If you are an avid movie collector or serious fan, there is nothing out there that personifies your hobby quite like posters. For the serious movie buff, or a fan of a particular actor or artist, owning one is like having a time capsule of their work on display for everyone to see and appreciate. As a function of this however, much like a piece of art or collector’s item, you must take precaution to guard it from everything from people’s fingerprints and accidental stains to the curiosity of a beloved pet. Furthermore in mounting it, the last thing you want to do is mutilate it by posting it up with tape and/or tacks. To this end, poster frames are widely available, in a large price range and manufactured in a wide range of colors, sizes and styles.
Available sizes
Before going out to look for a poster frame for your favorite piece of work, the first think you need to do is figure out the size. Poster frames are available in a wide variety of sizes ranging from as large as 40 x 60 inches to as small as 11 x 17 or 16 x 20 inches. Each size generally corresponds to a different kind of poster. The 16 x 20 inch size generally corresponds to commercially produced decorative posters for example, while 24 x 36 are considered movie poster frames. Business law posters are 22 x 28, while larger sizes like 30 x 40 or 40 x 60 are often used for outdoor displays, store windows or hobby shops.
Price Ranges & Types
After you have figured out the size of the poster you want to frame, the next item on the agenda is figuring out how much you want to pay. Depending on the size, materials involved, and make, frames for posters can cost anywhere from $3 to over $200. Corrugated poster frames (which have a cardboard backing) or foam core models (which are light and durable) are common choices for those looking for something affordable. Hardboard frames (which have a masonite backing) are cheap poster frames that offer more substance to their frame. At the highest end are lighted movie poster frames that are back-lit and are used for cinema theater signs.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Once you have found the right sized frame at the right cost, there are a few other things you should keep in mind both before you make your purchase and before you frame the actual picture. If you are sure that the frame you have chosen is the right fit for the right size, you should still double-check to make sure that the poster frame is made out of an acid free material, as this can damage your poster. Beyond that, before placing the poster into its frame, you should take the time to clean the window through which the poster will be displayed. The last thing you want is to pay for a quality and tasteful frame only to have spots or blemishes distract people from the actual poster itself. Lastly, after cleaning the window, be sure that it is fully dry before putting the poster inside. Otherwise, again, you take the risk of damaging the poster itself.
If you want to display a poster of your choice, poster frames are a great way to do it safely and without risking damage to the art itself. They come in a wide range of styles and can cater to people of all budgets. If you poster is not of a standard size, even custom poster frames are available as well. As long as you do your homework before making your purchase and take the proper steps after you do, your poster frame will safely protect and display your art for years to come.
