Replies

1. 
   vance | Feb 18, 2009 04:49am | #1

   Sir,

   I use new furniture mover blankets. They are quite thick and will take a impact without damaging what's inside.
   I can't remember the price, but I think there about $25 to 30 bucks each. I only have 3 of them but I get buy with more trips if I'm delivering large pieces.

   I hope this helps you out!

   Vance

2. 
   ring | Feb 18, 2009 08:34am | #2

   We use bubble sheets wrapped on every cabinet. Buy it by the roll, 1 meter wide. It's not cheap but blankets are just not a commercial option.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?lang=e&id=1

3. 
   RMillard | Feb 18, 2009 03:21pm | #3

   I once shipped a piece, that the company wrapped in bubble wrap; I'm still not sure of the how, but it reacted with the finish (varnish) and left the imprint of the bubble wrap in the finish. Since then I have asked that they not use bubble wrap.

    

   Rob Millard
   http://www.americanfederalperiod.com

1. 
   BrianDerr | Feb 19, 2009 10:06am | #10

   My wife was an employee at a locally reputable fine gift and art type store, and they were trained not to use bubble wrap next to the item when gift wrapping, for the same reason you mention. No personal experience of the phenomena.Brian

2. 
   byhammerandhand | Mar 08, 2009 04:35am | #14

   This is a common occurrence, so common there is a name for it in the touch up industry: "Packing Marks."Rob Millard said:
   I once shipped a piece, that the company wrapped in bubble wrap; I'm still not sure of the how, but it reacted with the finish (varnish) and left the imprint of the bubble wrap in the finish. Since then I have asked that they not use bubble wrap.

1. 
   RMillard | Mar 08, 2009 07:25am | #15

   byhammerandhand,

   I am familiar with the term "packing marks" which I take to mean slight scuffing that is easily repaired. The damage done to the piece in question went far beyond that; it was an actual reaction between the varnish and the bubble wrap, which required refinishing.

   Rob Millard americanfederalperiod.com

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

1. 
   joinerswork | Mar 08, 2009 06:18pm | #16

   Hi Rob,

   I've seen this in pieces finished with nitrocellulose lacquer.  Have repaired the finish of one piece that the customer had placed a vinyl doily on, that melted right into the top of the chest.  Also a dining table that the owner's grandchild placed a plastic squirt gun on, that left a perfect imprint of the pistol's side, everywhere it touched the finish.  Little to no pressure, nor any scuffing, in either instance, just great compatibility between the plastic finish, and the plastic object placed on it.

   I ask the packer to wrap my pieces in paper wrap first when shipping, to shield from bubblewrap.

   Ray

1. 
   RMillard | Mar 08, 2009 09:36pm | #18

   Ray,

   The piece was a large table (shipped upside down) so I thought that maybe the weight caused the problem, but what you found shows that was not the case. I have also heard of felt used to protect a finish, causing a reaction (ironic isn't it).

   Rob Millardhttp://www.americanfederalperiod.com

    

2. 
   joinerswork | Mar 08, 2009 10:22pm | #19

   Rob,

   I once delivered a dining table that I transported upside down on moving blankets.  When I turned it over to take it into the customer's house, it had taken the imprint of the fabric's weave.  Guess the finish wasn't sufficiently cured.  It took a lot of rubbing to buff that out.

   Ray

3. 
   oldusty | Mar 09, 2009 02:34am | #20

      Ray ,

              Yup , after a few times of noticing what looked like a small diamond pattern in the lacquer finish , I don't lay fresh finish on blankets .

            dusty , from qswo , cuts like butta

4. 
   RickL | Feb 18, 2009 03:26pm | #4

   The premium furniture delivery services use blankets.  Doesn't get any better than a blanket for protection. There are better grade blankets and many different sizes available. As long as you can get the blankets back it's the better way to go. Bubble wrap and foam are one time use and cost effective for such applications.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 2/18/2009 7:28 am ET by RickL

5. 
   sapwood | Feb 18, 2009 08:55pm | #5

   When making my own deliveries, I use movers blankets. I have a dozen or so, more is better. I made the decision long ago to invest in these. Their cost is not really all that great and if they keep me from having to do even one repair (either to my furniture or to the clients door frame) then they paid for themselves.

   I've never shipped a piece of furniture, but I have shipped other very valuable things. The cost of a proper crate will far exceed the padding within. The crate is also your primary line of protection.

1. 
   JiminFla | Feb 18, 2009 09:00pm | #6

   Thanks, Sapwood

6. 
   jackplane | Feb 19, 2009 01:46am | #7

   I use bubble wrap. 'cause that's what I have a lot of. Blankets are good, and ratcheting tie-downs are essential regardless how you wrap case goods.

   Expert since 10 am.

7. 
   JeffHeath | Feb 19, 2009 02:50am | #8

   I use moving blankets, but I always deliver everything I build myself.  So, the blankets always leave when I do.

   Jeff

1. 
   mapleman | Mar 08, 2009 08:04pm | #17

   Dusty:

   It's moving blankets for me . You can often get them from the moving van line companies  as used .

        I bought a dozen at a flea market for like $20 maybe 25 years ago and have added to them several times so I have about 20 or so  and can rent or borrow more if needed .

   Jeff:

   I use moving blankets, but I always deliver everything I build myself.  So, the blankets always leave when I do.

   Same here guys - and like Jeff - I always deliver my own stuff and never a scratch on anything.  If you are looking for more blankets here is a good tip:

   I have about 40 king size blankets I got from Wal-Mart over the last 2 or 3 years. The regular price of these blankets is $10 or $12, can't remember. Every year (about this time, actually) they put the winter stuff like blankets on sale.  Go back every day or two until they mark them down to $5. Then buy them all!

   I wrap cabinets with a blanket, then each cabinet gets a few turns of stretch wrap to hold the blanket on. When I pack them in my trailer for delivery, I put pieces of that 1" thick pink foam (like you put on the side of a house under vinyl siding) between everything. The foam is a little pricey at $10 a sheet but it's cheap insurance in the long run. Like I said I have not had to repair a scratch yet (from delivery). After the freaking floor guys get ahold of them is another story!

   Lee

    

    

8. 
   oldusty | Feb 19, 2009 07:07am | #9

     It's moving blankets for me . You can often get them from the moving van line companies  as used .

        I bought a dozen at a flea market for like $20 maybe 25 years ago and have added to them several times so I have about 20 or so  and can rent or borrow more if needed .

                 regards      dusty 

1. 
   boilerbay | Feb 20, 2009 04:49am | #11

   Dusty,I use them also but all new as I've had many bad experiences with moving van stuff. The new one are relatively cheap considering the work creating the piece, and they abrade less than bubble wrap. The van people stack them on the floor of the van and grind them around so much it's like wrapping sand paper around your stuff. Then they throw them on the dirt and lawns when unpacking. I've seen black top and gravel embedded in them. I have had a lot finish damage over the years until I realized what was going on from the used ones. I had a source in Georgia,$40/dozen. Sarge might be able to find it. Off Johnson's Ferry Road. An Industrial supply company.
   Just my experience.Boiler

1. 
   oldusty | Feb 20, 2009 05:57am | #12

      Every 8 years whether they need it or not they get a wash in the commercial laundromat machines .

        I must admit most damage  almost always has to do with delivery  .

            It might be sunny again tomorrow , it could get cloudy as well , there is a chance of rain and heck ,, the wind might blow !

                     regards       dusty , who longs for the smell of the ocean

1. 
   boilerbay | Feb 20, 2009 06:20pm | #13

   Dusty,You just gotta move a leeetle further down river :)
   (you get to close and the wood rusts.)Boiler