How to pack oil paintings?

[Donna T]

I’m getting ready for a cross-country move and my art supplies are mostly packed. I have several oil paintings on paper and a few on panels that need to be packed up. Is it ok if I put wax paper between them to prevent them from sticking together or should I use parchment paper? I know that bubble wrap can cause indentations on oil paintings so I’m avoiding that. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Enyaw]

I’ve use both. Wax paper is cheaper but is very slide prone so be sure it can’t move.

 

[Terri]

I’m getting ready for a cross-country move and my art supplies are mostly packed. I have several oil paintings on paper and a few on panels that need to be packed up. Is it ok if I put wax paper between them to prevent them from sticking together or should I use parchment paper? I know that bubble wrap can cause indentations on oil paintings so I’m avoiding that. Thanks for any advice!

I had to move cross-country and figure out how to move with a lot of oil pastel paintings - all on paper. That's fairly close to your scenario.

I used waxed paper; bought a longer/wider sized carton so it would cover more. I taped the edges with artist tape - I agree with Wayne, best to do something to keep it from shifting.

Another thing I did was to buy small felt furniture sliders (felt for hardwood floors) to act as spacers between the pieces so they wouldn’t touch each other. I put the sticky side onto the waxed paper. (Oil pastels don't dry down to a hard touch for a long time. Only smudged one, yay!) I used Arches Oil paper, which is pretty heavyweight, so they all traveled fairly well.

Good luck with your move!

 

[Donna T]

Thanks Wayne and Terri! Waxed paper (freezer paper) is what I have so I’m glad it’s ok to use it. Great tip about the felt sliders, Terri!

 

[Terri]

I was almost afraid to try it but they worked!

Cross-country move - warmer location, or a lateral move?