Framing a poster helps protect it from damage or deterioration over time. It can also add a more formal touch to the decorative item than just taping or pinning it to a wall would. Here are some tips to frame a poster.
Steps
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Measure your poster's length and width with measuring tape or a ruler.
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Decide whether you want a frame that is the same size or 1 or 2 inches (2.5 or 5 cm) bigger than your poster's dimensions. The extra space in the frame can allow for a decorative or protective background mat and prevent the frame from damaging the poster's edges.
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Buy a frame appropriate for a poster. Look for a poster frame that has higher-quality plexiglass that is 1/8 inch (0.31 cm) thick. Regular glass can break or trap moisture inside the frame, damaging the poster. Lower-quality plexiglass may not prevent the poster from yellowing over time.
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Buy acid-free poster backing for your frame and cut it to size if necessary. Some frames come with the backing already inside the frame.
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Undo the hinges on the back of the poster frame. Insert the poster backing if needed.
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Slide your poster into the frame to see how it looks. Adjust the poster's placement inside the frame if necessary.
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Clean the plexiglass and let it dry before closing the frame's hinges. Hang your poster somewhere.
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Have a professional from a framing store frame your poster for you if you prefer not to do it yourself.
Tips
- Acid-free foam core poster backing is a good choice if buying your own poster backing.
- A poster will usually stay secure on its own when it is inside the frame. If yours does not, consider using tape or another adhesive to stick the poster to its poster backing.
- To find a frame for less money, consider buying an art print that comes framed and matches or exceeds your poster's dimensions by 1 or 2 inches (2.5 or 5 cm).
- Poster frames of all kinds and different materials are available for purchase in stores or online. Some frames are attached to a stand or framed freely on a wall. Frames can be made of wood, metal or other material.
- Consider making your own frame by putting cut plexiglass together with frame moulding.
- If having a professional frame your poster at a store, visit more than one store to get a pricing estimate and an idea for what the finished product would look like.
Warnings
- Do not use ammonia-based products to clean the plexiglass. Otherwise, a cloudy film will develop on the surface of the glass.
- Do not tape or otherwise adhere a rare or valuable poster to backing of any sort.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Poster frame
- Plexiglass
- Acid-free poster backing
- Background mat
- Poster
- Tape or other adhesive
- Non-ammonia-based cleaning product
