How to Build a Frame for Movie Posters

Framing a movie poster helps to preserve its appearance.

Displaying a movie poster is a decorative way to commemorate a memorable film. Building a wood frame for a movie poster adds a professional touch to the appearance of the poster. Store bought frames might not fit properly, allowing the movie poster to slip or tilt sideways. A custom-built frame fits the poster’s dimensions exactly. Framing the poster helps to protect it from damage. Using a frame also simplifies the process of hanging the poster on a wall securely.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 1/8-inch thick framing glass, cut to movie poster dimensions
• Pencil
• Cardboard
• Box knife
• Wood (oak, pine or poplar)
• Miter saw
• Wood glue
• Staple gun
• Carving knife
• Sanding paper
• Pushmaster (framing tool)

Instructions

1. Measure the height and width of the movie poster. Go to a hardware store and ask them to cut a 1/8-inch piece of framing glass to the movie poster dimensions. Mark the movie poster measurements onto the piece of cardboard. Use the box knife to cut out a piece of cardboard. Set the cardboard and glass aside for later use.

2. Take the wood and measure two pieces for the side of the frame. Use the height measurements from the movie poster. Add two extra inches to this measurement to allow for the angle. Record the measurements onto the wood with the pencil. Repeat these steps for the top and bottom pieces, except use the width measurements from the movie poster.

3. Use the miter saw to make the four wood frame pieces; a miter saw cuts at an exact 90-degree angle. Cut a downward 90-degree angle for the top of the left-side piece and an opposite downward 90-degree angle for the top of the right-side piece. Make an upward 90-degree angle cut for the bottom of the left-side piece and an opposite upward 90-degree angle cut for the bottom of the right-side piece.

4. Trim the top width piece with two upward 90-degree angles on each end. Take the bottom width piece and cut two downward 90-degree angles on each end. Cut a 1/7-inch width groove with the carving knife along the inside of each frame piece. Sand down any rough spots. Fit the pieces to the glass, make sure the glass is in the groove on each side. Glue the pieces together to form a frame. Use the staple gun and place two staples into each corner of the backside of the frame. Position the staples so they clamp together the two wood pieces forming the corners. Leave the frame to dry for at least 24 hours.

5. Smooth the wood frame with the sand paper; make sure to even out any raised spots on the wood. Put the movie poster face down on top of the glass in the frame. Cover the back of the movie poster with the cardboard. Secure the cardboard with flexible points using the Pushmaster.

Tips & Warnings

• Most hardware stores will cut framing glass to any specific dimensions.

• Consider using a wood stain to change the color of the wood frame. This helps to match furniture or room décor. Other framing options instead of a pane of glass include plastic, Plexiglas or laminate. V-nails are another way to secure the pieces of the frame together.

• Wear safety goggles when using the miter saw, to avoid eye injury.

References

• Mat, Mount and Frame It Yourself (Crafts Highlights); David Logan 2002
• The Complete Photo Guide to Framing and Displaying Artwork: 500 Full-Color How-to Photos; Vivian Carli Kistler