Shipping Full Sheet WC Paintings

[Mullanphy]

What are some good ways to prepare and ship unframed and un-matted watercolor paintings on full sheets – 22″ X 30″/55 cm X 76 cm?

Save lives, mask up. ?

[Yorky Administrator Ormskirk]

A substantial cardboard tube would be appropriate. Many years ago we had a “Round Robin” project where a full sheet watercolour painting was sent around the world, each member contributing part of the scene and posting it on. It went all around the world without any problem. Eventually, a company sponsored prints and many were sold.

Doug

We must leave our mark on this world

[Mullanphy]

Thanks, Doug, that’s helpful.

Was it 140# or 300# paper?  Do you recall the diameter of the tube and any packing/protective materials?

Save lives, mask up. ?

[Yorky Administrator Ormskirk]

As I remember it was 300lb paper, but it was a large diameter tube and it was rolled inside separated with tissue paper.

Doug

We must leave our mark on this world

[Mullanphy]

?

Save lives, mask up. ?

[ilya K]

I recently shipped a 40×50 oil on paper. Used Amazon packaging that they use to send alcohol beverages in. That was two cardboard boxes, one in another, very sturdy. In Germany where I live they have “roll” option for parcels. The option allows “longer” dimension compensated by diameter restrictions, without the need to go for larger sizes compared to “box” packaging. But in my case that was not needed. Check with the post service of your country.

Ilya K
C&C always welcome

[Mullanphy]

@ik345  I never thought about cost to ship a tube, but USPS considers tubes as boxes, so probably not any less expensive.  Unless one of their tubes for Priority Express Mail is used, in which case the rate is, these days, astronomical.

One thing I noticed when checking it out is that the USPS “tube” is prism shaped.

I did some testing and found I could roll a full sheet of cold pressed 300# paper into a 4″ diameter tube, but that was pushing it, so a minimum of a 6″ tube would be required.

Save lives, mask up. ?

[ilya K]

One more tip: try rolling it in different directions. Mine was 300 gsm paper. It rolled in one direction quite easy, but was resisting in another. Try and choose one that is more flexible.

Ilya K
C&C always welcome

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