I recently printed a few photos at Walgreens in the size of 20x30. They offer poster paper options of Glossy or Matte. I got the glossy and they look great but since it is a large area, I can see waves in the print when you look at it from different sides. {Maybe because they roll the print into a cylinder to put it in the bag) Should I be printing large sizes like this on some type of poster board or what are the other options?
What Type of Paper/Board do you use when printing larger prints?
- Thread starter Smoke
- Start date
I've had 20x30 posters made at Walmart which are also rolled and inserted into a plastic bag. I haven't experienced any issues like you mentioned. Sometimes the posters are slightly wrinkled which I don't like--I'd prefer them to be flat rather than rolled. I am considering joining Costco because I hear their photo labs do a good job but don't know whether they are rolled or are flat.
Walmart doesn't offer a choice of poster paper. I believe the it is closer to a semi-gloss. When I make 20x30 posters, sometimes the background is white. They print the posters on 24x36 paper then trim them. They don't measure the poster while trimming, and sometimes they cut away too much.
Walmart doesn't offer a choice of poster paper. I believe the it is closer to a semi-gloss. When I make 20x30 posters, sometimes the background is white. They print the posters on 24x36 paper then trim them. They don't measure the poster while trimming, and sometimes they cut away too much.
sonicbuffalo_RIP
Senior Member
What about Nations? How do they do it if anyone knows? Never had a picture/poster that large made.
If I have time today, I may order 2 different posters via Nations. Their site lists a sale which supposedly ends today. If you request to ship flat, they will--but you have to ask. Just wish I could find a place to laminate that won't cut away the edges. Staples laminates but trims the poster in the process.
sonicbuffalo_RIP
Senior Member
Thanks Hark....I'd probably use Nations and ask them to ship it flat.
BackdoorArts
Senior Member
Have you tried mounting the print to foam core? I generally gallery mount my prints to the foam core backing, which involves mounting to the top and allowing gravity to do the work of keeping if flat, but with a rolled print that could be an issue. You can try that method plus adding tension at the sides and bottom to flatten. Or better yet, take it somewhere and have it dry mounted to the foam core. If it's worth printing that big it's worth mounting correctly.
Do you use any adhesive? When I mounted the first few drama posters on foam board, I used 3M Spray adhesive. The corners and edges are starting to lift so I switched to laminating each poster then use Command poster strips to temporarily mount them. I am looking at other options.
BackdoorArts
Senior Member
Do you use any adhesive? When I mounted the first few drama posters on foam board, I used 3M Spray adhesive. The corners and edges are starting to lift so I switched to laminating each poster then use Command poster strips to temporarily mount them. I am looking at other options.
I use acid free Artist Tape to mount my image to the foam core, and acid free Linen Hinge Tape to attach the mat (process listed in reverse order of actual execution). This is exactly the process I use, with the same exact hinge tape shown...
I've never heard of using spray adhesive, but then again I'm mounting for behind glass and I suspect that the adhesive would be less of an issue if the poster board is exposed, which it sounds like it is in your case since edges are lifting. For behind glass I've always been told to dry-mount the print. As I mentioned in the other thread, a foam core poster frame would likely fix that along with your warping issue.
Informative video! I wasn't aware of this method. When I adhere the posters to the foam board, I spray the 3M adhesive then line up one short edge of the poster to one short edge of the foam board. Slowly I work out the air bubbles as more and more of the poster makes contact with the foam board. Even when I took a B&W darkroom printing class, that's how we were taught to mount prints to mat board. I have a rubber roller to press out the bubbles.
Good question and one I wondered myself.
BackdoorArts
Senior Member
The mounting to foam core is a part of the framing process. It replaces the backing I get with the frame, as does the mounting hardware. I use a Logan Point Driver to hold the foam core in place...
After this I seal the back with paper backing and add framing wire so it's gallery-ready.
If I'm selling just prints I do a simple tape mount to a cardboard backing with a hinged white mat and put it in a sleeve. This could be stuck directly into a frame or the photo removed and remounted.
It's cost me a bunch in materials to get the framing thing going, but all totaled it's about what it would have cost me for one custom framing job, so between the stuff in the gallery and now on my walls I'm way ahead of the game. My wife says I should do it as a side business, but I'm not ready to start making the frames.
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@BackdoorHippie, Jake, Thanks and thanks for the info.
I mount my photos to my acid free foam board with clear plastic corners an then cover the photo and the foam board with my acid free mat. No permanent mounting is used. Photo is easily retrievable. All my photos are then covered with conservation glass and usually held into my metal Frames with spring clips.
I am glad you mentioned that Rick . I am ordering my first metal print shortly and am anxious to see how it turns out. I feel that it will work best with highly saturated colors and it should eliminate a lot expense associated with frame and glass displays.Take a look at metal prints, no framing
sonicbuffalo_RIP
Senior Member
Do you use Nations for your metal prints, Rick?
Yes, they recently had a sale and I picked up an 11x14 for under $30 with the shadow mount (sold separately as an add-on). It is of course a different feel than a high end matte/frame, but I like the modern look. Also, I sell to the beer drinking/wine in a box crowd (like me) and we think it's cool