Framed art and mirrors are flat, heavy and all glass — the classic move-day breakage. The method is simple, but skipping a step cracks the glass or scratches the frame.
Tape a large X across the glass with painter's tape — it won't prevent breakage, but it holds the glass together and reduces shattering if it cracks. Then cover the face with a layer of paper or glassine (not directly on a painting's surface), wrap the whole piece in bubble wrap, and add cardboard corner protectors on the frame.
Use telescoping mirror/picture boxes sized to the piece, or sandwich the wrapped item between two pieces of cardboard taped together. Either way, the cardinal rule: art and mirrors travel on their edge, standing up — never flat, where road vibration cracks the glass from the center.
Original paintings should never have plastic or tape touching the surface — use glassine or acid-free paper against the art. For very large, antique or high-value pieces, a custom crate is worth it, and you should declare them for full-value coverage. Carry small irreplaceable pieces yourself.
In the truck, stand framed pieces on edge against a padded wall, strapped, between mattresses or upholstered furniture — never flat and never under anything. Mark them FRAGILE. Our crews custom-wrap art and mirrors and keep them upright; for antiques see our antiques guide, plus the fragile-packing and insurance guides.
Tape an X across the glass, cover the face with paper or glassine, wrap in bubble wrap with corner protectors, and box it in a mirror/picture carton — then move it on edge, never flat.
On edge, standing up. Lying flat lets road vibration crack the glass from the center. Stand them against a padded wall in the truck and strap them.
Never let plastic or tape touch the surface — use glassine or acid-free paper against the art, then wrap. For high-value or large pieces, use a custom crate and declare them for full-value coverage.
It won't prevent breakage, but it holds the glass together and reduces dangerous shattering if the glass does crack in transit.
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