Vintage posters are beloved among art lovers, film buffs, and anyone who appreciates their nostalgic charm. However, knowing how to proper care for your posters is an essential skill for any collector. Without taking steps to protect your artwork, they can quickly deteriorate and lose their value. By following these three preservation tips for vintage posters, you’ll be able to enjoy your classic pieces for years to come. 

How to Protect Your Vintage Posters

1. Frame Them

Ultraviolet rays from the sun and fluorescent lighting can fade or distort a vintage poster’s coloring and texture. So, it’s best to keep it shielded from light damage by framing it behind UV-resistant glass. Plexiglass is also effective at blocking harmful UV rays. Another consideration you should make when framing your poster is to use an acid-free matting and backing. Regular backings contain acids that will slow eat away at the paper. 

2. Store Them Correctly

If you don’t intend to frame and display vintage posters around your home or office, you will need to store them safely. Use flat, acid-free sleeves to protect them against dust, moisture, insects, and other pests. For limited storage space, acid-free tubing is a space-saving alternative. However, avoid stacking posters on top of each other unless they are sealed in shrink-wrap. Otherwise, they will become susceptible to dust and humidity. 

3. Restore Them

In some cases, a vintage poster can be restored to bring back a bright, vibrant look that faded away over time. Restoration will also extend the poster’s lifespan. To do this, a conservator may line the back of the poster with linen. The material aids the restoration process by acting as a backing seal for holes and tears in the paper, and it provides an additional surface for the conservator to work upon. 

If you would like to add more vintage posters to your collection, Queen Street Gallery has a variety of rare posters as well as exceptional framing services at competitive rates. For more than two decades, this Martinsburg, WV, art gallery has been the go-to location for residents throughout the area to find beautiful artwork, from unique sculptures to African tribal artifacts to original art pieces. Visit them online today to view their gallery or call (304) 263-9495 for a free quote on your next custom framing project.