Hanging bars for posters
A bar along the top and bottom of a print keeps it straight, adds weight and gives you a simple way to hang it. There is no frame and no board.
Why use a hanging bar?
A loose sheet curls, swings and picks up damage at the corners. Bars fix both ends so that the print hangs flat under its own weight. They also make a large print far easier to put up, take down and roll away.
Good uses
- School, museum and heritage displays
- Hanging graphics in an atrium or stairwell
- Posters for classrooms and meeting rooms
- Prints that rotate through a space
- Fabric art and wall hangings
Top bar only, or top and bottom?
A top bar carries the print. A bottom bar is what stops it curling and keeps it taut. Most jobs benefit from both. If the print will be near a door, a vent or anywhere else with moving air, the weight of the bottom bar matters even more.
Which prints work best
| Print type | How it behaves |
|---|---|
| Eco-textile | Drapes softly, and bars keep it straight |
| Heavier photo paper | A firmer sheet with less curl |
| Laminated poster | Stiffer and better protected |
| Heavyweight canvas | Good weight for artwork on a wall |
| Thin, unlaminated paper | Prone to creasing, so handle with care |
Plan the fixing before you print
The bar is only half of the job. Think about what it will hang from: a picture rail, a wall hook, ceiling wire or a hanging system already in the building. Venues and landlords may have their own rules, particularly for anything above people's heads, so check them first and get ceiling fixings signed off by someone responsible for the building.
Allow for the bars in your artwork
Bars cover or grip a little of the print at each end. Keep text and logos away from the top and bottom edges, and ask us how much clearance to leave. Our artwork guide covers safe areas.
Other ways to hang a print
For lighter or temporary work, we can also supply Velcro, magnetic tape, eyelets or a drop system. Hanging bars are available on request, so tell us what you need when you ask for a price.
Prints that hang well.
Your questions.
Can hanging bars go on an old poster?
Often they can, but it depends on the poster. Bring it in or send us a photo and the size.
Can a print with bars be rolled up?
Usually yes, which is one reason they are useful for rotating displays. Roll it gently and store it in a dry place.
Are hanging bars suitable outdoors?
They are mainly for interior prints. For outdoor displays, look at PVC banners with eyelets or pole pockets.