Hanging the map

Here we share a few tips on how to hang our maps and prints on paper and on other materials such as foamcore, Aludibond or acrylic glass onto the wall.

Especially for formats of 100 x 70 cm and larger, the hanging method should be well thought through. That's why we have collected some tested and approved ways of hanging the map as an inspiration for you.

Paper maps Foamcore, Aludibond and acrylic glass Weight table

Hanging up paper maps and prints

1. Powerstrips

The easiest way to hang up posters, especially in smaller sizes up to 100 x 70 cm, are adhesive strips such as Tesa Powerstrips. The double-sided adhesive surface is applied to the back of the map and attached to the wall. Powerstrips are available in any DIY store or stationery shop.

2. Foldback Clips

For somewhat larger maps from 100 x 70 cm we suggest using foldback clips, which are bracketed on the top side of the map. To prevent the poster from furling, additional Powerstrips can be applied to the bottom side of the map.

3. Poster Rails

A more uniform option that goes easy on the budget is offered by poster rails. The map is simply placed between the front and back side of each rail and held in place by its magnet clasp. The sets each include a suitable wall suspension. Poster rails made of aluminium or synthetic material are available in many sizes. For smaller maps and prints we recommend oak rails or white lacquered wooden rails from Desenio.

4. Picture Frame

Our maps and prints in the formats A3 to A1 (84.1 x 59.4 cm) can also be ordered directly in a white-glazed wooden frame.

Picture frames are the most classic, yet most expensive variant. Prices vary depending on material and size: small synthetic frames sit at the lower end of the range, while large wooden frames are considerably more expensive. An extensive selection of different sizes and materials – with custom-made frames for our large formats – can be found at AllesRahmen.de, where you will also find rimless clip frames with special glass that protects the map from fading (up to 100 x 70 cm).

Among the recommendations of our customers are the following picture frame shops:

5. Designboard

Arranging multiple posters and maps is made flexible by using designboards. For this option, the maps should already be framed or affixed to wooden panels. You can choose between customised aluminium boards and the wooden variant in one standard size.

6. Affixing to a panel

This variant requires some craftsmanship but is inexpensive even for large maps. Panels made of chipboard, wood, foamcore, MDF or aluminium are available in any DIY store, where they can also be cut to your preferred size. Alternatively, we recommend cork panels: they let you put little markers into the map, for example for summits you have already climbed. You will also need a special spray glue, a foam roller or a soft piece of cloth, wall hooks or metal lugs, nails, and a helping hand.

How to affix a map to a wooden panel:

  1. If the panel is not cut to size yet, this should be done first. Decide whether to leave a margin or to cut the panel precisely in line with the poster.
  2. Coat the panel with the spray glue – in a well-ventilated room or outside. Depending on the product, keep a distance of about 15 cm to the panel, which should be clean and even.
  3. Now the helping hand is called into action: bring the poster into position and continuously smooth it down with the roller or cloth while laying it on, so that no air bubbles remain.
  4. If you chose to leave a margin, it can now be painted or decorated.
  5. Finally, use one of the hanging methods above – or simply attach inexpensive metal hooks or lugs from the DIY store to the back with short nails.

Hanging up prints on foamcore, Aludibond and acrylic glass

For maps and prints on solid materials such as foamcore, Aludibond or acrylic glass we recommend the following four suspension systems. You can order all of them together with your map – just write us an email to service@marmotamaps.com.

1. Suspension Plates – from 20 €

Suitable for:

  • Foamcore: all sizes
  • Aludibond: up to 100 x 70 cm
  • Acrylic glass: up to A1 (84.1 x 59.4 cm)

Suspension plates are a very easy way to hang up your maps and prints. The plates are glued to the back of the print, which is then hung onto nails or screws in the wall. For smaller formats such as A3 and A2, a single plate is sufficient.

Here is how: remove the protective foil from the plate, clean the back of the print from dust, stick the plate on and press it for about 10 seconds. Let it rest for 30 minutes before hanging up the print. Suspension plates are only suitable for indoor use.

Hanging up a print with suspension plates: stick on, press, hang up

2. Floating Suspension – from 20 €

Suitable for:

  • Foamcore: all sizes
  • Aludibond: all sizes
  • Acrylic glass: up to 100 x 70 cm

This magnet-based system creates a floating look with a 4–5 cm gap to the wall. One magnet is glued onto the plate, the other one is screwed into the wall. Important: keep the same spacing between the magnets on the plate and those in the wall.

Hanging up a print with the floating suspension: magnets on plate and wall

3. Aluminium Suspension System – from 50 €

Suitable for:

  • Foamcore: all sizes from A1 (84.1 x 59.4 cm)
  • Aludibond: all sizes from A1 (84.1 x 59.4 cm)
  • Acrylic glass: A1 (84.1 x 59.4 cm) and B1 (100 x 70 cm)

This invisible aluminium frame attaches the plate to the wall quickly and easily and creates a floating look with a gap of about 3 cm to the wall. The frame is glued to the back of the plate with the included glue and has to rest for 24 hours before the print can be hung up. The frame is then hung directly onto two nails or screws in the wall – no lugs or other fixings are needed. Alternatively, the frame can be mounted with a rope suspension: one end of the rope is hooked under the rail, the other end is attached to the ceiling or wall.

Hanging up a print with the aluminium suspension system: glue on the frame and hang it on the wall

This suspension is especially suitable for larger formats from A1 (84.1 x 59.4 cm). Please note: the aluminium frame should be about 10 cm smaller than the plate on all sides. Example: map size 100 x 70 cm – ideal size of the aluminium suspension system 80 x 50 cm.

4. Sign Standoff Screws – from 45 €

Suitable for:

  • Acrylic glass: 140 x 100 cm and 200 x 140 cm

Sign standoff screws carry the whole weight of the larger and heavier acrylic glass maps. Four holes (eight for 200 x 140 cm) are pre-drilled at the margin of the map; the pins of the standoff screws are put through these holes and anchored in the wall.

Sign standoff screws at the four corners of a large acrylic glass print

Weight overview of our maps and prints

The weight table helps you find the right suspension for your print:

Foamcore (5 mm) Aludibond (3 mm) Acrylic glass
29.7 x 42 cm (A3) 0.3 kg 0.5 kg 0.5 kg (3 mm)
42 x 59.4 cm (A2) 0.7 kg 0.9 kg 1.3 kg (4 mm)
59.4 x 84.1 cm (A1) 1.4 kg 1.9 kg 3.2 kg (5 mm)
100 x 70 cm (B1) 1.9 kg 2.7 kg 5.3 kg (6 mm)
140 x 100 cm (B0) 4 kg 5.3 kg 13.9 kg (8 mm)
200 x 140 cm 7.8 kg 10.7 kg 34.6 kg (10 mm)

If you have tried other suspensions worth recommending, we'd be happy if you shared them with us. Just send us a message, ideally with a photo, to info@marmotamaps.com.