A rigid corrugated plastic which comes in various thicknesses.  Essentialy plastic “cardboard sheeting”.  Commonly used in stronger portfolio designs, and sealing travel frame crates due to strength and lightness. ARCHIVAL

Used to protect surfaces, may be used directly on artwork: Caution can stick to some paints.  (Acrylics/Oils that are not several years old and fully dry). ARCHIVAL  

 Or white foam.  It has a great density for the protecting the majority of art works.  This is a closed cell foam, meaning air is trapped inside the cells making for better cushioning.  Pretty much the standard is 2”. NOT ARCHIVAL  

A much denser version of #2 this is used for lining the bottom of heavy bronze, and marble sculptures. NOT ARCHIVAL EsterFoam: A black foam used in cavity packing and shipping smaller lighter objects.  NOT ARCHIVAL  

A blue product that comes in rolls for safeguarding artwork glazed by glass in the event of breakage.  Not to be used on museum glass, additionally the skin should come to 1/8” from the frame, and should not directly touch the frame as it will damage finishes on wood. 

Comes in rolls 48” wide and smaller.  Usually perforated.  On it’s own NOT a very protective material.  Bubbles should face in when a work is wrapped in plastic to maximize the effectiveness of its potential protection. NOT ARCHIVAL Packing Tissue: Also known as newsprint is commonly known to be used when packing china or multiple small items which [..]

Used to wrap most types of artwork.  Comes in rolls of 100 feet long by 12 feet wide. Microfoam:  Though not frequently used can be used when sandwiching sheets of glass.  Comes in roll foam various thickness measured in mm. NOT ARCHIVAL

A soft, but dense foam, with a very smooth surface.  Specifically designed for contact with artwork.  Used for special jobs and collar packs adhered to #2 Ethafoam.  Best applied with heat gun rather than glue gun to thicker foams.  Comes in rolls 1/8” and ¼” thick.  Expensive. ARCHIVAL  

High Density PolyEthylene, usually comes in bags, for sensitive wrapping of artifacts, frequently used in cavity pack and other soft packing.  Garbage bags are usually made of this material.  Very thin. Art Sorb:  A brand of desiccant intended specifically for the providing moisture control protection for works of art. Art Sorb is available either [..]

A Polystyrene foam is what makes “Peanuts” also available in sheet foarm is undesirable as a shipping material.  Serious shifting occurs with objects of any weight. NOT ARCHIVAL Poly Batting: Same stuff they use for pillows and teddy bears, comes in rolled sheets.  Very soft and excellent for packing textiles (clothing/tapestries).  Also used in a [..]