Hi, I’m a photographer presenting my work as acrylic-face mount prints with custom poplar float frames (all 2" depth). My pieces are generally pretty heavy and cumbersome during transport, setup, and teardown.

I have two large pieces: 36"x54" (~40 lbs) and 48"x72" (~55 lbs) that are particularly difficult to solve on the transport and protection side of things. The crate for the largest was more trouble than it was worth at the first show I used it at, and wrapping the 36"x54" in plastic and blankets wasn't very efficient (but may be the solution?). I thought to myself "there has to be a better way!"

I currently use airfloat boxes, but they’re bulky, not weather-resistant, and are wearing out quickly so I want to swap those out before they become unusable for shipping. I’m switching to Gallery Pouches for smaller pieces (16x24 and 20x20). I was told by a Frame Destination customer service rep anything over 20 pounds was probably pushing it for the gallery pouches so I was going to do Reflectix bags for medium pieces (24x36 to 30x42). I look a lot of the benefits the Gallery Pouches but the weight of the medium and heavier pieces had me worried.

Anywhoo, for the larger pieces, I’m considering:

  1. Reflectix with a plastic wrap layer around the frame as a first layer.
  2. Plastic wrap around the frame with moving blankets outside. Moving blankets get dirty, so I want a layer between them and the picture. Blankets can get heavy, though so not sure if there's an easier solution.
  3. Can a giant plastic bag do the trick? Seems slippery and not very durable to things scratching and scraping the acrylic if there's contact.

I need packaging that's light, durable, and efficient. I’ve looked at various cases, boxes, plastic things, bags, but none are meeting the needs (I don't think). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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  • I have made reflex bags and I also have used the gallery pouches. The gallery pouches have lasted many years but I find they are better in smaller (30" x 30" ) work. Btw, I am a textural acrylic painter and some of my textures are 3" off the canvas, so I have had a lot of research into how to transport them safely. 

    my amazing solution I was recently told about is this foam sheeting that Ford dealerships get the replacement numbers delivered in. They give it away for free. It is sewable so no worries with all of the sticky mess that eventually happens with the reflex bags. Hope this helps!

  • Hi Jonathan -- I don't know if you are still in need of Gallery Pouches to fit 16x24" pieces.. (previously sold by Frame Destination)  I have a post in the Forum and I have Gallery pouches w/ velcro closures sized at 18x26" available. Here is the link: https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/gallery-pouches-by-fra...

    If you (or anyone reading this) don't already know, Frame Destination is 100% out of stock - has not been able to obtain the materials needed from their supplier for quite some time.  As of 6/19 there has been no change in status.

    Best - Thom S 

  • I've been making bags out of Reflectix to transport my medium and larger canvases. Been reusing them for several years and the bags have really held up. Also, no paintings have been damaged so far. Sometimes I create a flap ontop and add some velcro to close it up. Not sure if it's necessary, but I occassionally will wrap my painting in glassine paper for added protection. I learned how to make my bags through his video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quNal9m9wm4

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