Posters have long been one of the most common casualties of poor shipping practices. Because they can’t be folded like most items, transporting the popular pieces over long distances requires specialized techniques and careful handling.
If you’re a poster enthusiast who sells or purchases posters, this post will help you send or receive a poster without it getting crushed in the mail.
Shipping a Poster
Wrap the poster using kraft paper. Posters are often thin and delicate. Before packing the poster, it’s wise to add a layer of protection. We recommend using kraft paper for this protective layer. Simply lay the poster on the kraft paper, and roll the kraft paper with the poster placed inside.
Once the poster is wrapped within the kraft paper, tape the edge of the kraft paper to secure the poster inside. Be sure not to roll the poster too tightly, as this can cause permanent damage to the poster.
Use appropriate packaging. Many stationary or shipping stores sell long, rectangular packaging designed for posters. But these packages, while mostly effective, are not your best option for shipping posters.
The most reliable packages for posters are mailing tubes -- cardboard cylinders that are thicker and capable of absorbing more force than rectangular packaging. For heavier posters, consider shipping tubes, which are thicker and stronger than mailing tubes.
Prepare a mailing or shipping tube. Placing the poster in the mailing or shipping tube is a relatively simple process, but there are a few strategies you can use to further protect the poster.
First, simply slide the poster in its kraft paper wrap in the tube. Use extra caution with the edges of the poster, where damage can occur if jammed against the edge of the tube. The poster should fall to the center of the tube with plenty of space on both ends.
Next, you can add another layer of protection with bubble packaging. Stuff enough bubble packaging on each end of the poster to fill the gap left in the tube. This layer will keep the poster from sliding up and down the tube if the tube is too large for the poster.
Tape the end caps. Most mailing and shipping tubes have removable end caps that pop in and out of the ends of the tube. These caps are relatively secure, but you can never be too sure, especially if you’re shipping a valuable poster.
We recommend using packaging tape to seal the end caps into place. This technique secures the end caps and could deter any nefarious actors. Never staple the end caps, as you could inadvertently puncture the poster.
You don’t have to be nervous when shipping a poster. Visit your local AIM Mail Center to find all the right shipping materials and lowest shipping prices. If you need help packing your poster, our experts are ready to help. Find an AIM Mail Center near you.