When I started to paint, I didn’t think about how to package and ship my paintings through and through. I looked some videos talking about how to ship artwork but that was it. When I got my first actual order for my original painting, I reached out my hands to these packaging and shipping supplies. Now I have entire storage cabinet filled with all kinds of bags, stickers and boxes. I think it may be helpful to sort them out, write them down as a list.
For artwork itself (Packaging supplies)
I have 5 different sizes of these bags. 8″×10″, 9″×12″, 11″×14″, 16″×20″, 19″×24″. I make sure every piece of my work is inside one of this bags.
This paper is very helpful to protect the painting surface. I purchase the roll and cut the size that I need. I will put glassine sheet on top of the painting/drawing and then place them together inside the photo bag. If the drawing is on a paper, I will add same size cardboard underneath the paper.
I find this product on eBay. I have 11″×14″, 16″×20″ two sizes. 16″×20″ can be cut into four 8″×10″ boards. I use these cardboards as backboard for both my gouache painting, ink drawing and stretched canvas.
- LOGO stickers. (optional)
As you may have noticed, I changed my LOGO and printed some square stickers via Stickeryou website. I like their product. I put my sticker in front of the clear photo bag so it looks more professional. You can also print your website QR code.
Supplies for shipping
I don’t think I need to explain why but do use at a generous amount. I find best price at eBay (again).
I use these for my medium size paintings. One bag of 100 corner protectors could support 25 paintings.
- Poly mailer
I have two types of poly mailer. The smaller bubble one is for smaller painting/drawing. The none bubble large one is 19″×24″, for my 16″×20″ paintings. It is hard to find a right size box that fits 16″×20″ canvas while not too tall. So I decide to wrap the painting with bubble wrap until it would fit tightly into this 19″×24″ poly mailer. It works.
- Boxes
I use these boxes for my 11″×14″ canvas paintings. The USPS Priority Flat Rate box can be ordered as free via USPS website. But it can only used on domestic priority shipping. The ULINE box fits better. Their price though, is tricky. They have expensive shipping fee which makes the total price same as Staples store.
I choose ULINE because they have one day shipping. They also provide “Deluxe Artwork Shippers“. I believe this is better for framed artwork and the price is really “deluxe”. Ha!
I use this rigid mailer for my 9″×12″ pastel drawings. I fold one 16″×20″ cardboard and place the pastel drawing (in a clear photo bag with glassine) in between. And then this cardboard sandwich goes into rigid mailer as one piece.
This pouches is better than self adhesive labels in my opinion. I don’t have to worry about water, dirt or any other environmental issue.
For international shipping, I can easily leave the top part unsealed so they can pick up the dispatch note from the pouch. There are total 3 pieces of shipping label paper need to go with the package for international shipping. I can’t do it without this little bag.
I have the one that can be used both domestic and international. It can be ordered free from USPS website. It looks the same as picture above, but with little blue text saying “domestic and international”. I would say that you’d better have all kinds of stickers on hand. It can save time.
Don’t forget
- Tapes
- Markers
One more thing
- Online shipping website
I use SendPro pitneybowes to print most of my shipping labels. I tried Stamps before but they are a little complicated. SendPro is more straightforward and easy to use.
To sum up, you need every packaging/shipping supplies ready BEFORE you have any order. Calculate all sizes you would need and purchase them in bulk. This will save time and money. I hope you would find this list helpful~ ❤