Calculating Business Risks

Posted on: 7 April 2020

Whether you are an artist or simply sell prints of famous works, finding the best method to get your product to your customers is vital. You need a way to get the prints to their destination without any fear of damage from wrinkles, tears, or moisture. Cardboard shipping tubes can provide the perfect solution. The following tips can help you use these shipping tubes appropriately.

1. Choose the Proper Size

The cardboard tube must be sized appropriately to the print. An overly long tube, for example, increases the chances of movement inside the tube, which can lead to the ends becoming wrinkled during transport. The tube must also be wide enough so that the print can slide into it without wrinkling or tearing. If you must use tubes that are larger than the print, then make sure to use bubble wrap circles to protect the ends of the print from damage.

2. Opt for Waterproof Coatings

Cardboard isn't impervious to moisture, which means that damp can cause damage to the print during transport or if the package is delivered to a porch or other exposed area. To combat this, opt for mailing tubes that have a waterproof coating on the inside. The coating is typically made of a thin layer of plastic, which creates a moisture barrier. Completely plastic mailing tubes are also available, but they aren't as cost effective as coated cardboard tubes.

3. Use a Cover Sheet

Ink transfer can be a problem when shipping a rolled up print, particularly in hot weather or if the print isn't unrolled for a period of time. The answer is a glassine cover sheet sized to fit over the front of the print. Place the glassine paper over the top of the print before rolling it up and placing it in the mailing tube.

4. Consider Foam Cores

Although fairly durable, cardboard tubes aren't necessarily immune to being crushed. Accidents can happen during shipping, but you can cut down on the chances of damage by rolling the print around a lightweight foam core. The core will prevent the tube from being crushed because there was no longer be a void in the center.

5. Seal the Tube

Finally, make sure the tube is properly sealed. Most cardboard tubes have two plastic endcaps, which can come out during transport. Further, moisture may be able to seep in around the endcaps, which can damage the print. Use clear packing tape to keep the endcaps in place and to create a seal between the cap and the tube.

With a little care and the right type of tube, your art prints will arrive at their destination in perfect condition.