Did you know... that there are some basic items that
EVERY collector should consider owning?
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:
*Conservation Tape (P90 Filmoplast tape) - 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 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? at
http://www.emovieposter.com/announcements.php?id=409*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 poster
*Share images of your favorite posters with the world
*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.
