Do-It-Yourself Unpacking
When you unpack and display an artwork you purchased at home, it can be an exciting process, as it allows you to express your style and inspiration on your walls. Whether you just bought a new piece of artwork or you are unpacking an existing artwork after a move, it’s important to handle it with extreme care. This guide below will help you unpack and display your artwork with the greatest attention and detail.
- Document Your Shipment:
Before you start unpacking your artwork, take photographs of the packaging of the artwork from the outside. Document the packaging from every angle. This is important as if there is any damage to the artwork once opened, you will need to include these photos for insurance, return, and refund purposes if the damage was caused due to carrier shipping.
- Assemble Your Supplies:
Next, make sure you have all the necessary supplies you’ll need on hand. You’ll need the following supplies:
- Soft, clean gloves to protect the artwork from oils and dirt on your hands.
- Boxcutter or scissors to carefully open the box packaging.
- Pencil for marking the hanging location(s) on your wall.
- Hanging hardware, such as nails, if the artwork needs to be hung on the wall.
- Level and measuring tape for accurate positioning during hanging.
- A soft cloth or microfiber duster for dusting the art once unpacked.
- Optional: a screwdriver or pry bar for disassembling any crated works.
- Optional: a stud finder, level for heavy or complex artworks.
- Choose a Suitable Location:
Select where you plan to hang your artwork. Consider elements such as room temperature, lighting, and wall space. Make sure that the area is not prone to direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations, as these can cause damage to the artwork over time.
- Set Aside Space to Work:
Set aside space to work in the area so that you can unpack and work with the artwork safely.
- Wash Your Hands and Avoid Direct Contact with Your Artwork:
Before handling any artwork, you should always wash your hands to remove oils and dirt that could potentially transfer to your artwork and damage the piece. Wear soft, clean gloves to protect the art’s surfaces from direct contact.
- Unpack with Care:
For framed artwork or canvases, follow these steps:
- Lay out on a clean, soft surface, such as a table, a large piece of padded foam, or a soft blanket.
- Carefully cut the packing tape on the box and remove the outer packaging around the artwork, ensuring not to scratch or damage the art.
For unpacking crates:
- Depending on the way the crate is made, use a tool like the claw of a hammer or pry bar (if nailed together), or screwdriver or drill (if screwed together) to carefully disassemble part of the crate. Take your time and work around the edges of the crate. Remember, you may not need to take the whole crate apart – only enough of it to safely get the artwork out.
- Once the nails or screws are loosened, gently lift the lid of the crate. If the crate has a lid that is nailed shut, pry up the edges to create a gap that allows you to lift the lid without forcing it.
- After you have removed the piece, gently remove any bubble wrap or foam sheets from around the artwork.
- If the art is wrapped in tissue paper or glassine, carefully unwrap it, taking care not to touch the surface.
- Inspect for Damage:
Examine the artwork for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipment. Look for dents, scratches, or any other issues. If you notice any damage, document it with photographs of the art damage for insurance purposes. This is in addition to the packaging photos you should have taken in Step 1.
