You have finally found the perfect antique poster. You love it, you have the ideal spot for it, and you can't wait to hang it!

Is it okay just to tack it directly onto the wall and avoid expensive framing? Or, could you go to the local discount store and buy a ready-made frame? Or, your sister recommended a really cheap framer; maybe you should go that route. And how do you choose the right frame?

Deciding how to display a valuable antique poster can be a challenge for anyone. The following considerations may be helpful:

Is the poster linen-backed?

Vintage posters are basically works of art on old paper. They are fragile and subject to deterioration from acids, humidity, ultraviolet light, dust, glue, and insects. Professional linen backing is the first step in protecting and displaying a valuable vintage poster.

Should the poster be framed?

Old paper must be protected from the environment in order to maintain its original color and condition. Framing can provide that protection. But improper framing can actually damage the poster if the paper is allowed to touch acidic framing materials. Examples of this type of problem can be seen in newspaper pages, magazines, cardboard, and ordinary tape; all of these have a high acid content and become yellow and brittle as they age. Therefore, all materials that come in contact with your poster—the mat, backing and adhesives—should be either acid-free or acid-neutral.

Normally in the framing process the linen-backed poster is hinged to a backing board and separated from the glass or acrylic by a mat or by framing spacers. If the poster is improperly framed, and the glass or acrylic touches the poster paper, then moisture that condenses inside the frame during temperature and humidity changes can permanently damage the poster.

Symptoms of Incorrect Framing

Several distinct conditions indicate that a poster has been improperly framed, including:

• Acid burn. This shows as a brown stain around the edge of the window in the mat or as areas of brown stain on the poster itself. It can also cause the poster paper to become brittle.
• Foxing. This is when the poster shows stains spreading from tiny dark spots throughout the image. Foxing is caused by the breakdown of improper backing material used in the framing process.
• Mold. Usually, mold on a vintage poster indicates improper handling during the framing process. The framer may have used dirty or damp materials, or have incorrectly assembled the frame components.

How do you avoid the problems that can result from improper framing? Experts recommend the 'Archival' or 'Conservation&ldquo: technique. Archival framing includes the use of 100% acid-free mounting boards, corners, matting, and adhesive tape. Cotton rag is the preferred material because it is 99% acid free and has been buffered to counteract environmental acids and air pollution. While other framing materials may be labeled 'acid-free,&ldquo: they are made from wood pulp that contains lignin, a substance that can cause the poster to turn brown.

Matting is optional in archival framing techniques. If a mat is not used between the glass and the poster, an acid-free spacer is needed to keep the paper away from the glazing. Without an air space between the art and the glass/acrylic, condensation can lead to mold, mildew and water spots, and even cause the poster to stick to the glazing.

Hinges are the invisible attachments between the poster and the backing board. Archival framing uses acid free hinges that are easily removable without damage to the artwork.

Archival quality glazing is made to filter out up to 99% of ultraviolet rays to protect the poster from fading due to sun or bright indoor lights. Acrylic is often used for large posters because it is lighter and safer to display. However, conservation glass is less likely to bow in a large frame, or to scratch.

Finally, archival framing includes a porous paper dustcover stretched across the back of the framed poster. This keeps out dust and insects while allowing the poster to 'breathe&ldquo: inside the frame.

While archival framing will optimize the value of your vintage poster, there is a downside: It is two to three times more expensive than regular framing because of the higher quality materials used and the labor-intensive process. An alternative Non-archival framing tends to be less expensive, although attention is still given to protection and preservation. Instead of cotton/rag, alpha cellulose mat board, chemically treated to remove acid and lignin, is used, along with chemically treated backing and corners. Either ultraviolet type or regular glass can be used. Valuable documents and photographs are typically framed using this method.

The least expensive framing method is decorative non-archival framing. Although the materials used in this type of framing will not offer permanent protection to the artwork, damage may or may not occur for years. This type of framing is frequently used for decorative and reproduction pieces.

After you have selected the framing technique for your vintage poster, you are faced with a myriad of styles and colors of frames, as well as a decision about matting. While some people prefer to match the frame with the sofa cushions, in the long run, basic is usually best. Frame the image. Choose a frame style and color to enhance the poster. 'Don't let the frame wear the picture,&ldquo: advised Valerie McClure, CPF, a professional framer in Charleston, South Carolina. 'Otherwise, it's like putting four mats and a massive gold leaf frame around the Mona Lisa.&ldquo: Darrell Schirmer, director of framing at Cross Gate Gallery in Lexington, Kentucky, has been framing fine art for 30 years. He recommended that, if in doubt, a simple black frame is always a safe choice.

While it is not necessary to mat a vintage poster, matting can hide blemishes and enhance size. If your poster has visible damage around the edges, a mat can be used to conceal the area. Mats can also be used to increase the overall size of the framed poster.

Now that you have purchased your wonderful vintage poster, selected the appropriate framing technique, and decided on a frame style and color, all that's left is to hang it, right?

Maybe. But there are still decisions to be made. If your poster is large, you may want to hang it from both sides of the frame's hanging wire rather than from the center. This will help balance your poster and prevent it from shifting on the wall. Where on the wall do you hang it? The general guideline is to place the focal point of the image at eye level.

Here's another challenge: What if you have more than one poster to frame and hang? If they are the same size and similar subject matter, style, and/or color, most people choose identical frames and hang them as companion pieces. If the posters are different sizes or dramatically different in subject matter, period and/or color schemes, then an eclectic approach may be the best choice.

An original vintage poster is an investment that deserves to be preserved. Linen backing and archival framing are techniques chosen by many collectors and gallery professionals who want a high level of protection. But, beyond basic protection and preservation of your poster, the choices are all a matter of personal taste. There is no right or wrong way to choose a frame or to hang a poster. A reputable framer experienced in framing antique works on paper can explain framing options for a particular piece, but the rest is up to you. And it will look spectacular!

When it is time to clean your framed poster protected by plexiglass , do not use any cleanser with Alcohol or Ammonia, eg. Windex. Instead. we recommend a cleaner that is anti-static, repels dust, resists scratching and without harmful chemicals, eg. Kleenmaster Brillianize.