Hanging Pictures On Studs
Drywall and plaster wall surfaces are generally built over a wooden frame. This wood is called a “stud” and it’s the strongest part of the wall. It’s therefore the ideal place for hanging heavy frames. That being said, your studs aren’t always in the right place, style-wise, to hang your pictures.
How to find a stud?
You can use a stud finder tool in order to locate a stud. Otherwise, simply use your finger and tap along the wall. You should hear a hollow sound until you arrive at a stud, where the sound will turn into a dud. Kind of like a bat using echolocation to find a fruit tree ) Once you’ve found a stud, you can use a thin nail which can hold up a picture of around 20 pounds. You can also use coarse threaded wooden screws, to hold up pictures over 50 pounds.
How To Hang Groups Of Pictures
You should follow the same process as above to hang groups of artwork. Hanging three picture frames in a row makes a great focal point in a lounge, and using the empty wall space along your staircase is an opportunity to get creative by hanging different sized pictures on different levels for interest. For a gallery-esque finish, Made.com recommends you leave 0.57cm between picture frames.
S For Hanging Heavy Picture Frames Without Nails
To get started, take note that your walls require basic prep work, which is not something that is overly complicated. Basically, you just need to ensure that the surface of your wall is clean and dry so that you can maximize the use of our frame hanging tool alternatives.
Most of these options require the use of heavy-duty adhesives. Keep in mind that these alternatives wont work effectively if theres a critical issue with your walls. With that said, here are the steps for prepping your walls starting with command hooks:
Prepare the wall surfaces.
You can use store-bought cleansers, a DIY mix of part soap-part water, or a generous application of isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is highly recommended because it doesnt contain toxic denaturants that are present in other types of alcohol.
Use some paper towels or a clean rag to completely wipe down the wall surface and allow it to dry to ensure that the adhesives will work effectively.
You dont want to be all over the place. Now that the surface is clean, lightly mark out the place where youre planning to install your frames.
Take note that you have to be completely precise to ensure that you wont make any frustrating mistakes down the line as you work on the entire process.
Time to stick them in!
Peel out the command hooks out from their protective coverings and align them with the light pencil markings youve made on the wall.
Give them time.
Here are the next steps once youre done with the wall preparations:
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What Kind Of Nails Do You Use To Hang Pictures
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. Beside this, can I hang a picture with just a nail?
Nails are sufficient for hanging lightweight pictures and objects from a wall. For small pictures, you don’t need to ensure that the nail goes into a stud just putting it through the drywall will hold it strongly enough to support something small.
how can I hang a heavy picture without nails? Start by taking a pack of VELCRO® Brand HANGables®Picture Hanging Strips . Designed for hanging heavy pictures and mirrors, these large picture hanging strips can hold up to 16lbs per pack. Attach one half of each set to your picture frame, and the other half to the wall and press down firmly.
Subsequently, question is, can you use nails to hang pictures on drywall?
The nails drive into drywall and plaster walls at an angle, which allows them to use the wall surface as leverage and support. These are perfect for hanging picture frames up to about 20 pounds. If you have a picture that is heavier than that, it is best to use a flat mounted hook and anchor.
Is it better to hang pictures with nails or screws?
Generally screws provide more holding power than nails, so they’re better for hanging large, heavy pictures. When hanging a picture between studs, use a hollow-wall anchor, such as a toggle bolt, molly bolt, or spiral anchor.
Do Monkey Hooks Really Work

Able to hold 50lbs per hook, these guys can be doubled and even tripled for heavy loads such as mirrors. The upside of this is that Monkey Hooks are super handy and work really well in drywall. The downside is that they only work on drywall and they seem like overkill if you are hanging a few small pictures.
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Hanging Pictures Without Nails
- Jeanne on Nov 21, 2016Velcro makes a heavy duty tape that can do the job! have had a 12″ x 20″ framed photo in my hall for years! make sure to use the tape that specifically tells you the weight it can hold! There is an assortment of different tapes and the job they can do! good Luck!”
- Johnchip on Nov 21, 2016Although you do not like nails, you may reconsider. They sell a pack of picture nailing hooks that have tiny thin steel nails with a round head on them. They go in on an angle, make pin head, practically no hole and hold tons.
- Msm11346886 on Nov 21, 2016I have seen them and never tried them, but I guess I will have to go that route, a lot less holes in the wall. Thank you for your help..
Wait For Few Minutes:
Wait for a few minutes which can be useful for Adhesive To get Dry completely. Avoid hanging your picture or arts immediately on the hook. Give 30 to 60 minutes to try.
After that you need to test the strength of the hook, finally, hang your heavy arts or picture. If the hanging is weak then you need to repeat the whole process by using new command hooks.
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How To Hang Pictures On Textured Walls Without Nails:
Without a doubt, textured walls are the most attractive choice. Even it is considered as the best form of walls in any kind of home.
The beauty of the wall is collapsed when you use a single nail right into the surface. You can use command strips or it is better to go with any kind of nail-free alternatives.
These are highly useful for hanging your pictures with any damage.
How Much Can You Hang Without A Stud
Studs are strong wood pieces that make up the frame of a wall. Many modern homes have vertical studs spaced around 16 inches apart, and some studs also run horizontally.
When hanging something on the wall, studs provide a strong base for nails or screws. Without studs, you can only hang 10 pounds.
Even though drywall is strong and versatile, it needs a stud to support it. Thats why you shouldnt use nails or screws at this time. If your frame weighs more than 10 pounds, choose something that wont damage your frame if it falls unexpectedly.
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Hang Art From Your Molding
Picture rail molding hardly exists anymore, but if you were lucky enough to land in a place that still has it, take advantage of it. All you have to do is find hooks that fit the width of your molding, some aesthetically-pleasing rope or string, and design your walls. This method is very modular and allows you to change out your artwork pretty easily. It’s also a great way to utilize different kinds of frames and even different mediums of wall art, since the cohesive element tying all the pieces together is the string.
Hang Pictures With Guides Or Rails
While this may seem like a strange option, it is widely used in places like museums and galleries. This is because we can replace the pictures easily without having the change the fixtures themselves. Guide rails are attached to the wall or even the ceiling. From the guide rails is a wire which can allow us to attach the painting or picture. You will need to insert small holes, but this is not as damaging as nails.
This is a very original way to hang frames in the home. It provides a more industrial and modern style which might work well with your general aesthetic. It also allows you to change the pictures as many times as you want, so it’s great for those who like to mix things up a little.
If this isn’t your style, you can decide on a different aesthetic such as creating a more bohemian DIY look.
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Using Them On Uneven Surfaces
If you have rough walls, youll be better off when you make them smooth first before hanging heavy pictures. This applies to walls made of timber, concrete, textured wallpaper, and brick walls.
A sure way to cover up roughness is by using high-quality wallpapers that fit your homes general design. Read, 15 Faux Brick Wallpapers That Can Transform Any Room Design, for more tips and ideas.
Use Hook & Loop Tapes

You can use Velcro for hanging arts because these kinds of tape provide the perfect solution. It is better to hook-and-loop tape, it is one of the most effective ways to hand your arts.
It is the unique choice for hanging fabric, frames on walls window treatments, etc. there are no limitations for hanging your art on the wall.
You can easily display your smaller frame with the help of these kinds of taps.
On the other hand, it is the hassle-free choice that can support the multi-level configuration without disturbing the designing element to your space.
Usually, the hook-and-loop tapes are one of the ideal choices for adding patterned backings. It is the strongest adhesive solution that helps to keep your arts securely.
Washi tape is one of the most popular options and it can be widely utilized by people across the globe. We know that it is the cheapest option for affixing pictures on the wall with ease.
You need to use this tape based on the weight of the art.
There are many good options also available. It is better to use sticky putty, packing tapes, masking, double-stick, etc. it is better to use great tape for adding some texture, pattern, or attractive color to the room.
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Why Do We Go With Command Strips
Generally, the command strips available in a unique size that also has a weight restriction. Everything is listed on the package. Most importantly it can hold the weight excess of 16 pounds.
Alternatively, the small command strips will hold up to four pounds. To get strong hanging it is better to use two command hooks that will help to hold weight up to 15 pounds.
It is the better choice for hanging frames on the walls.
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Tape Lightweight Wall Art
Depending on what youre hanging, good, old-fashioned tape is a quick and easy solution. Use packing tape or double-stick tape to hang lightweight objects such as art prints, posters, wrapping paper, and fabric. For a more polished look, apply the tape to the back of the artwork or fasten it with washi tape to create a faux frame. Mix and match different colors and patterns of washi tape for a one-of-a-kind look. There are so many varieties of washi tape available that you can create original, large-scale works of art on your walls. You can easily move posters and prints hung with tape when its time to redecorate your apartment.
Mr. Kate has some great tips using wall decals and much more!
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No Nail, No Fail Options
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Adhesive Strip Or Hooks
Hanging pictures without nails is possible too you don’t always need to make holes in your walls. If you’re not allowed to use drywall nails and don’t have the equipment you need to make a lot of holes in the wall, you can still hang your wall decor using adhesive strips or hooks.
These products stick to the wall without damaging the paint . Adhesive strips also stick to the art for even more security. Products come in different sizes and use different glue strengths. Make sure to check the packaging before purchasing to ensure a sturdy hang.
Hang Wall Art With Adhesive Strips Instead Of Nails
Adhesive strips attach to the back of the frame and can hold anywhere from three pounds up to 16 pounds. The best part about using adhesive strips to hang wall art is that you can remove them from smooth wall surfaces without damaging the wall. Theyre easy to use, inexpensive to purchase, and once you decide youre ready to move or take the art down, you can do so without removing the paint in a matter of seconds.
Be cautious using these on textured surfaces as they may remove the finish. You’ll need to do a little prep work to ensure the strips adhere properly.
If youre not sure which strips to choose, a good rule of thumb is to get strips that hold weight thats more than you think youll need.
Heres how to use adhesive strips to hang art on the wall:
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Hanging Pictures On Brick Walls Without Drilling
While wood and drywall are typical interior wall materials, some homes feature exposed brick walls as well. If you want to hang pictures on this material, your first reaction may be to drill holes into the brick. The problem with this approach is the holes cannot be repaired without replacing the entire brick, and youll also need a specific drill bit to tackle the job.
But this isnt your only option. Hanging pictures on brick walls without drilling is easy, even if youre dealing with an oversized photo or irregularly shaped décor. For example, if youre trying to hang a photo or artwork on a brick wall and youre looking for something that provides ultimate strength, then Loctite Power Grab Mounting Tape is your solution. This double-sided tape holds up to 110lb per roll and will fix your picture on the wall, whether its an interior or exterior surface!
Preparing To Hang Your Picture

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