Framing a poster well comes down to prep work more than skill. A rolled print straight from shipping will fight you unless you flatten it first, and dust trapped behind the glass will annoy you for years. Working on a clean, flat surface with a few simple supplies makes the difference between a frame you’re proud of and one you redo later.
Measure First, Buy Second
Measure your poster’s width and height edge-to-edge before you buy a frame. This is the step most people rush, and it causes the most returns. A frame that’s exactly the same size as the poster works fine if you’re skipping a mat. If you want a mat border, you need a frame that’s bigger than the print—usually 1 to 2 inches wider and taller than the poster’s dimensions to leave room for the mat and edge protection.
Pay attention to the difference between the print size and the frame’s nominal size. An 18×24 frame generally holds an 18×24 print without a mat, but if you’re adding a mat, the frame opening needs to be larger than the print itself. When in doubt, measure the frame’s inner opening, not its outer edge.
Flatten the Poster and Prep Your Workspace
Rolled posters arrive curled from shipping, and framing one while it’s still curved leaves ripples and bubbles. Place the poster face-down on a flat, clean surface and lay heavy books or weights across it for several hours or overnight. This simple step saves you from redoing the whole job.
Before touching the print, clean both sides of the glass or acrylic glazing with a lint-free cloth. Clean the inside surface now, because once the frame is sealed, any dust or fingerprint you missed is trapped there permanently. Wearing soft cotton gloves while handling the poster keeps natural oils off the paper.
Secure the Poster Without Damaging It
Open the frame by removing the backing board or undoing the tabs or hinges. Lay the cleaned glazing down, then the mat if you’re using one, then the poster centered on an acid-free backing board. The backing board’s job is to keep the print flat and stable inside the frame.
Use acid-free tape or acid-free backing materials to hold the print in place. Regular tape, glue, or adhesive applied directly to the poster can damage the paper and leave residue over time. If you’re using tape, some guides recommend attaching it along the top edge only, which lets the paper expand and contract naturally with changes in humidity. Reassemble the frame with the glazing, mat, poster, and backing board in that order, then close the hardware or tabs.
For an in-depth look at sizing options for tall, narrow prints, our guide to the best 12 x 34 poster frames covers what to look for when your poster doesn’t fit standard dimensions.
Hang It So It Stays Put
Choose hanging hardware based on the frame’s weight, not your preference. Lightweight frames can use a simple sawtooth hanger with a single nail. Heavier frames need stronger support—D-rings or cleats spread the weight more evenly, and a wire strung between two hooks prevents the frame from shifting or falling. For large frames, two hooks spaced apart handle the load far better than one centered nail.
Hang the frame away from direct sunlight whenever possible. Sun exposure fades posters over time, and once the ink fades, no frame protects the art underneath. The right hardware keeps the frame level and secure, but placement keeps the poster looking its best for years.
| Prep Step | Why It Matters | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Measure edge-to-edge | Ensures the frame and mat fit correctly | Guessing approximate dimensions |
| Flatten the poster | Prevents ripples and bubbles under glass | Framing a rolled print immediately |
| Clean the glazing | Avoids trapped dust and fingerprints | Sealing the frame without cleaning inside |
| Use acid-free tape | Protects paper from damage and residue | Using regular tape or glue on the print |
| Match hardware to weight | Keeps the frame secure on the wall | Using a sawtooth hanger on a heavy frame |
American Frame’s framing guide recommends a stable backing board so the print stays flat inside the frame, and it emphasizes choosing a frame sized for both the poster and any mat you plan to use. American Frame’s poster framing tips walk through the full process step by step, from measuring to hanging.
References & Sources
- American Frame. “How to Frame a Poster So It Looks Its Best for Years.” Covers backing board stability, acid-free materials, and framing best practices.
