We’re Trusted By The Best
Behind every secure shipment is a thoughtful combination of the right packing materials. At Arrow Express, we use only the very best to preserve, protect, and stabilize your art from the moment it leaves.
Our extensive selection of materials is chosen not just for durability but for performance. Paintings, sculptures, antiques, and mixed-media pieces all present unique challenges, and every material we use is matched to those specific needs.
What We Use and Why It Matters
Each material is selected based on an initial art assessment. Fragile finishes, historical value, size, weight, and climate conditions all influence the exact mix used to pack your piece. Our curated inventory of protective materials includes:
Shock-absorbing foams such as Volara, Ethafoam, and polyurethane blends
Archival wraps including acid-free tissue, Tyvek, and soft synthetic fabrics like Nomex
Barrier films like Marvelseal and Gore-Tex for moisture and vapor control
Surface protection layers such as felt, muslin, and silicone release paper
Rigid structural components like Fome-Cor, Gator Board, and Coroplast for stability and insulation
Void-fill and cushioning with environmentally conscious loose fill and quilted papers.
Commitment to Conservation Standards
Many of our materials meet or exceed the preservation standards set by conservation bodies. We regularly update our inventory to reflect the latest innovations in protective technology, ensuring your work benefits from best-in-class care every time.
Setting The Industry Standard
Packing isn’t just a step in the process. It’s what keeps your collection intact. We invest in the highest-quality materials so that you don’t have to second-guess the safety of your art.
Packing Materials FAQs
The safety of your artwork depends on the quality of the materials touching it. Here, we explain why we use specific archival products, the science behind our layering techniques, and how they protect your valuables over time.
Why do you use glassine instead of bubble wrap directly on art?
Bubble wrap can leave impressions on artwork and trap moisture. We use glassine or Tyvek® as a barrier layer because it is smooth, acid-free, and breathable, protecting the surface before cushioning is applied.
Do you sell packing materials for DIY packing?
While we primarily supply materials for our own packing services, we can supply archival materials for clients who wish to prep their own work. However, please note that self-packed items (PBO) have limitations on shipping insurance.
What is shadow boxing?
Shadow boxing is a technique where we build a cardboard or foam collar around the edges of a frame, ensuring that the wrapping material floats above the artwork’s surface rather than pressing against it.
Are your crating materials sustainable?
Yes. We minimize waste by reusing structural lumber wherever possible when building crates. Rather than cutting full sheets of new plywood for every build, we incorporate high-quality scrap wood into crate panels when it meets structural requirements. These pieces are reinforced and joined correctly so the crate performs exactly as intended.
All crates are built for reuse, using screw closures instead of nails, which allows them to be opened, resealed, and repurposed for future shipments or storage. This approach reduces material waste without compromising protection.
What foam do you use for crating?
We use Ethafoam (polyethylene) and ester foam depending on the weight and fragility of the object. Ethafoam provides rigid support for heavy items, while ester foam offers softer cushioning for delicate objects.
Can I use regular cardboard boxes for art?
We do not recommend standard moving boxes for fine art. They lack the crush resistance required. We use double-wall or tri-wall corrugated board, or custom crating, to ensure structural integrity.