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Bettesworth Construction
DIY

How to Frame a Poster: A Step-by-Step Guide

Measure the poster and the full frame stack, use a mat or spacers to keep paper off the glazing, and choose mounting and hanging methods suited to its condition and weight.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read
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To frame a poster, measure it, choose a frame with enough room for the glazing and backing, mount the paper without sticking adhesive to it, and keep it from touching the glass or acrylic. Then assemble the layers without squeezing them and hang the finished frame with hardware suited to its weight. A replaceable poster can be framed simply; a valuable, fragile, or damaged one needs more careful materials and may warrant a conservation framer.

What you need to frame a poster

  • A frame sized for the poster and the full thickness of its contents.
  • Glass or acrylic glazing, if not included with the frame.
  • A window mat or spacers to keep the paper away from the glazing.
  • Backing board and a way to hold the poster in place, such as non-adhesive photo corners.
  • Frame fasteners and wall hardware appropriate for the assembled frame’s weight.

For valuable or fragile paper, choose conservation-quality mat and backing materials where they contact the poster. Avoid ordinary tape, glue, and contact cement on the paper. The Australian War Memorial’s conservation advice rejects adhesive tapes and contact cements for conservation framing; the Library of Congress guidelines describe non-adhesive mounting approaches. Specialized hinging is best left to someone experienced when the poster is valuable or fragile.

1. Inspect and measure the poster

Measure the poster’s outer width and height. Note tears, creases, brittleness, and whether important image detail reaches the edges. A window mat can hide edge imagery; the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts cautions that some works on paper have imagery right to the edge.

Decide whether you want a visible border around the poster. If a mat would cover content, consider spacers instead, or ask a qualified framer to help plan a suitable fit.

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upsimples 24x36 Poster Frame, Easy Slide-In Assembly, Black, 3 Pack
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2. Choose a frame that fits the whole stack

Match the frame opening to the intended presentation, then check its internal depth—the rabbet—against the thickness of the glazing, mat or spacers, poster, and backing. A frame whose opening matches the poster alone may not have enough room for the other layers. Do not force the stack into a shallow frame or compress the paper.

The Canadian Conservation Institute describes about 2 cm of total frame depth for the layers in its example construction; this is guidance for that arrangement, not a universal dimension for every frame. Check the actual frame’s internal measurements and manufacturer guidance. See the Institute’s framing note.

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3. Choose how to mount the poster

For an ordinary, replaceable poster, non-adhesive photo corners can hold it against the backing without putting tape or glue on the paper. The poster should be supported while still able to move slightly with changes in its surroundings.

For valuable or fragile paper, use conservation-quality materials and consult a conservation framer about appropriate hinging. The Library of Congress describes non-adhesive methods and Japanese tissue hinges with refined wheat starch paste; those techniques require care and are not a casual DIY repair. The U.S. National Archives’ preservation guidance also discusses non-adhesive support.

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MCS Studio Gallery Poster Frame, 18x24, Black Woodgrain, 1-Pack
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4. Add a mat or spacers

Use a window mat or suitable spacers to leave a gap between the poster and glazing. Direct contact can cause paper to stick to the glazing or suffer damage. A mat also frames the image visually, but make sure its opening does not hide important edge detail. If you prefer no mat, spacers can provide separation without covering the poster’s edges.

The Canadian Conservation Institute explains matting and spacing for works on paper in its matting note.

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5. Select glass or acrylic glazing

Glass and acrylic are both used for framing, and neither is the right choice in every situation. Acrylic is lighter and does not create the same shattering hazard as glass; CCAHA specifies acrylic in its framing guidance to reduce package weight and avoid shattering. Glazing products differ, so check the specific product’s UV-filtering performance and suitability for the frame.

UV-filtering glazing can help manage ultraviolet exposure, but it does not make direct sun or intense light safe for a poster. Keep the frame out of direct sunlight. The Canadian Conservation Institute compares glazing materials and UV filtering in its glazing note; the CCAHA specifications describe its use of acrylic.

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MCS Trendsetter Poster Frame, 24x36, Black High-Gloss, 1-Pack
  • MODERN AND FUNCTIONAL: Create a contemporary display for all your most esteemed art prints, photos, posters, puzzles, and more with the MCS Trendsetter Frame featuring a sleek black finish
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6. Assemble and check the frame

  1. Clean the glazing with a method suitable for its material, following the product maker’s directions.
  2. Arrange the glazing, mat or spacers, mounted poster, and backing in the frame as its design requires. Consumer frames vary, so follow the manufacturer’s assembly directions rather than assuming one universal order.
  3. Check that the poster is separated from the glazing and that the layers sit without pressure on the paper.
  4. Secure the backing with the frame’s intended fasteners. Confirm that the contents cannot shift when the frame is moved gently.

7. Hang it safely and choose its location

Use hanging hardware and a wall attachment that can safely support the weight of the fully assembled frame. Keep the poster away from direct sunlight and intense light to limit exposure. The Australian War Memorial’s framing guidance includes hanging strength as part of safe framing.

When to use a conservation framer

Consider professional advice if the poster is valuable, irreplaceable, brittle, torn, unusually sized, or has image detail that a standard mat would cover. A conservation framer can help choose appropriate materials and a mounting method that avoids damaging the paper. No single frame size or material works for every poster; fit and condition determine the right setup.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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