Vintage posters bring a unique, nostalgic charm to a home or office, but proper care is vital if you want to enjoy them for years to come. Whether you’re planning to sell the poster in the future or not, preserving its value and condition is crucial. If you enjoy collecting antique prints and posters, follow these preservation tips from Queen Street Gallery in Martinsburg, WV.

Frame It

Always frame posters to protect them from dust and moisture, but keep in mind that not every frame will suffice. Since light can degrade a print over time, use UV-resistant glass or Plexiglass®. Acid-free matting and backing will further protect your posters, but, unfortunately, many vintage posters were made with acidic paper that breaks down. Prevent further deterioration by having it professionally deacidified.

Restore It

If a poster has severe damage when you purchase it — be it tack holes and tears, yellowing paper, or a fading print — a conservator may be able to restore it to its original beauty. Restoration is a detailed process that involves anything from filling and blending holes to recreating entire portions of a print. If you restore a vintage poster with the intent to resell it, always disclose the restoration to potential buyers.

Store It Safely

If you are keeping a vintage poster in storage, take special care to avoid damage. The best solution is flat storage in individual acid-free sleeves. Acid-free tubes are also an option if you have to store posters rolled. It’s smart to have posters deacidified and add a linen backing before storage to ensure stable condition over time. For especially valuable prints, encapsulation provides a high level of protection.

For custom picture framing by professionals who understand what vintage posters require, turn to Queen Street Gallery. These purveyors of antique prints and fine art will treat your collection with utmost care, and you may even find a new piece or two in their extensive selection. For a free custom framing quote, call them at (304) 263-9495.