How to Keep Blizzard Posters Flat Before Framing
By Official Bethesda Gear Store | Bethesda Video Game Merchandise | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: Tips & Care
Rolled posters often arrive with a stubborn curl. Follow these steps to flatten a rolled poster safely so it frames cleanly without creases or damage.
Quick answer
Unroll the poster on a clean, flat surface and let it relax under even weight for 24 to 48 hours before framing. Avoid heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, which can warp or fade the print. If the curl persists, reverse-roll it gently around a wide tube and repeat the weighting process.
Why rolled posters curl and what that means for framing
Posters are rolled for shipping to prevent creasing, but that same roll creates a memory in the paper. When you unroll it, the edges may lift or the center may bow. Framing a curled poster forces the glass or frame to fight the paper, which can cause waves behind the glazing or prevent the poster from sitting flat against the backing.
Paper responds to humidity and temperature. A dry room makes the paper stiffer and more likely to crack when handled. A damp room can soften the paper and make it more pliable, but excess moisture risks mildew and ink damage over time. The goal is a stable, average indoor environment while the poster relaxes.
Tools and setup for safe flattening
You do not need specialty equipment. A clean, hard surface like a large table or the floor covered with a sheet of acid-free paper or a clean cotton sheet works well. Avoid newspaper or textured surfaces that can transfer ink or leave impressions.
Use flat, evenly distributed weights such as large books, cutting boards, or dedicated poster weights. Make sure the weights are clean and heavy enough to press the poster without sliding. If you use books, place a sheet of clean paper between the book and the poster to prevent scuffs.
Step-by-step flattening method
Start by unrolling the poster slowly on your work surface. If it was rolled tightly, let it sit for a few minutes to relax before you try to press it. Do not force it flat immediately; that can create sharp creases.
Place the poster face up and smooth it gently with clean, dry hands from the center outward. Then cover it with your protective sheet and distribute weights along the edges first, then the center. Leave it for at least 24 hours. For stubborn curls, leave it for 48 hours and check progress every 12 hours.
If the poster still curls after weighting, try reverse-rolling: gently roll the poster in the opposite direction around a wide tube (at least 3 inches in diameter) with the printed side facing out. Secure it loosely with a rubber band or tape that does not touch the print, and let it sit for a few hours. Then unroll and repeat the weighting step.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not use an iron, hair dryer, or any direct heat source. Heat can melt inks, warp the paper, or cause permanent waves. Do not place the poster in direct sunlight; UV light fades colors and makes paper brittle.
Do not stack heavy weights directly on the printed surface without a barrier. Even clean books can leave pressure marks or transfer oils. Also avoid weighting a poster on a soft or uneven surface like a bed or carpet, which can create new dents.
Your poster flattening checklist
- Unroll on a clean, flat surface: Place the poster face up on acid-free paper or a clean sheet. Let it relax for 10 minutes before handling. Checkpoint: The poster should lie without sharp bends. If it still curls tightly, do not force it.
- Weight evenly for 24–48 hours: Cover with a protective sheet, then distribute flat weights along edges and center. Leave for at least 24 hours, up to 48 for stubborn curls. Checkpoint: After 24 hours, lift a corner. If it still lifts, continue weighting or try reverse-rolling.
- Reverse-roll if needed: Roll the poster in the opposite direction around a wide tube, printed side out. Secure loosely and let sit for 2–4 hours, then unroll and weight again. Checkpoint: Never roll tightly or use heat. If the poster cracks or creases, stop and consult a professional framer.
- Store flat until framing: Once flat, keep the poster between two sheets of acid-free paper or board, away from humidity and sunlight. Next step: Frame within a few days to prevent the curl from returning.
Product facts to keep in mind
- World of Warcraft How to Draw Sketch 11x14" Lenticular Poster: This 11x14-inch lenticular poster has a 3-frame flip visual that reveals a sketch-to-line-art progression when you shift your perspective. Lenticular posters are thicker and more rigid than standard paper, so they may need less weighting time but require extra care to avoid bending the lenticular lens.
- Diablo III 17x23.25" Poster: This 17x23.25-inch Diablo III poster is printed on 100% paper and uses a multi-use adhesive backing that allows repositioning without residue. The adhesive back means you can test placement on a wall before framing, but avoid pressing the adhesive side against dirty surfaces that could reduce tackiness.
- Diablo IV Barbarian Bul-Kathos 16.5x23.25" Poster: This 16.5x23.25-inch Diablo IV Barbarian poster is also 100% paper with a multi-use adhesive backing and is officially licensed. Its size fits standard frames, but the adhesive backing means you should flatten it before framing to prevent the adhesive from sticking to itself or the frame backing.
