Whether you’re a seller, collector, or estate liquidator, shipping antique signs can be a nerve-wracking experience. Porcelain and tin signs are highly collectible—but also highly fragile. One cracked corner or bent edge can slash the value by hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.
In this post, we’ll show you how to pack and ship antique signs the right way, avoid costly damage, and ensure your sign arrives just as beautiful as when it left.
🚨 Why Proper Shipping Matters
Antique signs are not like shipping a T-shirt or a coffee mug. They’re:
- Heavy and brittle (especially porcelain enamel)
- Large and awkwardly shaped
- Often one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable
Whether it’s a $100 thermometer or a $10,000 Clipper Gas sign, one bad box can destroy decades of history.
📦 Step-by-Step: How to Ship an Antique Sign Safely
1. Use the Right Box (Or Build One)
- Use a double-walled cardboard box or build a custom wooden crate for larger or more valuable signs.
- The box should allow for 2–3 inches of padding on all sides.
- Avoid flat-rate USPS boxes—they’re not large or strong enough.
2. Wrap Carefully (But Don’t Tape to the Sign)
- Wrap the sign in acid-free paper or soft foam first.
- Then wrap in multiple layers of bubble wrap, especially the corners.
- Never let tape or adhesives touch the face of the sign.
3. Add Rigid Support
- Sandwich the wrapped sign between two rigid pieces of cardboard or foam board.
- For very heavy or porcelain signs, consider adding a thin plywood sheet as reinforcement.
4. Cushion All Around
- Fill the bottom of the box with 2–3 inches of packing peanuts, air pillows, or crumpled kraft paper.
- Place the protected sign in the center.
- Fill all empty spaces to prevent shifting.
5. Seal It Tight & Label Clearly
- Tape every seam of the box with high-strength packing tape.
- Label it with:
✅ “FRAGILE – ANTIQUE”
✅ “DO NOT BEND OR DROP”
✅ “THIS SIDE UP”
🚚 Which Shipping Carrier Is Best?
| Carrier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UPS | Heavy or large boxes | Strong tracking and insurance options |
| FedEx | High-value, time-sensitive | FedEx Ground or Express offers solid protection |
| USPS | Small signs under 16” | Cost-effective, but less reliable for big pieces |
| Private Freight / Crating | Rare, oversized signs | Expensive but safest for $5,000+ signs |
Insurance Tip: Always insure the package for full market value, even if it costs a bit more. If you’re a frequent shipper, consider using third-party insurance like Shipsurance or U-PIC for lower rates.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Shipping porcelain signs in thin envelopes or soft mailers
- Taping bubble wrap directly to the painted surface
- Using old or reused boxes that may collapse
- Skimping on padding to save on weight
- Ignoring weather concerns (heat + moisture = bad news)
🏆 Pro-Level Tips for Serious Collectors
- If you’re shipping a $1,000+ sign, consider using a wooden crate or a professional art handling service.
- Take clear photos of the sign before and after packing for insurance documentation.
- Require a signature upon delivery to reduce theft risk.
- Add humidity control packs for signs stored or shipped long-term.
✅ Or Skip the Stress: Hand Delivery Pays More
We often offer higher cash offers for signs that are hand-delivered. Why?
- We eliminate risk of transit damage
- We get to inspect the sign on the spot
- You get instant payment and avoid packing headaches
If you’re within driving distance, hand delivery is almost always worth it.
📩 For Appraisal:
📱 Scan the QR code above to get an automated text with next steps.
📞 Or text or call us directly at 916-817-9625
