Storing maps, posters and other large papers

Maps, posters, house plans, diplomas and other oversized papers are easy to damage. Folded to fit a box, they crease along the folds. Left hanging out of a folder, their edges crumple. The safest storage keeps them flat and unfolded, in a large folder, box or flat drawer. Large sheets that are still flexible can be rolled instead. Like all paper, they last longest somewhere cool and fairly dry, out of the light and away from attics, basements, radiators and vents.

What you need

• A clean table larger than the biggest sheet
• An archival paper tube, buffered and low in lignin, at least 2 inches longer than the widest sheet
• Acid-free tissue or bond paper
• Clear polyester film
• Cotton twill tape or flat ribbon

Steps

1. 1

   Decide flat or rolled

   Keep a sheet flat if you have a folder or drawer big enough to hold it without folding or bending. Roll it only if it's still flexible. A brittle sheet that won't unroll without tearing is one for a paper conservator.

   2 min

2. 2

   Wash your hands and clear the table

   Keep food and drinks away from the papers.

   3 min

3. 3

   Line up the sheets on the tube

   Lay up to five sheets on top of each other and set the tube across one end. Make sure the tube is longer than the sheets, with extra room in case they don't roll straight.

   3 min

4. 4

   Roll them together

   Slowly roll the tube so the sheets wrap around it, keeping the tube at right angles to their long edges. Roll all the sheets at once, not one after another.

   5 min

5. 5

   Wrap them in tissue

   Wrap the roll in acid-free tissue or bond paper to keep light off it.

   2 min

6. 6

   Cover it in polyester film

   A layer of polyester film over the paper wrapper keeps water off.

   2 min

7. 7

   Tie it loosely

   Tie the roll loosely with cotton twill tape or flat ribbon to hold the film in place.

   2 min

8. 8

   Store it where it won't be crushed

   Lay the roll on a shelf somewhere cool and dry, off the floor, away from leaks.

   1 min

For flat storage

• Use a folder or box big enough for the sheet to lie flat without folding or bending, with nothing hanging out of the edges.
• Use folders and boxes that are lignin-free and acid-free or buffered.
• Store very acidic papers, such as old newsprint, separately so their acid doesn't move into other papers.
• Don't overstuff a folder or a box.