Tips for Oversize Framing

     As many of you know, the bottom line in all of the articles I write regarding the framing of movie posters or other collectable paper is that the poster be sandwiched between genuine 1/8" thick UV filtered plexiglass and ph neutral or museum conservation backing (dependant on the value of your particular item).  ******NO GLASS - NO CARDBOARD*******  The frame itself is for looks and has no bearing on the preservation of the poster. In many of my articles I give specific brand names for products to be used and while there are many brands of acrylic, UV filtered plexiglass and backing proucts for the customer to choose from, I choose product brands I use based on experience and what I feel is the best products and combinations of products available for this particular type of collectable, paper. In choosing those products, I take into consideration many factors, most importantly the product's effectiveness and the price. I reiterate over and over that you don't have to spend and arm and a leg to frame and protect your valuable paper. While there are other issues that I address often, such as whether spacers should be used (No!see article on Spacers) or whether the poster should be mounted to backing board (No!), I am constantly asked how to deal with oversize paper, such as three sheets (41x81), six sheets (81x81), French panels (47x63) and Italian large folios (55x78). Basically, they are no different than a one sheet (27x40 or 27x41) as far as preservation is concerned, just bigger. So, the same rules apply, a high grade of acrylic, preferably 1/8" thick UV filtered plexiglass and a ph neutral or acid free backing material (dependant on the value of your item). I use Bainbridge products for both the ph neutral backing and the acid free Artcare backing for museum collectables.  Artcare is a product that is not only 100% acid free but has ingredients put into it during manufacturing that neutralize the acids present in the actual paper the poster was printed on and/or the fabric the poster was linenbacked on. Remember, these posters weren't made for you and I as collectors, but as advertising, and not typically printed on the best paper around. That paper is acidic and will continue to degrade over time. Artcare stops that degradation and that is important for a poster you want to last. 

     There are a few framing details that are different to oversize pieces depending on the frame that is chosen. Many of my customers want to frame oversize posters but, due to the size of them, more framing materials are needed.  It takes more labor for the framer to frame an oversize piece, so the long and the short of it is that is costs a lot more to frame these big pieces. In general, most acrylic and/or UV filtered plexiglass comes in 4'x8' sheets, or 48"x96".  For a 41x81 (approximate) three sheet and a 47x63 French poster, that is fine. But for an oversize Italian poster that is 55"x78" or a 81"x81" six sheet, this size of plexiglass won't work. There are a few companies out there that still make a peice of plexiglasss that is 60"x100", but it is very hard to find, and much more costly. It is not uncommon for a sheet of special ordered oversize plexiglass to cost several hundred dollars, and it isn't even UV filtered, and that is why I get calls all the time from people all over the country telling me they have been quoted $2500 and up to frame six sheets in a modest frame.  It is because these oversize materials are so costly for the framer to get ahold of or have specially made. Remember, most retail frame shops don't even carry acrylic or UV filtered plexiglass in their normal inventory, so they have to order it, even if it is a small piece for a one sheet (27x40 or 27x41). Because they don't order in large quantities, they are not generally getting a discount and, obviously, neither is their customer.

     So, because these posters are so large and take more materials and labor to frame, most customers want to frame them as inexpensively as possible. That usually means using a metal frame, but one sturdy enought to house the size and the weight of these large pieces. However, you can really only use a sturdy metal frame on a three sheet (41x81) and a French poster (47x63) at most. Larger posters are really too large to frame in a metal frame. You have to go into a wood frame for these huge pieces and it can't be some little skimpy wood frame, it should be at least 2"x2 1/2" wide in width and a hard wood. Wood frames are put together differently than metal. They are put together with glue and nails, while metal frames are typically put together with a metal bracket with flat screws. So, you need a sturdy hardwood frame for these giant oversize pieces. There are some tips to remind the framer when framing these oversize pieces.  When using a metal frame, make sure you tell the framer to put "stress" wires on the back of the frame. Stress wires can even be used on the back of wood frames. Basically, a metal frame will have a hanging wire on it so you can hang it up. There should also be a wire on the back of the frame from the bottom leg to the top leg so that when you hang up the frame, you don't get bowing of the top and the bottom leg from the weight and flexibility of the overall piece. Also, when you hang any frame by a hanging wire, make sure you hang with two nails or hooks placed about 3"-4" in from either side.  This anchors your frame on the wall better so that you don't always have to straighten it up. More importantly, it takes the pull off the two side legs of the frame so your poster, inside the the frame, has more room to breathe when the humidity changes and posters "swell" up a bit. If you are using a wood frame, tell your framer not to wire it for hanging, but rather put hanging straps on the side legs of the frame pointing upward. Once again, that takes the load off of those two side legs. This hanging procedure is a must with oversize pieces. Also, tell the framer to put "L" brackets on the backs of each corneer of the frame for extra support. For larger pieces, like Italian oversize posters or six sheets, you might suggest to the framer to build an inner support frame on the back for added sturdiness. That is, the framer builds a wooden square that sits inside the back of the frame and gets nailed to the  main frame to add support ot the overall piece. The front frame sort of becomes like a decoration and the backframe is where you install the hanging straps and that is where the load of the frame weight is. 

     For many years, one of the reasons that collectors have stayed away from oversize pieces is the cost of framing them in addition to their "hard to handle" size. Many homes in American were not built with walls able to accomodate oversize posters like these. However, in recent times, we have seen oversize posters become more desirable to collectors. Still, framing them is expensive.  I have customers that have oversize pieces that they either can't afford to frame or the piece iteself does't warrant a thousand dollar and up frame job.  Please see my article on "alternative ways to display oversize pieces". As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. I am always happy to help another collector. Happy Collecting!!  Sue Heim - Hollywood Poster Frames

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