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Instructions for Crating Artwork

Crating is a way of packaging multiple pieces of artwork for storage and shipment. When you crate artwork, whether original or not, it can be done to safely ensure the work isn't damaged while it is being kept in the crate. Knowing how to crate your artwork for shipment or storage isn't a difficult endeavor at all and it only requires the use of very few materials. This gives you the ability to crate without spending a lot of money or wasting a lot of time.

Things You'll Need

  • Assorted artwork
  • Plastic
  • Substrate
  • Crate
  • Staple gun or hand drill
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Instructions

  1. Statuary

    • 1

      Place the statuary artwork on its side, on a sheet of paper measuring double the size of the statue. For example, if the statuary artwork measures 5-feet tall by 2-feet wide, the plastic sheet will need to be 10-feet tall by 4-feet wide. Wrap the sheet around the statue or sculpture until it is fully wrapped.

    • 2

      Fill a crate measuring close to the sculpture or statue's size with substrate. If the statue is 5-by-2 feet, the box should be around 6-by-3 feet. Packing peanuts, shredded paper or bubble pouches provides cushioning for the artwork in the crate.

    • 3

      Place the wrapped statuary art piece into the crate of substrate. Adjust it carefully so that it is secure in the center of the substrate, protected by its softness.

    • 4

      Place the lid of the crate into the top opening. Modern crate lids slide into the top and rest on lipped edges. You can either nail them into place to keep them secure, or leave them as is for ease of access. If you're shipping the crate, it needs to be nailed or stapled shut.

    Paintings

    • 5

      Spread out a sheet of plastic measuring double the size of the largest painting being crated. For example, if the largest painting is 18-by-20 inches, the sheet of plastic must be 36-by-40 inches.

    • 6

      Stack 5 or 6 paintings on top of one another. Stack them with the largest painting on the bottom, on top of the plastic. Wrap the plastic around the front of the stack of paintings. Double wrap the paintings to further secure them, if you can.

    • 7

      Fill the crate, measuring close to the size of the largest painting, with substrate. Again, choices include shredded paper, packing peanuts of bubble wrap/pouches.

    • 8

      Slide the wrapped stack of paintings into the center of the crate, allowing the packing substrate to surround the wrapped stack on all sides. This ensures the paintings will remain securely in the box without bouncing on the walls and getting damaged.

    • 9

      Secure the lid of the crate.

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