Flattening rolled art prints is a common process to prepare them for display or storage. The most widely used and safest method involves applying gentle, consistent pressure over time.
Using the Weighting Method
This technique relies on gravity and weight to gradually ease the print back into a flat state.
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare a Clean, Flat Surface: Find a surface that is larger than your print, such as a table or the floor, ensuring it is completely clean and dry.
- Gather Materials: You will need acid-free protective layers (like tissue paper, craft paper, or board) and heavy, flat objects (like large books, boards, or archival weights).
- Layering:
- Place a protective layer (acid-free paper or board) on your clean surface.
- Integrate the print: A key handling tip from a referenced method is to prevent fingerprints and protect the print's surface. "So you don't leave any fingerprints on the print itself. So put tissue paper. And then on top of that face down put the print." This means you should put a layer of tissue paper down first, and then carefully place the rolled print face down on top of the tissue paper.
- Place another protective layer on top of the print.
- Optionally, add a rigid board on top of the protective layers to distribute weight evenly.
- Apply Weights: Stack heavy, flat objects evenly across the entire surface of the layered stack, ensuring pressure is applied uniformly from edge to edge.
- Wait: Leave the print under weights for an extended period. The time required varies depending on the print material, how tightly it was rolled, and how long it was stored rolled. This can range from a few days to several weeks for stubborn rolls.
- Check Periodically: After a few days, you can carefully check the print's progress. If it's still curled, replace the layers and weights for more time.
Key Handling Tips
- Always work on a clean surface to avoid transferring dirt or debris to the print.
- Use acid-free protective materials to prevent damage to the print over time.
- As highlighted in the referenced method, using tissue paper when handling helps prevent fingerprints. Placing the print face down on tissue paper during the weighting process, as suggested, can help protect the delicate printed surface while pressure is applied and also facilitates easy handling.
- Consider wearing clean cotton gloves when handling the print, especially if it has a delicate or glossy surface.
- The referenced snippet mentions "grab those hooks" after placing the print face down on tissue paper. While the exact context isn't detailed, this likely relates to the next steps after flattening, possibly preparing the print for framing or mounting using hooks.
Patience is Key
Successfully flattening a rolled art print takes patience. Rushing the process or attempting to force the print flat can cause creases, kinks, or damage to the paper or image. Allow sufficient time under weights for the paper fibers to relax naturally.
