How to frame a poster, and when to go custom
To frame a poster, match the frame to its size, have us look at any waves or creases, and choose the glazing and the mount by what the poster means to you. A poster for a games room does not need the same build as a signed lithograph, and we will say so.
What size frame for a poster?
The common poster sizes are 24 × 36 and 27 × 40 inches. A frame is named for the size of what it holds, not its outside edge, so a 24 × 36 frame holds a 24 × 36 poster with no mat. With a mat, the frame goes up in size and the opening is cut about half an inch smaller than the poster, so the mat overlaps each edge by about a quarter inch and holds it in place. Stock frames usually top out at around 30 × 40 inches; anything larger is made to order. Our frame and mat size guide has the numbers.
How far to take it
Three questions decide the build.
- Can it be replaced? A replaceable poster can take less protective glazing. A poster that is not replaceable goes behind museum-quality or UV-protective glazing, chosen with you for the piece, because daylight fades pigment.
- Could it be worth something? Then the materials matter as much as the look: acid-free throughout, and a mount that can be undone. That is the side of the work called conservation framing.
- Where is it going? The moulding, the mat and the size follow the wall it is going on, which is why they are chosen with the real samples held against the piece.
Waves and creases
Divots, waves or crinkles in suitable prints and posters can be flattened by drymount in our press to acid-free foamcore, so the piece looks crisp in the frame. We assess each piece first, and discuss conservation options for originals and collectible work.
Mat or no mat?
Either can be right. On a large piece a common starting point is a border of about 3 to 4 inches or more, so the mat stays in proportion to the art, and many framers make the bottom a little wider than the top. A signed piece can have its opening cut to keep the signature in view. Multiple openings, lettering and shapes can all be programmed into our mat cutter, so a poster can share one frame with a ticket or a photograph.
Bigger than any stock frame
Framing over 48 × 96 inches presents challenges most frame shops are not equipped to handle, and movie posters are among the gigantic pieces we have taken on. When no catalog carries a moulding long enough, we mill the profile in our own wood shop, and a van, custom wood crates and an install crew take care of what comes after. Delivery is available for an additional charge and is quoted separately.
Bring it in
All you need is your art. Walk in at 1671 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm or Saturday 9am to 1pm, no appointment required, and it is quoted in person once we have seen it.
