Prints from a large format printer are often used to create maps, diagrams, plans, and other visuals for businesses and government agencies. While these prints may appear to be durable, they are actually quite delicate and require special care and handling. To ensure the integrity and longevity of GIS prints, it is important to understand the best practices for handling and storing them. This article will provide an overview of how GIS prints should be handled and stored after printing from a large format printer.
The first step in caring for GIS prints is to ensure that they are properly handled when removing them from the printer. GIS prints should be handled with care and gently rolled over the tube, rather than folded. This is important to avoid any creases or wrinkles that may affect the overall look and quality of the print. Additionally, it is important to avoid exposing the prints to excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. These elements can cause fading, warping, and other damage that can significantly reduce the life of the print.
Once the GIS prints have been removed from the printer, it is important to store them in a safe and secure manner. Ideally, they should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment, such as a closet or drawer. It is also important to avoid placing them in an area that is subject to extreme temperatures, such as an attic or basement. Additionally, GIS prints should be stored in acid-free, archival-quality materials such as plastic sleeves or portfolio cases. These materials can help protect the prints from dirt and other contaminants that may cause damage over time.
By following these guidelines, GIS prints can be properly handled and stored to ensure their longevity. With proper care and storage, GIS prints can remain vibrant and intact for many years.
Proper techniques for handling GIS prints
When handling GIS prints from a large format printer, it is important to be aware of the proper techniques to ensure the prints remain in good condition. Care should be taken to ensure that the prints are handled properly and with respect to the materials used. It is important to use clean hands and avoid touching the image area of the print. Fingertips should be used to hold and maneuver the print, as fingerprints and smudges can damage the print. Gloves should be worn if possible to protect the prints from oils and dirt. When transporting the prints, they should be placed in a protective folder or envelope that prevents the prints from being bent or scratched.
It is also important to take precautions when storing GIS prints to ensure they are preserved properly. The prints should be stored in an archival portfolio or folder to protect them from dirt, dust, and other environmental factors. Additionally, the prints should not be stacked on top of each other, as this can cause damage to the prints. The prints should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. A climate-controlled environment is ideal to prevent fading, warping, or other forms of damage. Keeping the prints out of direct sunlight and away from moisture will also help to preserve the prints.
Handling and storing GIS prints properly is essential to ensure the prints remain in good condition. Careful attention should be taken when handling the prints and they should be stored in an archival folder or portfolio to protect them from dirt, dust, and other environmental factors. Additionally, the prints should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent fading, warping, or other forms of damage. Following these steps will help to ensure that GIS prints remain in good condition for many years.
Ideal storage conditions for GIS prints
When handling GIS prints, the ideal storage conditions should be taken into account. The best way to store GIS prints is in a cool, dry, and dark environment that is free of dust and other debris. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the humidity levels are low to prevent warping or fading of the print. If the prints will be stored for an extended period of time, they should be placed in acid-free archival folders, which will provide additional protection from dust and dirt. Additionally, the prints should be stored away from direct sunlight, fluorescent lights, and other sources of UV light, as this can cause the prints to fade over time.
When printing from a large format printer, it is important to be careful when handling the GIS prints. The prints should be handled with clean hands and should never be touched with bare skin. Additionally, it is important to avoid using paperclips, staples, or other paper fasteners to hold the prints together as these can cause damage to the paper. The prints should also be carefully rolled or folded, using archival paper or acid-free tissue paper for folding, to prevent any creasing or tearing of the paper.
Finally, it is important to consider the long-term preservation of GIS prints. The prints should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment and should be placed in acid-free archival folders or portfolios to protect them from dust, dirt, and other sources of damage. Additionally, the prints should be stored away from direct sunlight, fluorescent lights, and other sources of UV light, as this can cause the prints to fade over time. With proper handling and storage, GIS prints can last for many years.
Folder and portfolio options for GIS prints
GIS prints should be handled with care after they have been printed from a large format printer. Once a GIS print has been printed, it is important to protect it from damage, fading, and stains. The best way to ensure the print is properly safeguarded is by using either a folder or portfolio to store it. Folders are a great option for storing GIS prints as they can provide a layer of protection by shielding the print from dust, fingerprints, and moisture. Additionally, folders are lightweight and easy to transport. Portfolios are another great option for storing GIS prints as they provide a more secure layer of protection by keeping the prints flat and safe. Portfolios are also great for long-term preservation of the prints, as they can protect the prints from UV rays and other elements that can damage the print’s colors and details. It is important to store GIS prints in either a folder or portfolio to ensure that the prints are safely guarded and remain in pristine condition.
Considerations for the long-term preservation of GIS prints
Long-term preservation of GIS prints is an important part of the overall process of storing and handling prints from a large format printer. When handling GIS prints, proper techniques should be employed to ensure the prints are not damaged in any way. The environment in which GIS prints are stored should also be taken into consideration, as changes in humidity and temperature can cause damage to the prints. Additionally, the use of folders and portfolios can help protect the GIS prints and keep them in the best possible condition for long-term storage. It is also important to consider the potential for damage to the prints over time and to take steps to reduce the risk of damage, such as using special methods of preservation that can extend the life of the prints. Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential for damage and repair techniques that can be used to restore the prints in the event of damage. Following these considerations can help to ensure the long-term preservation of GIS prints.
Damage prevention and repair for GIS prints
GIS prints should be handled and stored with care in order to prevent damage. It is important to avoid contact with water or other liquids that can cause smearing or discoloration of the print. When handling prints, it is best to use clean, dry hands, and to avoid excessive touching of the printed surface. Additionally, it is important to store GIS prints in an environment with stable temperature and humidity, as extreme changes in either can cause the prints to degrade over time.
The best way to store GIS prints is in a portfolio, folder, or other protective containers. These containers should be large enough to fit the prints without folding or creasing them, and should be made of acid-free, lignin-free materials to prevent the prints from becoming discolored. Additionally, it is important to avoid exposing GIS prints to direct sunlight, as this can cause fading and deterioration over time.
In the event that a GIS print does become damaged, it is important to take steps to avoid further damage. Minor tears or smudges can be repaired using archival-quality tape, and larger damages may require professional conservation treatments. Additionally, it is important to create a digital copy of the GIS print to ensure that the information can be preserved in the event of further damage or deterioration.
