How to Choose the Right Art Packaging for Your Artwork (Without Guesswork)

When it comes to moving art – whether it’s a framed painting, a bronze sculpture, a custom furniture piece or a touring exhibition, one fact remains true:

Art isn’t just fragile. It’s irreplaceable.

Choosing the right art packaging is the single most important factor in ensuring a piece arrives safely, intact and exhibition-ready.

But with so many options; crates, cartons, travel frames, touring systems – it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s best.

This guide breaks it down clearly, so you can choose with confidence.

Why Packaging Matters More Than You Think

Proper art packaging protects against:

• Shock and vibration during handling
• Compression during stacking
• Moisture and temperature changes
• Rough handling during freight
• The unknown: weather, movement, people and accidents

For galleries, collectors and artists, proper packaging isn’t a cost – it’s protection, insurance and peace of mind.

Step 1: Answer These Five Questions First

Before choosing packaging, identify:

1. What type of artwork is it?

• 2D: paintings, drawings, prints, photographs
• 3D: sculptures, installations, antiques, mixed media

2. How fragile is it?

• Glass
• Porous surfaces
• Delicate finishes
• Multi-material joins

3. Where is it going?

• Local transport
• Interstate
• International air freight

4. How many times will it travel?

• One-off shipment
• Touring exhibition
• Storage + movement

5. How long does it need to be protected?

• Short-term transport only
• Multi-location touring
• Long-term storage

Once you answer these, selecting the right solution becomes simple.

Step 2: Compare Your Packaging Options

Art Cartons – Best for Simpler, Short-Distance Shipments

✔ Lightweight
✔ Cost-effective
✔ Ideal for prints, small canvases or framed artworks

Best for:
Local transport, small artworks & short-term storage

Honeycomb Crates – Best for Sustainable Strength & Cost-Efficient Protection

✔ Lightweight but strong
✔ Shock-absorbing honeycomb core
✔ More affordable than timber crates

Best for:
Clients wanting reliable protection with lower freight weight and a reduced environmental footprint. Ideal for medium-to-large artworks travelling domestically or stored long-term.

Timber Crates – Best for High-Value, Fragile or Oversized Work

✔ Maximum strength
✔ Museum-grade durability
✔ Suitable for air freight and long-distance handling

Best for:
Large artworks, international shipping & long-term protection

Travel Frames – Best for Framed Artwork Between Galleries

✔ Lightweight
✔ Easy to handle
✔ Internal support prevents movement

Best for:
Gallery-to-gallery transfers and fine art collections

Touring Crates – Best for Repeated Movement

✔ Built for reuse
✔ Secure latches
✔ Shock-absorbing structure

Best for:
Traveling exhibitions, art fairs and commercial events

Quick Comparison Table

Step 3: Not Sure? Use the Rule:

If it’s valuable, fragile or travelling far – crate it.
If it’s small, stable and travelling locally – carton or travel frame is often enough.

Why Galleries, Collectors and Artists Choose Rebul

• Trusted by leading galleries and museums
• Custom-built solutions for any size or medium
• Locally made, sustainable honeycomb materials
• Optional packing, storage and full freight management
• End-to-end logistics, handled by trained specialists

Ready to Protect Your Work?

Whether you’re sending a single canvas or coordinating a national touring exhibition, we’ll recommend the right packaging and logistics solution for your needs.

FAQ’s – Art Transport Packaging