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here are many occasions when artwork needs to travel: loans, conservation, acquisitions, etc.. Soft packing can be a safe, cost-effective was to transport these works of art. Before soft-wrapping works of art for travel, certain risks need to be considered. Works should be in stable condition and be able to withstand basic shipping and handling. Items that are extremely fragile may require crating or more extensive packing than is outlined here. Soft packing is not appropriate for international or domestic air-freight shipments, or for traveling exhibitions. The following are basic guidelines for soft packing. For more detailed information or soft packing methods, or properties and applications of specific materials, refer to the sources in the bibliography or contact The Exhibition Alliance (315) 824-2510. Soft-wrapping generally involves three layers of material: the surface layer (polyethylene sheeting or glassine) protects against dirt and prevents other materials from having direct contact with the art; the cushioning layer (foam sheeting or bubble wrap) protects against vibration and handling damage; the exterior layer (cardboard or Fome-Cor) protects agains low impact punctures and provides a more durable package for handling and securing. First, check the stability of the artwork. If it is frames, make sure it is secure in the frame. Framed pieces must also have a secure backing. Remove protruding hardware from the artwork or frame as it can cause damage to other works that may lean against it during shipping. To minimize risks, soft packed items should be handled by professional fine art carriers or trained art handlers who provide air-ride suspension and climate controlled vehicles. Artwork should be shipped as directly as possible to the final destination. Be sure to notify the carrier of any special handling instruction when you schedule the shipment. Now you are ready to soft-wrap. General Rules 1. Prepare a clean padded work surface and gather necessary tools before you begin. Useful tools include a straight edge, a measuring tape, scissors, a mat or utility knife, and self-adhesive tape. 2. Always use clean, new materials. Materials that are dirty, torn and covered with old tape are ineffective for protecting artwork. 3. Works glazed with standard glass should be taped with low-tack tape. Never tape Plexiglas. To tape glass, apply tape in strips directly onto the glass so that the entire surface is covered, leaving no more than 1/4 between strips of tape. The tape should not touch the frame. This procedure helps contain any glass shards should the glass break during transit, and prevents them from damaging the artwork. To remove the tape after transit, pull each length of tape off at a 45-degree angle. Clean the glass surface with a glass cleaner to remove any excessive adhesive. If the artwork is glazed with laminated or non-reflective glass (e.g. Denglas), consult the glass manufacturer for detailed instructions. (For more information, a technical note on taping glazed works is available from The Exhibition Alliance). 4. Cut materials large enought to wrap around both sides of the artwork. 5. Place work face down on the wrapping material. (Do not place a painting face down if the surface is fragile.) Wrap the work tautly, and secure in the back with tape. The tape should be fastened only to the wrapping material itself and should not touch the frame or the artwork. 6. Construct a cardboard sleeve: Cut a piece of double-walled cardboard the width of the wrapped object, long enough to fold around the top and bottom and to completely or partially cover the back. Score the cardboard along the top and bottom edges where it will be folded. Fold the cardboard around the artwork and tape securely.
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