How to Frame & Mat a Poster
The final touch to a valued poster or picture is a mat and frame. Not only will framing your work create a beautiful display, but it will also protect the piece for years to come.
Things You'll Need
- 4-ply mat board
- Pencil
- Foam core board
- Measuring tape
- Straightedge
- Mat cutter
- Acid-free artist's tape
- Frame and assembly hardware
- Chop saw
- Nails or metal corner fasteners
- Wood glue
- Glass
- Glass cutter
- Glaziers point for a wooden frame/spring clips for metal frame
- Picture hangers
- Picture wire
Instructions
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1
Measure the height and width of the image of the poster. Subtract 1/2 inch from this measurement. This will be the opening of the mat. The mat will overlap the image by 1/4 inch on all sides.
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2
Add 6 inches to the height and width of the opening for the mat for a 3-inch mat. This is the outside mat size and the measurement of the foam core board and glass. Cut the mat to this measurement.
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3
Draw on the back of the mat straight lines 3 inches in from each edge, using the pencil and straightedge. Use the mat cutter to cut this opening.
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4
Center the poster under the mat so that no edges show in the opening. Tape the top corners of the poster to the mat. Do not tape the bottom edges.
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5
Cut the foam core board to the same outside measurement as the mat. Using the glass cutter, cut the glass to this same dimensions. Place the poster and mat on the foam core board and place the glass on top of the mat, being sure not to damage the mat or poster. Check for any visible debris under the glass.
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6
Tape the foam core board, mat and poster, and glass together with the tape, allowing no more than 1/8 inch of tape to overlap the glass. This will keep debris from getting into the frame and mat and will protect your hands while assembling the project.
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7
Cut the frame, using the chop saw set at 45 degrees and so that the internal dimensions are 1/8 inch larger than the measurement of the glass. Use the correct blade for wood or metal, depending on your framing materials.
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8
Assemble the frame, using nails and wood glue for wood frames or metal corner fasteners. Allow to dry overnight if a wooden frame. Only assemble three sides if a metal frame.
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9
Place a wooden frame upside down on your work surface. Gently place the glass/mat/foam core package into the frame opening. Secure with glazier's points. For a metal frame, slide the glass/mat/foam package into the assembled three sides. Attach the final side and secure the glass against the front of the frame with spring clips.
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10
Attach picture hangers one third of the way down from the top of the frame. String wire between the picture hangers, allowing an inch of stretch from a straight line across. Twist the picture wire ends securely.
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Tips & Warnings
Mat board, frames, and glass can be measured and ordered from dealers instead of cutting these items yourself.
Only taping the top of the poster allows it to shrink and swell with humidity without wrinkling.
Many people choose to use Plexiglas instead of glass because of the reduced weight and less chance of breakage.
Wear safety glasses when cutting glass to size.
Be cautious when using a chop saw to cut the frame and use a new, appropriate blade for the material being cut.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit picture frame corner image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
