Best way to flatten out posters

Just got back home from my first 2 shows picked up 2 of each of the posters. I need to start the flattening process and wanted to know the best methods. I was thinking about slipping them into a broken down box's and placing books on the them but I'm sure someone else here know of a better way.

Comments

  • MickeyMouseMickeyMouse Posts: 1,053
    Put them on a table with at least 4 books on the corners.  Depending on how long they were rolled it could take a day or a few to be completely flat before framing.  
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  • Gern BlanstenGern Blansten Your Mom's Posts: 17,937
    I buy cheap poster frames and store them that way
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  • JBob87JBob87 Posts: 427
    2 pieces of thick foam posterboard + acid free paper (front and back) + 10-15 binder clips. Then put under my mattress for a while.
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  • ShakesckyShakescky Posts: 342
    JBob87 said:
    2 pieces of thick foam posterboard + acid free paper (front and back) + 10-15 binder clips. Then put under my mattress for a while.
    The best idea. My problem has always been that I cannot find poster board and glassine paper without having to buy a stupid amount in bulk through ULine. Sometimes it sucks having prints beyond 18" x 24" or the occasional odd shape (looking at you Hale NYC 2015).
    i have witnessed some performances. i have soaked up a lot of memories.
  • hepcatpunkhepcatpunk Posts: 174
    I collect movie posters and use heavy books....that, and time, will flatten your posters just fine for framing.
  • BB162610BB162610 Upstate NY Posts: 541
    Weight+Time=Flat
  • tubes10stubes10s Posts: 512
    I use a presentation board to store my posters flat.  It works great!  I have a layer of kraft paper between each one, and I use big binder clips to hold the presentation board closed.  It's cheap and will hold plenty as well, I probably have 40 posters in mine right now.  



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  • HesCalledDyerHesCalledDyer Maryland Posts: 16,416
    edited August 2018
    tubes10s said:
    I use a presentation board to store my posters flat.  It works great!  I have a layer of kraft paper between each one, and I use big binder clips to hold the presentation board closed.  It's cheap and will hold plenty as well, I probably have 40 posters in mine right now.  



    I'll second this as it's the method I use.  I use glassine sheets in between each poster but any acid-free paper will do fine.
    If the poster has been in a tube for a long time (like a month or more), let it relax on its own for a couple days then transfer it to the display board. If it's only been in a tube for a short time, you can go straight to the display board without fear of the ink cracking or anything.
  • tubes10s said:
    I use a presentation board to store my posters flat.  It works great!  I have a layer of kraft paper between each one, and I use big binder clips to hold the presentation board closed.  It's cheap and will hold plenty as well, I probably have 40 posters in mine right now.  



    I'll second this as it's the method I use.  I use glassine sheets in between each poster but any acid-free paper will do fine.
    If the poster has been in a tube for a long time (like a month or more), let it relax on its own for a couple days then transfer it to the display board. If it's only been in a tube for a short time, you can go straight to the display board without fear of the ink cracking or anything.
    This is only after they have been flattened, correct?
  • JojoRiceJojoRice Kennesaw, GA Posts: 3,873
    I use NES games to flatten mine. With poster/craft paper between the poster and the games. 
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  • Vedd HeddVedd Hedd Posts: 4,330
    Prestige PC2436-3 Studio Series Lite Art Portfolio 3 inch Gusset (24" x 36") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005PSLB96/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wszFBb6MG1FJE

    I got something like this.  First i lay them on a table with weights on the corners for a couple of days, usually with some acid free paper over it. Then i store them in the portfolio, which i also lay flat with weights, and I use a small piece of particle board in the back so nothing gets bent.

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  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 49,474
    As others say, just unroll it and put weight on it, though I wouldn't recommend just pinning corners down. Evenly distribute the weight all over the poster. Leave it for a long time. Like 2 weeks.
    After that, I put them in a big zip up portfolio that I bought at Michael's for $40 or something. I lined it with foam board to keep it rigid. I can fit probably 25 posters in there, including the paper in between each one (I just use the same paper that the poster comes with).
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  • HesCalledDyerHesCalledDyer Maryland Posts: 16,416
    tubes10s said:
    I use a presentation board to store my posters flat.  It works great!  I have a layer of kraft paper between each one, and I use big binder clips to hold the presentation board closed.  It's cheap and will hold plenty as well, I probably have 40 posters in mine right now.  



    I'll second this as it's the method I use.  I use glassine sheets in between each poster but any acid-free paper will do fine.
    If the poster has been in a tube for a long time (like a month or more), let it relax on its own for a couple days then transfer it to the display board. If it's only been in a tube for a short time, you can go straight to the display board without fear of the ink cracking or anything.
    This is only after they have been flattened, correct?
    Nope, I use the presentation boards for both the flattening time and post-flattened storage.  When flattening, I tape the board shut and evenly distribute weight on top.
  • on2legson2legs Standing in the Jersey rain… Posts: 14,381
    I lay it on a table under some books and use a hammer to flatten out any high spots. 
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  • EM194007EM194007 Posts: 2,827

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