A stained glass panel that has survived the production process deserves packaging that guarantees its arrival intact — anywhere in the world. Every crate is designed and built by Studio Vetrarte, to the specific dimensions of each panel. Zero breakages on record.
Every crate is constructed in-house by Studio Vetrarte, dimensioned to the exact panel format. No standard crating. No oversized boxes with loose glass inside.
Each panel is individually wrapped in soft tissue paper to protect the glass surface and lead profile from abrasion, followed by a full layer of bubble wrap (pluriball) secured with non-adhesive tape. No adhesive tape contacts the glass surface directly.
The wrapped panel is bedded on a custom-cut high-density polystyrene foam base, shaped to the panel perimeter. A matching foam layer is applied to the face. The foam is cut to leave a uniform 40mm cushion on all sides — absorbing vibration and impact in transit.
The foam assembly is enclosed in a custom-built timber crate, constructed from structural timber batten with screwed — not nailed — panel joints. The crate is dimensioned to the specific panel format: no gaps, no movement inside. Panels travel vertically on edge, never flat-stacked.
Where a commission involves multiple panels shipped in a single crate, each panel is separated by a full foam divider. Panels are numbered and their position within the crate is documented in the packing list, enabling controlled unpacking on site without risk of contact between panels.
Crates are mounted on Euro-pallets and secured with ratchet strapping — not adhesive wrap alone. For tall crates or multiple crates, a timber top frame is added to prevent stacking by freight handlers. Handling labels — Fragile / This Way Up / Do Not Stack — are applied in English and the destination language.
A packing list with panel dimensions, weights, crate contents and installation sequence is placed inside the crate and provided separately to the freight forwarder and client. Customs documentation — certificate of origin, export declaration, destination import permits where required — is prepared by the studio.
Standard courier services — regardless of declared fragility — subject consignments to automated sorting systems, conveyor drops and multi-handler transfers incompatible with glass transport. Studio Vetrarte ships all art glass panels exclusively by specialist pallet freight, using carriers experienced in fine art and fragile cargo. Small sample pieces (maximum 20×20 cm) may be shipped by courier in reinforced packaging when required for client approval.
| Panel wrapping | Acid-free tissue paper + bubble wrap (pluriball), non-adhesive |
| Foam bedding | High-density polystyrene, custom-cut to panel perimeter. Min. 40mm all sides |
| Crate construction | Structural timber batten, screwed joints. Panel-specific dimensions |
| Panel orientation | Vertical on edge — never flat-stacked |
| Multiple panels | Full foam divider between each panel. Numbered sequence |
| Palletisation | Euro-pallet + ratchet strapping + timber top frame where required |
| Labelling | Fragile / This Way Up / Do Not Stack — EN + destination language |
| Shipping method | Specialist pallet freight only — no standard couriers for glass panels |
| Insurance | Full replacement value — all consignments |
| Customs docs | Certificate of origin, export declaration, import permits where required |
| Samples | 20×20 cm max — reinforced courier packaging on request |
Every consignment is insured for full replacement value — covering not only the material cost of the glass but the full production value of the commission.
All pallet shipments are insured for the full declared production value of the commission — not the material cost alone. In the event of damage in transit, the claim covers complete reproduction of the affected panels at no additional cost to the client.
Each consignment is accompanied by a photographic record of the packed crate before dispatch. On delivery, the client is requested to inspect the crate before signing the freight receipt — any visible transit damage must be noted on the delivery document before the driver departs.
Responsibility for the consignment transfers to the insurer at the moment of collection from Studio Vetrarte. The client assumes responsibility on signed delivery receipt. Studio Vetrarte manages the insurance claim process directly in the event of any transit incident.
Tell us the destination, panel dimensions and required delivery date. We will provide a complete shipping and packaging quote within 48 hours.