How to Frame a Newspaper Article: 8 Easy Steps to Display and Preserve It

A front page about a historic event, a wedding announcement, or your child’s name in the sports section — some newspaper stories deserve a place on your wall. Knowing how to frame a newspaper article the right way lets you display it proudly while protecting it from yellowing, fading, and damage.

Newsprint is fragile, so the process is slightly different from framing a regular photo. Below are the exact steps to follow, from cutting the newspaper to hanging the finished frame.

How to Frame a Newspaper Article: Quick Steps

Here are the steps to frame a newspaper article at home:

1. Gather your framing supplies
2. Cut the newspaper article
3. Flatten the article
4. Measure the article and pick a frame size
5. Choose an acid-free mat and UV-protective glass
6. Mount the article without tape or glue
7. Assemble the frame
8. Hang it in the right spot

Now let’s go through each step in detail.

Step 1: Gather Your Framing Supplies

Before you start, collect everything you need so the article stays clean and safe during the process:

• A picture frame (wood or metal)
• Acid-free (archival) mat board and backing board
• UV-protective glass or acrylic
• Archival photo corners or framer’s hinging tape
• Ruler, craft knife or sharp scissors, and a pencil
• Clean, dry hands or cotton gloves

Step 2: Cut the Newspaper Article

Lay the newspaper page on a clean, flat surface. Use a ruler and a sharp craft knife to cut straight, neat edges, leaving a small margin around the text. If you are using scissors, draw a light pencil guideline first. Tip: also cut out the newspaper’s name and date from the top of the page — it adds great context to your display.

Step 3: Flatten the Article

Newspapers are usually folded, so your clipping may have creases. Place it between two sheets of clean paper and put a few heavy books on top for a day or two. Never iron newsprint or fold it backwards, because this can crack the weak paper fibers.

Step 4: Measure the Article and Pick a Frame Size

Measure the width and height of the flattened article. Add the mat border you want — around 2–3 inches on each side looks balanced for most clippings. This total is your frame size. Black, white, or natural wood frames suit black-and-white newsprint well.

Step 5: Choose an Acid-Free Mat and UV-Protective Glass

This step decides how long your article will last. Most newspapers are printed on cheap wood-pulp paper that turns acidic, yellow, and brittle over time, and light speeds this up. According to the U.S. National Archives, light darkens and weakens newsprint.

• Acid-free mat: keeps the article away from the glass and doesn’t add more acid to the paper.
• UV-protective glass or acrylic: filters much of the light that causes fading. Choose a non-glare version if the frame will hang near a window.

Step 6: Mount the Article Without Tape or Glue

Never put regular sticky tape or glue on the article — it stains and is almost impossible to remove later. Use one of these safe methods instead:

• Photo corners: slide the four corners of the article into archival photo corners stuck to the backing board. Nothing touches the article itself.
• T-hinge: attach small strips of archival hinging tape to the top back edge of the article and secure them to the backing board, so it hangs naturally behind the mat.
• Float mount: to show the edges of the clipping, hinge it onto the backing board without a window mat and use spacers so it doesn’t touch the glass.

Step 7: Assemble the Frame

Clean the glass on both sides and let it dry completely. Place the glass into the frame, then the mat, then the mounted article on its backing board. Check from the front for dust or hair before closing. Secure the back with the frame’s clips and attach a hanging wire.

Step 8: Hang It in the Right Spot

Where you hang the frame matters as much as how you build it. Pick a wall that never gets direct sunlight, away from heaters, kitchens, and bathrooms where heat and humidity change often. A cool, dry, shaded room keeps your article looking fresh much longer.

Watch: How to Frame a Newspaper Article

Prefer to see it done? This video shows a newspaper article being turned into framed wall art:

Tips to Keep Your Framed Newspaper Looking New

• Frame a copy, store the original: many preservation experts suggest displaying a high-quality scan and keeping the original in a dark, dry place.
• Make a digital scan before framing as a backup.
• Handle the clipping with clean, dry hands and as little as possible.
• Always keep a mat or spacer between the paper and the glass.
• For very old or valuable pages, follow Library of Congress paper care guidance or ask a professional framer or conservator.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using sticky tape, glue sticks, or spray adhesive on the article.
• Pressing the newspaper directly against the glass.
• Hanging the frame in direct sunlight.
• Using ordinary cardboard as the backing.
• Laminating the original — it cannot be undone.

Creative Ways to Display Newspaper Articles

• Shadow box: frame the article with a ticket, medal, or photo from the same event.
• Double-sided glass frame: perfect if the back of the clipping is important too.
• Gallery wall: group several clippings in matching frames to tell a story.
• Full front page: frame the whole front page for historic events or birthdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you frame a newspaper article without it turning yellow?

You can’t stop newsprint from aging completely, but acid-free materials, UV-protective glass, and a shaded wall slow it down a lot. Framing a copy and storing the original is the safest choice.

What kind of glass is best for framing newspaper?

UV-filtering glass or acrylic is best because it blocks much of the ultraviolet light that fades ink and yellows paper. Non-glare options help near windows.

Should I laminate a newspaper article?

No. Lamination is permanent and uses heat and adhesive that can damage the paper. Framing with archival materials is a much better long-term option.

Conclusion

Learning how to frame a newspaper article is all about balancing display and protection. By following these eight steps — gathering supplies, cutting, flattening, measuring, choosing an acid-free mat and UV glass, mounting safely, assembling, and hanging — you turn a fragile clipping into wall art that tells a story.

The most important rules are simple: never let tape or glue touch the article, keep it away from the glass, and hang it out of direct sunlight. These small choices make a big difference in how long the paper lasts.

With a little care, your special headline — whether it is a family milestone or a historic moment — can stay on your wall and in great shape for many years to come.