Protective sleeves form part of the shipping and handling of the art world. Moving artwork out into the outside world, away from our studios saves on storage space. It also helps with sales as other people get to see it. Personally, I do not wish to be my own best collector…
In the past, I have used bubble wrap. This practice has several inherent dangers. Eventually the bubbles disappear, especially around corners. Corners take the brunt of moving. In warmer climates than mine the bubbles leave their perfect configuration imbedded in the varnish. Not a serious problem on surfaces loaded with texture, nonetheless, not what the artist ordered!
A roll of stiff 6mm plastic sheeting used for vapour barriers in house construction proves more durable than bubble wrap. The surface is smooth. And the black labelling can be removed with rubbing alcohol. Bubble wrap still has its uses though. Instead of next to the painting it serves as crucial protection in the middle layer between boxes ready to ship to other cities and the vapour barrier enveloping the painting. Within driving distance, the protective sleeves made from the 6mm plastic provide more than adequate protection.
Unfortunately, when I first began constructing protective sleeves, I cut all the 12x12” sizes out instead of starting with the biggest canvases. As a result, I had a lot of left over sheeting that would have done well around the smaller paintings if I had left them for last.
Using the roll as a straight edge, I run a felt pen along the line and cut out the first strip. Pulling the plastic around the painting I mark off the necessary length then use this first piece as my pattern for the rest. I ended up with sixteen 12x12 protective sleeves.
To avoid strain on an edge, I place the join in the middle of one side and use packaging tape to secure the plastic doubling over edge at the open end. The bottom of the protective sleeve receives another length of tape and then I turn the whole thing inside out.
The purpose of turning out the inside is to leave a clean surface next to the painting. Joins are never perfect and the glue off the tape can damage the work if it comes in contact. Once inside out I placed another strip of tape on the side joint making it more secure and I then insert the painting into the protective sleeve.
Slipping the corner of the painting tight to the inside corner of the sleeve I place the final strip of tape holding down the triangle fold and shuffle the painting to the other corner as I finish off the bottom edge. The protective sleeve is now complete. Only one more thing: labelling.
Should the label need to be changed I can easily remove the label from the protective sleeve then use the sleeve for another painting. I begin with my name followed by the name of the painting, the media, the inventory code and my address. I cover the entire surface of the label with tape to protect it from moisture. Done.
You may wish to get an insight into why I do what I do. I recently had an interview with Radio Canada and the footage was released on television on the 7th December. I do not watch television so I missed it. I used the link below to view it and I found it to be very well put together. The transmission is in French. For those who are interested:
https://ici.tou.tv/connexion/s05e12?lectureauto=1
So the year ends. I wish you a very merry Christmas with family and friends. May 2026 be all that you wish it to be.
