How to Frame Posters | Reference Guide for Framing Large Prints (2024)

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How To: Framing Large Posters, Advertising Signs & Artwork

How to frame posters is a question businesses and consumers struggle with on a daily basis. Hopefully the information listed here will answer any picture, poster, or print frame questions, and offer framing solutions to help you get it right on the first try. Knowing how to frame posters may seem easy, but there are a lot of things to consider that even the seasoned art print framing professional might forget. In addition to the tips and suggestions on how to frame posters, there is also a large inventory of poster frames for sale suitable for movie posters, pictures, and art prints.

Getting Started

The first step is to measure your poster or art print. Simply take the movie posters, art prints, or pictures and measure the length and width. Another important aspect of how to frame posters is knowing the thickness of the material being framed. Some poster frames have small tolerances and can't accommodate thicker materials like art canvas. Most people allow for a little less than an inch of clearance between the print and lens. This matter of clearance between the lens and print is strictly up to the user, but definitely needs to be taken into account when learning how to frame posters.

What Size Frame Do I Need?

It is vital to pick the correct size poster frames that correspond with the size of the art prints or movie posters that are being framed when learning how to frame posters. Often times the standard rule is to select a frame that is an inch wider and taller than the print, or poster. The frame shouldn't be any bigger than the standard as it will make the picture or print look odd. Conversely, the frame shouldn't be the exact same size as the print, as it will make it difficult to fit into the frame, and likely have a negative impact on the overall presentation. Additionally, no more than an inch gap between the lens and print should be allowed to keep the artwork from slipping.

How Do I Pick a Frame Style?

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The style of frame you choose is a matter of personal preference. Some businesses like to use wood frames to blend in with the existing décor. Wood poster frames tend to have a more elegant and classy look, whereas metal frames exhibit a more modern appearance. No matter what your taste or budget, there are plenty of options to choose from here. Plastic frames can be finished to give off the appearance of wood or metal. These polystyrene frames are both lightweight and cheap; two factors that are big pluses in today's economy. One alternative to the traditional wood metal frames are acrylic frames. Clear acrylic allows the user to frame movie posters, art prints, or other signage without covering any of the displayed graphic. These acrylic print frame products are commonly seen in restaurants, hotel guest rooms, and taverns.

Securing the Poster in the Frame and Mounting on the Wall

Once the frame has been chosen, it is just a matter of placing the poster in the frame and hanging it on the wall. First unhook the tabs on the back of the frame to remove the backboard, if applicable. Place the picture or print face down on the lens, and replace the backing board. Bend the tabs secure against the back of the frame, and it's ready to hang on the wall.

More Framing Tips

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Other important factors to take note of are poster boards, acid-free poster boarding, and the use of a mat. One thing that can make the whole process of framing pictures or movie posters much easier is buying a poster frame with a backboard included. This takes the guesswork out of accounting for enough clearance between the lens and print. Most of the poster frames featured here include a backboard. For an inexpensive poster, any frame and backboard will do. However, for a valuable piece of artwork that costs thousands of dollars, the type of backboard used is a huge concern. Most art enthusiasts choose an acid-free backboard to help preserve the print and maintain the original quality. When posters or art prints touch a backboard with acid in it, the artwork will tend to fade and become damaged quickly. So, as an art collector or a curator for a gallery, pay close attention to the type of backboard being offered with the frames you purchase. Another option with print framing is the use of a mat. A mat adds a nice border to the framed image and is typically used for frames that are a quite bit larger than the picture.

What Are Some Best Practices for Framing Posters?

  • Clean the lens on both sides prior to mounting the frame on the wall.
  • If the poster keeps slipping, use some regular household tape on the back of the print to secure it in place.
  • Make sure the poster is positioned straight when viewing it from the lens side prior to securing the backboard in place.
How to Frame Posters | Reference Guide for Framing Large Prints (2024)
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