Posters are a fantastic way to decorate your living space, showcase your interests, and add a personal touch to your home or office. Whether you’re a movie buff, a music lover, or an art enthusiast, chances are you have a collection of posters you’d like to keep in excellent condition. Properly storing your posters is essential to ensure they remain vibrant and pristine for years to come.
But how to store posters properly? There are three ways to store posters: storing posters in rolls, using portfolios, and free stacking your posters. In this article, we’ll show you how to use these methods and share some valuable tips on storing posters to preserve their quality and value.
Storing Posters in Rolls
To safeguard your posters effectively, start with suitable storage space, considering factors like moisture, heat, light, pests, and falling objects. Invest in poster tubes and acid-free plastic wrapping for protection against damage. Label your tubes for easy identification.
For larger collections, use square poster-storage boxes for neat stacking. When handling posters, ensure clean hands or gloves, gentle handling, and avoid corner lifting or surface dragging.
For larger collections, use square poster-storage boxes for neat stacking. When handling posters, ensure clean hands or gloves, gentle handling, and avoid corner lifting or surface dragging. Regularly inspect your collection, replacing damaged tubes promptly. With these steps, your posters will remain in excellent condition.
Using Portfolios on Storing Posters
When storing posters, choose a dry place away from moisture, heat, pests, and falling objects. Consider portfolios, like oversized briefcases for art, as they keep posters flat and safe. These can be purchased at art or stationery stores or online, offering durability and even locks.
Before handling, wash and dry your hands thoroughly or use clean gloves. Shield posters by sandwiching them between acid-free plastic or card sheets, or use transparent acid-free plastic sleeves. Secure these ‘sandwiches’ with plastic clips to avoid damage.
Label portfolios and poster ‘sandwiches’ with sticky labels for easy identification. Place posters inside portfolios, adding a backing if using plastic sleeves. Store portfolios in your selected spot, periodically checking for any potential damage from heat, moisture, pests, or falling objects.
Free-Stacking Posters
Pick a clutter-free and safe spot when choosing where to stack your posters. Accessibility matters, too, as it might be tough to reach posters buried at the bottom of a tall stack. Consider weight; if you stack heavy stuff, do it on a solid floor, not a suspended one.
For this method, gather your materials. Get creative, but use acid-free plastic for protection. Picture frames with glass work well, but avoid materials like sheet metal or wood that could harm your posters.
Clean and dry any glass you use. Don’t stack it where strong light can damage your posters. Be patient when stacking; each poster should lie flat, as the weight of the stack can make creases permanent. You can stack high if you want, but moving or viewing your posters may be a task.
Additional Tips in Poster Storage
Choosing the Right Location
Choosing an appropriate location is crucial before you even think about storing your posters. Your storage area should be cool, dry, and dark. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause posters to fade and deteriorate over time. Basements, closets, or dedicated poster storage spaces are excellent options.
Use Acid-Free Materials
Always use clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils and dirt when handling your posters. For long-term storage, it’s best to invest in acid-free materials. Acid-free poster sleeves, tubes, and backing boards will help prevent yellowing and damage caused by acids commonly found in regular paper products.
Poster Tubes
If you have posters that you’d like to keep rolled, poster tubes are a must-have. Choose a sturdy, acid-free poster tube with a cap that screws on securely. Before rolling your posters, place a sheet of acid-free tissue paper or glassine paper between each poster to prevent them from sticking together.
Flat Storage
For posters you’d like to store flat, follow these steps:
- Place a clean, acid-free backing board at the bottom of your storage container.
- Lay the poster on top of the backing board with the image side facing up.
- Add another sheet of acid-free tissue or glassine paper to the poster.
- Continue layering posters, interleaved with acid-free paper, and finish with another backing board on top.
- Close the container and ensure it’s sealed airtight to protect against moisture and pests.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level is essential for preserving your posters. Fluctuations in these conditions can lead to warping, mold growth, and other forms of deterioration. Aim for a temperature between 65-70°F (18-21°C) and a relative humidity of 45-55%.
Avoid Adhesives and Tapes
Never use adhesive materials like tape, glue, or adhesive putty directly on your posters. Over time, these materials can damage the paper and cause irreversible harm. Use removable poster putty or acid-free framing options if you need to display your posters on a wall.
Check and Rotate
Periodically inspect your stored posters to ensure they are in good condition. If you notice any signs of damage, such as creases or tears, address them promptly. Additionally, consider rotating your posters to minimize the effects of long-term storage, such as uneven fading.
Conclusion
Learning how to store posters is essential for preserving their quality and value. By following these tips, you can enjoy your poster collection for years to come while ensuring that each poster remains a vibrant and cherished piece of your personal space.
Remember to invest in acid-free materials, maintain the right environmental conditions, and carefully handle your posters to protect their beauty and longevity. With the right storage techniques, your poster collection can be a lasting source of inspiration and nostalgia.