How to send paint by post or courier
Shipping paint is tricky because paint is classified as a restricted item by most postal and courier services. If you plan on shipping paint internationally, you must use proper packaging and follow the shipping regulations. Check the guidelines below on how to send paint safely by post or courier.
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Paint and varnish are usually restricted or prohibited for shipping. Please note that insurance may not apply.
HOW TO SHIP
Courier services for shipping paint internationally
HOW TO PACK
Packing guide for sending paint by post or courier
When shipping paint internationally, correct preparation and packaging are essential to prevent issues in transit:
- Close the paint can tightly and clean it. Secure the lid with extra clips, metal clips or plenty of tape.
- Cover the paint can in bubble wrap, then secure the bubble wrap with tape.
- Pack the wrapped can inside a leak-proof inner packaging, such as a sealed polythene bag or plastic container with a screw top. This is an additional step, but it is highly recommended as an extra safety measure.
- Place the inner packaging inside an appropriately-sized cardboard box.
- Fill empty spaces in the box with cushioning materials such as packing peanuts.
- Close and seal the box with tape.
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SHIPPING REGULATIONS
How to ship paint internationally – rules and regulations
Before sending paint by post or courier, make sure that this specific type of paint is not on the transport company’s list of prohibited items for shipping. For this, you will need to check whether the paint is water-based or solvent-based on the manufacturer’s website. As a general rule, solvent-based paints, along with primers, varnishes, wood stains, thinners and lacquers, are classified as hazardous and cannot be shipped by regular courier services, while water-based paints can be sent by courier.
- Water-based paints usually include words such as Latex, Vinyl, Acrylic or Chalk on the packaging.
- Solvent-based paints usually include words such as Alkyd, Oil-based, Urethane, Epoxy, Varnish or Polyurethane on the packaging.
Before shipping paint internationally, you need to do the following:
- Check the national regulations of the pick-up and delivery countries on the websites of the official customs authorities.
- Check the courier company’s internal policies related to shipping dangerous goods.
At Eurosender, private individuals cannot send paint products using our services. Anyone that decides to ship such products anyway, does so at their own risk and are strongly advised to pack the item properly. Regardless of whether you send paint by post or courier, it is not recommended to send more than 1L when shipping to other countries.
Licensed manufacturers and resellers can send paint only under special agreements with authorised carriers. They must also comply with the safety, packaging, labelling and import regulations of the destination country. They must have all the required certificates and ship the paint in suitable leak-proof containers maintaining the optimal temperature.
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FAQ on sending paint by post or courier
Can I send paint internationally with every courier company?
Can I send paint in the post?
How do I ship spray paint internationally?
How much does it cost to ship paint?
How can my business ship paint cans to customers across Europe?
Is shipping paint overseas covered by insurance?
- The type of paint
- The chosen shipping service
- Previous agreements between the shipper and the courier provider