Transporting an oil picture is something very important when you move in a new house or when you transport a collection for exhibition. A picture is an object of art that comprises of two parts: picture and picture frame. Nowadays, we have lots of variations in frame materials–wood, aluminum, special foams, etc. All of them have one important thing–finish.

In my previous article I talked about problems with oil based products. I want to stress again: OIL NEVER DRIES. That means that in too high temperatures the oil goes to the top of the surface of the object. It is very important to keep the temperature in the cargo area of the truck at 60-65 degrees. Humidity is also important. Keep it around 45 -55 %.

Now, I don’t recommend that you use 1″ x 4″ lumber when you build the wooden box. It’s better to use the international standards material. I use factory built materials. I also use Styrofoam blocks to support the corners of the frame. I recommend that you put additional Styrofoam blocks (1′ to 1-1/2′ apart) on both the length and the width of the frame if the object is big enough. What is important here?

STYROFOAM BLOCKS OR SHEETS WILL SCRATCH ANY SURFACE and ANY KIND OF FINISH.

What do we need to do? It is simple: put foam wrap between the blocks and the frame, then secure the wrap with glue or staples to the bottom or back side of the crate so it doesn’t move. This way the staples or glue will be far enough from the object. Now you can put the picture in the box. Put it face down. Before you attach the lid of the wood box put Styrofoam blocks again between the frame and the lid (remember to put foam wrap between the blocks and the frame). Then press the lid carefully and close the crate/box.

When I deal with a picture without a frame I do it another way. I add to the back side piece of international standards material which are longer than the picture and screw them to the back of the picture. That’s it. If you decide to do it this way, first inform the owner and obtain his/her consent. By the way, I don’t know of another way to do this. Now put the labels to mark which side up, where to open, put the special control stickers, and the painting is ready to go in the truck.

Another important thing is that the truck is clean and prepared with chemicals for insect control, carpet beetles, powder post beetles, etc. before you put the paintings in the cargo area. When you put all picture boxes in the truck, add ADITIONAL support around them so they don’t move and shake.

Again, four important things: TEMPERATURE, HUMINIDY, STYROFOAM, and PEST CONTROL. If you pay attention to them, you won’t have any problems during the transportation and you will deliver the pictures without damages.