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Best Way to Frame/Display Poster?

Question:

I have an 18"x24" signed Blink 182 poster I just got and am having a tough time deciding how to frame it.

They make 18"x24" frames, but none matted. I really don't like the idea of these graphs touching the glass.

Here are my current options:

1. No matte, just put in 18x24" frame and be done with it

2. Purchase custom .5"-1" matte for an existing 18x24 frame. (There is sufficient space on the sides of the poster so this would not interfere with the graphs)

3. Framing store mentioned "spacers" you can put in the frame which makes space between the poster/glass. (and of course they do not sell them...)

4. Pay probably $150+ to get it custom framed at Michael's and possibly include my guitar picks I caught/VIP badge within the frame...

I'm worried that if I did the "custom frame job" they would have to tape the poster/picks/vip badge which I am NOT a fan of...

*Any suggestions/tips at all would be appreciated... I've had this a few weeks now and really want it on my wall!

*I also have quite a few 8x10s in normal frames that I am looking for a cheap solution to get some "space" between the photo and the glass. Any ideas? I really don't want to buy 20+ "matted frames", as those are typically quite large. I've even considered very small strips of cardboard, but I'm not sure if those would stick to the photo over time?

Thanks,

-Ryan

Tags: Framing, frame, poster, tips

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Permalink Reply by Steven Jackson on December 26, 2013 at 7:09pm

got mine here http://clearbags.ca/store/products/archival-quality-foamboard/

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Permalink Reply by Brian on December 26, 2013 at 9:15pm

these guys have a lot of everything...

https://www.bagsunlimited.com/

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Permalink Reply by Null on December 26, 2013 at 8:47am

So would something like this suffice for the 8x10s?

http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Pro-10-Soft-Sleeves/dp/B002H0MS56

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Permalink Reply by Erich Jerozal on December 26, 2013 at 8:50am

that is what I use to store my 8x10s.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 26, 2013 at 8:52am

Yep, right idea. The Hobby Lobby sleeves/albums include a black acid free backing for added support.

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Permalink Reply by Cogo on December 26, 2013 at 11:39am

Any tip in where to find similar acid free sleeves, that would fit a binder? Something like these:

http://www.tradera.com/item/2803/198418816/plastficka-a4-bright-off...

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 26, 2013 at 12:00pm

You can actually buy the Itoya binders from art suppliers on Ebay, too:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ITOYA-8-5-X11-MULTI-RING-PORTFOLIO-PRESENTA...

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Permalink Reply by Cogo on December 26, 2013 at 6:14pm

Thanks Rich, but it's just acid-free plastic pockets (size 8x10) I'm after. I'm helping me father-in-law and he already have binders for all of his collection.

So if anyone can give a tip on where to find this, please let me know.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 26, 2013 at 6:19pm

You can buy the Itoya sleeves separately, too (if you already have binder). Avoid plastic anything though, as they can damage ink over time.

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Permalink Reply by Null on December 26, 2013 at 11:42am

I'm going to try a little experiment.

I have some thin corkboard where the bottom is sticky. (I use these for the four circles on the bottom of coasters that I custom make). I'm going to cut very thin strips, and put them in the corners of the glass and as well as a couple strips on the sides and see if that helps. It will atleast provide a very small barrier between the photo/glass.

Hopefully cork doesn't ruin photos lol.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 27, 2013 at 6:20am

Here's the website I was thinking of that sold sleeves for larger prints and posters:

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/portfolios-and-...

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Permalink Reply by Null on December 27, 2013 at 6:44am

Update:

Went to Hobby Lobby yesterday and the gentleman in the frame department was very helpful.

For the 18x24, he recommended getting a 22x28" frame (which is common) with a custom matte for 18x24" which would run $12, or $20 for acid free. Acid free they have to order and would take 10-14 days he said. Think I should go with the acid free or not worry about it?

For my 8x10 frames, the ".5 matte" was not possible he said. They are limited by the machine, and when they try and go that small the machine eats it up. He said 1" is about the smallest matte border they can make, and that still could cause problems... THUS, my "very thin matte" idea was ruled out.

However, we got to talking about "spacers". Unfortunately just like Michael's they do not sell these spacers. FORTUNATELY, he showed me what they use, and even sold me a couple for $1 each. Each 1 is 5 feet long and looks like this:

These are acid free, with one side being sticky. I took these home and this is EXACTLY what I need. I was able to get 3 frames done for $2. These can be cut with everyday scissors, and then stuck on the four sides (full length of the frame). He said if these were what I needed to come back in and he will see if his manager can get a larger order. I need about 10 more of these, so hopefully I can get them. I am still in shock they do not sell these retail.

My other issue was looking for a way to display drumsticks, the cheapest shadow boxes I was finding online were around $60. I found this 10x20 shadow box at Hobby Lobby for $20 (originally $39.99 but they had 50% off all shadow boxes). I took it home last night and custom made it, check it out!