Shipping bronze sculptures that are of extreme value can be very difficult. The first thing that you need to take care of is insurance. You have got the choice between basic limited liability and full value protection.

The former is known as the standard form of insurance. The insurance of the item is calculated according to per pound of the sculpture’s weight and does not cover its full value. The latter option comes at a price. The sculpture is appraised and its exact value is written in the contract. This insurance type has a high premium because in case it gets damaged or lost, the owner either gets the money for repairs or replacement or is compensated in cash

How to Pack a Bronze Sculpture for Shipping

Now that we have covered the most important step, let’s move on and discuss how to pack the bronze sculpture safely:

Depending on how heavy and big the sculpture is you can either pack it in a wooden crate or a cardboard box. While the former is a much better option, it is expensive too. Let’s have a look at how to pack it in a cardboard box:

Inner Packaging

• Pick out a cardboard box that is a tight fit for the sculpture
• Wrap the sculpture in bubble wrap and secure all open areas with heavy duty tape
• Cover the bubble wrapped sculpture in a blanket
• Place a wood plank at the bottom of the box (this will prevent the corners from bending and damaging the sharp ends of the sculpture)
• Fill plastic bags with packing peanuts and place it at the bottom of the box (the plastic bags will keep the packing peanuts from creating a mess)
• Place the plastic bags on every sharp edge to create a cushion
• Slide the sculpture inside the box and make sure it’s a snug fit

Outer Packaging

To protect the sculpture from getting cracked, create an outer layer of packaging.

• Find a slightly bigger box than the one you just packed
• Slide in the packed box in the second box and fit packing peanut plastic bags on the sides
• Throw in a few packets of calcium chloride (drying agent) to prevent the sculpture from getting damaged due to water
• Secure the box with a heavy duty tape
• Stick a paper on the box and indicate with arrows how it should be carried

Note: If you’re using a wooden crate for packaging, use stainless steel bolts instead of nails to close the crate. This will prevent the rust from seeping into the crate, in case water is splashed on it.

Since most heavy packages are shipped by sea, it is better to take a few precautions such as packets of drying agent and securing the box with another box. It might be a lot of work but it will give you the assurance that your sculpture will arrive safely and unharmed at your destination.