How to Frame a Summit 3D Map

Tips for DYI Enthusiasts 

We offer our framed maps at very reasonable prices, and they are delivered mounted, framed, and ready to hang. But Summit maps look great in all kinds of frames, so we’re happy to explain the best way to frame your map yourself. We do not, however, recommend you DYI frame some of our largest maps, especially the big Alaska and Kauai maps. Framing those can be a nerve-wracking two-person job, even for an experienced framer.

Because Summit maps are individually molded and hand-trimmed, there is a very slight size variation from map to map. For that reason, it’s important that you mount and trim your map before ordering a frame, so that you can measure it for an exact fit. 

Start by mounting your map on a piece of foam-core board (also known as foamboard) that is 3/16” or thicker. We order our boards from online sources such as wholesaleartsandframes.com, mountingboards.com, and uline.com. 

Adhesive or Non-Adhesive Foamcore Board? 

For maps with large flat areas (e.g., an ocean), we recommend using self-adhesive foamboard. For maps that don't have large flat areas—such as the White Mountains map or the Great Smoky Mountains Park map—you can use either adhesive or non-adhesive foamboard. Just be sure that the board is at least an inch larger than the map on all sides; this will make trimming it easier once it’s adhered to the board. 

When Using Self-Adhesive Foamcore Board  

With the foamboard on a flat surface, peel off the protective paper to expose the sticky surface and center the map over the board. Start by placing one edge of the map down on the adhesive surface. Then slowly lay down the rest of the map, being careful not to trap air under the flat surfaces (the ocean surface, in particular). Using your hands, covered with a clean cloth or wearing cotton gloves, press the map down to the board until it is firmly adhered to the surface and no air pockets are visible under the flat areas. Gently press any small bubbles out by smoothing the map surface and pushing the bubble out to the nearest edge. Be careful not to scratch or abrade the map while doing this. 

When Using Non-Adhesive Foamcore Board 

Center the map on the non-sticky foamboard and trace around the map with a pencil to mark where the edges of the map will sit. Place double-stick Scotch tape all around just inside your pencil line. Take care to avoid wrinkles or overlaps in the tape, which can look lumpy underneath the map margins. Wherever there are flat areas (e.g. legend blocks) of more than a couple of inches, use multiple strips of double-stick tape to be sure that the flat area adheres to the foamboard. Try to keep the strips of tape close to one another but not overlapping. 

Line up the map with your pencil outline and press the map border/margin and any flat areas securely to the tape. 

NOTE: If you take your map someplace to be framed, be sure they mount it on foamboard as described here; mounting the map generally isn’t difficult but is critical to a good result. 

Trimming the Foamboard 

Using a razor knife and metal straight edge, carefully trim the foamboard to the edge of the mounted map, which will leave about 1” of white margin between the map’s model area and the edge. 

Ordering your Frame

Finally, measure the mounted map and purchase a frame to fit its exact dimensions. We’ve seen good results from places like pictureframes.com, but there are many online choices. Simply follow the assembly instructions that arrive with your framing kit and install your mounted map in the frame. You did it! Now hang and enjoy your Summit raised-relief map.