Shipping questions

 

Hi David,

Do you have any advice about shipping acrylic paintings on canvas?  Is there any material you know of that will not stick to the surface? I have heard lots of horror stories about various plastics and paper coverings adhering to the painting.

Also, do you know how to construct a "museum collar" for shipping?  I have heard of these but never seen a diagram to make one.

Thanks for any information you would be willing to share.

Susan

Hi Susan,

I have shipped hundreds of acrylic paintings and I don’t have a problem with sticking. 

Acrylic paint is thermoplastic though and will act like glue when the conditions are warm, like in a hot transport truck, so making sure they are not touching anything they will adhere to is important.

I simply pack them in brown packing paper, then bubble wrap, then cardboard.  I never pack two painting so that they touch each other, each one is wrapped individually when there is more than one in a package.  I also make sure that the painted surface of the paintings are facing inside the box to reduce the risk of harm if the box is damaged. 

Acrylic paintings are the easiest of all mediums to restore if they do get damaged or stick to something so I am never very concerned.

I have never used a 'museum collar' and don't know how to make one.  Check with the conservation department of your local public art gallery, they might know. 

Hi David,

I have person interested in purchasing my artwork thru the web.  I have never sold art internationally and would appreciate if you could provide some information.

What is the best method for shipping and receiving payment??  Are there any issues with customs when selling artwork internationally?  Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Yours truly, Kurt

Hi Kurt,

You need to receive payment before you send anything.  Since you probably don't accept credit card payments you should have them send a certified cheque, or a money order.  A personal cheque is ok but you should wait for it to clear before shipping the painting.  I have a paypal account that I use for transactions as well, that is very handy. 

You can use a courier service like Fedex or UPS for international shipping.  You have to decide if you are going to charge shipping or include it in the cost.  The biggest problem with shipping artwork is getting it insured.  Most couriers will not insure it without written 'proof' of value, i.e. a professional appraisal.  That is a pain in the...  They are right to insist of course because you could claim any value and insurance fraud would be a breeze.  I just package the #@$%^$# out of it and don't worry about it. 

You have to fill out a customs declaration and the receiver is responsible for any taxes or duties at their end, and you should probably let them know that in advance.  Therefore, the receiver may appreciate a lower declared value (insurance is a non issue anyway) as many countries, like Canada, charge fees, duties, and taxes based on a percentage of the declared value. 

Hope that helps, best of luck, David