery#

These three steps prevent most problems.

Check the parcel while the courier is still there. If the outer box is crushed, punctured or damp, photograph it.

Keep the packaging while unwrapping. If a damage claim follows, the packing is part of the evidence; do not throw it away immediately.

Inspect the piece in good light. Look for scratches, cracks, crushing or moisture marks. If you see a problem, photograph it as soon as you open it and write to the seller the same day.

If you find a problem with a piece from us, write with a photograph through the contact page.

About insurance#

It is worth being honest: standard carrier insurance usually works on declared value with low limits.

If a high-value piece is being sent, a value declaration is needed, otherwise any compensation stays symbolic. Asking at the time of purchase is far better than discussing it afterwards.

The question to ask is: at what value is the shipment insured, and how does the process work if there is damage. A seller who cannot answer fails one of the checks for choosing a studio.

Shipping abroad#

Two further issues apply internationally.

First, customs and paperwork. What the piece is, its value and whether it is handmade are all declared. Import duty in the destination country falls to the buyer, and that should be clear before ordering.

Second, time and handling. International shipping takes longer and passes through more hands, which makes the packing standard matter even more.

We keep the current position on shipping outside Turkey on the frequently asked questions page.

Moving your own work#

Most damage happens here; removal firms are not used to handling art.

For canvases and framed work:

• Carry upright, never stacked flat
• Put card between pieces; frames scratch each other
• They should stand upright and snug in the van; a piece with room to move will topple
• Do not leave them long in a hot vehicle; heat affects varnish and canvas

For rugs:

• Roll, never fold. A fold mark can be permanent
• Roll with the surface facing inwards
• Put nothing heavy on top of the roll; crushed loops do not recover

If you are putting work into storage, damp is the enemy. Cellars and garages are not suitable.

Long-term storage#

If a piece will be out of use for a while, a few rules:

• Store flat or upright, but never under pressure
• Do not wrap and seal in plastic. Plastic traps moisture inside; use a breathable cover
• Choose somewhere out of direct sun where the temperature does not swing
• Take it out and check once a year

There is more detail in oil painting care for painted work and tufted rug care for textured surfaces.

How it works with us#

When a piece is finished I send final images, the balance is settled, and packing begins.

Wall panels travel flat and floor rugs rolled; both get a moisture-protective layer. On canvas work, corner protectors and a rigid outer box are standard.

Shipping time and conditions are confirmed when the order is agreed. I described the whole ordering process separately.

Should shipping worry stop you buying#

The short answer: no.

A properly packed piece is unlikely to be damaged in transit, and if it is, it is resolvable. The real risk is buying from a seller who does not take packing seriously.

So it is worth asking before ordering: how is the piece packed, how is it shipped, and what happens if there is damage. With a seller who answers all three clearly, this stops being a risk.

You can see finished pieces in the gallery and commissioned work on the custom order page.