Our art hanging service professionals know that sometimes it can be a bit confusing when you buy a picture hanging kit and you’re faced with so many options. Today we’re taking a quick look at some of the options available and when you should use which.
Art Hanging Service: Understanding Picture Hanging Hardware
Picture Hooks and Nails
This is the piece of hardware that most people recognize – a small metal hook and a nail that secures that hook to the wall. These hooks are affordable and come in a wide variety of sizes and lengths so they can be used with a range of art pieces. Picture hooks are most often used with small more affordable art pieces that already have a small metal loop affixed to the back. These are easy to use and easy to install…
But they’re not ideal for every situation…
These hooks can rust causing them to weaken over time. Additionally, these hooks cannot be used to hang art on plaster walls – please don’t try it!
It’s also important to keep in mind that these aren’t ideal for hanging heavier art pieces and mid-weight pieces MUST be anchored to a stud.
Wall Anchors and Screws
Wall anchors and screws are another commonly used technique for hanging artwork. This is the more preferred hanging method for art pieces that would be hung with picture hooks but that are being installed on plaster walls.
Wall anchors and screws require you to drill a hole in the wall to install the anchor before then drilling the screw into the anchor.
Anchors are useful in that they can support more weight than the picture hook, but it’s important that you select the anchor that’s the right size for your needs. You should also be sure to purchase high-quality anchors that have a sturdy construction rather than using the cheap anchors that come with most art pieces. While the cheaper anchors may work temporarily, they can very quickly split and this compromises the support provided to your artwork.
Command Strips
Command strips are a newer addition to the picture hanging market. Popular because they don’t leave lasting damage to the wall surface, these seem like the perfect solution, but we advise against them for anything of value or of any weight. Although they can work for posters, the adhesive on the strips (or Velcro if you use the Velcro kind), simply isn’t strong enough to support any type of weighty art. Even if you do find that these strips support your art piece, we don’t recommend using them because over time the weight of your art will pull on the adhesion and cause your art piece to fall from the wall.
Picture Wire
Picture wire isn’t a standalone piece of hardware, it’s more of an accessory to hardware. Picture wire attaches to the back of your picture and allows you to hang the picture by creating a tightrope across the back of the picture. You then hang your art piece by hooking that tightrope over picture hooks or anchors and screws being sure to balance it so that your picture is displayed on the level.
Sawtooth Brackets
Sawtooth brackets come in pairs that hook together by placing the toothed edge of each piece against the other. You simply attach one piece to the picture and one piece to the wall and then hook the two brackets together.
Sawtooth brackets are fairly outdated and are difficult to install. Additionally, they can be difficult to utilize with some types of artwork due to the profile of the piece and the way it is framed. Lastly, if you live in an area that sees a lot of turbulence – for example, next to a train track or in an earthquake zone, this is NOT the hanging hardware of choice for you!
Are You Looking For a Professional Art Hanging Service?
If you’re looking for a professional art hanging service our professional installation experts can help! Just give us a call today at 239-682-1077 to make an appointment that’s convenient for you and don’t worry, our technicians take all of the necessary health precautions to avoid and prevent the spread of Coronavirus!
