How to Frame a Poster Without Damaging It

A great poster deserves better than a drawing pin in each corner. Whether it's a treasured film poster, a bold graphic print or a gallery exhibition piece, the right frame protects it, lifts it and turns it into a proper feature on your wall. The good news is that framing a poster at home is genuinely straightforward once you know the steps. In this guide we'll walk you through choosing the correct poster frame sizes in the UK, flattening a rolled print without a single crease, and hanging a large frame so it stays exactly where you put it.

Know your poster size first

Before you do anything else, measure your poster with a tape or ruler. Most posters sold in the UK follow standard sizes, which makes finding a ready-made frame refreshingly simple:

• A1 — 59.4 x 84.1cm. The classic large poster size, ideal for statement pieces.
• A2 — 42 x 59.4cm. A popular size for prints, maps and music posters.
• A3 — 29.7 x 42cm, and A4 — 21 x 29.7cm, for smaller prints.
• Film posters are often 61 x 91.5cm (the “one sheet”), which sits close to A1 but isn't identical.

Being honest with you: FramesPlus sells standard ready-made frames rather than custom sizes, so the trick is to measure carefully and pick the nearest match. If your poster falls between sizes, choosing the next size up and using a mount (more on that shortly) gives a tidy, professional finish. Our size guide lays out every dimension side by side so you can match with confidence, and you can browse the full range of frames to find your fit.

How to frame a poster, step by step

Once you have the right frame, framing a poster takes only a few minutes. Here's the safe way to do it:

1. Work on a large, clean, flat surface. Wash and dry your hands first, or wear cotton gloves — fingerprints and oils can mark the print over time.
2. Lay the frame face down and open the backing clips or turn tabs.
3. Remove the backing board and the clear front panel. Give the panel a gentle wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth.
4. Position your poster on the backing board. If you're using a mount, slot the poster behind it and check it's centred.
5. Lower the front panel and backing back into the frame, keeping the poster flat and square.
6. Secure all the clips or tabs, then hold the frame up to the light to check for dust or stray hairs before hanging.

Flattening a rolled poster

Most posters arrive rolled in a tube, and they'll fight you if you try to frame them straight away. Never reach for an iron — heat can scorch inks and warp the paper permanently. Instead, flatten it gently:

1. Reverse-roll the poster loosely in the opposite direction to its curl and hold it for a few seconds. This relaxes the memory in the paper.
2. Lay it flat between two clean sheets of paper or card.
3. Weight it down with heavy books across the whole surface and leave it for 24 to 48 hours. Patience here pays off.

For a stubborn curl, repeat the reverse-roll a couple of times rather than forcing it. Handle the poster by its edges throughout and avoid bending it, as a sharp crease in poster paper is almost impossible to remove.

Do you need a mount?

A mount (the card border that sits between the poster and the frame) isn't essential, but it does two lovely things: it gives your artwork breathing space so it looks more considered, and it keeps the print from touching the panel directly. If your poster is slightly smaller than a standard frame, a mount neatly bridges the gap. For bold, edge-to-edge graphic posters, many people prefer the clean look of no mount at all — it's entirely down to taste. Our classic range works beautifully both ways.

Why a plexiglass front is better for large posters

Larger frames from A2 upwards are fitted with a shatter-resistant plexiglass front rather than glass. This is a real advantage: plexiglass is far lighter, which makes big frames easier and safer to hang, and it won't shatter into dangerous shards if it's knocked or dropped. That peace of mind matters in busy homes, hallways and children's rooms. It still gives a crystal-clear view of your poster while keeping dust and moisture off the paper.

Hanging a large frame securely

A big frame needs proper support. Don't rely on a single nail:

1. Decide on your height — the centre of the poster at roughly eye level (around 145cm from the floor) usually looks right.
2. Use two fixings spaced apart for an A1 or larger frame. This spreads the weight and stops the frame tilting.
3. On plasterboard, always use wall plugs or dedicated plasterboard fixings rated for the weight. Into masonry, drill and plug as normal.
4. Check it's level with a spirit level (or your phone's level app) before you step back to admire it.

Frequently asked questions

What size frame do I need for an A1 poster?
You need an A1 frame, sized 59.4 x 84.1cm. Measure your poster first to confirm, as some “A1” film posters are actually 61 x 91.5cm.

Can I frame a poster without a mount?
Absolutely. Many posters look best filling the whole frame. A mount is optional and mostly about style and giving the artwork a little breathing room.

How do I flatten a rolled poster quickly?
Reverse-roll it gently, then lay it flat under heavy books for a day or two. Avoid ironing, as heat damages the paper and ink.

Is plexiglass as clear as glass?
Yes, it gives a clear view while being much lighter and safer — ideal for large poster frames.

Ready to give your poster the frame it deserves? Explore our full collection of ready-made frames and pick the nearest standard size to yours. Every order comes with free UK delivery and 30-day returns, so you can frame with total confidence. Happy hanging!