How to Flatten Your Poster

A complete guide to removing curl from your custom star map print and displaying it perfectly

Hands holding a rolled Starrymaps poster

Your Starrymaps poster travels safely to you rolled in a protective tube. While this keeps it pristine during shipping, the paper naturally holds this curved shape. Don't worry—flattening your custom star map is simple with these proven methods.

1

The Reverse Roll Method

Easy • Low Risk
Original curlRoll oppositeFlat!
1

Unroll your Starrymaps poster and notice which direction it naturally curls (usually inward, with the printed side facing out).

2

Gently roll the poster in the opposite direction—with the printed side facing inward this time.

3

Secure loosely with a soft hair tie or ribbon and leave for 1–2 hours.

4

Unroll and check. Repeat if needed, adjusting the time based on results.

Time needed: 1–2 hours
2

The Weighted Stack Method

Easy • No Risk
BOOKBOOKBOOKHeavy booksYour Starrymaps posterFlat surface
1

Find a clean, flat surface like a table or hardwood floor. Lay a protective sheet (clean paper or cloth) down first.

2

Place your Starrymaps poster flat, printed side up. If it tries to curl, hold the corners with small weights while you work.

3

Cover with another protective sheet, then stack heavy flat items on top: large books, magazines, or flat boards work perfectly.

4

Leave undisturbed for 24–48 hours. Check and repeat if some curl remains.

Pro Tip

This is the safest method for our custom star map posters. For faster results, combine with Method 1 first—reverse roll for an hour, then press flat overnight.

Time needed: 24–48 hours
3

The Mattress Method

Easy • No Risk
CARDBOARDBox spring or mattress weightEven pressure across entire poster
1

Sandwich your Starrymaps poster between two large pieces of cardboard or foam board for protection.

2

Slide this sandwich between your mattress and box spring, or under a heavy rug.

3

The even weight distribution across the entire surface creates perfect, gentle pressure.

4

Leave for 2–3 days for best results. This method requires patience but produces excellent results.

Time needed: 2–3 days

Our Recommendation

For your Starrymaps poster, we suggest combining Method 1 (reverse roll for 1–2 hours) followed by Method 2 (weighted stack overnight). This combination is safe, effective, and requires no special equipment. Your custom star map will be frame-ready by morning!

Create Your Own Star Map

Capture any night sky—a birthday, anniversary, or the day you met. Our custom star map posters are printed on premium paper and shipped worldwide.

Design Your Star Map

Sign Up for Offers

Receive exclusive offers, astronomy updates, and design tips.