Bubble wrap

Definition

Bubble wrap is a packaging material consisting of a plastic sheet with small air-filled bubbles, designed to provide cushioning and protection to fragile items during storage and transport. This innovative material is widely used in the art world to safeguard delicate artworks and artifacts from impact and vibration, ensuring their integrity is maintained while being handled or moved.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bubble wrap comes in various sizes of bubbles, with larger bubbles providing more cushioning for heavier objects, while smaller bubbles are often used for lighter items.
2. It is important to use bubble wrap with caution, as some types may contain harmful chemicals that could react negatively with certain materials, especially sensitive artworks.
3. When wrapping an artwork, it is best practice to place the bubbles against the surface of the item to maximize protection from shocks and impacts.
4. Bubble wrap is lightweight and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for artists, galleries, and conservators when shipping or storing artworks.
5. While bubble wrap is effective for cushioning, it is not a substitute for archival quality materials and should be used alongside other protective methods.

Review Questions

• How does bubble wrap contribute to the safe storage and handling of artworks during transportation?
  • Bubble wrap plays a vital role in protecting artworks during transportation by providing a cushioning layer that absorbs shocks and impacts. The air-filled bubbles create a barrier that reduces the risk of damage from vibration or collision, which can occur while items are in transit. Using bubble wrap helps conservators ensure that delicate pieces remain intact and maintain their condition throughout the journey.
• What precautions should be taken when using bubble wrap with sensitive artworks to prevent potential damage?
  • When using bubble wrap with sensitive artworks, it's essential to choose types that are free from harmful chemicals that could cause deterioration. Additionally, wrapping should be done carefully, placing the bubble side against the artwork to provide maximum cushioning. It's also important to avoid overly tight wrapping that could create pressure points or scratches on the surface of the art piece.
• Evaluate the advantages and limitations of bubble wrap compared to other protective materials used in art conservation.
  • Bubble wrap offers several advantages for art conservation, including its lightweight nature, cost-effectiveness, and excellent cushioning properties that protect against shocks during transport. However, it has limitations as it is not archival quality and can potentially contain chemicals harmful to certain materials. In contrast, archival materials may provide better long-term preservation but can be more expensive. Thus, a combination of bubble wrap for short-term transport and archival materials for long-term storage is often ideal.

Related terms

Archival Materials: Materials that are chemically stable and designed to preserve the integrity of artworks, preventing deterioration over time.

Temperature Control: The practice of maintaining a specific temperature range in storage spaces to protect sensitive items from heat and cold damage.

Moisture Control: The management of humidity levels in storage environments to prevent mold growth and degradation of materials.