5/31/12 Product Info Tip of the Week - Traveling With Art Materials

[Blick Art Materials]

Traveling With Art Materials

Summer is coming, time to travel and enjoy new horizons! Of course you will want to bring your art materials to capture the beauty around you. Here are a few tips for traveling with art materials:

Generally speaking, it is always best to have a separate piece of luggage for art materials if possible, especially when traveling by plane. If this is not possible, art materials should be placed in clear plastic bags or boxes and packed last so that they are on top and easily accessible. This will mean less frustration for both you and airport security. Always check with the airline you will be using for restrictions and requirements before deciding what to pack. If you travel with a French Easel or Pochade Box, ask the airline if it can be checked as luggage or if it needs to be packed into luggage.

Soft pastels can be packed in their original box (adding a thin sheet of foam or cotton batting on top of the sticks if one wasn’t included in the original packaging, or wrapping the box in bubble wrap) or in purchased pastel storage boxes with padded slots. Colored pencils can be packed in the original packaging or put in a pencil bag, but you may find they will take up less space and be less prone to breakage if you use a pencil case that has loops to hold them in place. Keep in mind when traveling by plane that you cannot bring aerosols, so you will need to either purchase your fixative on location or bring a non-aerosol fixative such as SpectraFix Spray Fixative.

Paints should be double bagged or put in sturdy plastic boxes. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has size restrictions for paints that are packed in carry-on luggage. They must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. If you are an oil painter, you will not be able to bring your solvents or mediums with you and you will want to check to see if there is a place to purchase them at your destination. If not, you may want to have your supplies shipped there.

Fun Fact:
Did you know that Blick has a wide variety of totes, bags, backpacks and luggage for the traveling artist? You will find several options on our website here: Totes and Carrier Bags

Becky D.
Product Information Specialist

For further assistance using art supplies, feel welcome to contact our Product Information Department at 1-800-933-2542 or e-mail us at info@dickbick.com. Hours of operation: M-F, 8:00am-5:30pm CST.