The U.S. Postal Service classifies paint as a flammable and combustible liquid because of the alcohol-based solvents it contains. Thus, there are regulations on how to ship paint.
For one, paints must be in proper containers and packaging when being shipped. Also, paint can only be sent using ground transportation and on a single 1-gallon paint container per package only. Here are more helpful tips on how to pack and ship paint.
The metal paint container must be sealed tightly.
Wrap the paint container in the bubble wrap, then secure the bubble wrap with the packing tape.
Place the wrapped and taped paint box inside the plastic container with a screw top. The box must be sealed tightly and able to prevent the paint from leaking if it accidentally opens during shipping.
Place the plastic container inside the cardboard box and fill the cardboard box with the packing peanuts. Make sure there are enough peanuts in the box to keep the paint container from moving.
Seal the cardboard box with the packing tape and shake it to make sure the paint container is firmly in place.
Address and label the box with “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only.” Below that, write “Consumer Commodity ORM–D.” The U.S. Department of Transportation uses this acronym to identify small amounts of a hazardous substance.
Take the package to your local post office and ship it.