How to scan from foamcore.

February 8, 2012 8:31 AM

I have a poster of great sentimental value mounted on foamcore that I'd like to scan and make a couple of copies of for some family members. How do I get this to happen?

The foamcore is 1/4 inch and the poster is 27.5 x 37 inches. (about a half a cm thick, and 70 x 95cm, if you're feeling metric) It is an old piece of foamcore and is bowed a bit, so I'm not convinced that a flatbed scanner and knitting images in photoshop will be the best way to proceed.

If I should photograph it, what kind of set up is advised? I have a reasonable camera, but no tripod, although I'm sure I could borrow one. (the bowing would be a problem here?)

If I should seek a commercial solution, is this the kind of thing I could bring to a photocopy place (Fedex/Kinkos or other) and have them do it? Or should I find a more specialized business to do it? What should I be asking them to do - ie what kind of scanner am I looking for?

I live in NYC.

I should add that I would be extremely upset if this were further damaged or lost.

I understand that there are copyright issues with reproducing a poster, but as I have not been able to find a copy of the poster in question (and I have searched for it over a more than a few years with accurate detailed information about the artist (no longer living), and this is for personal use, I'm comfortable with what I'm doing.

posted by sciencegeek to Media & Arts (4 answers total)

I don't think you're going to have any luck with Kinkos and the like if you want to keep it exactly as-is. The only scanners I am aware of that will work in that size are primarily targeted at blueprints (though I believe some are full color now; another possible concern) and expect the item being fed in to be flexible.

I wouldn't give up on scanning multiple pieces and stitching, though you might need to think a little outside the box.

In your shoes, and as someone with access to a flatbed scanner, this is what I'd do.

Go to a local art supply or framing store and look for some cheap replacement frame glass or a big 30x40 frame. The piece of glass would be sufficient to place on top of the poster to create some pressure to hold it flat.

At home I'd lay the poster flat and place the glass on top of it. Then I'd put the scanner, essentially flipped over, on top of that. You should be able to scan it in 4 to 6 sections provided you throw a big light-proof drape over it before every scan (since you'll have side-bleed).

I'd try feeding those resulting images into one of the bazillion panorama pieces of software out there that will automate the edge stitching for you. Might be inferior to doing it yourself, though it seems to me like they're adapted to expect some slight rotation in the photos they're matching edges for. Harder to do that by hand.

For photographing I'd also try the piece of glass to cope with the bowing. You can adjust pin-cushioning in most higher-end photo software if you have it but that presumes the foam is bowed in a consistent manner. More irregular misshappenness might be tougher.
posted by phearlez at 10:03 AM on February 8, 2012

Get a tripod and take a picture of it zoomed in from as far away as possible (to reduce fisheye).
posted by rhizome at 10:47 AM on February 8, 2012

You could try to find a place that does photo restoration or something of that ilk. I worked at a place that did a lot of print copying, photo restoration and artwork reproduction and it is not uncommon for people to want something like this done. They will do as phearlez describes; scan it in different pieces and stitch it together. A place that does photo restoration might also do copy work. If you decide to have someone else do it for you, they can steer you in the best direction.

Also, if you have the option, get a CD of the file. Then you can make as many copies of it as you want in the future.
posted by godshomemovies at 12:56 PM on February 8, 2012

Want to try shooting it? Here's your tutorial.
Otherwise, find a local print shop that photographs art. Have them send you the file.

(yeah, epon...)
posted by artdrectr at 6:40 PM on February 8, 2012