Poster or mounted board
A loose poster is enough when something else holds it flat, such as a frame, a wall or a poster case. When the print has to hold itself flat, mount it.
Who is doing the holding up?
A printed sheet has no strength of its own. It curls, it ripples, and it picks up a crease the first time somebody carries it badly. So the question is simple: what will keep it flat? Work through these four in order, and stop at the first clear answer.
- Is it going in a frame? Then a poster is all you need. The frame and its backing do the job, and adding a board can even make it too deep to fit.
- Is it being stuck straight to a wall for a short time? A poster again, as long as you do not mind how it comes off. Lightweight sheets are not designed for reuse.
- Will it stand on a table or easel, hang from two points, or be carried around? Mount it. Rigidity is the point here, and a poster cannot manage these jobs.
- Will people judge you on it? In a client meeting, a shop or a gallery, ripples look careless. A flat board looks deliberate, so mount it.
What each one means for your wallet
Mounting comes on top of the print, so think of it as a second line on the order. Keep in mind that our list sets a £35 minimum on large format poster printing, which affects a single small print more than a bigger job. Ask us what that means for your order.
| Item | A2 | A1 | A0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo paper 135gsm print | £11 | £20 | £30 |
| Photo paper 190gsm print | £17 | £30 | £40 |
| 3mm Foamex mounting | £7 | £12 | £20 |
| 5mm Foamex mounting | £8 | £14 | £25 |
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
Practical differences
| Loose poster | Mounted board | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting it delivered | Rolled in a tube | Flat, and needs protecting |
| Getting it home | Under one arm | Think about the car and the door |
| Storing it | Rolled in a cupboard | Flat, and takes up space |
| Damage risk | Creases and curled corners | Dented corners and edges |
| Changing your mind | Reprint or reframe | It is fixed to the board for good |
The middle ground
There are other answers for a sheet that needs more help but not a board. Hanging bars keep a poster straight without any rigid backing, and it can still be rolled afterwards. Encapsulating seals a sheet between plastic so that it stiffens up and can be wiped, with no board involved.
Where people go wrong
The classic error is ordering posters for an exhibition, then trying to fix them directly to a temporary wall with tape. Within hours corners lift, and the display looks tired before it opens. If you are not sure about the wall, a light mounted panel is much easier to hang well.
The other is the reverse: mounting prints that will go into frames you already own. Check the frame's depth first, and if you are in any doubt, send us the measurements before you order.
Loose sheets and finished boards.
Your questions.
Can I mount a poster later if I change my mind?
Often, yes, particularly if it has been stored rolled and clean. Ask us first, as it depends on the paper and its condition.
Is a mounted board heavier to post?
Yes, and it cannot be rolled. Boards usually need flat, protected transport, so ask us about delivery when you order.
Does mounting protect the print surface?
No. It protects the sheet from creasing but the face is still exposed. For that you need a seal, a laminate or a frame.