How to Frame a Large Poster
You have gone to a concert or joined the revolution. Perhaps you have fallen in love with Klimt, Munch or Van Gogh and crave seeing a sample of their brilliant work on your walls. Short of bidding for the original at Sotheby's, go for the affordable option--a poster. Figuring out how to match the poster's colors to your décor is the easy part. Framing it can be a bit more complicated, which is why this article is a must-read if you would like to master the art of large poster framing. Find instructions for getting your lithograph into a poster frame plus a couple of off-the-wall tips that you might want to consider as well. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Standard poster frame
- Glass insert
- Cardboard, Masonite or rigid foam board backing
- Industrial stapler and staples
- Glass cleaner
- Masking tape
- Picture hanging kit
- Tools
- Mat (optional)
Instructions
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Basic Large Poster Framing 101
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Prepare the glass by cleaning both sides with a standard spray cleaner and thoroughly dry. You may wish to wear gloves while working with the glass to avoid possible cuts from sharp edges.
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Dust the frame. Carefully place the glass into the frame. If you plan to mat the poster, place the pre-cut mat atop the glass, decorative side down.
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Place the poster, face down inside the large poster frame, atop the glass or the mat. Use masking tape to hold the poster in place and then carefully turn the frame over to make sure that the art is correctly positioned.
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Brace and secure the image to the frame by placing a poster-sized piece of Masonite, thick cardboard or rigid foam board backing into the large poster frame.
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Load the stapler. Position the stapler at 6-inch intervals along the back side of the large poster frame and drive staples into the wood to keep the glass, poster and backing secure.
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Choose between a wire and screw picture hanging kit and a wireless kit. Securely install the hardware at either end of the back of the poster frame. Use a level to drive nails or screws into the wall, and then hang your newly framed masterpiece.
Alternative Framing Methods
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Should you decide that you do not want to use a large poster frame, instead dry-mount the poster to rigid backing using rubber cement. Decide where you want the poster hung. Drill eight holes into the wall and insert mirror clips to hold the poster in place.
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Slide the poster between two sheets of plexiglas, then use mirror clips to mount the artwork to the wall.
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Make a permanent showcase for posters without using a poster frame. Use a sheet of plywood or Masonite with a sheet of Plexiglas. Hold the art sandwiched together with poster clips. Remove the clips each time you wish to change the poster.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider Plak-it; a form of lamination. The poster will be permanently encased in plastic if you choose this option. Get details by going to the Plak-it.com website.
Resources
- Photo Credit picture frame 12 image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com
