Case Study Poster: Framing and Display Guide
By DAN & DAVE: Products by Dan and Dave | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: Product Reviews
Learn how to frame and display your Case Study Poster to preserve its letterpress quality and showcase all 84 designs.
Quick answer
Choose a conservation-grade frame with UV-protective glass and acid-free matting to preserve the letterpress ink and paper of your Case Study Poster.
Why framing matters for letterpress posters
The Case Study Poster is letterpress-printed on an original Heidelberg Cylinder Press in San Diego. The ink sits slightly raised on the paper, giving it a tactile quality that standard posters lack. A frame with a deep rabbet (at least 1/2 inch) prevents the glass from touching the ink surface, which could smudge or flatten the impression over time.
Because each poster is signed and numbered (edition of 144), it is a collectible, not just decoration. A well-chosen frame protects both the paper and the embossed details from dust, humidity, and accidental contact.
Glass choice: UV protection vs. non-glare
Standard picture frame glass blocks almost no UV rays. Over a few years, sunlight will yellow the paper and fade the deep blacks of the ink. Opt for UV-protective acrylic or museum glass. Acrylic is lighter and less likely to break during shipping or hanging. Museum glass adds anti-reflective coating, which matters if the poster will hang opposite a window or bright light source.
Trade-off: UV acrylic can scratch more easily than glass. If you clean it, use a microfiber cloth and avoid ammonia-based cleaners.
How to frame your Case Study Poster
- 1. Measure and choose a frame: The poster is 16x20 inches. Select a frame with at least a 1/2-inch deep rabbet. A standard 16x20 frame often has a shallow rabbet (about 1/4 inch), which may press the glass against the ink. Look for a shadow box or a frame listed as 'deep set'. Check the rabbet depth before buying. If the listing says 'fits standard 16x20 mats,' measure the actual depth.
- 2. Select acid-free matting: Use an acid-free mat board (sometimes called conservation or museum mat). The mat keeps the poster centered and creates an air gap between the paper and the glass. A 2-inch border around the 16x20 poster looks balanced on most walls. Avoid bargain mats labeled 'standard' or 'economy' — they contain acid that will brown the paper edges within a few years.
- 3. Choose UV-protective glazing: Order a piece of UV-protective acrylic or museum glass cut to your frame size. If the frame comes with standard glass, replace it. UV acrylic blocks 99% of UV rays and weighs about half as much as glass, making it safer for wall hanging. If the poster will hang in direct sunlight, use museum glass with anti-reflective coating to reduce glare.
- 4. Mount the poster without adhesive: Use archival photo corners or a hinging method with acid-free tape. Never glue or spray-mount the poster. The corners hold the paper in place without damaging the back. If you use tape, apply it only to the top edge so the paper can expand and contract with humidity. Do not use pressure-sensitive or double-sided tape — it can leave residue and stain the paper permanently.
- 5. Hang away from heat and moisture: Avoid placing the framed poster above a radiator, heater, or in a bathroom. Humidity causes paper to warp, and heat accelerates ink fading. A north-facing wall or one without direct sun exposure is ideal. If the room has a fireplace or kitchen, keep the poster at least 6 feet away from the heat source.
Product spotlight
- Case Study Poster: Signed and numbered edition of 144, letterpress-printed on 16x20 sheet, includes all 84 Case Study Playing Card designs. The 16x20 size fits standard ready-made frames, but the letterpress texture requires a frame deep enough to avoid glass contact.
Case Study Poster
