A list of some of the items we think ALL movie paper collectors should strongly consider owning

Bruce

At eMoviePoster, we are often contacted by collectors with various concerns or requests that pertain to collecting movie paper such as "how can I protect the tear in my poster without restoration", "how can I safely remove this piece of tape", "how can I more easily open packages", etc.

So we thought it would be helpful to make a list of some of the items we think ALL movie paper collectors should strongly consider owning:

*Lineco Document Repair Tape and Lineco Transparent Mending Tissue - This is tape that is safe for use on movie paper. You can use it on the back of items to secure tears.

*Bestine - This is a solvent that can dissolve the sticky part of tape making the tape easily removed without damage to movie paper and is therefore super useful in removing tape from older posters, and also can "save the day" if you accidentally get tape stuck to a poster when removing it from a package.

NOTE: This is a highly flammable and dangerous substance and should only be used in a well ventilated area, and ONLY if you are at least somewhat "handy" and will be EXTREMELY careful using it. Be sure to read ALL of the manufacture's warnings before use.

*A utility knife, Xacto knife, or similar - This is wonderful for opening well packed packages (such as those eMoviePoster.com uses). NOTE: You should always cut with care as these knives are extremely sharp and WILL cut through several pieces of cardboard with ease, and can also cut into YOU with even greater ease. You definitely do NOT want to accidentally cut your movie paper (or yourself)!

*A REALLY strong light (like 400 watts or stronger) - This is wonderful if you own or are considering buying restored items. When you hold those items up before a light source like this, you will likely be able to practically "see" right through the linen or paper backing, and you can likely see the extent of the restoration.

You will need some practice to know how to interpret what you see in some cases, but in many cases it will be very obvious (like where a large hole was recreated by being painted over). But be prepared to be shocked in some cases, because some auctions describe some items as having "minor fold and border restoration", when the actual restoration is far greater, because they are counting on the buyers not being knowledgeable to know the difference.

And also, know that if an item (usually a window card, half-sheet or insert) is backed onto a heavy board backing, you likely can't get a light bright enough to shine through it, but just the fact that this kind of restoration was performed is almost a guarantee that the restoration was extensive. And also, when acrylic paint is used, you also may have trouble seeing "through it", but again, just the fact that this kind of restoration was performed is almost a guarantee that the restoration was extensive.

And it is not that you shouldn't buy restored items, just that you should be accurately informed as to how much restoration the item has had, either by the seller, or by you, examining the item in the way described above. Once you know the truth, you can better decide how much to pay.

*A map file or other storage equipment - As we all know, movie paper can be very valuable, so why not store it in a way that best protects your investment? A map file is a great way to do this if you have space because it allows you to store one-sheet-size and smaller posters unfolded and flat. Boxes or tubes are also acceptable if you don't have the space (or funds) for a large map file.

--for more information about storage, please go the following link: Did you know... that many people have different views on how to best store their movie paper collection?

*A digital camera or phone with a built-in camera - This is an invaluable tool for when you want to get advice from someone online about your posters or share images of your favorite posters with the world OR if you want to offer items for sale

*Spreadsheet or database software - A great tool for cataloging one's collection (and there are free ones such as LibreOffice or GoogleDocs). You will have to have a little higher level of computer expertise to easily use such software (although, we hear GoogleDocs makes things fairly easy), but enlisting the help of a "computer nerd" family member can get you on the path to using this software. You may also be able to find commercial "collection" software to aid you in cataloging your collection, but we don't know of any good software that is specifically dedicated to movie paper.

NOTE: Copies of the last two items above (digital photos of your collection AND your collection list in your online software) need to be stored somewhere completely separate from your collection! Otherwise in the event of a disaster, you will not have proof of what you owned, but if you DO have both of these, you will have an excellent chance of filing (and collecting) on an insurance claim.

THIS HAS BEEN A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM EMOVIEPOSTER!

Charlie

I guess the only thing I would add is that the strong light should be a daylight bulb 5000k - 6500k.  Yellow light, say 2500k, is not great for studying posters and taking photos.  You can buy 400 Watt equivalent compact fluorescents that rate ~100-110 watts for about $20...  You can spend more for bigger photo bulbs.  My bulbs are about 10” long.

rockabilly777

Great topic. Thanks, Bruce!

jayn_j

I'm mostly a lobby card guy, so I have a few other items in my basic toolkit.  All specifically for lobbies.

A B size 14x17" flatbed scanner.is better than a camera for capturing lobby card images.  Very detailed and easy to adjust images.  Wouldn't give it up.

In addition to the Bestine, I keep an art-gum eraser and a dry cleaning pad to remove surface dirt.  A small amount of effort makes a big difference in the card's appearance.

Bags Unlimited 2 mil poly lobby card sleeves.  These have a sealing lip and will hold a set of 8 cards.

Tubs that store the cards vertical.  I use a layer of foamboard on the bottom to avoid denting and also have stiff boards in the back and in a few places in the bundle to prevent bending of the cards.  Index dividers would be good, if I ever get around to it.  

Other cleaning supplies for de-acidification, bleaching and cleaning.  Also a baking sheet with a lip on the edges to hold solution.  I am still in the process of learning to clean cards, and the subject is way too complex for this thread.  This allows me to buy cards in lesser condition and have a shot at improving them.

Bruce

All great additions, Jay!

110x75

Charlie said:

 My bulbs are about 10” long.

rockabilly777

110x75 said:

Charlie said:

 My bulbs are about 10” long.

   Yeah, that’s what I was thinkin’. 

Charlie

No worries about your puny bulbs - Ultimately it is about knowing how you use them that counts! ?

110x75

Paul

Just to add to what else I have..

A tape measure is a must, I use a fabric one like for sewing as theres less chance of damaging the paper.
Also a Black light is essential for checking restoration , I have a mains one, and two small torches, you'll be amazed what they pickup. I take the torches if I'm viewing one at another place.
I have a 250 piece Water colour pencil set, for the odd basic touch up, you'll be amazed how much better something looks with minor work.
I also have magnifying glasses, with lights on, great for looking at fine details, and also for using when touching up posters.

Lots of other stuff, but I think these are basics, with what Bruce and everyone has posted so far..

110x75

Bunch of glass pieces to flatten the posters?

Paul

Haha, yes, have have a lot of those...

David

one of these

Sven

I think another important thing to own in this hobby is good relationships with other collectors...it goes a long way in many aspects

Sven

David said:

one of these

Ha! So true!

Matt

Just an update. Un-Do is now sold in a 4 oz 118ml for $13 dollars at Bunnings in Australia. Thus 4 times the quantity for an extra 3 bucks. Now, that's a good outcome. Made in a place called USA??? (Doesn't China make everything?)

rockabilly777

It's "as seen on TV". It MUST be good.

CSM_2_Point_0

Sven said:

I think another important thing to own in this hobby is good relationships with other collectors...it goes a long way in many aspects

Well said sir!

Eisenhower

Matt said:

Just an update. Un-Do is now sold in a 4 oz 118ml for $13 dollars at Bunnings in Australia. Thus 4 times the quantity for an extra 3 bucks. Now, that's a good outcome. Made in a place called USA??? (Doesn't China make everything?)

Good buy, but what about Bestine?

CSM_2_Point_0

Un-Du has the same active ingredient - Heptane (at least that's what I remember).

Eisenhower

CSM_2_Point_0 said:

Un-Du has the same active ingredient - Heptane (at least that's what I remember).

Then it’s good stuff!

CSM_2_Point_0

Eisenhower said:

CSM_2_Point_0 said:

Un-Du has the same active ingredient - Heptane (at least that's what I remember).

Then it’s good stuff!

I can attest that it is but not so much for paper tape unfortunately 

Eisenhower

CSM_2_Point_0 said:

Eisenhower said:

CSM_2_Point_0 said:

Un-Du has the same active ingredient - Heptane (at least that's what I remember).

Then it’s good stuff!

I can attest that it is but not so much for paper tape unfortunately 

  Chris, You need to use it in a well-ventilated room!

Charlie

Eisenhower said:

Matt said:

Just an update. Un-Do is now sold in a 4 oz 118ml for $13 dollars at Bunnings in Australia. Thus 4 times the quantity for an extra 3 bucks. Now, that's a good outcome. Made in a place called USA??? (Doesn't China make everything?)

Good buy, but what about Bestine?

They don’t sell bestine in many other countries - it’s cancerous or something...