Rolled up maps and posters are difficult to stick to walls if they haven't been leveled. By rolling the object in the opposite direction to its original roll, you can solve this problem. Lay out a map or poster on a clean floor, roll it up, then tie it with an elastic band. Slightly moistening the maps and posters can also make them more manageable. Put the object in a closed tube, then let it sit for a few hours on the water. The water particles that seep in will cause the roll to relax so that the map or poster can be leveled easily.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Rerolling to Align Maps and Posters
Step 1. Clean the flat area
A desk, work desk, or bed can be used as an area for leveling maps or posters. Provide enough space so that the flattened object can be spread out perfectly. Remove dust and dirt before starting work. You certainly don't want your favorite musician's poster to get dirty with dust when leveled!
Step 2. Unroll the map or poster
Remove the flattened object from its container or package. Place it on a flat surface. Feel the edges to determine the correct position of the poster. Do not pinch the edges of the poster as you could tear it. Spread the poster perfectly on the table.
- Usually, you should place the object face down. Posters, for example, are rolled in so that the image is inside the roll. You have to unroll the scroll and flip it over so that the image is at the bottom.
- If the roll object is difficult to open, do not force it. However, try to moisturize it.
Step 3. Place a cardboard tube at one end of the poster
Posters usually come with a tube that you can use to flatten them out. The toilet paper roll is smaller, but can work just as well. Rolls of kitchen tissue or wrapping paper can also be used. Align the tube with the center of one end of the poster.
- You can try flattening a poster or map without using a tube. Simply roll the poster the other way as tightly as possible, then tie it with a rubber band. However, you should use a tube so that the object is not scratched.
- Remember, you must roll the flattened object in the opposite direction to its original roll. Flip the map or poster before leveling it with the tube.
Step 4. Roll the folder or poster in the opposite direction to the original roll
Hold the end of the object to make sure it is parallel to the tube, then roll it in the opposite direction. Work slowly. Loosen or tighten the roll as necessary to prevent the poster or map from scuffing. Sometimes, this is enough to flatten it out.
Step 5. Tie a rubber band around the roll to secure it
Rubber bands are great fasteners because they don't damage the poster. Attach one rubber band to both ends of the poster. Some types of tape can also be used, such as special tape used to roll up new posters, but this poses a risk of tearing the poster.
If you're worried about rubber bands or tape damaging the object you're leveling, lay out a map or poster on a flat surface, then overlap the heavy object
Step 6. Leave this roll for an hour
The new poster should stand for about an hour. Items that are tightly rolled up may take longer to flatten. However, don't overdo it. You certainly don't want it to roll in the opposite direction!
Step 7. Remove the rubber band and unroll the map or poster
Remove the rubber band and be careful not to scratch the end of the object. Extend the poster until it is flat. Adjust so that the curling side is facing up. The thing should have been in better shape. If it's still curling, roll it up again or overlap it with a heavy object to make it even.
Method 2 of 3: Flattening a Map or Poster with Weights
Step 1. Place the map or poster on a flat surface
Find a large area that doesn't block the way to place the poster, then clean it. Place the object to be flattened on the surface with the roll facing down. Usually, maps and posters are rolled up so that the images are on the inside. The side of the picture must be facing downwards.
Step 2. Lay down the map or poster so that it is flat
You can use heavy objects at home. Books are the best choice because they are able to spread the weight evenly over a fairly large area. Have as many objects as possible that are heavy enough to rest on the map or poster. Remember, the object used must be cleaned first.
Step 3. Leave it for a few hours
It took several hours for the weights to perfectly align the poster. Rolled posters take a day or more to flatten. Make sure the poster is in a safe place during this process. If you've tried flattening it by rolling in the opposite direction, the poster may be perfectly aligned within a few hours.
Step 4. Lift the weights and check the condition of the map or poster
If you're lucky, it won't curl anymore. You can also put a poster of your favorite idol on the wall. Some maps and posters take longer. Repeat the above method as needed.
Method 3 of 3: Maps and Posters to Flatten Moisturize It
Step 1. Remove the dust from the surface of the poster with a brush
You will need to clean the surface of the map or poster to be moistened. New items are usually dust-free so they are easy to clean with your fingers or a soft, dry cloth. Dirty objects should be cleaned with a soft brush, like the one used for brushing animal hair. Dirt that sticks when the poster is moistened can cause stains.
- Do not use synthetic brushes such as bathroom brushes. The bristles of this brush are too hard to use for scrubbing fragile objects.
- If the item is too dirty, you may need professional help. For example, a paper restorer can clean a map made of paper.
Step 2. Remove the poster binder, then roll it up
Maps or posters should not be tied with rubber bands. Other items that are commonly used as adhesives, such as staples and paper clips, must be removed. Roll the object you want to flatten in the direction of the initial roll.
Step 3. Fill a plastic container with a little water
Add water at room temperature until it covers the bottom of the container as high as 5 cm. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the smaller container. Plastic buckets or plastic trash cans are the most common choices.
- More water will result in higher humidity, which can speed up this process. However, this is quite risky if you don't keep a good eye on the map or poster.
- Spraying the area around the poster with water is an alternative that can help you level the poster. However, it is very difficult to determine the right amount of water.
Step 4. Install the wire rack inside the container
The rack must be placed horizontally above the water surface. In addition to wire racks, you can also place smaller plastic containers or plastic trash cans above the water. Make sure the rack or container used is installed well enough so that its position does not change.
Step 5. Place the map or poster on the shelf
Place the object on a shelf or in a smaller container. Double check to make sure the water used is at room temperature before closing the container. Warm water can condense and drip onto your poster. Perform this process in a safe, stable temperature room.
Step 6. Check the container after one hour
Once the lid on the plastic container is tightly closed, leave it alone so the map or poster can absorb water particles. This usually takes about 4 to 6 hours. Check the container after an hour to make sure water isn't dripping from the lid. Check again after 4 to 5 hours to see changes in the inserted object. The object will feel weaker and softer.
Step 7. Align your map or poster
Remove the object from the container. Try to roll it slowly. The poster should be easy to align. If the object feels hard and feels like it's about to tear, leave it alone. Place it back in the container and repeat the above process as necessary.
Step 8. Dry with a cotton cloth
You can buy special cotton fabrics for archival paper online or at craft stores. You can also use cotton towels or blankets. Place a piece of cotton cloth on the table. Place a flattened map or poster on it. Cover with another piece of cotton cloth. Now, press the cloth to keep it flat.
You can lay a wooden cutting board on top of a sheet of cloth and stack it with some heavy books. This will prevent the object from rolling up again
Step 9. Let the object sit for a few days to dry
Cotton must be left overnight. If the paper immediately feels dry, great! However, this often takes several days. Keep checking your map or poster regularly. If the cotton cloth feels damp, replace it with a new one.
Step 10. Take items that are of high value or hard to flatten to a paper recovery specialist
The humidification process should be carried out for maps and posters that are not very valuable. Items that are of high value or are fragile should be handled by a professional. Find a paper recovery expert near you. Museums in your area may be able to recommend an experienced expert.
Tips
- Make sure the area used for leveling the map or poster doesn't get in the way.
- Work slowly when leveling map scrolls and posters. The corners of the poster are very easy to wrinkle. In addition, some of the old poster material is very easy to tear.
- Place a weight on the poster that is placed on a hard surface. Soft surfaces can cause the poster to smudge.
- Cover the map or poster with a clean object, such as a cutting board. Placing a book or other heavy object on the front of the poster can cause marks.
- Professional document restorers sometimes use the ultrasonic cold humidification method. This is a much gentler method, but the tools are expensive. This method is used to recover important and high-value objects.
Warning
- Do not use rubber bands that wear off easily, as they can stain your poster.
- If you want to laminate a poster, flatten it first.
- Ironing a map or poster is very risky. You should at least cover the poster with a cloth before ironing it. Do not iron the poster directly.
- If you want to flatten a high-value antique or something that feels fragile, seek professional help.
