How to Make a Push Pin Map? The 6 things you must know before getting started.

Do you love traveling? Or maybe you just like to know where all your friends and family are located. Either way, a push pin map is a perfect way to keep track of all your worldly adventures! In this blog post, we will teach you how to make your very own push pin map. It’s easy and fun, and best of all, it’s a great way to show off your travels!

What do you need in order to make a DIY push pin travel map?

To make a push pin map, you will need:

a piece of paper or canvas
a board
push pins
a frame (optional)
your own personal touch
a place where to hang your map

Canvas or paper for a push pin map

There are a few different ways that you can make your push pin map. You can use a piece of paper or canvas, and you can either frame it or leave it as is. A standard size such as 24×35 or 30×40 is great for hanging in your favorite spot.

Canvas for push pin maps

A canvas is a great option if you want your map to be a little more sturdy and have a bit of a different look than a paper map. You can find pre-made canvas push pin maps, or you can make your own by purchasing a blank canvas in either cotton or polyester but they are often blended fabrics. Usually, the best canvas blend has more cotton than polyester.

Cotton Canvas is the traditional option for a push pin map

This natural fabric allows the ink to be absorbed deeper for a more rustic look and better durability. If you’re going the traditional route and using cotton canvas, make sure that you select a heavyweight option (at least 18 oz.). This will ensure that your map doesn’t warp or curl when you add all of your pins. You can find cotton canvases in both natural and white options.

Polyester Canvas is the standard for most printed items.

It is a good option if you’re looking for a little bit of a different look or want to avoid warping or curling. Polyester canvases are available in both matte and glossy finishes, and they come in a variety of colors.

If you want a more unique look, you can also have a custom cotton blended canvas made. This means that you get to choose the type of cotton and the blend of polyester. You can also select your map’s weight, color, and finish. This is a great option if you want something really special.

Paper for push pin maps

If you choose to use paper, it’s important to select the right type.

Traditional paper is made from wood pulps.

This type of paper is great for maps because it’s lightweight and relatively inexpensive. However, it can be easily damaged if it gets wet, so you’ll want to be careful with your pins.

If you’re looking for a more durable option, you can choose to use coated paper. Coated papers are made with a plastic coating that makes them more damage resistant and durable. Coating is used to emphasize the paper’s qualities, such as weight or gloss. If you’re looking for a paper that is environmentally friendly, then you should try recycled paper. This type of paper is made from post-consumer waste and it’s also biodegradable.

You may also seek FSC® certified paper, which is paper that has been produced in a sustainable manner. Although certified FSC papers frequently include recycled material, it is not necessary to do so in order to receive the certification. The key criteria for certification are being harvested and manufactured responsibly.

The Forest Stewardship Council is a non-profit organization that was founded to promote environmentally and socially responsible logging. The FSC system assures that wood and paper have been harvested in a socially and ecologically responsible manner. The Chain of Custody certification from the FSC allows for the tracking of material throughout its supply chain, from certified initial source through manufacturing process to the end user.

Synthetic paper is made from propylene

This type of paper offers a smooth surface, tear-resistant and waterproof. Your map will last for a long time. Indoor and outdoor signage, posters, and maps may all be printed on synthetic paper. Synthetic paper is well-suited for these uses due to its waterproofness, tear resistance, and UV resistance against sunlight.

Board for push pin maps

A cork board is a must for a push pin map because the pins will stay in place and it won’t damage what’s behind your travel map. You can find cork boards in a variety of colors and sizes or you can make your own.

It is better to choose a high-density natural cork, which does not easily deform and retains push pins firmly while also removing the push needle without falling apart. There will be no unsightly pinholes in the surface.

A foam core can also be used for a push pin map. This option is a little more expensive than cork boards, but it has a lot of benefits. The foam core is lightweight and doesn’t warp or curl. It’s also resistant to moisture and will not show any holes from the pins.

A Gatorboard is a high quality board made of dense polystyrene foam. It is similar to foam core, but it’s a little more expensive and heavier. Gatorboard is also resistant to moisture and will not show any holes from the pins.

Push Pins for travel maps

When selecting push pins for your map, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that the pins are strong enough to hold up your map. Second, you’ll need to consider the thickness of your map.

You don’t want the pins to go all the way through the map and into whatever is behind it. Finally, you’ll want to choose pins that are visually appealing.

You can personalize the look and feel of your travel map by buying different type of push pins. There are a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from.

For example, you can associate certain type of colors for the type of trips you had or you’re planning to have: green for adventure, red for wine regions, pink for romantic escape, etc.

Frame for push pin travel maps

Wooden frames are a classic option and they come in a variety of colors and finishes. If you want to give your map an extra touch of elegance, then a wooden frame is the perfect way to do it.

Alternatively, you can choose a metal frame. Metal frames come in a variety of colors and styles and they’re usually very affordable.

Finally, if you want your map to really stand out, then consider getting a custom frame made specifically for your travel map. This will add an extra layer of personalization.

Personalizing your push pin map

You don’t want the pins to go all the way through the map and into whatever is behind it. Finally, you’ll want to choose pins that are visually appealing.

You can personalize the look and feel of your travel map by buying a different types of push pins. There are a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from.

For example, you can associate certain type of colors for the type of trips you had or you’re planning to have: green for adventure, red for wine regions, pink for romantic escape, etc.

Assembling your materials

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Once you gather all your supplies, you will need to ensure that your map is flat. For this, just lay out your map and allow it to flatten. You can use some weight or some other object to assist with this process. It will take some time before it is flatten, so it is better to do this a day in advance.

You’ll then need to attach the map to the cork/foam board using a double-sided tape. Apply the tape along both sides of the board and place your map on it.

Et voilà!