8 Essential Tips to Pack Mirrors and Framed Artwork When Moving

 

Discover the best expert techniques for safely packing fragile mirrors, paintings, photographs, and other framed fine art to prevent damage during moves.

Getting ready to move can feel overwhelming when you're faced with properly packing oversized awkward items like mirrors, framed photos, canvas paintings, wall art, and other delicate pieces. 

But never fear! By using the right materials and following crucial procedures, you can safely wrap cherished artwork and prevent damage while loading, unloading and transporting it to your new home.

This comprehensive article shares 8 vital packing and moving tips with moving boxes calgary from professional art and antique movers.

Preparing Artwork and Supplies

Before starting the wrapping process, begin by carefully taking each piece down from walls and removing hanging hardware from the back. 

Detach wires, hooks, brackets, nails or other fasteners and place them in small bags labeled with the artwork titles. This keeps all hardware together so it can be easily rehung later.

Next, inventory all the artwork and mirrors you need to move and examine each for existing damage like cracks or loose hinges. 

Note any flaws and wrap these areas first for stabilization. Gather all the packaging 

Wrapping Framed Items With Glass

If your antique mirror, limited edition lithograph print, oil painting or other wall art contains real glass, it requires specialized packing methods to prevent cracked panes or splintered edges during shipping shocks and bumps. Follow these detailed steps:

1. Remove Backing

If possible, carefully detach any backing, hardware, or frame sides so the glass can be accessed and wrapped separately before reassembly.

2. Wrap Glass in Acid-Free Tissue

Gently cushion the glass inside soft yet durable acid-free tissue paper, then wrap in bubble wrap to pad it before placing it back inside the frame. Tissue paper protects the glass surface while bubble wrap absorbs outer shocks.

3. Wrap Frame Backing in Padding

Use clean packing blankets, soft foam, or bubble wrap to softly surround the frame's backing piece. Cushioning prevents dings to the frame and absorbs vibration or shocks if accidentally bumped or dropped during loading/unloading.

4. Reassemble Frame

Place the wrapped glass back inside the frame guts and reattach any hardware, standoffs, wires or frame sides. Reassembling provides stability.

5. Wrap Assembled Frame in Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap the entire reassembled frame to prevent dust, dirt, or damage in case of bumps or drops during transport and storage. Bubble wrap cushions and absorbs shock.

6. Tape Cardboard Edge Protectors

For extra corner and edge protection, tape cardboard L-brackets, edge guards, or corner braces onto the bubble wrapped frame. Cardboard significantly braces vulnerable corners and edges.

7. Secure Wrap with Tape

As you wrap, continuously tape down the enclosure to securely adhere the bubble wrap. Do not skimp on tape—it ensures materials stay wrapped.

8. Label Wrapped Piece

Identify the wrapped artwork by taping a tag or packing label onto the exterior listing the title and room destination. This allows movers to correctly place each item.

Conclusion

If you use these professional packing best practices and stability methods, you can feel confident your cherished mirrors, irreplaceable paintings, photographs and other fine art will safely arrive at the new home or storage undamaged and ready to be enjoyed for years to come!