How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Poster?

Posters are usually made of semi-gloss or high gloss paper that’s a bit thicker than your usual copy paper. Nevertheless, they are still prone to wrinkles and folds caused by incorrect handling and storage.

In this article, we’ll share some tried-and-tested techniques to help you remove or at least improve the appearance of wrinkles in posters made of paper or cardstock.

1. Try the Reverse Roll

This method works if your poster is wrinkled or curled in one direction. The idea here is quite simple: Roll the paper the other way, secure it with rubber bands, and leave it for a few hours, or ideally overnight, until it can lay flat completely.

Avoid using tape or stickers when securing a rolled poster to avoid ripping the paper.

If this method doesn’t work, try another flattening method listed below.

2. Use Weight

Put heavy objects like books, plates, or wooden boards on top of the poster that has been laid flat, with the image facing down. This method usually takes at least a day to work.

You may want to place heavy craft paper or a matboard between the poster and the weights to protect the poster’s surface from damage.

Consider patting a damp (not dripping wet) sponge lightly on the back side of the poster before placing weights. With a bit of moisture, the paper fibers will be more receptive to the pressure.

For stubborn creases and folds, try leaving the weights longer.

3. Use an Iron With Caution

Although using an iron is the fastest way to get rid of the wrinkles, it poses the risk of ruining the paper fibers and ink. Thus, always use a cotton sheet to protect the poster from direct heat; choose the lowest heat setting; and only iron the back side (not directly on the poster’s graphics).

Don’t use this method if you’re not familiar with your iron settings.

Don’t use your iron’s steam setting because it may cause tears and “bubbling” in some types of posters.

4. Steam Your Poster

A hot steam from the shower can help eliminate the wrinkles on a poster. However, be careful with this hack because too much moisture can ruin the ink. To prevent any damage or discoloration, clamp a cotton sheet to the poster using a hanger and clothespin.

The steam can help loosen the paper fibers, making them more receptive to the weight of books, wooden boards, etc.

It may take a week or two for the poster to dry out completely.

5. Spray a Wrinkle-Release Solution

This spray works by relaxing the paper fibers in the posters, making it easy to eliminate folds and creases with iron even at low temperatures. Make sure you spray the solution evenly over the wrinkled area and wait for the paper to absorb it completely before ironing.

Make sure you’re using a wrinkle-release spray specifically designed for paper (not for clothes) to avoid any potential damage.

Even with the proper use of wrinkle-release spray, there’s no guarantee that it can eliminate all the creases. In most cases of “stubborn” folds, there’s nothing much you can do because the paper fiber has already been damaged by the folding.

6. Consider Professional Restoration

Hiring a restoration specialist doesn’t come cheap, so this is typically reserved for rare vintage copies.

Professional conservators and restorers have the skills and equipment that allow them to improve not just the appearance of wrinkles but also the stains, frayed corners, fading, and pest infestation.

With severely frayed vintage posters, DIY repairs often do a lot more damage than good.

Frequently Asked Questions About Poster Care and Maintenance

What are the common causes of wrinkles in posters?

Incorrect handling and storage, especially folding, is the main cause of wrinkles in paper and cardstock posters.

How can I prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place?

Correct storage is the best way to prevent wrinkles in posters. One recommended method is to keep them flat in portfolios, which are thin suitcases designed for storing artwork. If you have multiple posters, make sure you have acid-free protective sheets between them. You can also put them in tubes while wrapped in acid-free plastic film.

What’s the proper way to store posters?

Use acid-free plastic sheets when storing posters. Also, put them in a protective container, which can be a portfolio or tube. The goal is to protect the posters from heat, light, moisture, pests, and dust.

How can I keep my poster in pristine condition?

Keep your hands clean and dry when handling posters. Wipe them gently with a soft dry cloth to remove any dirt, dust, and sticky residue before storing them.
Do not use cleaning products to avoid any damage. Also, place them in acid-free plastic sheets before you store them in tubes or portfolio.

Conclusion

Proper care and storage can help keep your posters in pristine condition for many years to come. However, the quality of ink and paper will also determine their longevity.

To produce vibrant colors and sharp details that can last for many years, eSigns.com uses premium archival photo paper when printing large-format posters.

We also have an extensive collection of free templates and a user-friendly design tool to help you create stunning posters you can use as a unique wall art or a promotional tool.