Cheap innovative way to hang posters?

[afx]

So I have 3 (30"x40") posters that I want to hang. I don't want to use frames as they're a bit pricey. Even Plexiglas is pricey. I was just going to use some of that sticky tack and maybe even make a nice simple border out of wood (black, of course).

Someone suggested getting them laminated at Kinko's. I'm not sure how much it is, but it's supposed to be fairly cheap. Maybe even get a flat finish, if possible. Then sticky tacking that to wall, no border. It'd give a similar affect to that DIY borderless/floating frame.

I was also thinking about attaching a strip of wood to the back top edge of the poster, probably another strip on the front top edge. Then on the top left and right corners, clip on one of those heavy duty clips (the smaller ones). Then tie a piece of (probably) fishing wire from one clip to the other, then hang that. Of course, there's zero protection in this solution, but it's pretty innovative.

Anyway, what're your thoughts? Especially on the laminate; it's a pretty good idea. Will it somehow do damage to the poster?

[jholzbauer]

I had almost an identical question so I thought, I'd post in this thread.

I purchased several mini movie posters (most are 11x17) and was disappointed when I saw Wal-Mart and Meijer did not carry any poster frames that size. I want to keep costs at a bare minimum so I thought it may work to just attach to them some thin black material or board.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get these things hung for only a few bucks?

[i70x7]

I think I am going to get mine laminated, and then build a cheap black MDF frame around it. That's by far the cheapest solution I have been able to come up with.

[actionPlant]

Something I've been thinking of...you can get 1/4" mdf panelling pretty cheap at the local HD. I'm thinking of getting and cutting several to size, using spray-adhesive to glue the poster to the panel (making it rigid) and then putting 1" spacers behind and floating it. Maybe someone else has done this and that's what you were talking about, but in the end I think it could look really nice. I'm also thinking maybe spraying a matte medium on them would offer a little more protection and take a little bit of the sheen off the poster making it something you could possibly use right in the theater.

[hitchfan]

For my 11X17 posters, I still went with frames. But I was able to find 17X21 wood frames at IKEA that only cost around $4.99. Don't know where you're located.

I picked up some black masking paper at an art supply store and put just the masking paper behind the glass inside the frame.

If your 11X17 posters are like mine, they came in a hard plastic outer sleeve. What I did was leave the poster inside that sleeve and glue the sleeve directly onto the OUTSIDE of the frame glass. That's right, I didn't put the poster inside the frame at all. Instead, I put a couple of drops of crazy glue on the corners of the plastic sleeve, centered it onto the outside of the glass of the frame and, bingo, I now can slip different posters in and out of those plastic sleeves within seconds without removing the frames from the wall in a VERY inexpensive DIY version of a lobby poster lock frame.

Once you hang it on the wall, nobody can tell there is a plasitc sleeve on the outside of the frame or that your poster is actually on the outside of the frame instead of inside. Your poster looks for all the world like it has been properly mounted inside the frame like a pro. Of course, this only works if you have that hard plastic sleeve I'm talking about.

Just a thought, anyway.

[afx]

anyway, i ended up using the 2nd method described in the first post. it works pretty well, but the poster needs to be completely flattened out for a better effect. the whole hanging system is lightweight and reliable. however, i'm afraid that the right/left edges will eventually curl away from the wall. it probably has something to do with the inks and the air as well as not restraining it against anything.

Originally Posted by actionPlant

using spray-adhesive

has anyone ever tried using this spray adhesive? i saw a can of it at staples. i don't think the can really explained the adhesive strength. will the poster still be removable?

[chinadog]

Define pricey. A few options. There are sellers of poster frames on ebay that are pretty cheap in a variety of sizes. I purchased from an ebay store called "hollywoodposterframes". Good stuff cheap. For something a little nicer, you can go to frameusa.com and get frames pretty reasonsable. I picked up some 27x40 poster frames a few weeks back to make lighted poster boxes for 30.00 each. These are really, really nice for that money.

Here are the ones I got. http://frameusa.com/corpwide.htm

Bud

[actionPlant]

Originally Posted by afx

has anyone ever tried using this spray adhesive? i saw a can of it at staples. i don't think the can really explained the adhesive strength. will the poster still be removable?

You know, I've never tried using it to adhere paper to a board. I've gone through a few cans of spray adhesive attaching black fabric to fiberglass ceiling tiles; the fabric peels right off but you would expect almost anything to peel off of fiberglass, and admittedly the fabric brings some fibre along with it.

Time makes a big difference too. I'd say it takes my tiles around a week to "cure". If you want I can spray some scrap boards and put some paper down, then test it out after a few days.

[afx]

Originally Posted by actionPlant

If you want I can spray some scrap boards and put some paper down, then test it out after a few days.

oh definately. this experiment may not benefit many, but as far as using a frameless setup for hanging posters, this adhesive spray seems like a viable option since it seems it won't do any damage in the long run.

but if i'm wrong in assuming so, then it's probably an option to leave behind. also note which brand you're using and any other information. perhaps they come in different strengths?

anyhow, i did call my local kinko's about the pricing on their laminating. they're charging $3 per sq. ft. so for a 27x40" poster, it comes up to a bit over $20 (and i hope they're talking about *both* sides ). they said they only do it in a glossy finish, so there may have to be some investing in some non-reflective spray, although i haven't found any in my area yet. i was also worried about the process of removing the lamination if one day i want to use a real frame or something else.

[actionPlant]

Test out a matte-medium spray (used to "fix" artwork, like pencil on paper so that it cannot be smeared, etc) on a small unimportant laminated sheet to see how that works for you.

In my experience trying to remove a laminate from prints is dodgy, it can work but sometimes will take some of the paper with it, I generally tend to consider lamination as permanent.

[i70x7]

I decided to pick up some cheap plexiglass and some 1x2s. I am going to make a basic frame out of the 1x2s and route a groove in the side for the plexiglass to rest in. Then I am going to use a piano hinge and a cabinet clasp and mount the frame to the wall that way. The poster itself will be mounted onto the wall and then frame will swing closed over the top of it.

Should make for an easy way to change posters, and I think it will look pretty cool. I am going to start building one tonight to see how it works.

[actionPlant]

Sounds cool, I'd love to see how it turns out.

[victor-eyd]

Another way is to get some thin but rigid mdf, plywood, or even plexi that is cut to be 1" wider on each side of the poster. Then take a can of black spray and paint the entire panel. Let dry and then use the spray adhesive (see link) on the poster and center mount the poster to the painted board. Hang on the wall using ragular mount methods or use black screws on each corner.

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/d...ductNum=gc0265

Victor

[afx]

yeah, we were talking a bit about spray adhesives. i haven't had any first hand experiences on this stuff; i searched it and came to a page describing all the strengths.

which one would be strong enough hold the poster to a board or whatever you want to use, but would also allow the poster to be easily peeled off with the least hassles? is peeling even possible?

[victor-eyd]

I work at a framing company and we usually prefer 3m Spray 77 since its worked the best of all the ones we've tried.

Victor