Packaging for Mailing

[Susan C. Burke]

Just wondering what materials and web sites people use to get packages for mailing of art work? A full-size watercolor needs something near 29" by 37". And do most of you matt your work before sending? I can roll a watercolor into a tube without matt.

[Donald Kennedy]

Dear Susan, I make quite a good penny with my watercolors, I mat and frame them with UV plastic (I prefer UV glass), because it doesn't break in transit. The matting and backing foam core with linen tape oI know there will be no discoloring or damage to the work later on due to the materials used. I have a watercolor in the Brandywine River Museum, Chadsford PA. and am noted for my antique trucks & farm equipment. Now back to the packing and shipping if you are so inclined make box out of 1" x 2" or 1" x 3" or larger. Set the boards on edge so that only one butt edge shows nail and glue each butt joint together making a open box, then cut a piece of cardboard or maisonite to fit the box, then staple, nail or tack the cardboard or maisonite to one of the box edges making a a box with no top. Get some bubble wrap and staple it to the interior of the box trimming it flush with the 1" by x" (hopefully you have allowed for the frame plus the bubble wrap) then cut the top the same size as the bottom. With a scrap of 1" by x" mark thecardboard or maisonite top 1" from the edge and then apply bubble wrap and trim to that line, so that the top will fit flush. If the top is cardboard nail or staple it together. Place the frame and invoice in the enclosure, before closing or you will be shipping an empty box. (joke) If you use masionite you may want to use screws to make the top removable so it can be reused. I this is too much go to UPS store. All the best, Donald