The Fine Art of Framing


Framing Posters
Mounting If your poster has been folded, rolled or badly stored it will not lie flat when framed and you might need to think about having it flattened in some way. For a valuable poster that may not be in the best condition having it backed is the best way to conserve and flatten the image. This will usually involve pasting it to cotton backed, acid-free, heavy weight paper. The poster can also be repaired and restored during this process. For some less valuable posters dry mounting might be an option. Although this is not generally regarded as a conservation framing technique, as it is not always fully reversible, using archival mounting tissue onto acid free substrates might be an option you wish to consider. Posters are often framed to the edge i.e. without mounts. It is best to separate it from the glass in some way, either with a spacer, slip or a window mount. For posters of little value placing it against the glass will be a more economical solution. Customers are advised to conduct their own research into how various mounting methods might affect the value of their poster. Framing When choosing a frame think about the style, period and feel of the image, what you like and what might suit your interior/purpose. Keep it simple. Remember that larger images are going to need stronger frames to support them. Glazing As posters are generally produced to be cheap and for short term advertising purposes and the paper and inks used used are particularly susceptible to damage. We would advise on the use of UV filtering glass or acrylic to avoid fading inks and yellowing paper. If reflections might be a problem modern anti-reflection glass can eliminate them. Using acrylic will reduce the overall weight of the framing and avoid damage caused by glass breaking. Conservation Restoration /conservation of prints is usually possible and, expertly done, can produce excellent results. Please see above and refer to our conservation page for further information

Framing Posters

Mounting
If your poster has been folded, rolled or badly stored it will not lie flat when framed and you might need to think about having it flattened in some way. For a valuable poster that may not be in the best condition having it backed is the best way to conserve and flatten the image. This will usually involve pasting it to cotton backed, acid-free, heavy weight paper. The poster can also be repaired and restored during this process. For some less valuable posters dry mounting might be an option. Although this is not generally regarded as a conservation framing technique, as it is not always fully reversible, using archival mounting tissue onto acid free substrates might be an option you wish to consider. Posters are often framed to the edge i.e. without mounts. It is best to separate it from the glass in some way, either with a spacer, slip or a window mount. For posters of little value placing it against the glass will be a more economical solution.
Customers are advised to conduct their own research into how various mounting methods might affect the value of their poster.

Framing
When choosing a frame think about the style, period and feel of the image, what you like and what might suit your interior/purpose. Keep it simple. Remember that larger images are going to need stronger frames to support them.

Glazing
As posters are generally produced to be cheap and for short term advertising purposes and the paper and inks used used are particularly susceptible to damage. We would advise on the use of UV filtering glass or acrylic to avoid fading inks and yellowing paper. If reflections might be a problem modern anti-reflection glass can eliminate them. Using acrylic will reduce the overall weight of the framing and avoid damage caused by glass breaking.

Conservation
Restoration /conservation of prints is usually possible and, expertly done, can produce excellent results.
Please see above and refer to our conservation page for further information