Have you ever held onto a magazine cover that felt too beautiful-or too meaningful-to toss out? I know I have.
Whether it’s the bold photography of a National Geographic, the vintage charm of an old Vogue, or a special anniversary issue of The Times, some covers deserve more than a dusty spot on a shelf.
Framing a favorite magazine is one of my favorite ways to turn it into lasting, personal art.
In this blog, I’ll show you how I transform a cherished magazine into a display-worthy piece. I’ll walk you through how I choose the right frame, protect the pages, and style it to suit the space.
By the end, you’ll be ready to turn that one magazine you’ve been saving into something truly special and something you’ll be proud to show off.
Why Frame Your Magazine
Framing a magazine is not only for decorative purposes; it is just like preserving a piece of history, memory, or culture.
Framing a magazine, whether it is a favorite magazine or a collectible cover, gives it a unique identity, transforming printed words into personal art for your home.
For many, a magazine is more than just printed pages; it has a personal and emotional meaning for them. Framed magazines add more character and aesthetic to your walls.
Limited editions, special issues, and autographed covers are valuable keepsakes for magazine collectors.
Framing these magazines not only preserves their condition, but it also transcends their value from a printed multi-page magazine to a gallery-ready collectible.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- Mylar Film: Archival-quality, optically clear polyester film.
- 8-ply mat board: Museum-grade mat board with pre-cut slots.
- Stiff backing board: Use foam board or museum board to support the magazine.
- Archival tape: Used sparingly to secure Mylar, not on the magazine itself.
- Invisible glass: Non-reflective, UV-protective framing glass.
- Frame: Custom-sized frame to house the mat and protected magazine.
- Tools: Precision blade/cutter, ruler, tape, cutting mat.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Frame a Magazine
Framing a magazine might seem easy, but it’s way more than simply pasting a magazine on a board and adding it into a frame. This step-by-step guide will show you the entire process of framing your magazine.
Step 1: Cut Mylar Film
Start by cutting two sheets of Mylar film,one for the front and one for the back of the magazine.
Ensure that both sheets are slightly larger than the magazine itself, allowing it to be fully sandwiched without stress.
Tip: Wear gloves while working with the magazine to avoid oil and moisture from your hands.
Step 2: Add Backing Support
Place a stiff, acid-free backing board behind the magazine to give it proper support. This prevents sagging and bending over time.
Then, layer the magazine between the back Mylar sheet and the support board. This will keep it flat while allowing it to breathe naturally within the frame.
Step 3: Create a Mat with Slots
Cut a window from an 8-ply mat board that fits the magazine precisely. This window becomes the face through which the magazine is viewed.
Add tiny slots or tabs in the mat board to help secure the Mylar sheet in place without shifting. It frames the magazine cleanly without applying pressure.
Step 4: Glue Mylar tabs (Backside)
Flip the mat board over and use archival tape to attach the Mylar tabs to the backside only never tape the magazine directly.
This setup keeps the magazine securely in place while still allowing for easy removal in the future. Avoid over-tightening to prevent warping or wrinkling.
Step 5: Put Together the Frame
If you want a background layer or collage behind the magazine, insert it into the frame first. Then add the mat board with the secured magazine.
Place invisible, UV-protective glass over the top, followed by the frame backing. Seal it carefully, making sure everything fits securely and smoothly.
Step 6: Check Carefully and Finish
Before you hang it, gently shake the frame to ensure the magazine doesn’t shift or slide. It should stay centered and supported without being pressed flat.
If it looks clean and balanced, you’re done. Now, place your framed magazine in a cool, dry spot where it can shine.
Reversing a Framed Magazine
Removing the magazine from the frame is simple and completely safe, thanks to the no-glue; it’s fully reversible. This makes sure that the magazine is in its best condition and can be re-framed at any time without damage.
Step-By-Step :
- Open the frame backing: Gently lay the frame face down on a clean, flat surface and remove the back panel.
- Remove the tape securing the Mylar tabs: Carefully peel back the archival tape holding the Mylar in place. Go slowly to avoid bending or stressing the magazine.
- Slide out the magazine: Once the tabs are loose, gently slide the magazine out. Handle it with clean hands or gloves to avoid fingerprints or smudges.
Recommended: You can refer to this step-by-step guide on how to frame a magazine by @customframingnyc on YouTube.
Tips For Long-Term Maintenance
Even after framing your magazine, it is still necessary to ensure its condition and appearance over time.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Place the frame in indirect or minimal sunlight to increase its life.
- Control Humidity: Keeping the frame away from humidity can prevent mold or warp.
- Dust Regularly: Use a soft microfiber cloth and clean the frame and glass regularly.
- Check Seals Periodically: Make sure the back of the frame is sealed well, and no dust and moisture can enter.
- Avoid Chemical Cleaners: Don’t use glass cleaner directly as the liquid can seep into the frame. Spray the liquid on a cloth rather than on the frame directly to avoid moisture.
Common Mistakes While Framing a Magazine
Even though framing a magazine may look easy, a few simple mistakes can spoil its elegance or even ruin it with time.
- Using Non-Archival Materials: Using acid-free tape, glue, or backing boards is a must. Non-archival materials will eventually cause discoloration or deterioration of the magazine.
- Exposing to Direct Sunlight: Sunlight, even while passing through windows, can make the cover fade. It is necessary to use UV protective glass and place the frame in shaded areas.
- Framing Without Flattening First: Bending or curling a magazine results in bending it. To solve this, gently place the frame beneath some weights and use a protective sheet while doing so.
- Skipping the Mat or Spacer: Without a mat or spacer, the Glass ends up being pressed directly onto the magazine. The resultant effect can become quite extreme, leading to gluing and mildew.
- Improper Frame Size: Both oversized and undersized frames result in a very shabby appearance. It is advised to measure with proper guidance for a frame
Conclusion
Framing a magazine is a straightforward yet powerful way of preserving a part of history, a memory, or a work of art.
A limited edition, a vintage cover, or something of sentimental value can be transformed into wall decor, bringing both depth and design to your space.
If you follow the basic process step-by-step – choosing your magazine, prepping it, finding the right frame, and assembling the magazine – you will have a nice-looking, durable framed piece. When using materials, always use protective items.
Your favourite magazine can be more than just a keepsake. It can be a way of remembering the important stories in your life. Frame it well and let it speak for you.
Ready to start? Grab your favorite magazine and give it the frame it deserves!