Hanging pictures on the walls is a great way to decorate and personalize a space. However, there are several places where you can hang a picture without using nails, because for example you don't want to leave holes in the wall, you can't use a drill or a hammer, or just because you often change both the images and their arrangement. At this juncture it is really useful to know how to hang pictures without the use of nails using thumbtacks, various adhesive products and other ingenious solutions. There are many methods to choose from and you can decide which one best suits your needs based on the circumstances and the material you have available.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: with the Adhesive Strips
Step 1. Remove the hooks from the frame
This type of strip needs flat surfaces to adhere properly, so you have to eliminate any elements used to hang the frame from the nails that are on the back of the image. These include nails, screws, wire, keyhole and serrated hooks, as well as any other components that make the surface of the frame uneven.
You can find adhesive strips (as well as adhesive hooks and nails) at hardware stores, craft stores, fine art stores, and even online
Step 2. Clean the surfaces
The strips need a clean base to adhere properly, so scrub both the frame and the wall where you want to hang the image with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth.
Wait for the surfaces to dry before moving on to the next step
Step 3. Apply the strips
Each strip consists of two layers that you have to press together. Start with one pair at a time, peel off the protective film and attach the strip to the back of the frame. Maintain the pressure for 30 seconds. Repeat the process until you have glued all the ones you need.
- One pair is capable of supporting 1.4kg weight and most 20x28cm frames. If you only need one strip, stick it in the center of the picture.
- Two pairs can handle the weight of 2.7kg and most 28x44cm frames. In this case, place each in the upper corners of the picture.
- Four pairs should support 5.4 kg and almost any 46x61 cm paintings. Place a pair of strips at each top corner and the remaining two pairs on the vertical sides about two-thirds of the way from the top.
Step 4. Hang the frame on the wall
First remove the protective film that is on the outside of the strips, exposing the adhesive. Then press the picture on the wall. Gently separate the part of the strip that remained attached to the wall from the part that remained on the frame. To do this, pull the picture from the lower corners and lift it up. Press the portions that have been stuck to the wall for 30 seconds using your fingers.
Step 5. Wait an hour
Doing so allows the adhesive to adhere and dry. After this time you can hang the picture on the wall by aligning each pair of strips.
Method 2 of 5: with Hooks or Adhesive Nails
Step 1. Clean the wall
Just like with the strips, even in the case of the adhesive hooks and nails it is necessary that the surfaces are clean, so wipe them with a cloth and denatured alcohol and wait for them to dry.
The hooks or adhesive nails have a "sticky" surface that adheres to the wall, so you can use the appropriate elements that are on the frame to hang the picture. Based on the attachment system found on the image, purchase the appropriate support
Step 2. Prepare the adhesive part
Remove the liner that protects the sticky strip and attach it to the back of the hook or nail.
Some products have a pre-glued back. If this is the case for you, you can skip that step and proceed to the next step
Step 3. Attach the adhesive part to the wall
First peel off the protective film from the back of the hook or nail. Then apply the device to your preferred spot on the wall, pressing hard for 30 seconds.
Step 4. Wait an hour for the glue to dry
After this time, you can hang the picture normally using the special device located on the back of the frame.
- Before purchasing the nails or adhesive hooks, check the weight of the image you need to hang. These systems are usually capable of supporting weights of between 2, 3 and 3.6 kg, while very small hooks do not exceed 500-900 g.
- To hang heavier pictures, you need to use more hooks or adhesive nails. Make sure that the weight is well distributed on all elements and that they are well aligned.
Method 3 of 5: with Snap Hooks
Step 1. Choose suitable hooks
There are many brands and models that are specifically designed to be inserted into plasterboard without using a hammer, nails or other tools. You can do a simple online search to find the right product for your needs. These hooks are constructed of different materials and rated to withstand different weights, but all require a small hole in the wall. Depending on the manufacturer, these hooks are capable of withstanding weights from:
- 68 kg;
- 36 kg;
- 16 kg;
- 22.5 kg.
Step 2. Install the hooks
Push the long, curved part (not the folded one) with the pointed end into the drywall. Once it is almost fully inserted, rotate the device so that the hook end is facing up (this way you can hang something on it). Lock the entire device by pushing it all the way into the wall.
Step 3. Hang the picture
Most snap hooks are sold in packs of 4 or more. To hang heavier frames using two hooks, first measure the width of the frame and divide it into three parts. Place the first hook at the first third mark and the second at the second third. If the picture is really very heavy, then place a quarter hook, a second hook in the center, and a third to three quarters of the way across.
Method 4 of 5: with Masking Tape or Reusable Stickers
Step 1. Choose the type of sticker
Double-sided adhesive tape is perfect for hanging light pictures on the walls, although it is not specifically designed for this purpose, and if you remove it, some of the paint may peel off. Reusable adhesives, such as Patafix, on the other hand, are formulated to stick light posters or paintings to walls, but over time they can become rubbery and difficult to peel off.
- These products are strong enough to support the weight of unframed posters and photographs, but they do not hold more than half a pound in weight.
- The common adhesive tape can be transformed into double-sided adhesive simply by folding it in a ring with the sticky part outwards and joining the ends together.
Step 2. Prepare the wall
Glue adheres best to clean surfaces, so scrub the wall with a clean cloth and denatured alcohol. While you wait for the area to dry, dust the back of the poster with a clean, dry rag.
Wash your hands before using the reusable stickers to avoid transferring dirt or oil to them
Step 3. Prepare the poster
Place it face down on a flat surface. Press small balls of reusable adhesive or squares of double-sided adhesive at the corners of the image (on the back). If you want to hang a larger picture, frame the back with masking tape so that it protrudes over the edge.
Step 4. Hang the image
When you have placed the sticker in the designated places, lift the poster, align it to the wall and press firmly to make it adhere.
Method 5 of 5: with a Wire
Step 1. Identify existing hook points on the walls
Look for hooks, screws, vents, or knobs that are already on the walls and that are capable of supporting some weight. Remember that this method is only suitable for light images that have no frame.
Look for elements on the walls that are not in the way and to which you can attach a rope without danger of strangling someone
Step 2. Knot the thread
Cut a section of string, string, or wire long enough to cover the distance between the two hook points on the walls. Leave a few more inches to be able to tie the wire to the supports. Tie each end to an element, you can tighten the cord, or leave it rather slack and saggy.
- If the wire is taut, then it will look solid and even, while a slack cord is more "artistic". The choice depends only on your aesthetic taste.
- Wire is much more difficult to tie than twine, but you can wrap it around a knob or other similar item. It will also give a more modern look to the room and allows you to slide the images to reposition them quickly. The wire is thin, strong and does not tend to give way or take on a sagging appearance.
- The twine and string are easy to tie and can be attached loosely or tightly. They give a "rustic" look to the room. Twine is thicker than iron wire and string, but sturdier than the latter.
Step 3. Hang the images
Use clothes pegs or clips to attach photos to the cord. If the string starts to sag and fall out more than you would like or the knot comes loose, then the weight is too much. Stretch a second thread to different supports and arrange a second row of images.
To distribute the weight evenly, place the first image in the center with the help of a tape measure or relying on your "sense of measure". Using this central photo as a reference point, place two more images in the center of the two halves. Keep dividing the spaces like this until you've hung all the photos you want
Advice
- Thumbtacks are perfect for hanging unframed photographs, posters or pictures with very light frames equipped with wire hooks. However, it is necessary to make a small hole in the wall.
- A cork bulletin board already hung, leaning against a wall or a piece of furniture can be a valid support for displaying images.
- If you want to exhibit framed or free photographs you can place them on a bookcase, a piece of furniture, another object or insert them in a self-supporting frame.
