Step By Step Guide To Framing A Poster

Step by step guide to framing a poster

You might think that posters are just meant to be stuck on a wall with blu-tac, right? Well, you’d be wrong. The best way to preserve your poster is to frame it – as this will prevent it from degradation over time and damage as well. Using one of our a2 frames can also add a more formal touch to what is often seen as a decorative item – so follow these simple steps to ensure you have a perfectly framed poster to hang on your wall.  

Purchase the right frame

First things first, you need to decide whether you want to use a mat behind your poster or not. It isn’t always necessary to use one, but it can help to accent certain colours in your poster and finish off the framing nicely. If you are framing a vintage poster or a poster of a classic work of art then you may choose not to use a mat – but that is entirely up to you.

If you do decide to use a mat, then you need to choose the right one. You want a colour that will go with everything – your picture, the frame, and the room the poster is going in. One tip is to put a white mat on top of a coloured mat, that way you can accent a particular colour you like in the poster.  Black and white pictures tend to look best with cool whites or greys, or yes, you’ve guessed it – black.

The other thing you will need to think about is where you are going to put the framed poster. This will help you decide which of our a2 picture frames to purchase as you will know the colour scheme and feel of the space you are going to place it in. 

Next thing you need to do is measure the length, width and thickness of your poster with a ruler or measuring tape – as this will help you decide the size of frame you need to buy. If you want to use a mat, make sure you take the length, width and thickness of this into account as well. 

If you are using a mat, then you will need to choose a frame that is slightly bigger than the width of your poster, as this will allow for the decorative mat to be seen, while also preventing any damage to the edge of the poster.

Then all you have to do is choose a frame in the right style for the room it is to be placed in, as well as your own personal preference. Metal frames tend to have a more modern and clinical feel whereas wood gives a more elegant and classier look.

You may want to consider a frame that is quite thin, so that it balances out the shape of the large poster. It will also emphasize the poster itself, making it stand out more. If you prefer a bolder look, then by all means go for a wider frame.

Inserting the poster into the frame

#1 Attach your poster to an adhesive foam board.

The first thing you need to do is attach the poster to a foam board, particularly if it has been rolled up for a long time. Peel back a few inches of the adhesive boards protective film and line the edge of the print up with the edge of the board. Then unroll the poster onto the board slowly, a few inches at a time, applying it to the poster as you go. You can smooth out any air bubbles with a debit card or hardback book.

If you see a large air bubble, don’t panic too much – just poke a hole through the foam from behind to let the air out – and then smooth it down completely.

Trim any excess from the board using a metal ruler and knife to ensure a crisp edge. 

#2 Undo the hinges on the back of the frame

Undo the hinges, if there are any, and remove the backboard from the frame. Leave the glass or plexiglass in place as this will protect your poster when it is on the wall.

#3 Fit your mat to your poster

If you have chosen to use a mat, then you can place it on top of or behind your poster. The easiest thing to do is to place the mat behind your poster as you will not have to cut it, whereas if you want to put a mat on top of your poster (like a border) then you will have to cut out an inner shape so that the poster can be seen.

#4 Clean the glass/plexiglass

This is a really important step, but one that many people miss out. Your glass/plexiglass needs to be clean and dry on the inside when it touches your poster. Moisture is your poster’s enemy, so you need to make perfectly sure that the glass/plexiglass is dry before placing your poster onto it. 

#5 Slide the glass/plexiglass back into place

Before you put your poster in the frame, you need to ensure the glass/plexiglass is in position. The most important side is the side that will be touching the poster, so do not touch this side when you are putting it in place.

You can always clean the front side of the glass/plexiglass once the poster is in place, so don’t worry about this too much. The easiest way to do it is to hold the glass as though it is a piece of pizza when you are putting it in the frame.

#6 Place the poster into the frame

Now, you can slide the poster into the frame, and see how it looks. Look closely at it and adjust the position of the poster or mat if you need to. Make sure all of the edges are even and straight, and that nothing looks crooked. 

#7 Clip or staple the poster into place

Make sure you fix the poster into place so that it doesn’t shift around while you are hanging it. You could staple it in from behind, or use some little clips if you prefer. If you are stapling it into place, make sure to do it at an angle on the edge, so that it is secure and doesn’t show from the front. 

#8 Insert poster backing (if you are using it)

If you have attached your poster to a foam backing (see step one) then poster backing is not usually necessary. However, if you have not done so and you want your poster to look more professional, then you should use poster backing to cover the back of the poster. It is important to ensure your poster backing is acid free so that it does not damage the poster when it touches it. 

#9 Place the backing in place

Now you can secure the backing in place, and make sure the hanging mechanisms are lined up and ready to use. 

#10 Hang your poster

All you have to do now is hang your poster in the spot of your choice. Then stand back and admire the view.

Here at frames.co.uk we have 5 star reviewed picture frames, in a variety of sizes – from a1 to a3 picture frames. You can search for any size online, design your own custom frame, or browse our range of ready-made frames – all at great low prices.