Loading... Please wait...

Our Newsletter

Subscribe below,
or read our archive.

(Note if you have had this page open for a while, you should reload it before submitting this form as the Captcha check can time out).








This article is one of more than 170 articles on digital imaging provided free by Image Science.
Read about How You Can Support Image Science.

Rolling and Packaging of Prints
Article Details

Last Updated
22nd of August, 2011
For update alerts:
Print this pagePrint this page
Email this pageEmail this page
Post a commentPost a comment
Subscribe
Remove HighlightingRemove Highlighting
Edit this ArticleEdit this Article
Edit this Article Quick Edit
Export to PDF
We're often asked about how to send prints around.  Here are a few tips:

With smaller prints, it's easier (and more economical) to send them flat in cardboard envelopes.  The best we have found are made by 'Redback' and you can get them at Officeworks - they're very very stiff and relatively inexpensive.  They have A4 and A3 sizes. Link here.  Within these, you can use our awesome ClearBags.

Once you get over A3, it's easier to roll your prints.  The main things to consider are:
  • Your tubes should have a diameter of 8cm or more - the smaller tubes are too tight, you may damage the print and getting the paper curl out of them at the other end can be a real hassle.
  • Australia Post has good, inexpensive tubes, although not many size options.
  • They should be made from very firm cardboard, or you can even use PVC piping (from Bunnings etc) if you want them to be super strong.  If you do use PVC make sure you use a barrier layer to separate the PVC from your prints as PVC leaches chemicals that can damage prints.
  • Your tube length should be about the length of your rolled print + at least 6cm - this leaves room for the end caps and a little padding material.  Obviously you can cut bigger tubes down to size.
  • The padding material stops the print sliding around in the tube
  • End caps are essential and should be taped on
  • Protect the surface of your print - when you roll your print, lay archival plastic over the entire printed surface and roll this into the roll (so that it covers prevents the surface of the print abrading itself)
  • You should also read about How To Handle Inkjet Prints
Using these methods we send thousands of prints each year and in a decade of doing this I can think of only one or two instances of damage (both due to absurd mishandling by the shipping company).
File Attachments
No file attachments were found.
These Articles May Be Related...