Shipping painting supplies in large volumes (whether for big trade orders, retail distribution, or keeping contractors stocked) comes with unique hurdles. The last thing anyone wants is damaged goods or escalating costs. That's why getting your packaging strategy right is about efficiency, saving money, and making life easier for everyone involved.
As with any size of consignment, packing in large quantities requires a smart approach that protects, cuts waste and speeds up how quickly you get orders out the door. Let's explore some practical ways to package bulk painting supplies effectively, so both your products and your bottom line stay in great shape.
Choosing the Right Foundation: Your Outer Packaging
The starting point for any solid bulk packaging plan is selecting boxes that comfortably handle the weight and nature of painting products.
Paint Boxes
When shipping standard paint cans, our PaintGuard™ range of double-walled cartons, pulp fitments, reinforced paper tape and plastic container bags makes for the ultimate in postal protection. They're specifically designed to hold heavy liquid containers snugly, minimising movement that could pop a lid. If you're a wholesaler, manufacturer, or decorator sending out quantities of emulsion, gloss, or undercoat, these can be a real workhorse, with the PaintGuard™ range being courier-approved for extra peace of mind.
BDCM Boxes
Got a larger or more varied shipment? These "wardrobe-style" cartons, popular in warehousing, offer more space and strength for a mix of items like tools, brushes, trays, and masking supplies. Their taller design also helps keep things upright, which can prevent spills and make for a more stable load.
Solidboard Boxes
For those times when you need extra toughness, consider solidboard. These boxes are built for strength and offer better moisture resistance. This makes them ideal for heavier shipments or if they might end up in damp environments like worksites or storage units. They're also a great choice when palletising and double-stacking.
Protecting What's Inside: Smart Inner Packaging
What's inside the box needs just as much thought as the box itself. Paint cans, rollers, and delicate accessories can take a beating during transit if they're not properly stabilised and cushioned.
Corrugated Rolls
This flexible, fluted paperboard is incredibly versatile. You can wrap it around individual items or use it as a separating layer within the box. It’s particularly handy for keeping paint tins from knocking together or for protecting fragile accessories like roller handles and trays.
Corrugated Sheetboard
For adding a sturdy base or creating layers, these flat sheets are ideal. They provide a stable platform, especially useful in stackable box setups. You can use them to reinforce the bottom or top of boxes, create internal dividers, or help distribute weight more evenly to prevent items from being crushed.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap still has its place, being especially valuable for cushioning tools, fittings, or sensitive products like finishes and gloss coatings that might come in glass or plastic. You can roll it, cut it, or layer it, giving you flexible control.
Packing Smart: Techniques for Bulk Efficiency
Having the right materials is half the battle; how you use them truly makes the difference in efficiency, cost, and protection. Here are a few practical tips:
Match Your Boxes Wisely
Heavy liquids like paint need the support of reinforced or double-walled boxes. Lighter accessories can often be consolidated into single-wall cartons, saving space and material costs.
Layering is Your Friend
Use sheetboard or corrugated rolls to separate rows of products. This prevents items from crushing each other and makes unpacking at the other end quicker and neater.
Be Smart with Void Fill
Instead of just stuffing a box with cushioning, aim for snug-fitting packaging to reduce the need for excessive filler. Corrugated wrap or bubble wrap tends to be more reliable for high-volume loads than loose-fill options.
Build Sturdy Pallets
When stacking boxes on a pallet, always place heavier cartons at the bottom and lighter or more fragile items on top. Secure the load with straps or shrink wrap to keep everything stable during its journey.
Sealing the Deal on Packaging for Bulk Painting Supplies
Dealing with bulk packaging in the painting and decorating sector doesn't have to be a source of frustration. Done correctly (by combining durable outer boxes, protective inner packaging, and smart packing techniques ensures your products arrive safely) your team can streamline your operations and keep shipping costs in check.
We've helped many businesses in various sectors move to more efficient and sustainable packaging. If you're looking to upgrade your eco-packaging processes, we'd love to chat. Feel free to send us a message, give us a ring on 01543 396 700, or drop us an email at sales@allpack.uk.com.