Linen-backing is a conservation method used to preserve posters by mounting them, so that they can be stored and displayed without concern of causing damage that would devalue the poster. Pieces that are already damaged can be stabilized and improved by linen-backing, thereby restoring them to their earlier attractiveness. The process keeps the poster flat and smooth so that it can be handled easily, making it a popular method because posters are preserved better than non-linen-backed ones.

The process of linen-backing involves mounting posters on acid free lining paper or rice paper and mounting the acid free paper onto a piece of stretched linen or canvas. When the process began real linen was most often used as it is an attractive fabric, soft and pliable. Most posters today, however, are linen-backed on cotton duck, a canvas material that is stiffer than linen and much cheaper, while linen is used more often on very rare pieces. It’s also important to note that some people don’t use the lining paper, skipping that step to save on the cost of mounting. Unfortunately, the poster does not stick to cloth as well as it does to the lining paper. Also, temperature and moisture changes can cause the poster paper to shrink forcing friction between the paper and the cloth which can lead to lines forming on the poster. The lining paper is important, because it acts as a buffer between the poster and the cloth.

Linen-backing can dramatically improve the collective appearance of the poster. Most defects are significantly improved when linen-backed. Fold lines can be flattened and tears can be repositioned to make them much less noticeable. Some restorers will use further restoration techniques, even fix color loss by using watercolor paints or colored pencils. There are restorers who will insert scrap poster pieces to fill in holes if a poster has a chunk missing.

It is the preferred archival method for conserving and/or restoring a poster. Linen-backed posters are more durable and easier to preserve and protect. They can be rolled for shipping and are easy to frame without worry of adding creases. It’s a good process for older posters before they are framed and can increase the value. Linen-backing keeps the poster from sustaining any further damage during the handling and framing process.

To read more about linen-backing and poster conservation, order a copy of The Overstreet Guide to Collecting Movie Posters from gemstonepub.com.