How do I ship a framed picture? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

01/20/2011 09:59:15 AM · #1

I've only shipped a framed item once. And even though I thought I had packed it extremely well, the glass still broke.

How to I pack a 16x19 framed photo so that the glass won't break?

Thanks in advance!

EL-ROI

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

01/20/2011 10:31:59 AM · #2

Very Carefully!!

j/k!

FEDEX Shipping guidelines

I would suggest using the box in box method on page 3 of this guide for your fragile item!

At a minimum wrap the frame in small cell bubble wrap. Store it in a box that is about 2" bigger than the frame all around. Place foam peanuts or other similar type of cushion packing material around the edges of the frame. Seal up the box. Get another box 2" bigger than you previous box. Fill the edges with foam peanuts or other similar type of cushion. Make sure both boxes are new, sturdy and rigid!

Enjoy!

Ja-9

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

01/20/2011 10:32:43 AM · #3

Wendy, I would take it to a pack n ship place and have them do it...they will insure it, and if it breaks they pay for it...if this is for a client...pass the cost on to them

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

01/20/2011 10:45:09 AM · #4

Nope -- it's not for a client -- it's for an art show.

Unfortunately, the only pack and ship place that I know of completely lost and item that we shipped. So I'll not use them again. So I'll have to use FedEx or Ups and pack it myself.

The box within a box is an interesting idea, EL-ROI. Thanks for the link.

Anyone else had success with shipping framed items?

karmat

Apple iPhone 7

01/20/2011 12:02:56 PM · #5

I would also suggest a firm piece of cardboard just slightly larger than the frame on the glass side to give it an extra "wall."

atupdate

Pentax K-R

Promaster 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR IF

01/20/2011 01:37:10 PM · #6

Don't forget to label the box Glass - Do Not Lay Flat!!!!!

Tim

Message edited by author 2011-01-20 13:37:25.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

01/20/2011 04:58:26 PM · #7

Originally posted by atupdate:

Don't forget to label the box Glass - Do Not Lay Flat!!!!!

Tim

Or, as I often see on packages, "Do not stack over six high" ...

Personally, I would use a variation on the box-in-a-box idea by using thin plywood for the inner box.

You can get plywood which is only 1/8" thick -- it is almost as light as heavy cardboard. Cut two pieces about 3" bigger than your frame, and drill small holes about 1/2" inwards from each corner. Wrap the frame in felt or bubble-wrap and lay on the first sheet. Place the second sheet on top.

Use machine screws a little longer than this "sandwich," a pair of washers, and a wingnut through each of the holes in the corners, and tighten down until the wood bows slightly and holds the frame firmly in position. For extra security you could put tighteners in the centers of the sides as well. Pack this whole thing with some padding into a standard cardboard shipping box.

Good luck!

Louis

Nikon D800

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

01/20/2011 05:27:19 PM · #8

Breakage is why most framing websites don't offer glass. It's usually acrylic glazing only.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/20/2011 05:34:07 PM · #9

i've used these guys before to ship large (40x30) framed prints before and had no problems. even though i trusted them, i paid for the insurance. they have LOTS of locations near you and it really beats shouldering the responsibility for getting it right.

after all, this is what they do every day and they have all the tools and resources to get the job done right. kinda like the difference between someone hiring a professional photographer to do what they do every day or trying to do it themself...

of course, anything can go wrong, but for me, i'm all about mitigating the odds ;-)

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

01/20/2011 07:02:11 PM · #10

Thanks everyone!

I was going to do a variation of the box in a box, and then some other things the post office recommended, but my husband had no faith in me doing it right (probably wise of him.)

So I had FedEx pack it.

I was surprised to see that they just bubble-wrapped it and put it in a picture box.

We'll see what happens. Luckily I'm shipping it to my mother-in-law and she'll drop it off on the appropriate drop-off day. So if the glass is broken, she has a chance to fix it. Hopefully it won't damage the print if it does break. (darn!! I had two copies of the print, and I was going to attach the other after I put the it all together, before putting the brown paper backing on the frame. Didn't remember until just now. Oh well.)

Thanks for all the info!

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

01/21/2011 01:51:37 AM · #11

Originally posted by vawendy:

Seems to work well. Canvas On Demand ships very large canvases that way and uses FedEx. I have never had a problem and the boxes arriving without a mark on them.

LevT

OM System OM-1

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

01/21/2011 03:07:23 AM · #12

Louis already said it, but I can re-iterate - the best solution is not to use glass at all. Use Plexiglas instead. It can be a little more expensive, but much safer. It looks as good as glass, if not better, it can be also done with non-glare and anti-glare coating. In fact, some shows I've participated in, required using Plexiglas for safety and insurance purposes. With Plexiglas, you can be pretty sure it won't break in shipping.