Posters

[anji]

I need some advice please!

I have been given 3 posters to frame, two 1080 x 780mm and the other a bit smaller. Customer wants a white mountboard and black frame. So far, so fine, except that I've never framed anything that big, and am using a hand saw, CS79 underpinner and cut glass with hand cutter. I'd get the glass cut to size, but not sure about the moulding - do myself or buy chop? Moulding he's chosen is Wessex B1523 - is that strong enough (I have a large map in a similar frame - not done by me). Also, what backing board to use? I usually use art-bak, but on something that big, is there something more appropriate? Then there's the hanging - I usually use D-rings and polyester cord. I'm beginning to wish I hadn't said yes, but you have to give it a go, don't you.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[prospero]

For something that big with glass, you really need a mighty strong frame. A wide section doesn't generally look right for a poster, so if you can't go wider, go deeper. In fact if you use a narrow moulding with maybe a 25mm+ deep rebate it gives you the option of using a sub frame. E.G. some 1/2" x3" PSE pine that fits in behind the backing board. This can be joined to the outer frame with mirror plates and forms the main 'meat' of the frame package. (you may need to pack out the back so it lies flush with the outer frame). The hangings can be screwed to the sub-frame. This way the outer frame carries no weight as such and just serves to hold the inner sandwich together.
For backing, 5mm foamcore is the one I would go for. (maybe 10mm if there is room).

[anji]

Thanks for that. Having seen the photos of the big frame you made earlier this year, I am inspired to have a go. On the other hand, with something that big, would it be better to just use acrylic? And if so, would I still need to strengthen it with the PSE pine?

Thanks for the help!

[prospero]

Acrylic would be fine on a poster. Only dislike I have about acrylic is that it is not as rigid as glass, so the whole thing would tend to be a bit wappy (technical term. ) with a narrow frame. It also has a tendency to scratch and look tatty when cleaned often.

You could laminate it onto thick foamcore if you really want to keep the weight down. It leaves it more vulnerable to damage and that's assuming you have kit to do this.

Another alternative is to use an aluminium frame. There is still the problem with the rails pulling away if people don't handle it right, but you can be sure of the integrity of the corners. Sliding the hangers up nearer the top of the frame than usual will reduce the effect of lateral torsion on the frame when hung. Use thickish wire. Preferably two strands and preferably plastic covered.