Just recently I ordered two "27x40" posters from one source and two 27x40 frames from another. Lo and behold, both arrive and the 27x40 posters are really 27x38.5.

As these are my first posters, I don't know if

a) poster sizes are like 2x4's (i.e., "everybody" knows that aren't really that size)
b) my two samples were anomalies and everything else is a true 27x40
c) all posters vary somewhat from what was stated (bigger and smaller)

In my case, I added some black trim at the top to mask off the white foamboard, so it isn't really a problem for now, but I'd like to know how to do this differently next time so the frame matches the poster. Or, at least set my expectations appropriately.

Thanks,
James

Theatrical posters...meaning poster that are sent out by the studio's typically are 27x40 or 27x41. When a companyy produces a reprint of the original they are usually the size that you received.

In my lightbox frame I use a 1 inch piece of black tape at the bottom of the frame...so my viewable area is 27x40, but the frame is 27x41 to accommodate the slightly larger poster that is sometimes produced.

27X40 can unfortunately mean a lot of things. Atleast 2X4s are always 1 1/2 X 3 1/2. Generally Tek-Noid is right; originals almost always will be within 1/8th of an inch of 27X40. Replicas almost always shrink the size an inch plus. Same thing goes with the 24X36 replicas. They will often be 33X23. Try to stick with the originals on eBay. They are generally cheaper than AllPosters and the like and are the proper size and are somewhat collectible.

Thanks - next time I'll just order originals.

Cheers,
James

Yes, reprints will be off by an inch or so. Of all the originals I've ever purchased (close to 50), only 1 has been smaller than 27x40 or 41.

Theatrical posters...meaning poster that are sent out by the studio's typically are 27x40 or 27x41. When a companyy produces a reprint of the original they are usually the size that you received.

In my lightbox frame I use a 1 inch piece of black tape at the bottom of the frame...so my viewable area is 27x40, but the frame is 27x41 to accommodate the slightly larger poster that is sometimes produced.

What kind of black tape do you use? electrical?