Pack a mirror or framed picture
- Clean and check. Wipe the glass and look for cracks or loose frames, which you can note for the inventory.
- Tape an X across the glass. Use painter's tape or masking tape, not packing tape, which can pull at finishes. The X holds the pieces if the glass cracks.
- Cover the face. Lay a sheet of paper or foam over the glass so the carton never touches it.
- Pad corners and edges. Fit corner guards or fold paper into thick pads, and wrap the frame in a blanket or bubble wrap.
- Slide into a mirror carton. Choose a carton that fits snugly. Cartons come as a two-piece telescoping set that adjusts to size.
- Seal and mark. Tape the box, write MIRROR, FRAGILE and THIS SIDE UP, and mark the top edge.
Glass in a frame has one real enemy: flexing. A mirror carried flat bends under its own weight and a framed picture laid under a box can crack. Standing the piece on edge, with the glass taped, keeps the pieces in one place if the glass does break.
Why edge, and why an X
On edge, the glass is supported along its short dimension and its own weight is carried by the frame. Flat, the middle of the glass has nothing under it. The X of tape does not strengthen the glass; it holds the shards in place, which protects the frame, the wall of the carton and anyone who opens it.
Large mirrors and heavy frames
- Wall mirrors over a certain size are a two-person lift. Lift from the sides, not the top.
- Dresser mirrors: remove from the dresser and pack separately.
- Ornate or gilt frames: wrap with soft paper before any plastic touches them.
- Canvas art without glass: pack with a flat board on the face. See the artwork guide.
Pictures in a group
Several small frames can share a carton if you separate each with cardboard or foam. Place the largest at the back and stack them on edge, like a file. Wrap hanging hardware and bag it with the frame it came from.
When to call the crew
Large antique mirrors, framed art with museum glass and gilded frames are worth a call to the office. O'Brien's makes custom crates for fine art and antiques; see fine art and antiques and custom crating. Smaller pieces fit the method above, which is also the foundation for packing a TV.