SWAU Guide to Poster Collecting- Part 3

The following is Part 3 and the finale of a series of articles written by SWAU moderator Annie Lavinsky. Annie is a renowned poster collector and one of the experts on poster collecting in the SWAU circles. This week we will look at framing posters properly. Be sure to check our Part 1 on shipping and storage, and Part 2 on linen-backing!

I’m ready to frame! What do I do now? Here’s some hot tips on framing.  

First of all, use a professional framer. Sure, it costs more, but these projects are expensive and time consuming. They are an investment. Throwing them in a cheap frame is a bad idea. Like other autographs, posters touching the glass can adhere permanently and ruin your project. Don’t spend thousands on a signing project to have it ruined in the final stages.

I recommend using UV plexiglass instead of real glass. These are large pieces. Plexi is more durable, won’t shatter if the frame drops, and doesn’t adhere to the paper the way that glass can. I still use an inch of matting around the edge of the frame, because safe is better than sorry. UV plexi is a help, but never a failsafe. As with signed photos, never put your autographed poster in direct sunlight.

I frame all my posters in a 2 inch standard black frame. One, it’s one of the cheapest options, and any money you can save in framing is good.  Two, every framer in the world has that frame in stock, so as I increase my collection, I can always find it, all my posters match with ease, with no custom frame charges or special orders.  

My final hot tip…Most restoration companies will leave an inch or so of linen around your poster. When you frame it, try to leave an inch. Should the unspeakable happen, like you have to little boys who decide to jump on the guest room bed, breaking the frame and crushing a very rare Italian Star Wars poster, the extra canvas will allow the Restoration Company to re-stretch your poster without having to re-linen back the entire thing. Frames fall off the wall. Moving companies make mistakes. That inch of canvas can save you big bucks.

Final Thoughts: Signing posters can feel a little overwhelming. It’s a long term project, the posters are big, and it can be pricey. Don’t be intimidated! Signed poster projects are great fun and can instantly create a cornerstone to your collection. The experts here at SWAU are here to help you avoid the customary pitfalls and make you a signed poster pro in no time. Buy that Star Wars poster you’ve always wanted and get to it!