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Q I have an upcoming job that requires gluing – a stripe about 700mm long and 50mm wide must be covered with glue. I am thinking of trying a Pfohl Hand Glue Spreader in a 45mm width, which I found on the web. Maybe someone is using this kind of glue applicator and can give a review (how it works on coated paper, how does this product increase speed of manual gluing operations, etc). Any info would be appreciated.
Andris, via the Help Line forum at printweek.com
 
A Pfohl is a new name to me. Having done a bit of research, it seems to be a product primarily used in the carpentry and cabinet-making industry. Have you looked at glue applicators made by people specifically targeting the printing industry? You might want to contact Howarine Calvert as it is usually the oracle for glue-based queries in my experience (www.howarine.com, 0870 442 0077). If anyone out there is using Pfohl glue applicators in print, please do get in touch with your reviews. I found information about Pfohl at German company
www.columbus-tech.com.

Q Are there any archives kept of billboard posters? By archive I mean updated as close to real time as possible. I’m just interested in the creatives.
IG, via the Help Line forum at printweek.com
A I’m not having much luck with this. I thought such a thing might exist, if perhaps inadvertently through their coverage of new ad campaigns, at PrintWeek’s sister title Campaign, but it seems not. The Outdoor Advertising Association doesn’t compile anything like that either. The History of Advertising Trust (www.hatads.org.uk) does keep records, but I’m not sure they log absolutely everything and certainly not in the sort of timeframe you’re after. If anybody knows of a source, please get in touch.

Banknote-type paper #2
A useful update to the search for a banknote-type paper from last week. Tim Matthews, business development manager at Smith & Ouzman, has been in touch because the company has produced ‘currency’ for transition towns, including Brighton and Lewes, and a faux banknote along those lines might be just the ticket for Karen Swain’s requirement. Contact: 01323 524000, www.smith-ouzman.com. Meanwhile, forum member ‘David Brent’ shed some light on the unusual grade I mentioned featuring shredded banknotes. It’s called Sterling and is made at Frogmore Mill: www.thepapertrail.org.uk. Many thanks Tim and David.