How to Package Art Prints and Shipping Art Prints

Packaging unframed art prints is a key component of becoming a successful art print seller. Your prints must arrive with your customer in pristine condition – not bent, folded or wet so you must ensure that your packaging prevents any damage.

How to package art prints effectively

I only sell unframed prints and so am focusing this page on how I package my prints. I use quite a few different packaging supplies for different prints and sizes; These include:

Do Not Bend Envelopes – These have the text ‘Please do not bend’ on the front and have a cardboard back;

Greyboard backing card AKA Hardboard – this is a sheet of thick card; I use 1000 microns thick which I think is a nice thickness to protect my prints.

how to package art prints, shipping art prints, shipping art prints flat, ship prints artwork, how to ship artwork, packaging artwork, how to ship prints, packaging prints, how to make art prints for etsy
How To Package Art Prints – Shipping Art Prints Flat

Clear Cello Sleeves – I use biodegradable cornstarch sleeves as I want my business to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Stickers – a handmade sticker to make the package look a little prettier;

A thank you card – with a link to my shop and perhaps a discount code.

PIP boxes / mailers – For bulkier or multiple prints

Packaging Tubes : I try and avoid using these as I’m a bit squeamish about bending and rolling up my prints. But these are quite sturdy and a lot of artists use them!

How to Package Art Prints so they don’t get damaged :

how to package art prints, shipping art prints, shipping art prints flat, ship prints artwork, how to ship artwork, packaging artwork, how to ship prints, packaging prints, how to make art prints for etsy
How To Package Art Prints – How To Ship Artwork

This is how I ship my art prints :

  • I pop the print in a (biodegradable) cello sleeve with a thank you card
  • I seal the cello bag at the front of the print – this is important to note. I seal at the front as occasionally when customers remove the print from the cello they may accidentally stick the sticky sealer area to the print. If the sticky area is at the back there is less likelihood of the print becoming damaged. Some people don’t seal at all – I’ve pondered this but I think I would like my prints to be protected from any moisture and I think sealing it gives additional protection from this so I do seal.
  • I attach a cute sticker at the front.
packaging for art prints, art print packaging supplies, posting a3 prints flat, art packaging, how to ship a poster flat, how to ship unframed watercolor paintings, sending artwork by post
How to Ship a Poster Flat – Sending Artwork By Post
  • Next I add my greyboard behind the print and insert both into the hardboard envelope – I ensure that there is cardboard at the front and also at the back of the print to protect both sides.
  • If I am posting abroad I add 2 pieces of greyboard for additional protection.
packaging for art prints, art print packaging supplies, posting a3 prints flat, art packaging, how to ship a poster flat, how to ship unframed watercolor paintings, sending artwork by post
Sending Artwork By Post – Art Packaging, Posting A3 Prints Flat
  • If I am posting something more bulky or a few prints together I will use a PIP mailer box which is made of stronger cardboard still.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article – If you have a question about the how to package art prints why not pop it down here :

    Do you have a question about How to Sell Prints Online? Use the form below:


    Subscribe to my Newsletter

    * indicates required



    Email Format

    Please select all the ways you would like to hear from Crafty Cow Design:

    You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

    We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices here.