Whether you’re sending a limited edition print to a collector or shipping a delicate drawing to a gallery, knowing how to safely roll and pack paper art is key to making sure it arrives in perfect condition. Tubing is a great way to ship large works without folding or creasing, but it takes a little care and technique to do it right. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pack like a pro.

1. Lay the art flat on top of craft paper.
Start by creating a clean, safe surface for your artwork. Lay the piece face-up on a sheet of acid-free craft paper. This acts as a barrier between the art and anything that might smudge or scratch it during the rolling process. Make sure the craft paper extends beyond the edges of the artwork so it can wrap around it completely. Steer clear of materials like newspaper or standard printer paper, which can damage the surface over time.

2. Cut a tube to size, leaving a few extra inches of space.
Choose a sturdy cardboard mailing tube—thick enough to resist crushing—and cut it a few inches longer than the width of your rolled piece. The extra room allows for padding at each end and gives the artwork some breathing space. Ideally, the tube should have plastic or metal end caps for added protection, and be at least 3 inches in diameter to avoid tight rolling that can cause creases.

3. Use a smaller tube as a roll template. Roll the art semi-tight, loosen it slightly, then remove the smaller tube.
Place a clean, smaller tube or dowel at one end of the craft-paper-covered art and start rolling. Keep it snug but not tight—you want to avoid putting stress on the paper. Once fully rolled, secure the craft paper with tape, but leave small pull tabs for easy unrolling later. Gently loosen the roll to relieve tension, then slide out the smaller inner tube. This method helps keep the roll even and prevents dents or crumpling.

4. Add some foam or paper filler to both sides of the art when inserting it into the tube.
Before inserting the roll into the mailing tube, add padding—like crumpled tissue paper or soft foam—at the bottom of the tube. After the artwork is inside, add more padding on top. This protects the edges and keeps the roll from shifting around during transit. Make sure the materials you use are clean, soft, and acid-free to avoid damaging the artwork.

5. Label the tube, add fragile stickers, and ship it off.
Finally, clearly label the tube with both your return address and the recipient’s address. Apply “Fragile” or “Handle With Care” stickers on the outside to encourage careful handling. Then just head to your preferred shipping carrier and send it off. For valuable or irreplaceable art, consider adding insurance and tracking to give you and the recipient peace of mind.

Shipping art doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right materials and a little attention to detail, you can confidently send your work across the country—or across the world—knowing it’ll arrive in the same beautiful condition it left in.