Proper way to ship a can of spray paint.

[So Cal Joe]

Does anyone know the proper way to ship a can of spray paint?

Thanks

• This topic was modified 8 years, 3 months ago by So Cal Joe.

[Ryanne]

i believe with any ground service.

[MDC Galleries & Fine Art]

Here ‘ya go:
Quick summary:
* Double bag into a zip lock plastic bags
* Super pad around it
* Double box it
* Mark on the label side with a black marker as per the instruction below.

P.S. As an artist I buy tube paints, solvents and spray paints from art supply houses and they follow the above directions.

Details .. From Ebay and USPS Publication.

Mail it USPS. Aerosol cans are allowed to be shipped in the Domestic mail but not International mail. You must mail them surface mail only which is Standard Post. . You should ship it alone and not with other items that may cause it to react. You have to put the can in a zip lock bag surrounded with absorbent material in case anything should leak out and DOUBLE BOX. On the address side of the package write (with a permanent marker)” Consumer Commodity ORM-D Surface Mail Only” and identify what you are shipping. “Aerosol.”

3.5 Aerosols

Aerosols (containers under pressure) are hazardous materials and must be constructed to prevent accidental discharge of the contents during postal handling. Mailable aerosol containers must be packaged under Publication 52, (PUB 52) part 342.

http://pe.usps.gov/cpim/ftp/pubs/PUB52/pub52.pdf

Mailable Flammable and Combustible Liquids The following are mailable: a. Paint or a related item (UN1263) classified as a flammable or combustible liquid is generally acceptable for mailing provided the material can qualify as a consumer commodity material, or ORM-D (for surface only), and is sent within the quantity limitations and packaging requirements stated in 343.21 or 343.22, as applicable. Also see 343.26. Mailpieces must be prepared following Packaging Instruction 3A or 3B in Appendix C, as applicable.

Good luck …
Mike at MDC Galleries and Fine Art in Atlanta

[So Cal Joe]

I appreciate the response,

I suspected ground, but the labeling and packaging is what I really wondered about.

Standard ground basically means Parcel Select?

Also does the absorbent material go inside the Ziplock bag. Can it be as simple as paper towels or is there some type of standard.

I bought one of those vintage cans of spray paint over the weekend and I want to ship it properly.

Thank you Mike.

[Incompetent Picker]

Mike covered all the bases but I wanted to add my 2 cents. When I ship aerosols or any content under pressure, I stretch wrap the item (prevents cap from coming off), wrap in absorbent pad (think puppy peepee pad or adult diaper cut to size) THEN put inside freezer type ziplock (more heavy duty). Then pack like you normally would with a bit of cushioning material and seal it up. As Mike said it’s important to write on the box “ORM-D Consumer Commodity” and “Surface Mail Only” or “Ground Transportation Only” and identify contents “Aerosol”. I’m not 100% sure but I believe this is something that MUST be brought to the PO and handed to a clerk for approval.

One time I ran into a clerk who insisted they must look inside the box so bring some extra tape just in case you have to seal it back up on the spot.

This is strictly by the book and adds handling cost but it’s something I wouldn’t mess around with. The USPS can get cranky about these things.

[So Cal Joe]

Great.. Thanks.

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