Painting and Drawing Transport
From a freshly painted canvas to an old master drawing, transporting flat works of art requires high-precision protection. The paint surface is a living, delicate material that must be protected from impacts and friction.
Moviiu combines the expertise of specialist Fine Art companies with the fluidity of a digital platform to offer absolute security for your paintings, from the artist’s easel to the final hanging.
Why does transporting paintings require a specialist approach?
A painting is not an ordinary parcel. Its paint layer, stretcher, support (stretched canvas, panel, paper) and any frame form a sensitive whole. During transit, the main challenge is protecting the work against handling shocks, dust and direct friction on the paint or varnish.
At Moviiu, every shipment is treated as a unique project. Our protocols are developed in collaboration with a worldwide network of 17 Fine Art companies from the Horus group. This dual expertise, digital and logistical, guarantees you a fast, uncompromising service.
The art of packing: Tyvek®, Melinex® and custom solutions
The choice of cutting-edge materials depends entirely on the nature and condition of your work’s surface:
Dry canvases and drawings
Tyvek® provides an antistatic, waterproof and breathable barrier.
Wet paintings
For canvases whose paint layer is not completely dry, we use Melinex® exclusively. This chemically inert polyester film does not stick to soft paint and leaves no texture imprint.
Framed works under glass
A low-tack technical tape is applied to the glass. In the event of accidental breakage in the hold, the shards stay attached to the tape so they cannot scratch the work.
Anti-vibration wedging
Our composite structures made of high-density triple-flute cardboard include protective foams whose density is calculated according to the exact weight of your painting to absorb in-flight shocks.
💡 How do I request Melinex® on the website?
Our quick quote tool is automated for standard formats. If your work is still wet, simply write “Melinex needed” in the free comments field when confirming, or send your file number to info@moviiu.com right after your simulation.
⚠️ Measurements and uncertainties
The dimensions you enter must include the frame (height × width × depth), as the calculation is based on the total size. If you are unsure whether the paint is dry or about the exact measurements, or if the work is highly sensitive, take no risks: select the All-Inclusive Service option. Our art technicians will collect the work on site, inspect its surface and validate the ideal packing protocol themselves.
Optimisation: multi-artwork packing
To reduce your air freight costs without compromising security, Moviiu has developed a reinforced container that can hold up to three paintings at once. It is the ideal solution for art galleries delivering several lots to the same international buyer. Inside, each work naturally keeps its own individual protection (Melinex® or Tyvek®) and dedicated wedging.
Two tailored options for your works
Moviiu adapts its art logistics to your profile through two levels of service.
The “Autonomous” Mode is designed for gallery owners and dealers who regularly ship standard formats: it lets you get a price in real time, generate the documents and pack the work yourself using dedicated art packing kits and expert tutorials.
For high-value pieces, the “All-Inclusive” Service offers full handling by our art technicians, including on-site collection, ultra-secure custom packaging, air freight and final “white glove” delivery with installation.
International security: freight, customs and insurance
To secure intercontinental journeys and reduce lead times, Moviiu favours air freight and simplifies your transactions by invoicing directly in the art market’s key currencies (CHF, EUR, CAD, USD). Our specialist teams handle all customs formalities, whether for a final sale or temporary admission for an exhibition.
In addition, you can take out ad valorem insurance online that covers your painting or drawing from end to end, with no deductible in the event of a claim, while following the work’s journey in real time with automatic notifications at every key stage.
Your shipping quote in two minutes
Our digital platform calculates the transport cost of your work instantly, with no prior registration. Simply enter the route, fill in the description of the piece, specifying its overall dimensions including the frame, its weight and its value, then select your level of service and insurance.
The quote is immediate for standard formats valued at up to €100,000. For monumental pieces or custom projects, our expert teams handle your requests directly at info@moviiu.com.
FAQ: your questions about painting transport
Can a painting be transported if the paint is not yet dry?
Yes. For wet works, Moviiu uses Melinex®, a chemically inert polyester film that does not stick to the paint and leaves no texture marks on soft paint. As this option cannot be selected directly in the quick quote tool’s criteria, simply mention it in your order notes or email us with your reference so our packers can add it to your kit. If you are unsure how dry the paint is, choose All-Inclusive handling so our experts can assess and secure the piece on site.
How do you protect framed paintings under glass?
We apply a low-tack technical tape to the glass. In the event of accidental breakage during the flight, the shards stay attached to the tape and cannot scratch the canvas. The tape can then be removed without leaving any residue on the frame.
What dimensions should I enter for the quote?
You need to measure the total size of the item, i.e. including the frame (height, width, depth). Air freight pricing is based on the total volume of the finished parcel. If you are worried about making a measuring error, the collection option of our All-Inclusive Service allows our teams to measure and validate the exact dimensions directly at your home or gallery.
Can I group several paintings in one shipment?
Absolutely. Our multi-artwork packing solution allows up to three paintings to be grouped in a single secure container. This drastically reduces your transport costs compared with three separate shipments.
Do you use wooden crates for transport?
No. Our packaging engineers have developed ultra-rigid composite structures in high-performance triple-flute cardboard combined with technical wedging foams. This guarantees maximum shock protection in aircraft holds while optimising the overall weight of the shipment to avoid transport surcharges.