In a method and apparatus for shadow mask tensioning, a shadow mask frame and an anchor frame are positioned in spaced relation defining a gap therebetween and a shadow mask is positioned on the shadow mask frame and the anchor frame with an interior portion of the shadow mask extending across the gap. An edge of the shadow mask is affixed to the anchor frame and the shadow mask is tensioned by urging the interior portion of the shadow mask into the gap. Once the shadow mask has been tensioned to a desired extent, the shadow mask is affixed to the shadow mask frame. Thereafter, the combination of the shadow mask affixed to the shadow mask frame is separated from the anchor frame.