Flattening a vintage box

[fuzzybuzzytoys]

Brought a lovely DV Tie Fighter and the box is mostly in good shape bar one side being a little 'wibbly wobbly' on end.

So flirting with the idea of ironing it flat. Has anyone one this? Does it work? Do I need to spray a little water on? Put a cloth over the top? Basically could someone on the know walk me through this

Thanks in advance

 

[poncho]

Aite jai,

http://www.starwarsforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=23766&hilit=iron+box

Regards

chris

 

[dinner squadron 2]

I've never ironed a box but think it might put moisture into the cardboard and wreck it in the long term. I usually just flat pack it and put it under a divan bed, works wonders
David

 

[SublevelStudios]

So far I've had no issues with the Landspeeder box I did, and done several boxes since. Provided you don't drench the card, you're safe.

 

[fuzzybuzzytoys]

Thanks for the replies

So reading through it it seems I have three options..

1. Starch and iron
2. Iron and water.
3. Just flatten it and wait.

As its a really nice box (apart from the wavy), I dont fancy 'undoing' it. So my questions are..

1. If I use starch on the inside of the box, will this stick the box together when I iron it?

2. If I just press it, how long should I leave it pressed?

 

[SublevelStudios]

I can't answer the starch question as I've never used it before.

If you're just going to flatten it with weight, it could take ages for the wave to disappear, if at all.

Use a spray container, like an empty cleaning spray, fill it with tap water, this way you get an even coating. Have your iron on a medium heat. Spray the water evenly and sparsely over the affected area and then place a clean cotton sheet or pillow case over the top. Iron the area but don't spend too much time on it, remove the cotton to check every so often, should take no more than 2 or 3 times. Only add water to the inside/blank part of the box.

Needless to say, this must be done on a smooth surface!

Then place some flat card and weight it down and leave for an hour or so.

NOTE: any price labels or tape my come off during this proceedure so take care.

Hope this helps, maybe try on a box that isn't so valuable first to get the hang of it.

 

[tiefighterboy]

I use starch and yes it does make the interior stick to each other. You just have to pry it apart carefully when using the starch method. This works great for boxes that have basically lost a lot of their form or are warped beyond belief.

I also do not use an iron...placing heavy objects on the flattened box and letting it set for a week does wonders.

both methods work however.

 

[benny100]

I've startched plenty of boxes, only on the inside. A medium heat iron and they've come up a treat. It's nervy spraying moisture on the card but it's more resilient than I think we give it credit.
None have had long term issues, just remember to iron with the steam off.
Never had the box stick, maybe depends on the brand