How do you hang wall art without nails?
Hanging wall art without drilling holes in the wall is both practical and smart. Maybe you live in a rental apartment where you are not allowed to drill, or you simply want to be able to move your wall art around without leaving marks behind. Here are some things to consider: There are several proven methods that work great, and most of the products are easy to find in stores.
Let's dive into the subject and go over the best options for hanging your art prints without taking out the hammer.
Why should you hang art wall without nails?
There are several reasons why you might want to avoid nailing or drilling into the walls. In rental apartments, it is often forbidden to make larger holes, and even in condominiums, it may feel unnecessary to damage the walls if you know that you want to change the interior design in the future.
Hanging wall art without nails also gives you flexibility. You can easily move your wall art around when you want to refresh the feel of the room, without having to fill holes or repaint. It's also perfect if you want to test different placements before deciding on the final composition.
Command strips – the most popular option
Command strips from 3M are probably the most well-known solution for hanging wall art without nails. They work through a special adhesive that sticks firmly to the wall but can be removed without leaving marks.
Here's what you can think about when using Command strips:
- Clean the wall thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before attaching the strips.
- Let the strips adhere for at least an hour before hanging the painting.
- Choose the right size based on the weight of the board, always read the weight recommendations on the packaging
- Press the strips firmly for 30 seconds for best results.
You will find 3M Command strips in several stores. There are different variants for different weights, from small art prints of a few hundred grams up to frames weighing several kilos.
For art prints from Care of Posters with frame works Command strips are excellent. A 30×40 cm painting with an oak, ash or white lacquered ash frame rarely weighs more than a few kilos, which The Command strips handle it without any problems.
Velcro for easy repositioning
Velcro is another convenient option that allows you to quickly take down and put up wall art again. You attach one part of the Velcro to the wall and the other to the picture frame.
The advantage of Velcro is that you can change your wall art as often as you like. This is perfect if you like to switch between different motifs depending on the season or mood. The disadvantage is that the Velcro can be a little more visible than command strips, so it works best with frames that have a wide back.
Velcro tape with a self-adhesive surface is available at Biltema, Bauhaus and Jula. Choose a tape with strong adhesion that is intended for wall mounting.
Adhesive – flexible and affordable
Adhesive, also called Blu Tack or adhesive, is a classic solution for lighter paintings and posters. It is a malleable paste that you press into the corners of your painting and then press against the wall.
Some concrete tips are:
- Use adhesive only for lightweight paintings without frames or with very lightweight frames.
- Replace the paste regularly as it can dry out and lose adhesion.
- Avoid on painted or wallpapered walls where it may leave grease stains.
Adhesive are cheap and available everywhere. They are great for unframed posters or art prints on lighter paper.
Gallery hanging system – professional solution
If you want a more permanent yet flexible solution, a gallery hanging system may be worth investing in. It consists of a rail that is mounted to the ceiling or along the wall, with wires that you hang the paintings from.
The advantage is that you don't need to make holes for each board, just for the rail. You can then easily move boards up and down along the wire and adjust the height exactly as you want it.
They are a little more expensive than other options, but if you have a lot of paintings and want a professional result, it is worth looking into.
Self-adhesive hooks and tabs
There are also self-adhesive hooks and tabs that work in a similar way to command strips. They have a strong adhesive on the back and a hook or tab where you can hang a picture with a hanging loop.
These are great for pictures with traditional hanging on the back. You can buy self-adhesive hooks at most hardware stores and home improvement stores.
To be clear: always check the weight limit on the packaging. An oak or ash frame from Care of Posters weighs more than a pure poster, so choose hooks that can handle at least 2-3 kilos to be on the safe side.
Magnetic mount for special walls
If you have ferrous walls or surfaces, magnetic mounting can be an elegant solution. You attach a metal plate to the wall and use magnets to hold the board in place.
This option is not as common for regular walls, but if you have magnetic surfaces or want to mount a metal rail first, it can work great. Magnetic mounts are available at Biltema and some specialty stores.
Tape for posters – quick and easy
Double-sided tape may work for lightweight, unframed posters, but it's not the best option for framed art prints. The tape can be difficult to remove without damaging the wallpaper or paint, and it rarely lasts very long on heavier paintings.
If you still want to use tape, choose a type that is made to be removed without leaving marks. Tesa and Scotch both have products that are marketed as being gentle on walls. You can find them at Clas Ohlson, Bauhaus and most hardware stores.
Tips for best results
Regardless of which method you choose, there are some basic rules that will make the job easier:
Clean the wall before attaching anything. Dust and grease significantly impair adhesion. Use a little rubbing alcohol or all-purpose cleaner and let the surface dry thoroughly.
Test the weight first. If you are unsure if your mount will hold the board, test by hanging it up and waiting a few hours. It is better for it to fall while you are home than in the middle of the night.
Follow the instructions. Each product has specific instructions for best results. For example, Command Strips need to be attached to the wall for at least an hour before being loaded.
Plan your placement. Since many of these methods are permanent in the sense that they leave a small area where the glue has been applied, it is a good idea to plan where the paintings will go from the beginning. Use masking tape to mark and visualize before you attach anything.
Summary of the best options
To summarize: command strips are the safest and most versatile option for most boards. They last well, can be removed cleanly, and come in several sizes for different weights.
Velcro is suitable for those who often want to change wall art, while adhesive works for very light posters. Gallery hanging systems are the professional choice if you have many paintings and want full flexibility.
No matter which method you choose, you can safely hang your art prints from Care of Posters without having to worry about holes in the wall. With high-quality Fine Art paper and solid wood frames, the result is beautiful and durable, and thanks to these smart solutions, you can create your picture wall without nails or a drill.
