Here are 5 different techniques that may be usefulfor flatteningfine art paper that has come in roll format:
Technique 1: Unroll the entire roll and re-roll it in the opposite direction it was previously rolled. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes before unrolling it again.
Technique 2: Cut the paper to the correct size that is needed and roll it in the opposite direction it was previously rolled in. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes before unrolling it again.
Technique 3: Cut the paper to the size that is needed, leaving a half inch to an inch extra on all sides, and tape along the edges so the paper lies completely flat. Complete artwork while edges are taped.
Technique 4: Another technique involves placing the rolled paper in a plastic container which sits in a larger plastic container that is ¼ filled with water. To complete this technique, the following materials will be needed:
- Plastic container large enough to fit the rolled paper
- Plastic container with lid large enough to fit the plastic container that is holding the rolled paper
- Water
- Tissue Paper
- Plastic wrap
- Heavy board or thick, heavy book
Instructions:
- Place the rolled paper into the smaller, clean plastic container.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the small container.
- Fill the larger container ¼ of the way with clean water.
- Set the smaller container with the rolled paper in the larger container with the water. It is okay if the smaller container floats, but do not let any water get into the smaller container or touch the paper.
- Put the lid on the large container and seal it.
- Let the paper sit in the container overnight.
- Open the large container and lift the plastic wrap off the smaller container.
- If the paper feels soft and pliable from the humidity, remove the smaller container from the water and leave the plastic wrap off. Let the paper sit in the smaller container without the plastic wrap for about 10 minutes to let the air hit it.
- Place a sheet of clean tissue paper on a flat table. Unroll the rolled paper and place on top of the tissue paper.
- Carefully lay a heavy board or a thick, heavy book down on the unrolled paper.
- Let the paper sit under the weight for 24 hours. If the ends still start to curl after the weight is removed, let the paper sit under the weight for another day.
Technique 5. For Watercolor Rolls, Mixed Media Rolls, or any other types of paper that is designed to handle wet media, the following technique can be used:
- Cut the paper to the size that is needed
- Lightly mist the paper with clean water using a spray bottle (do not soak the paper - only a light mist is needed)
- Place the misted paper between 2 sheets of parchment or tissue paper
- Carefully place a board or heavy book over the paper and let sit for 24 hours
FAQs
Unroll the rolled paper and place on top of the tissue paper. Carefully lay a heavy board or a thick, heavy book down on the unrolled paper. Let the paper sit under the weight for 24 hours. If the ends still start to curl after the weight is removed, let the paper sit under the weight for another day.
How to flatten rolled art paper? ›
How to Carefully Flatten Your Prints
- So, what's the safest way to flatten your rolled Prints? Check out these tips: ...
- When your Print is fully face down, take some smooth, flat, heavy objects (i.e. books) and place on the ends and even the middle of your Print. Let it sit overnight! ...
- And that's it!
By gently humidifying tightly rolled documents you reintroduce moisture into the plant cells that make up the fiber of the paper. In very short order, the curled photos become soft, pliable - and easily flattened with no damage to the material.
How long does it take to flatten rolled paper? ›
Unroll the rolled paper and place on top of the tissue paper. Carefully lay a heavy board or a thick, heavy book down on the unrolled paper. Let the paper sit under the weight for 24 hours. If the ends still start to curl after the weight is removed, let the paper sit under the weight for another day.
How do you flatten rolled notes? ›
Set the iron to the highest depending on what type of iron you have. Dampen the bill you wish to smooth out by dipping it in water. Place money on iron board and begin ironing the money lightly. Be sure not to press down too hard or for too long.
Can you steam paper to flatten it? ›
Set the paper on a flat surface.
Once there is plenty of steam in the bathroom, you can set the page down so the steam can help relax its fibers.
Does heat flatten paper? ›
Attempting to flatten the paper by bending in the reverse direction or by applying heat, will cause the weakened fibers to break or tear resulting in permanent damage. Fortunately, there are methods for flattening these documents without damaging the paper and the writing on the surface.
Does ironing paper make it flat? ›
Ironing a piece of paper under a towel or cloth will make it flat, but the wrinkle and crease lines will usually still be visible.
How do you flatten curled photo paper? ›
Lay your print on a large flat surface and cover it with a weight. The weight should be evenly distributed across the print. If possible, place protective paper on top of the print before applying weight. You will want to leave the weight for as long as a week for maximum effectiveness.
How to flatten curled photo paper? ›
Lay your print on a large flat surface and cover it with a weight. The weight should be evenly distributed across the print. If possible, place protective paper on top of the print before applying weight. You will want to leave the weight for as long as a week for maximum effectiveness.
To flatten a diploma, place it face-down on a clean, hard surface such as a table or a piece of acrylic, and place a leather print weight on each corner; you can use blotting paper in between to further protect the document. Leave the diploma undisturbed for at least a day, after which it should no longer curl.
How do you flatten a warped piece of paper? ›
For mild buckling, place heavy, flat objects like books or boards on top of the paper and leave them for a day or two. This helps to slowly flatten the paper over time. Ensure even distribution of weight to avoid further damage. You can also press it behind glass in a picture frame.
