Should I Linen Back My Poster? Our Guide To Linen Backing

Vintage posters are timeless pieces of history, but their fragile nature makes preserving them a challenge. Originally printed on cheap, highly-acidic paper meant for temporary use, these posters deteriorate over time—becoming brittle, brown, and prone to tearing. Factors like improper storage, moisture exposure, and adhesive damage further accelerate their decline. Fortunately, linen backing is a wonderful option to stabilize and preserve vintage posters, ensuring they remain vibrant and durable for years to come.

Linen backing a Raiders of the Lost Ark movie poster

Why Do Vintage Posters Deteriorate?

The primary reason vintage posters degrade is their paper composition. Cheap paper with high acid content self-destructs, leading to:

• Browning and brittleness

• Tears, folds, and holes at intersecting lines

• Damage from moisture, mildew, and poor storage conditions

What Is Linen Backing and Why Is It Necessary?

Linen backing is a professional conservation process designed to strengthen and preserve fragile posters. Originating from the centuries-old method used for folding maps, this technique stabilizes the paper while maintaining its original look and feel. Key benefits of linen backing include:

• Smoothing out waves, wrinkles, and folds

• Slowing the aging process

• Enhancing the poster’s durability for framing and display

• Allowing for safe rolling and easy storage

• Reducing glare on glossy posters for a clearer view

• Being fully reversible for future conservation needs

How the Linen Backing Process Works

Linen backing is a meticulous process that involves several steps to ensure optimal preservation:

1. Cleaning – The poster is washed using purified water and a mild detergent. If needed, a bleaching treatment is added to address mold and reduce acidity or stains in the paper.

2. Application of Archival Adhesive – A fully reversible, acid-free adhesive is evenly spread on the back of the poster.

3. Mounting to Canvas – The poster is then mounted onto a stretched canvas frame lined with a sheet of acid-free barrier paper.

4. Drying & Trimming – The mounted poster is left to dry for several days and then cut from the frame and trimmed, leaving a 1-inch linen margin for easy handling.

Preserve Your Vintage Posters for Generations

Linen backing is the gold standard for vintage poster conservation, ensuring they remain beautiful and well-preserved. Whether you're a collector or simply want to protect a cherished piece of history, this process provides lasting durability and visual appeal. If you have a vintage poster in need, consider professional linen backing to maintain its value and charm.