Shipping & Delivery
Worldwide
Art Shipping
Free professional delivery anywhere in the USA. International shipping available worldwide with custom-built crating and full insurance. Your painting arrives ready to hang.
How Your Painting Is Packed
Custom Crate
Every painting is secured in a custom-built wooden crate sized precisely to your piece. Corner protectors, foam padding, and moisture barriers surround the canvas on all sides.
Full Insurance
Every shipment is fully insured for the full purchase value. In the extremely unlikely event of transit damage, you are covered β no exceptions, no fine print.
Tracked Delivery
You receive tracking information the moment your painting leaves the studio. Domestic shipments typically arrive in 5-10 business days. International timelines vary by destination.
Packaging & Crating in Detail
Shipping an original painting β especially a large, heavily textured one β is not the same as shipping a poster tube. Impasto surfaces are sculptural and must not be touched, compressed, or flexed during transit. Every Lei-Kol painting is packed according to a precise protocol:
Stage 1: Surface Protection
The painting is first wrapped in acid-free glassine paper β a non-stick, archival barrier that prevents anything from touching the impasto surface. No plastic touches the paint directly.
Stage 2: Cushioning Layer
A layer of closed-cell polyethylene foam β typically 1-2 inches thick β is placed over the glassine. This provides shock absorption and prevents anything from pressing into the textured surface.
Stage 3: Corner Protectors
Heavy-duty cardboard or foam corner protectors are fitted to all four corners. Corners are the most vulnerable part of a stretched canvas β a single impact can crack paint or dent the stretcher.
Stage 4: The Crate
The wrapped painting is placed inside a custom-built plywood crate. The crate is sized so the painting floats inside β it never touches the crate walls directly. Foam blocks or suspension fittings hold it in place.
Stage 5: Moisture Barrier
A vapor barrier layer is added to the crate interior for international shipments. Humidity and temperature changes during air and sea transit can condense moisture β this layer keeps the painting dry.
Stage 6: Labeling & Documentation
The crate exterior is labeled with orientation arrows, fragile warnings, and handling instructions. Inside, the Certificate of Authenticity, care guide, and commercial invoice (for international) are packed in a waterproof envelope.
USA Shipping
- β¦ Free delivery to all 50 states
- β¦ Professional white-glove packing
- β¦ Fully insured for full purchase value
- β¦ 5-10 business day delivery typical
- β¦ Signature required on delivery
- β¦ Ships from Arizona studio
International Shipping
- β¦ Available to most countries worldwide
- β¦ Custom-built wooden export crate
- β¦ Fully insured door-to-door
- β¦ Quote provided before purchase
- β¦ Duties and customs vary by country
- β¦ Ships via trusted art logistics carriers
Shipping Timeline Comparison
| Destination | Processing | Transit | Total (Est.) | Carrier Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA (contiguous 48) | 2-3 business days | 3-7 business days | 5-10 business days | Ground freight (art-specialized) |
| USA (Alaska / Hawaii) | 2-3 business days | 7-14 business days | 9-17 business days | Air freight + ground |
| Canada | 2-3 business days | 5-10 business days | 7-13 business days | Ground freight, customs clearance |
| Western Europe (UK, EU) | 2-3 business days | 7-14 business days | 9-17 business days | Air freight, customs clearance |
| Middle East (UAE, Saudi) | 2-3 business days | 10-21 business days | 12-24 business days | Air freight, customs clearance |
| East Asia (Japan, Korea, Singapore) | 2-3 business days | 10-21 business days | 12-24 business days | Air freight, customs clearance |
| Australia / New Zealand | 2-3 business days | 14-28 business days | 16-31 business days | Air or sea freight, customs clearance |
| South America | 2-3 business days | 14-28 business days | 16-31 business days | Air freight, customs clearance |
All timelines are estimates. Actual delivery depends on customs processing speed, local holidays, and weather conditions. International shipments may experience delays during peak holiday seasons (NovemberβJanuary).
Country-by-Country Customs Overview
| Country / Region | Import Duty on Art | VAT / GST | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Generally duty-free for original art | Varies by state (use tax typically applies) | Commercial invoice, COA |
| United Kingdom | 5% VAT on original art imports | VAT reduced to 5% for original art | Commercial invoice, COA, customs declaration |
| European Union | Varies β typically 0-5% duty on original art | VAT at member state rate (e.g., 19% DE, 20% FR) | Commercial invoice, COA, EORI number (business buyers) |
| Canada | Generally duty-free for original paintings | GST/HST at provincial rate (5-15%) | Commercial invoice, COA |
| Australia | Generally duty-free for original art | 10% GST on imports over AUD $1,000 | Commercial invoice, COA |
| Japan | Duty-free for original paintings | 10% consumption tax | Commercial invoice, COA |
| UAE / Dubai | 5% customs duty on declared value | 5% VAT | Commercial invoice, COA, certificate of origin |
| Singapore | Generally duty-free for original art | 9% GST | Commercial invoice, COA |
| Switzerland | Duty-free for original art | 8.1% VAT | Commercial invoice, COA |
This table is a general reference only. Customs regulations change frequently. We recommend checking with your local customs authority before purchasing. Lei-Kol provides all necessary documentation to streamline clearance β including a detailed commercial invoice, signed Certificate of Authenticity, and packing list.
Insurance Coverage
Every shipment is insured for the full purchase value β not partial, not capped, not subject to fine print. This is included in the shipping cost (or absorbed by us for free USA delivery). The insurance covers:
What to Do If Your Painting Arrives Damaged
We have shipped hundreds of paintings without a single damage claim. But if something goes wrong, here is exactly what to do:
Do not refuse the delivery
Accept the package. Refusing delivery complicates the insurance claim. Note any visible damage to the crate or box on the carrier's delivery record before signing.
Photograph everything
Take photos of the crate/box from all angles before opening. Then photograph the unwrapping process. Then photograph any damage to the painting. More photos are better β insurers want thorough documentation.
Contact us immediately
Email us with photos within 24 hours of delivery. We initiate the insurance claim on your behalf. You do not need to deal with the carrier directly β we handle it.
Do not attempt repairs
Do not try to fix, clean, or touch up the painting. Any repair attempt can void the insurance coverage. Leave the painting exactly as it arrived.
Resolution
We will arrange one of: professional restoration at our expense, replacement with an equivalent piece (if available), or a full refund including all shipping costs.
How to Track Your Shipment
The moment your painting leaves the Arizona studio, you receive an email with your tracking number and a link to the carrier's tracking portal. Domestic shipments (USA) use FedEx, UPS, or specialized art freight carriers depending on the size of the painting. International shipments use DHL, FedEx International, or specialized art logistics carriers like Fine Art Shippers or Atelier 4.
For international shipments, you can typically track the painting through customs clearance β you will see when it arrives in your country, when it clears customs, and when it is out for final delivery. If a shipment appears stalled at customs, contact us β we can provide additional documentation to expedite clearance.
How much does international shipping cost?
International shipping is quoted per piece based on size, destination, and carrier. Contact us with your location and the painting you are interested in, and we will provide a firm quote before you commit. You will never be surprised by shipping costs.
Who handles customs and import duties?
The buyer is responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, or VAT assessed by your country. We provide all necessary documentation β commercial invoice, certificate of authenticity, packing list β to streamline clearance. Crypto payment can simplify cross-border transactions by avoiding bank currency conversion fees.
What if my painting arrives damaged?
We have shipped hundreds of paintings without a single damage claim. In the extremely unlikely event of transit damage, you are fully covered by our insurance. Contact us immediately with photos and we will arrange repair, replacement, or refund.
Can I pick up the painting from the studio?
Yes. If you are in or visiting Arizona, studio pickup is available by appointment. Contact us to arrange a time to see the painting in person and take it home directly.
Do you ship to P.O. boxes or APO/FPO addresses?
Large paintings require physical addresses with signature-on-delivery service. We cannot ship to P.O. boxes. APO/FPO shipping is possible for smaller works β contact us to discuss options.
Ready to Ship Worldwide
From our Arizona studio to your wall β wherever that is. Every painting is crated, insured, and tracked from pickup to delivery. Free in the USA. Competitive quotes for international destinations.
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