JR Best Practices for Packing & Shipping Art with Intention
Presenting your artwork beautifully is just as important as creating it. Thoughtful packing not only protects your piece in transit—it reflects your professionalism, your brand, and ours. When you ship with care, the collector’s first impression begins the moment the box arrives at their door.
By using archival materials, rigid protection, and clean, intentional presentation, you ensure your artwork travels safely and arrives exactly as promised: pristine, elevated, and ready to be cherished. A well-packed piece tells your client that you value the work, respect the collector, and take pride in every detail of your craft. It is an extension of your studio practice—and a reflection of the excellence we stand behind.
Ship with intention. Pack with purpose. Deliver your art the way it deserves to be received: beautifully, securely, and with the level of care that turns buyers into lifelong collectors.
FOR ARTISTS WHO SELL ONLINE WITH US:
When a piece of art sells from our Juniper Rag website, the artwork must ship within 5 days of order.
Juniper Rag will notify the artist when an order is processed Incase of an issue, please notify us asap so we can communicate with the customer.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Use fresh, clean packing materials. Recycled boxes are fine but must be rigid.
Avoid using only bubble wrap on the surface of artwork—always add a rigid barrier and plastic for water protection..
Double-box anything valuable, over $1-2K
Label clearly: “FRAGILE,” “DO NOT BEND,” and “ARTWORK.” PO has marked tape too, so request.
Ship early in the week (Mon–Wed) to avoid weekend delays and holiday delays.
Obviously, these are guidelines that we have used and followed. Each artist should use their own discretion for safe packaging. JR is not responsible for any damaged goods.
✅ GENERAL PREP
☐ Confirm artwork is signed, preferably on the back of the art, not the stretcher. This may be removed in the future. Sign backs of photos with context. Print name, date, location. Adds to value.
☐ Clean hands and workspace, to ensure masterful and clean packaging. This reflects you as an artist, so use care.
☐ Gather all materials before starting-scissors, tape, glassine, bubble wrap, boxes, etc.
☐ Measure artwork + choose proper box size
☐ Photograph artwork and packing steps (for insurance) and social media content.
☐ Print packing slip with contact info if you are set up at home, or visit your local Post Office, who can also do this for a fee. (Artist responsible there.)
☐ Branding materials, business cards, postcards, stickers
☐ Letter of Authenticity/Receipt
☐ Thank you note for purchasing your art from “Juniper Rag’s exhibition XXX” that may include a future invitation to exhibitions, studio visit, etc.
FOR CANVASES (STRETCHED OR PANELS)
1. Surface Protection
☐ Cover artwork face with glassine and then a clear plastic bag to prevent any water damage.
☐ Tape glassine on the back only
☐ Add corner protectors or bubble wrap for protection.
2. Cushioning
☐ Wrap artwork in 2 layers of bubble wrap (bubbles outward)
☐ Ensure wrap is snug but not compressing and not touching painting directly. Check that all paint is completely dry. ; )
☐ Tape neatly and securely, and strategically but not so the recipient has trouble opening.
3. Rigid Shield
☐ Sandwich artwork between two rigid boards (cardboard or foam board)
☐ Tape boards together on all sides
4. Boxing
☐ Select a strong, snug box with 2–3" clearance
☐ Add padding to bottom of box and around edges for a snug fit.
☐ Insert artwork
☐ Fill remaining gaps with kraft paper or foam corners and packing filler.
☐ Seal using the H-pattern
☐ Label: "FRAGILE" + "ARTWORK"
5. Optional (High Value or Large)
☐ Double-box using a larger box with 2–4" padding between layers
☐ Add “This Side Up” labels
FOR FLAT PRINTS (UNFRAMED)
1. Surface Protection
☐ Place print on clean surface
☐ Cover with glassine and in sealable cello sleave
☐ Tape on back only
2. Rigid Support
☐ Sandwich print between two rigid boards
☐ Tape neatly around edges to form a firm mailer
3. Flat Box or Mailer
☐ Insert into stay-flat mailer or flat shipping box
☐ Add edge padding if using a box
☐ Seal thoroughly
☐ Label: “DO NOT BEND”
FOR ROLLED PRINTS (ONLY IF SAFE TO ROLL)
☐ Roll print loosely around glassine and insert into clear plastic sleeve.
☐ Use 4–6" diameter tube
☐ Add protective end caps
☐ Tape end caps securely
☐ Optional: place tube inside triangle mailer for anti-crush protection
SHIPPING & DOCUMENTATION
☐ Add packing slip inside with all your marketing materials
☐ Seal box seams fully and neatly
☐ Add exterior label and return address
☐ Photograph final package
☐ Purchase insurance (carrier or third-party)
☐ Select trackable service
☐ Save receipt + tracking number
☐ Send tracking to recipient
ECONOMY TIPS
☐ Compare rates online and ask at the PO
☐ Use USPS for small prints; UPS for larger boxes, other carriers, [see tips below]
☐ Keep dimensions tight to avoid surcharges, research price differences for increased sizes to see if you can pack smaller and save.
☐ Buy boxes in bulk to lower cost or singles at the shipping center. We save boxes and resuse packing materials. Just make them look neat.
☐ Reuse clean foam or insulation board
Carrier Tips for Canvases
UPS Ground: Often best mix of price + reliability for larger pieces.
FedEx Home Delivery/Ground: Good for oversized.
USPS: Only economical for canvases under ~20" and under 30lbs; surcharges apply after that.
Do NOT use USPS for anything large or expensive.
3. Tracking & Insurance
Always select a trackable service and once prepared and ready, send your tracking number to Juniper Rag with photos of package.
Signature confirmation recommended for very high-value pieces over 1-2K.
Make sure your recipient knows this or it will be sent to local PO.
For Insurance use the carrier’s declared value system.
For shipments over $1,000–2,000, consider third-party insurance.
