For example, if your print is 8. 5 by 11 inches (22 by 28 cm), a 9. 75 by 12. 25 in (24. 8 by 31. 1 cm) rigid mailing envelope will work well.
You can purchase plastic art sleeves online, from shipping supply stores, or from arts and crafts stores. Look for bags that are labeled “Acid Free” and “Archival Safe. ” Purchase chipboard sheets from a packing supply or craft store, or cut your own backing sheets from old cardboard boxes with a precision knife. The backing sheet will help ensure that your print doesn’t get bent.
To ensure the best visibility, put your print in the bag so the adhesive seal is on the opposite side from the front of the print when you close the bag.
For extra security, put a little packaging tape across the back flap of the envelope.
You can also purchase envelopes that already have “Do Not Bend” printed on them.
For example, if you have a 16 by 20 in (41 by 51 cm) print, shipping in a tube will be safer and cheaper than shipping it flat. You can purchase sturdy cardboard shipping tubes from most shipping supply stores. If you’re really concerned about your print getting damaged in the mail, you can also ship it in a length of PVC pipe. [9] X Research source
Rolling the print up in craft paper will provide an extra layer of protection against dirt, smudges, and scratches. Alternatively, you can use an archival paper such as Tyvek or Glassine. [11] X Research source These papers are specially designed to protect delicate art and prints, but they are more expensive than basic kraft paper.
If you’re shipping multiple prints in one tube, protect them from damaging each other by layering sheets of craft or archival paper between each print. [13] X Research source
If you notice any sharp folds or bends starting to form, unroll the print and start again, this time rolling more loosely. [15] X Research source
You can also slip the print into a rolled poster bag if you prefer. You can purchase these bags from shipping supply stores.
Be careful not to fold or bend the edges of your print when you’re tucking in the paper.
Don’t try to force the print into the tube if it doesn’t slip in easily. You’ll risk damaging the print, and it will also be harder to safely remove it from the tube if the fit is too tight. [20] X Research source
Pack the end of the tube loosely so you don’t crush the top edge of your print when you close the tube.
Most mailing tubes come with fitted end caps, or you can purchase caps that match your mailing tubes separately from a shipping supply store. You can also cut caps to size out of thick cardboard or chipboard. Don’t simply put tape across the open ends of the tube. Your print could stick to the tape and get damaged.
