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How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Poster?

Article Date: August 17, 2024

Posters are typically made of high gloss or semi-gloss paper that’s slightly thicker than the standard copy paper. And as with any paper, incorrect storage can cause them to have unsightly wrinkles.

In this article, we’ll explain the four tried-and-tested ways to remove wrinkles on posters made with paper or cardstock.

1. Flatten the Poster with Weight

Before trying any complicated methods to remove folds and creases, start with the simplest one: Use weight. Lay your poster face down on a clean flat surface and use heavy objects like books or a sheet of glass to flatten it. Although this method may take a long time to work, it’s the safest method to address wrinkles.

2. Iron Out the Wrinkles

If you want to remove the wrinkles in no time, consider ironing your poster. However, be extra careful with this technique to avoid damaging the graphics.

When ironing a wrinkled poster, use the lowest heat setting and place it face down on top of a cardboard. Also, cover the back of your poster with a cotton sheet (like a bath towel) to protect the poster from direct heat that could damage the paper.

Be cautious when ironing a poster and resist the temptation to turn up the heat of the iron even when wrinkles persist. Instead, iron over the wrinkled area a few times and check to see if the creases are gone.

3. Use a Bit of Steam

If you don’t have a clothing iron available, consider using steam to eliminate the wrinkles on your poster. Simply hang it in the bathroom while you’re taking a hot shower, or just run hot water for a few minutes.

A caution about this hack: it’s possible for too much moisture to get into the paper, which could ruin the ink. You can help avoid this by clamping a cotton sheet to the poster using a hanger and clothespins; the sheet should prevent it from becoming too damp.

Once the poster has been steamed, use a stack of books, a sheet of glass, or any heavy item with a flat surface to remove the wrinkles. It usually takes about a week or two for the poster to dry out completely.

4. Use a Wrinkle-Release Spray

Before you start spraying, make sure that your wrinkle-release spray is specifically designed for paper materials to avoid any potential damage.

This spray works by relaxing the paper fibers, making it easy to smooth out the folds and creases with iron. Ensure that you distribute it evenly over the wrinkled areas and wait for the paper to absorb the solution completely before ironing the poster.

Common Questions About Poster Care and Maintenance

How do I keep my posters from wrinkling?
Framing your posters allows you to display and protect them from tearing, bending, creasing, fading, and staining. But if you need to store them, invest in clear acid-free plastic sleeves made from polyester or polyethylene.

What is the best way to store posters?
Whether you display your posters or keep them in storage, make sure they stay flat. Keep them in a cool, dry place that’s free from pests. You can also use acid-free sleeves to further protect them from these elements.

How to make a poster last longer?
Avoid exposing posters to direct sunlight, as it may cause the graphics to fade. When storing your posters, protect them from dust and other air contaminants, moisture, and pests with the use of sleeves.

Conclusion

Although proper care and maintenance can help keep your poster in pristine condition, the quality of ink and paper can also determine its longevity. Signs.com uses high-quality archival photo paper to produce vibrant colors and sharp details that will look stunning for many years to come.

Signs.com also offers a user-friendly online design tool, an extensive collection of free templates, and professional design services to help you with the design process.


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