Framing a poster is an excellent way to help protect it from damage over time. Framing can also add a formal feel to your poster as opposed to simply pasting it. By following a few simple steps, you can have a beautiful framed poster hanging on your wall!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Buying the Right Frame
Step 1. Decide if you want to use frame fabric
This isn't always necessary, but framing can add a certain color to the poster and make the frame even more beautiful.
You may not want to use frame fabric to frame a vintage poster or poster of a classic piece of art. However, it all still depends on your taste
Step 2. Choose a suitable frame fabric if you want to use it
You need fabrics in colors that match anything, including rooms, frames and pictures. Generally, people will place a white or light color frame fabric over the accent color. The accent color will be a color that matches the overall color of the poster.
- There are several basic poster colors so you can choose any color that looks good and fits the room. You can also choose whether you want to use two frame fabrics or just one.
- A black and white image goes well with a white, gray, or even black frame.
- Do not let the frame fabric dominate the overall appearance of the frame. Choose a suitable fabric color with a minimum width of 3.8 cm. You can also choose a smaller frame fabric to make the poster look bigger. Again, it all depends on your choice and taste.
- Also avoid using frame fabric that is lighter than the lightest color in the image or darker than the darkest color in the image.
Step 3. Decide where to place the poster if possible
Knowing where to place the poster will help you decide which frame you need because you'll know the general color scheme and impression you want to create.
If you don't know where to place the frame or the frame is a gift then this is fine. There are many frames that will look great in any room
Step 4. Measure the length, width and thickness of your poster with a tape measure or ruler
You will need to measure the poster to determine which frame size you should purchase. Thickness is important in this case because many frames can only fit very thin posters so you should know the depth of the frame before buying.
If you are using frame fabric, be sure to include the dimensions (width, length and thickness) of the fabric when measuring
Step 5. Choose a frame that is larger than the dimensions of the poster if you are using a fabric frame
The extra space in the frame can allow the frame fabric to serve as a decorative backdrop or as a shield and prevent the frame from damaging the edges of the poster. The frame must be able to accommodate the poster and the fabric.
Measure the dimensions of the frame area instead of measuring the length and width of the poster. If you only measure the outer edges of the frame then you will have a hard time inserting the poster
Step 6. Choose a frame with the right style
Choose a frame that has a style that fits your room and personal preferences and matches the poster. Wooden frames usually have a more elegant and classy look while metal frames give a more modern look.
- You can buy a plastic frame that has a wood or metal look. These plastic frames are cheaper and lighter which can be useful when framing posters.
- Acrylic frames can also be an option because it will give a clear impression and will not cover the poster image.
Step 7. Choose a fairly thin frame
Posters are usually large enough that you can choose a thin frame to compensate for the poster's size. A thinner frame will also make the poster stand out even more.
If you want to make the look more dramatic, choose a standard frame or a wider one
Step 8. Buy a frame with good quality glass
Look for a frame that has high-quality acrylic glass such as Acrylite OP-3 0.31 cm thick. While you can use ordinary glass, there is a risk that the glass will shatter or become damp, reducing the quality of the poster. Low quality acrylic glass cannot prevent the poster from turning yellow over time.
- High quality acrylic glass also doesn't reflect light and is much lighter than regular glass making it perfect for framing large posters.
- Acrylic glass is also UV resistant which is very important if you want to hang your poster in a place that receives a lot of sunlight.
- Acrylic glass is more prone to scratches, even the scratch-resistant type.
Step 9. Purchase the frame at a thrift store to reduce costs
Large frames suitable for posters are often quite expensive so consider looking at a thrift store. You may find a frame that has an image in it. Replace the picture with your poster.
If the frame you find does not match the color, you can repaint it in a color of your choice as long as the frame is made of wood
Step 10. Purchase an acid-free frame cover
Frame covers aren't really necessary, but you can use them for a more professional look. Choose an acid-free frame cover so that the poster color doesn't fade and get damaged. Some frames already have a cover when you buy them.
Part 2 of 3: Making Your Own Frame
Step 1. Make your own frames to save money and make custom size frames
Making your own frames is a great option for those looking to save money or have posters of different sizes and allows you to customize your selection without paying a handyman fee.
The homemade frame may not be strong enough to hold the cover glass
Step 2. Decide if you want to use frame fabric
Fabric framing isn't always necessary, but it can add a certain color accent to the poster and add to the embellishment of the frame.
You may not want to use fabric frames when framing a vintage poster or a poster of a classic work of art. However, it all still depends on your taste
Step 3. Choose a suitable frame fabric if you want to use it
You need fabrics in colors that match anything, including rooms, frames and pictures. Generally, people will place a white or light colored frame under a poster with an accent color. The accent color will be a color that matches the overall color of the poster.
- There are several common poster colors so you can choose whatever looks good and fits the room. You can also choose whether you want to use two frame fabrics or just one.
- A black and white image will go well with a white, gray, or even black frame.
- You don't want the frame fabric to dominate the overall look of the frame. Choose a suitable frame fabric color with a minimum width of 3.8 cm. You can also choose a smaller frame fabric to make the poster look bigger. Again, it all depends on your choice and taste.
- You also don't want the frame fabric to be lighter than the lightest color in the image or darker than the darkest color in the image.
Step 4. Measure the length, width and thickness of your poster with a tape measure or ruler
You will need to measure the poster to determine which frame size you should purchase. Thickness is important in this case because many frames can only fit very thin posters so you should know the depth of the frame before buying.
Step 5. Purchase a wooden mold
You can buy wood prints at a materials store. Choose a framed print that can hold the poster like a frame in a store.
- You'll need a print that can cover the entire side of the poster plus a frame if you're using it (width times four) and a few more centimeters (20-30 cm depending on width) for the corners.
- You'll probably only find plain prints. However, you can change the color to add decoration.
Step 6. Cut the ends of the wood to make a right angle
Cut each end of the wood at a 45-degree angle so that when combined they form a 90-degree right angle. Measure carefully so you make the edges the right length.
- The entire outer edge of the frame must be the same length as the side of the poster plus the width of the other side of the frame multiplied by two.
- Make sure that the two opposite sides of the frame are the same length so that the frame can form perfectly.
- Set aside lengths for the width of the frame fabric and poster size.
Step 7. Paint the frame with the color of your choice
If you want to paint the frame be sure to do so before setting the frame as it will be difficult to paint neatly once the frame is laid out. Choose a color that matches the room where you hang the frame, poster, and personal preferences.
Step 8. Glue all the edges of the frame
Use wood glue to attach the frame pieces. Hold the frame pieces together with clamps while waiting for the glue to dry. Dry the frame with the front side down.
There may be spaces in the wood that prevent the frame from sticking together. But this is not a problem because the corners of the frame will stick by itself
Step 9. Attach the frame pieces using metal corners and wood screws
Use metal corners for the corners of the frame. The metal is shaped like an L and fits perfectly into the corners of your frame.
- Make sure the wood screws you use are not too long so they don't stick out of the frame. Use short screws.
- Drill the screws carefully so the wood doesn't crack or break.
- You may need nylon clamps to secure the corners of the frame, but this is not necessary. A nylon clamp is a long piece of nylon with a clamp on one side to secure the frame.
Step 10. Use wood putty to fill in the gaps
There may be cracks and cracks in the frame. To fix this, use wood putty and remove any remaining putty with a putty knife. Then you can paint it to make the color more beautiful.
Step 11. Add a small clip to put the image inside the frame
Usually clips are included in the framing kit or you can find them at a hardware store. You can also use staples to attach pictures or use adhesive tape.
Step 12. Use ordinary glass or acrylic glass if necessary
You don't have to use glass. But glass will make your poster look more professional. The frame you make may not be strong enough to hold regular glass so you can replace it with acrylic glass. Cut the acrylic glass to the size of the frame at the hardware store.
- You can also buy glass from other frames at a thrift or hobby store.
- High quality acrylic glass such as Acrylite OP-3 0.31 cm thick will fit perfectly into your frame. High quality acrylic glass does not reflect light and is lighter than ordinary glass making it perfect for framing large pictures such as posters. However, this glass is more prone to scratches than ordinary glass.
- Acrylic glass is also UV resistant which is especially important if you hang your poster in a place that receives a lot of sunlight.
Part 3 of 3: Inserting the Poster into the Frame
Step 1. Adhere the poster to the adhesive foam board
This is necessary if the poster you are using is rolled up for a long time and cannot hang straight. Open a few inches of the sticky part of the board and align it with the edge of the board. Gently unroll the poster and stick it to the foam board. Remove any trapped air using a credit card or the back of a hardback book.
- Use a safety pin to poke air bubbles from behind (through the foam board, not the poster). Once all the air is out, straighten the poster.
- Trim excess foam from the board using a knife and metal ruler to create sharp edges.
- You can also pay someone to make a foam board for around IDR 260,000, - (depending on the area) if you want.
- Keep in mind that foam board will increase the thickness of the poster and may affect the frame you choose.
Step 2. Open the hinges on the back of the frame if any
Remove the backboard of the frame or whatever is inside the frame if there is one. Glass or acrylic glass remains in the frame.
Step 3. Place the frame fabric over or behind the poster
If you are using frame cloth, place the frame over or behind the poster. Placing the frame fabric behind the poster is the easiest way because you don't need to cut it. If you choose to place the fabric over the poster, you may have to cut the inside to allow the poster to be visible.
It's usually difficult to cut the edges of the frame fabric accurately without damaging it, so it's a good idea to get someone to do this at a frame shop
Step 4. Clean the glass and let it dry
This is very important because the inside of the acrylic glass will touch the poster. Moisture will damage the poster so it is very important to keep the glass dry.
- You don't want any fingerprints or grease on the side of the glass that touches the poster.
- Acrylic glass is prone to scratches so be sure to clean it only with a microfiber cloth instead of using paper products.
Step 5. Put the glass in place
If you are using glass or acrylic glass, you must place it properly. The most important side of the glass is the side that touches the poster so make sure not to touch this side when placing the glass in place.
- You can always clean the outside of the glass so don't worry about touching it when placing the glass on the frame.
- Hold the glass as if you were holding a slice of pizza when placing it in the frame.
Step 6. Insert your poster into the frame to see how it looks
Adjust the placement of the poster and frame fabric (if you're using one) into the frame if needed. Make sure the edges are even and straight so they don't look bent or uneven.
Step 7. Clamp or staple the poster into place
Clamp the poster so it doesn't slide out of place when hanging. You can buy small tweezers at a hardware store or you can staple the poster from the back. If you're using staples, make sure you staple at the edges of the poster so it's secure and out of sight from the front.
Step 8. Insert the poster cover if you are using one
The poster cover doesn't really matter if you've already attached the poster to the foam board. But if you don't do that or want the poster to look professional, you can add a poster cover to cover the back of the poster.
Make sure the cover is acid free if you use one. Acid can damage the poster
Step 9. Install the tool to hang the poster
You can use D-shaped hooks (which are attached with screws) and wire or use zigzag hangers that can be attached using small screws. Both hangers are available at hardware stores. Make sure you attach it to the frame, not to the poster so that the poster is not damaged and the frame can be hung securely.
You may need more than one nail or screw if your frame is very large or heavy. Make sure the nails are strong enough to hold the frame
Step 10. Hang your poster
Use screws or nails to hang the picture on the wall. If you use more than one nail, make sure they are the same height to prevent the poster from hanging at an angle. Adjust your poster until it looks straight and even.
Tips
- To save on a budget, you can purchase pre-framed artwork with dimensions equal to or exceeding your poster by 2.5 to 5 cm.
- Frames of all different types and materials can be purchased in stores or online. Some frames have legs or can also be hung freely on the wall. The frame can be made of wood, metal or other materials.
- If you want to frame a poster in a store, visit several stores to compare prices and find inspiration.
- Generally posters will be safe when placed in a frame. But if not, you can use glue or adhesive tape to hold the poster in place.
Warning
- Do not glue expensive posters or valuable posters to the frame cover.
- Do not use cleaning products containing ammonia to clean acrylic glass. Acrylic glass will opaque when exposed to ammonia.
