Storing a huge print

AstroFan · Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:20 pm

Are there any good cost efficient ways to store a very large print(example: 20x40)?

I have heard of some people using 2 sheets of plexiglass and placing the print inbetween it. Is this reccomended, or something I should stay away from? I assume I would have to place acid free paper on either side of the print if I went this route.

This is mainly just temporary storage until I have enough money to get it properly framed, but I really would not want to keep it in the tube, and need an affordable solution. Thanks.

marshhouse · Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:26 pm

Couple sheets of acid free foamcore could do the same trick....just not as sturdy.

AstroFan · Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:01 pm

Would it be safe to keep 2 prints(presumably with acid free paper inbetween the prints and sheets) between either the plexiglass or foamcore, or would I have to buy 2 sheets for every poster?

Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:39 pm

AstroFan wrote:Would it be safe to keep 2 prints(presumably with acid free paper inbetween the prints and sheets) between either the plexiglass or foamcore, or would I have to buy 2 sheets for every poster?

I think you will be fine keeping 2 (or more) posters between foamcore, particularly if interleaving.

piemel · Mon Mar 13, 2006 12:05 am

why would you keep a sheet of acid free paper between two of the same prints? are you trying to protect it from itself?

interleaving is overkill in almost all cases...

AstroFan · Mon Mar 13, 2006 12:53 am

piemel wrote:why would you keep a sheet of acid free paper between two of the same prints? are you trying to protect it from itself?

For whatever it's worth, I was talking about 2 different prints.

Mon Mar 13, 2006 1:42 am

Most good-quality printing paper nowadays is fairly neutral pH, so Piemel's point about overkill is quite valid. On the other hand, if you are talking about a print worth some dough, it might only take a small investment for you to take comfort knowing that you are using the "extreme overkill" safe storage method!

ps if you wanna go Extreme overkill- sandwich the foamcore between plexi (or masonite or formica)- the foamcore will tend to protect the print from environmental damage, and the plexi will protect it from mechanical damage.

pps 20x40 is not THAT big.. . you can get a flatfile cabinet or maybe even a portfolio to fit it maybe?

piemel · Mon Mar 13, 2006 3:42 am

i need some advil

Codeblue · Mon Jun 12, 2006 2:31 am

Anyone know of a good large (30X40, maybe bigger) portfolio or portable metal case? Does anyone currently use a case this big?

Mon Jun 12, 2006 1:26 pm

Codeblue wrote:Anyone know of a good large (30X40, maybe bigger) portfolio or portable metal case? Does anyone currently use a case this big?

My friend and I just moved some prints from my flatfile to his LARGE portfolio, and slid it under the bed in his spare bedroom. That portfolio MUST be over 4' x3', and about 2.5 inches deep. Definitely the largest one I've seen- it barely fits in the back seat of his Corolla. I don't know where he got it, but I have a hunch it may have been purchased at Pearl in Chicago.

Codeblue · Mon Jun 12, 2006 2:24 pm

Any idea how much it cost? Where to get another one? Who is the manufacturer?

Mon Jun 12, 2006 2:41 pm

I confirmed that it was bought at Pearl Art in chicago- let me see if I can see the brand name. Nope, no name on it that I can see.I can not find a link to the exact one on Pearl's site so I will describe it:

Black leather-like exterior, a flap at the top lifts up or closes with 3 metal latches. Rubberized handle on the top center, and another centered in the middle of the flat side. The edges are like a box- right angles, it has a shoulder strap that clips on and off.

Hope that's helpful.

Codeblue · Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:49 pm

morst wrote:I confirmed that it was bought at Pearl Art in chicago- let me see if I can see the brand name. Nope, no name on it that I can see.I can not find a link to the exact one on Pearl's site so I will describe it:

Black leather-like exterior, a flap at the top lifts up or closes with 3 metal latches. Rubberized handle on the top center, and another centered in the middle of the flat side. The edges are like a box- right angles, it has a shoulder strap that clips on and off.

Hope that's helpful.

Codeblue · Tue Jun 27, 2006 1:26 am

Does it look like this?
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/art-suppl ... 8999000000

Or maybe this?
http://www.portfolios-and-art-cases.com ... 403-d.html

Tue Jun 27, 2006 8:59 am

close but not identical, those look good.

The one I was referring to lacks the straps, and has an extra handle in the center of the large side, but the overall size and dimensions seem quite similar. I would think those will work fine if they fit your print(s).