Ever bought a stunning poster, only to leave it rolled up in a tube for months, maybe even years? It's a common scenario! Posters, whether they're cherished art prints, vintage movie posters, or even inspirational quotes, deserve to be displayed proudly. Properly framing a poster not only protects it from dust, creases, and fading, but also instantly elevates its aesthetic, turning a simple piece of paper into a sophisticated work of art that enhances your living space.
Beyond the visual appeal, framing preserves your posters, safeguarding them for future enjoyment. A well-framed poster becomes a focal point, reflecting your personality and style. It's an investment in your home decor and, potentially, the poster itself, especially if it's a limited edition or valuable piece. But with so many framing options available, and the fear of damaging your precious print, where do you even begin?
What kind of frame should I use?
What's the best way to choose a frame size for my poster?
The best way to choose a frame size for your poster is to measure the poster's height and width precisely, then select a frame that exactly matches those dimensions. This ensures a snug and professional fit without any gaps or the need to trim your poster. For posters with sentimental or monetary value, consider a custom frame for a precise fit, archival materials, and potentially a small border or mat to protect the edges.
When measuring, use a ruler or measuring tape and measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. Don’t assume the poster is the size advertised; slight variations are common. Once you have the precise dimensions, you can confidently look for frames that are labeled with those exact measurements. Many standard poster sizes exist, like 18x24, 24x36, and 27x40 inches, making finding a suitable frame relatively easy. Retailers often categorize their frames by the size of the artwork they are intended to hold, not the frame's overall external dimensions.
If you are considering a frame with a mat, you will need to calculate the frame size differently. The mat will cover a portion of the poster's edges, so the visible poster area will be smaller than the frame's internal dimensions. In this case, you'll need to determine how much of the poster you want to be visible and then add the mat width to that dimension to determine the necessary frame size. For example, if you want a 2-inch mat border on all sides of an 18x24 poster, you'd need a 22x28 inch frame.
How do I prevent my poster from fading in the frame?
The best way to prevent your poster from fading within a frame is to use UV-protective glazing and minimize its exposure to direct sunlight and other sources of UV light. UV rays are the primary cause of fading, so blocking them is crucial for preservation.
Minimizing UV exposure involves several considerations. Choosing the right location to display your framed poster is essential. Avoid hanging it in direct sunlight, near windows that receive a lot of sunlight, or under strong artificial lighting. If possible, opt for a location with indirect or diffused light. Furthermore, using UV-filtering window film on nearby windows can further reduce UV exposure in the room. Beyond location, the choice of glazing significantly impacts fade prevention. Regular glass offers minimal UV protection, whereas acrylic glazing formulated with UV absorbers blocks a substantial percentage of harmful rays. Museum-quality acrylic, while more expensive, provides the highest level of UV protection. Consider backing your poster with acid-free materials to prevent acid migration from the backing board into the poster, which can also contribute to discoloration over time.Should I use glass or acrylic for my poster frame?
Generally, acrylic is recommended over glass for poster frames, especially for larger sizes. Acrylic is lighter, shatter-resistant, and offers excellent clarity. While glass is less prone to scratching and is generally cheaper, its weight and potential to shatter make it less ideal for protecting and displaying posters, particularly valuable or irreplaceable ones.
Acrylic, often referred to as Plexiglas or Lucite, offers a significant safety advantage. Should it be dropped or impacted, acrylic is far less likely to shatter into dangerous shards, making it a better choice for homes with children or pets, or for high-traffic areas. Furthermore, the lightweight nature of acrylic reduces the strain on the frame and the hanging hardware, lessening the risk of the poster falling and potentially being damaged. While standard acrylic can scratch more easily than glass, premium acrylic options with scratch-resistant coatings are available. Glass, on the other hand, provides a very crisp and clear viewing experience and is resistant to most common cleaning agents. Regular glass is cheaper initially, which may make it appealing for framing less valuable posters. However, the weight of glass can be a considerable factor, especially when framing larger posters, potentially requiring sturdier (and more expensive) frames and hanging systems. The risk of breakage during handling and transportation also adds to the potential costs associated with using glass. Ultimately, the best choice depends on balancing cost, safety, and preservation needs, but for valuable or large posters, acrylic is the superior choice.What are some affordable framing options for posters?
Affordable framing options for posters include ready-made frames purchased from retail stores or online, poster hangers or clips, and DIY framing methods using materials like foam board or repurposed wood. These alternatives provide protection and aesthetic enhancement without breaking the bank.
Ready-made frames are widely available in standard poster sizes, making them a convenient and budget-friendly choice. Stores like IKEA, Target, and Amazon offer a variety of styles and materials, allowing you to find a frame that complements your poster and décor without the cost of custom framing. Be sure to measure your poster accurately before purchasing a frame to ensure a proper fit. Consider the frame material - lightweight options like plastic or composite wood can be significantly cheaper than solid wood. Poster hangers and clips are an even more economical alternative, particularly suitable for posters that don't require full protection. These options typically consist of two magnetic or clip-based strips that attach to the top and bottom edges of the poster, allowing it to hang freely. They are easy to install and remove, making them a great choice for renters or those who like to frequently change their wall art. However, they offer minimal protection against damage or fading. For a more personalized touch, consider a DIY framing approach. You can mount your poster on foam board or a similar rigid surface using adhesive spray or double-sided tape, then create a simple border using repurposed wood trim or even colorful washi tape. This method allows for complete customization and can be significantly cheaper than purchasing a pre-made frame, especially if you already have some of the materials on hand. Just ensure the mounting surface is acid-free to prevent damage to your poster over time.How do I properly mount a poster in a frame?
To properly mount a poster in a frame, start by preparing your poster, frame, and a clean workspace. Then, carefully center the poster within the frame, ensuring it's straight and free of wrinkles or bubbles. Use acid-free materials, such as archival mounting corners or tape, to secure the poster to the backing board. Finally, assemble the frame, making sure the poster is protected by the glazing (glass or acrylic) and the backing is securely in place.
Mounting a poster correctly is crucial for both aesthetics and preservation. Using acid-free materials is paramount because acidic materials can degrade the paper over time, causing yellowing, brittleness, and ultimately, damage. Archival mounting corners are a great option because they allow the poster to be held in place without adhering anything directly to the poster itself. Acid-free tape can also be used, but apply it sparingly to the edges of the poster's back side. Always clean the glazing before assembling the frame to remove any dust or fingerprints that could detract from the appearance. Before you begin, ensure your workspace is large enough to accommodate the frame and poster. Lay down a clean cloth to protect the poster from scratches. Consider wearing cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils from your hands to the poster's surface. Take your time during the mounting process; rushing can lead to mistakes and damage. If your poster is particularly valuable or fragile, consider consulting a professional framer for assistance. They have the expertise and specialized tools to ensure your poster is mounted safely and securely.Can I frame a poster myself, or should I go to a professional?
Whether you should frame a poster yourself or go to a professional depends on several factors, including your budget, desired quality, the poster's value, and your comfort level with DIY projects. Framing it yourself can save money, but professional framing offers superior results and protection, especially for valuable or delicate posters.
Framing a poster yourself is a perfectly viable option, particularly for inexpensive or mass-produced posters where perfection isn't paramount. You'll need to purchase a frame, usually from a craft store or online retailer, that is sized appropriately for your poster. Measure your poster accurately! You'll also want to invest in some basic tools: a ruler, a utility knife or mat cutter (if trimming is needed), acid-free foam board or backing, and possibly some picture hanging hardware. Take your time during the process to avoid damaging the poster. DIY framing is cost-effective and lets you choose frames that match your personal style, however, the quality may not be as high as professional work, and there's a risk of mistakes. On the other hand, professional framing is the best choice for valuable, delicate, or irreplaceable posters. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle delicate materials safely. They can offer archival-quality materials, such as acid-free mats and UV-protective glass or acrylic, which prevent fading and deterioration over time. A professional framer can also advise you on the best framing options to complement your poster and its surroundings, resulting in a polished and museum-quality presentation. While more expensive, professional framing provides superior protection and aesthetic appeal, ensuring your poster looks its best for years to come.What kind of backing board is recommended for framing a poster?
For framing a poster, a buffered, acid-free foam core board is the most recommended backing. This provides a stable, archival surface that protects the poster from acids that can migrate from cheaper materials, preventing discoloration and degradation over time.
The primary purpose of a backing board is to offer physical support and archival protection. Acid-free foam core, typically 3/16" or 1/8" thick, excels at both. The foam core provides a rigid foundation, preventing the poster from sagging or wrinkling within the frame. More importantly, its acid-free nature ensures it won't contribute to the yellowing or embrittlement of the poster paper, a common problem with standard cardboard or non-archival materials. Buffered foam core goes a step further by adding an alkaline reserve to neutralize any acids that might still be present in the environment or that develop over time.
While standard cardboard should be avoided due to its high acidity, alternatives like acid-free corrugated cardboard exist. However, these are typically thicker and less rigid than foam core, potentially making them unsuitable for certain frame designs. Furthermore, consider the long-term preservation of your poster. Choosing a high-quality, acid-free and buffered foam core is a relatively inexpensive investment that can significantly extend the life and maintain the value of your poster for years to come.
And there you have it! Hopefully, you're now feeling confident and ready to give your favorite posters the frames they deserve. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll stop by again soon for more tips and tricks to spruce up your space!