How to hang a picture

[Tara86]

There are many ways you can hang pictures in your home or office.

The most common methods I use are removable, interlocking adhesive strips and picture hooks. For heavy frames such as memorabilia items, I will use heavy duty hooks.

For adhesive strips and standard picture hooks I have found a reliable method that is quick and easy using painter's tape. Below I'll show you how.

• Tools and Materials
• How to hang a picture using adhesive strips
• How to hang a picture using hooks
• How to hang a picture with wire or string

Difficulty: Beginner

Tools and Materials

• Measuring tape
• Spirit level
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Painter's tape
• Hammer
• Adhesive strips or picture hooks

How to hang a picture using adhesive strips

These interlocking adhesive strips are very easy to use. But refer to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the surface is suitable and the picture does not exceed the recommended weight limit.

1. Pick the location for your picture and clean the wall with warm water and detergent. This helps remove any marks or dust and will help ensure the strips adhere to the wall.
2. Turn the picture over and place adhesive strips on each side.
3. Attach a piece of painter’s tape left to right over the strips at each side of the picture. Then place a second piece of tape top to bottom, making sure its in the middle of the adhesive strips. Mark the strip positions on the tape and also the tape cross over in the centre using a pencil.
4. Remove the painter’s tape and re-attach it to the wall. Use the pencil marks to help ensure the alignment is the same as it was on your picture frame. Use a spirit level to check the lines are level.
5. Remove a little of the backing paper from the interlocking adhesive strips and attach to the wall. Check the level is correct before removing the rest of the backing.
6. Allow the strips to set according to the manufacturer’s guide. Once ready attach your picture. Apply gentle pressure over the strip locations to help connect them together - you will hear a clicking sound to confirm.

    

  

How to hang a picture using hooks

Standard picture hooks are simply nailed into place. For screws, you need to use a stud finder to check if there is a stud located behind the wall. Studs provide extra support. If you cannot find a stud then you need to use wall anchors to securely hold the screw in place.

1. Turn your picture over so you can see the keyhole or hooks.
2. Attach a piece of Painter’s tape over the keyhole or hooks.
3. Lightly shade over the area using a pencil until you have a clear outline imprint on the tape.
4. Remove the tape and attach to the wall. Check it is level.
5. Place the picture hook on the wall according to the position of the tape. Hammer in the nail and the picture hook is in place.
6. If using a screw, simply screw directly over the tape. Remember to use a wall anchor if you are not screwing into a stud.
7. Remove the painter’s tape and hang your picture.

  

  

How to hang a picture with wire or string

For pictures with wire or string along the back I use standard picture hooks. The main thing to remember when hanging these pictures is “the drop”. You don't want to hang the picture and realise it's a few centimetres lower than you planned.

1. Hold the picture upright. Hook the end of a measuring tape onto the middle of the wire or string and pull upwards as far as you can. Mark the spot it stops on the frame.
2. Measure the distance from this point to the top of the picture frame. This is the distance the picture will drop when you have hung it on the wall.
3. Attach painter’s tape so that the top is level with the mark you made on the frame. Mark the middle of the tape. This will be your guide for the hook’s placement.
4. Remove the tape from the picture frame and attach it to the wall. Check it is level.
5. Place a hook above the middle mark made on the tape. For a wider picture frame, use two hooks placed one either side of the middle mark. (Always read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding weight limits – use heavy duty picture hooks for heavier items.) Hammer in the hook.
6. Remove the tape and hang the picture. Get a second pair of hands to help if the picture is large or heavy – it is not always easy ensuring the wire is hooked. 

  

  

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