POSTER LINEN BACKING

We can repair, restore and linen back your treasured posters!

Recent examples of some of our client work demonstrates the range of work we can do, from movie posters to travel, sports or music posters.
Please get in touch if you have any questions, we would love to hear from you!
 

Linen-backing & Restoration FAQs

 

We have tried to cover most of the most popular enquiries that we receive in this section. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or need advice.

 

1. What does it cost to linen-back (LB) and restore a poster?

Please request our comprehensive price-list, which details the charges for all the most common sizes of film poster. We base all our charges on the cost of the specialist materials – e.g. archival cotton canvas linen, ph neutral paper and glue – that we buy and use; plus our time to construct the frames we use for the LB process. 

 

Every poster we receive is different (even different examples of the same title) and the final price we quote is based on the following factors:

• The existing condition of the poster;

• Whether we need to remove residual tape / stickers / snipes (this must be done prior to linen-backing to achieve the best outcome);

• How much additional restoration work we advise / what your expectations are for the outcome you’re looking for;

• Although our quotes are generally very accurate, until we’ve examined the poster carefully all prices quoted are estimates. We will confirm the exact cost on receipt of the poster.

• PLEASE NOTE that any risks that we identify that are specific to your poster will be discussed at the point we have assessed the poster.

 

2. Do you linen-back signed posters?

Yes, we have worked on many signed posters over the years. However, we will only agree to LB and/or restore signed posters if the customer guarantees that the signature was made with a permanent marker pen; OR accepts the risk if they can’t confirm that, otherwise we can’t be certain that there will not be damage to the signature. As long as that is clear and the poster has been signed in permanent marker pen, there is no damage to the signature or poster. 

Please note that if the signature was acquired at a convention or fair, and the poster used is a reproduction or commercial poster (not one used in cinemas), then we will not attempt a linen-backing. This is because, in our experience, this kind of paper and ink is usually not compatible with our linen-backing process. The risk of damage to the poster and signature is therefore potentially much greater. 

 

3. Do modern / contemporary posters need linen-backing?

In short, generally no! The vast majority of posters since the early 2000s are rolled, not folded, as posters were previously. If a rolled poster is in pretty good condition with only minor border wear or tears or minor surface paper loss, it is usually not necessary or advisable to carry out linen-backing. Also note that the types of material and inks used on many contemporary posters are often of a different, more synthetic quality than that used on older, vintage posters. They were designed for use in light boxes. This means these posters are less compatible with our process, which uses water and ph neutral glue.

 

4. Do you repair or restore posters without linen-backing?

We may be able to improve existing flaws such as rippling and creasing issues somewhat, or carry out restoration work to areas of paper loss, but we won’t always be able to remove such visible flaws completely. Please make an appointment, and bring your poster to us for assessment, and we will tell you honestly whether we believe we can improve the look of the poster without the full linen-backing process.

 

5. How do I make payment?

When we linen-back a poster, at the completion of that process we’ll send photos of the outcome, then you can decide if you want us to do any additional restoration work. We only invoice for everything at completion of the work. We also provide a unique certificate for each poster we have linen-backed. This is a record of our work, which can be useful as an authentication document if the poster is ever sold on.

 

6. What about shipping costs or can I collect my poster?

Within the UK, we prefer Royal Mail Special Delivery Insured Shipping, which is charged at the exact cost. We do not charge for the postal tube and packing materials. Alternatively if you are able to do so you can collect from us, either in Hersham, where we carry our the work, or at our shop in Twickenham.

 

7. Where do I send my poster(s) if I want them linen-backed and/or restored?

If you decide to go ahead please send your poster securely (and if it is of value to you pleaseconsider full tracking and insurance against loss) to:

 

Chris & Sun Jones

Flicks Film Posters

47 Molesey Close

Hersham

Walton-on-Thames

Surrey

KT12 4PX