A poster is not only a decorative piece, but also a way of expressing one’s style, interests or beliefs. In order to enjoy the aesthetic value of a poster for a long time, it is worth knowing a few basic rules for neat and durable pasting of posters. In this post, we present the most important information about how to paste up posters, along with tips to avoid mistakes that may damage the wall or the poster itself.

Choosing the right adhesive

The first step to properly pasting up a poster is to choose the right adhesive. There are different types of adhesives available on the market for this work. Their choice depends primarily on the type of substrate to which a poster is to be attached, as well as the requirements for durability and resistance to ambient factors. Among the most popular solutions are poster adhesives based on a technical-grade sodium salt, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

Such adhesives feature very good adhesion to various substrates, like concrete, wood, or steel. They are resistant to weather, including humidity and temperature variations. The high viscosity of CMC-based adhesives means that they form durable and flexible bonds that do not crack or deform under pressure or movement.

Surface preparation

The second step is to prepare the surface to which the poster is to be pasted. The surface should be clean, dry and smooth. If you want to paste up posters on a wall, make sure there are no surface irregularities on it that could compromise the final appearance. For other substrate materials, like wood or metal, dedicated primers or basecoats. This facilitates the pasting and improves adhesion.

Poster pasting techniques

There are several techniques for pasting up posters. It makes sense to understand them to enjoy the best results.

• Wet pasting: this technique involves wetting the poster before gluing it up. First, apply the adhesive to the substrate and follow by spraying water on the poster backside, using a spray bottle. The next step is to apply the poster to the substrate and smooth it out with your hands or a dedicated float. This method allows the poster to be moved easily on the wall for a perfect alignment.
• Dry pasting: with this technique, the adhesive is applied directly to the poster. Spread the adhesive evenly on the back of the poster, then apply the poster to the surface and smooth it out with your hands or a float. It is faster than wet pasting, but requires more precision when applying the poster to the wall.

Protecting the poster

To ensure a long-lasting result and protect your poster from damage, it makes sense to use dedicated solutions, like lamination or poster frames. Lamination is covering the poster with a layer of protective plastic sheeting for preservation against water, light, and dirt. Poster frames allow for easy replacement of posters and protect them from damage.