Each of these alternatives effectively sets up your heavy pictures on walls without any damage. Enough talk already. Let’s dive in!

1. Use Picture Hanging Strips

Picture hanging strips are a great way to hang heavy pictures without having to use nails. Some of them, like these 3M Command Strips, are built to hold up photos as heavy as 16 pounds (7.26 kg). Using this option to hang a heavy picture is pretty straightforward.  

You could quickly get the strips online and from offline stores specializing in hardware, supplies, or crafts. However, removing the heavy pictures after hanging with this option might require peeling off wallpaper or paint used as wall covering.

That said, to hang a heavy picture with these hanging strips, follow the steps below:

1. Remove any hanging hardware around the area where you want to hang the heavy picture. The reason is that the picture hanging strips are adhesive, so they require a clean, flat surface to work right.
2. Remove hardware protruding from the back of the picture. This includes screws, nails wires, sawtooth fasteners, or just about anything that impedes the smoothness of the surface between the wall and the image.
3. Clean the surfaces after removing any obstructions. The idea is to wipe down the back of the heavy picture and the wall to the point where both surfaces are as smooth as possible. An excellent way to go about this is to use some isopropyl alcohol and some clean cloth.
4. Apply the adhesive picture hanging strips after the surfaces are dry. When doing this, you want to press the 2 different sides together for each set of the strips you use. Remove the liner for each group. Press the adhesive to the back of the picture for at least 30 seconds. Do this until you’ve applied all the strips needed for the hanging operation.
5. Attach the photo to the wall once you’re done applying the picture hanging strips. To do this, remove the liner(s) on the strips. Then, press the picture against the wall.
6. Isolate the strips you have on the picture from those you fixed on the wall. You can do this by slowly dragging on the bottom corners of the photograph while lifting the image. Then, press the strips against the wall for some 30 seconds using your fingers.
7. Let things sit for about an hour. After that time, set the picture back to the wall by aligning the strips with the picture.

There’s no one-size-fits-all picture hanging strips, so what you use will depend on the weight of the photographs being hung, and we know those vary. So read the instructions before you start.

2. Hang Them Using Adhesive Hooks or Nails

Now, this option is one of the best ways to get your pictures up on your walls without having to use any “regular” nails. The thing with self-adhesive hooks and nails is that they’re a simple, effective, and pocket-friendly way to hang heavy pictures without defacing the wall.

They come with adhesive parts designed to stick to walls. That said, you can hang heavy pictures without removing the hardware (nails, screws, and whatnot) that was used to hang the picture. The only caveat is that the kind of hardware on the picture would determine if you went for the adhesive hook or nails.

Another thing to keep in mind is the weight of the picture. You see, adhesive nails and hooks have specific weights depending on their size. So in some instances, you might need to use more than one hook or nail. It all depends on the size of the adhesives and the weight of the picture. Whatever you do, ensure that you evenly distribute it when hanging the picture.

Once that’s settled, the first step to using adhesive hooks and nails is to clean the wall because adhesive hooks and nails need clean surfaces to function right. So you want to clean the wall using some isopropyl alcohol and a clean piece of cloth.

Allow both surfaces to dry. Then, get the adhesive hook or nail ready by removing the liner on the adhesive strip before attaching it to the hook or nail, depending on which you opt for.

Then, attach the adhesive hook or nail to the wall to that space that you already cleaned. After that, press the adhesive against that space for some 30 seconds.

Allow the adhesive to stay up for an hour to dry. Once that’s done, you can hang up your pictures using the hook or nail you set up.

3. Use Press-In Hooks

Press-in hooks are another great way to hang a heavy picture without worrying about nails damaging the wall. They’re built to hang pictures as heavy as 150 pounds (68.04 kg) when used correctly.

There is no need for studs or any other installation tools. The only downside is that you might have to make a hole about the size of a pinhead. You might have to use more than one if the picture to be hung is that heavy. Also, you might have a problem choosing which works best for you.

Press-in hooks come in different materials and are designed to handle different weights, so you might let the weight and type of picture being hung guide your choice.

So before you opt for press-in hooks, be sure that you know how heavy the picture is and find a hook with the suitable material for the job. You also have to ascertain that it’s okay to make that minute hole in the wall.

So now that you have gotten the right size of press-in hooks, here are the steps to install the hooks:

1. Drive the long, curved, tapered end of the hook through your wall (it’s best for drywall). Do this until most of the hook is in the wall.
2. Set it up so that you have the small hook on the outside set up in a position for hanging stuff.
3. Continue driving it in until all of it is in.
4. Ensure that you have the correct number of hooks that can hold up the picture’s weight. You also need to ensure that they’re evenly placed. So in cases where you need more than one press-in hook, you want to ensure that you do some due diligence.
5. Find out the picture’s width. Then, divide it into 3 or 4 depending on your hooks and how heavy the image is.
6. Proceed to place these hooks at the exact measurement as per the division you did.

4. Opt for Mounting Adhesive

Hanging heavy pictures with mounting adhesive is the most straightforward option because it requires little or no hassles. And it could all be done in a matter of minutes.

The mounting adhesive takes the form of a paste similar to silicone. It’s often sold in tubes like toothpaste, and when applied right, it leaves no marks on surfaces. That’s why this option is excellent for walls made from tiles or glass.

Here are the steps on how to hang heavy pictures using mounting adhesive:

1. Apply a drop of mounting adhesive to each corner of the painting.
2. Hold the picture up against the wall for a bit before removing it. The idea is to leave some of the adhesives on the wall.
3. Hold up the picture against the wall a second time once the paste on the wall has dried a little (but not wholly). This time around, you want to match the image to the residues of adhesive left on the wall.
4. Press the picture firmly to the wall (not too firmly if it’s a glass wall). If you got the process right, the photo should remain in place after you have left it.

5. Use Double-Sided Tape

With double-sided tape, you can hang cumbersome pictures without having to use nails. Adhesive tape is stronger than it looks, and it comes in different sizes and weight ratings. Some tapes can even hang pictures as heavy as 18 pounds (8.16 kg)!

Keep in mind that it’s always good to buy a tape bigger than the picture’s weight. In some cases, you might have to use more than one strip.

These tapes are best for walls made from tiles. The reason being is that they often leave markings on different kinds of walls, and the idea isn’t to deface any walls, right?

Here are the steps on how to hang heavy pictures with double-sided tape:

1. Cut off the tape for the 4 corners of the picture’s frame.
2. Affix the strips to the back of the frame.
3. Peel off the tape before holding the picture up on the location where you want the image to be. Take your time deciding where you want to hang your picture because it’s rather hard to adjust its position once it has been affixed to the wall.
4. Press the picture to the wall firmly for a bit before letting go. It’s a great option because it’s pretty straightforward once you follow the directions.

6. Consider Using Guides or Rails

Now, this is an excellent option if you’re looking to create an effect that stands out. The reason is that you’d mostly find pictures being hung on guides and rails in museums and galleries. You can create a unique aesthetic effect without defacing the walls if you can pull this off right.

All you need to do here is to set up guide rails to the wall or ceiling. You then fix the picture on the wire that sticks out from the guide rail. It’s as easy as that. You might need to make some small holes for this. However, nowhere will the gaps be as significant as those made by nails.

Using guide rails allows you to change the pictures as often as possible without worrying about adhesives stuck to the wall and whatnot. Plus, there’s something about having a gallery-related way of hanging your pictures.

You might also want to read: 5 Alternatives to Command Strips for Hanging Decor on Walls

Conclusion

You can hang heavy pictures without nails using these alternatives:

• Hanging strips
• Adhesive hooks or nails
• Press-in hooks
• Mounting adhesive
• Adhesive strips
• Guides or rails

With each option described in this article, you no longer need to worry about defacing walls or possible accidents of using nails. These nail-free options will ensure that you hang your pictures as simply, affordably, and as conveniently as you will.

If you want to make your pictures stand out, I recommend using guides or rails to hang your pictures. This technique will help you create a unique gallery-like effect without defacing the walls.

The post How to Hang Heavy Pictures Without Nails (6 Options) appeared first on HomelyVille.

Even if you decide to take those objects later on, the strips will come off easily and will cause no damage to your walls. That’s right; there will be no nail holes, cracked plaster, or sticky leftovers for you to fix. But are command strips a good alternative to nails and how long do they last?

If you ask command strip manufacturers, they claim that their product can last as long as you need it to, provided that you have observed the given directions. But that doesn’t really say much, does it? Generally speaking, most command strips were designed to last indefinitely — though a few years might sound more realistic.

The Truth Behind the Lack of Stickiness

If you did any research into this matter before, you probably saw more than a few customer reviews that said the strips weren’t sticky enough. As you can probably imagine, the lack of stickiness in command strips can be a huge problem. After all, it most often leads to expensive frames and pictures falling off the wall and getting damaged.

However, the manufacturers usually explain it with the clients’ failure to follow the  instructions such as:

Attaching Command Strips to Inappropriate Surfaces

Command strips adhere to many surfaces, but not all of them. For example, you can put them on smooth surfaces such as painted, stained, or varnished wood, tiles, glass, plaster, or metal. However, make sure you don’t stick command strips on freshly painted surfaces. Wait for it to get dry enough before you do so.

Not Cleaning the Walls Before Attaching the Command Strips

Make sure to remove any dust and debris from the wall with rubbing alcohol before trying to apply the command strips. If you don’t do it, the chances are that the strips will fall off the wall shortly after being attached.

Hanging Oversized or Overweight Objects

Exceeding the recommended weight is one of the most common reasons command strips come off any surface. So make sure the objects you want to hang are not too heavy.

Not Leaving Enough Time for Strips to Stick to the Surface

Being impatient and not leaving the time necessary for the adhesive to dry before attaching the desired object on the hook might lead to a fallen object or even paint damage.

How Long Will Command Strips Last if You Follow the Instructions?

In ideal conditions, the command strips should last you a couple of years at least. However, there’s still a slim chance of the strips losing their stickiness. To prevent it, try to maintain stable room temperature and moisture levels.

Provided that you do everything right — clean the wall first, use the appropriate number of strips, apply pressure before hanging, observe the recommended weight — you’ll significantly reduce the risk of strips detaching from the wall.

You may also like: 5 Alternatives to Command Strips for Hanging Decor

The post How Long Do Command Strips Last? appeared first on HomelyVille.

But, can you reuse command strips? Read on to find out why reusing command strips is not a good idea and how to make sure you won’t have to reapply them.

What Are Command Strips?

Command strips are a great option if you want to decorate your walls without damaging them. Essentially, they work similarly to double-sided tape. They have an adhesive on either side, so you simply attach one side to the wall decor you want to hang up and adhere the other side to your wall.

The ease of use has made command strips quite popular. You don’t have to deal with nails or screws, and you can hang up your decor in just a few minutes. Additionally, they don’t leave a mark on your wall once you remove them. That’s why command strips are the best choice when it comes to wall decoration for people living in rented spaces.

Can You Reuse Command Strips

It’s not a good idea to reuse command strips. Although they can stay on your wall for years without the adhesive breaking down, the same adhesive likely won’t be as strong if you reuse it. Therefore, you run the risk of damaging your walls, decor, and even nearby furniture.

Since you won’t be able to reuse command strips, it’s important to apply them properly the first time. Make sure to clean any surface you’re applying a command strip to with alcohol. The alcohol will remove any dust and dirt, making the adhesive stick to the surface more. Let the alcohol dry for about a minute and follow this handy guide if you want to apply the command strips perfectly.

What You Should Be Cautious of When Applying Command Strips

1. Make Sure the Surface Is Suitable for Command Strips

When applied to a proper surface, command strips do a great job of keeping your wall decor in place. However, they are not suitable for every surface. Command strips hold well when applied to smooth surfaces, such as glass, tiles, metal, and varnished wood. Additionally, if your wall does not have any texture to it, you can use command strips on it as well.

Alternatively, if you have textured walls, command strips will likely detach from them over time. They also may not stay adhered to vinyl. Furthermore, you should avoid putting command strips in your bathroom or next to a heat source. The heat and the humid environment can melt the adhesive, causing your decor to fall down.

2. Don’t Hang Items Heavier Than the Command Strip Can Hold

Every command strip packaging should have the maximum weight that the strip can hold written on its packaging. You should never exceed that weight amount, as the weight of the item will pull on the adhesive. Over time, the adhesive will stretch out, and the command strip won’t be able to hold the weight of the decor any longer.

It’s especially important not to exceed the weight limit if you’re only using one command strip. However, if you’re placing a few on the back of your decor, they may be able to hold a bit more weight. If you want to hang up heavier items, go for a more heavy-duty strip. Alternatively, go for other options, such as drywall hooks and wall anchors.

3. Mark Where the Command Strips Will Go on Your Wall

Since it’s not a good idea to reuse command strips, you should make sure to place them in the perfect spot right away. Therefore, you have to be sure of exactly where you want to hang the decor. Once you decide on a spot, you should ensure the decor doesn’t look crooked. That’s especially important when it comes to picture frames, mirrors, and any objects you use more than one command strip for.

The best way to make sure your decor doesn’t end up looking crooked is to use a laser level. Place it on the wall, just above where you want the decor to be. Once it’s completely straight, place a sticky note so that it matches the laser completely. Then, simply align your decor with the top of the sticky note.

In Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss way to hang up wall decor, command strips are a great option. However, you should avoid reusing them. Doing so diminishes their ability to adhere to your walls properly. Therefore, you may end up damaging the walls, and the decor may fall and break or damage the nearby furniture.

You might also want to read: 9 Alternatives to Command Strips for Hanging Decor

The post Can You Reuse Command Strips? Here’s the Truth appeared first on HomelyVille.

However, many people have a hard time figuring out just how much weight command strips can hold. So let’s take a deep dive into the ins and outs of command strips and determine their weight limits.

About Command Strips

Command strips are an easy solution for decorating and organizing all around the home. To put it simply, command strips have adhesive on both sides, making them extremely easy to use. All you have to do is stick the strips to an item and adhere the other side to the wall.

But what materials can they stick to? Luckily, command strips can stick to almost any material, including wood, metal, glass, tiles, or other smooth surfaces. However, you should keep in mind that they can ruin paper, fabric, or other soft materials. Nevertheless, common strips are perfect for hanging pictures without needing to nail them all around the house.

Why Should You Pay Attention to the Weight Limit?

Over time, the command strips might start to peel away and even fall off eventually. How soon that will happen solely depends on how much weight and pressure you are putting them through. For example, command strips will last much longer if you use them for items lighter than the recommended weight limit.

Therefore, it’s essential that you pay close attention to the weight limits of your command strips. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your wall, items, or anything that’s underneath them. Additionally, try not to reuse command strips, as they can lose their grip and damage your items.

But How Much Weight Can Command Strips Hold?

There are different types of command strips designed with specific weight limits in mind. For example, medium-strength command strips can hold up to 12 pounds with ease. In other words, you can hang a variety of picture frames, light mirrors, or even small plant wall shelves.

If you want to go even further, you can opt for the Heavy Duty Command Strips, which are designed to hold up to 16 pounds. Just how much weight is that? Essentially, you will be able to hang anything from picture frames to floating shelves. But remember that you will still have to be careful not to attach the command strips to fragile materials.

What You Should Avoid Hanging With Command Strips

Even though most command strips are powerful enough to hold up to 12 or 16 pounds, there’s still a small risk when hanging certain items. As a rule of thumb, you should avoid hanging irreplaceable items such as expensive paintings, antique mirrors, or souvenirs. Similarly, don’t place command strips above important or fragile items like computers or drinking glasses.

Command Strips Usage Tips

Although command strips are fairly easy to use, you still need to be careful when installing them. The following tips are designed to help you safely install the command strips and reduce the risk of accidents:

• Preparation Is Key: You will have to prepare the surface before you even think about applying the command strips. First of all, clean the surface with rubbing alcohol by wiping gently and then let it dry. Avoid using house wipes or sprays as they can make the surface more slippery.
• Pay Attention When Pulling: Pulling the strips toward you or peeling from the wall will most likely damage them. Therefore, you should only pull straight down slowly, while keeping your hand against the wall as you go.
• Put Enough Pressure On It: When installing the strips, remember to put enough pressure when pressing them down. To further increase their adhesion, you can remove the frame and press on the wall strips for a few seconds after the initial installation. Repeat the procedure for all the strips and wait one hour before reattaching the frame.
• Safely Removing The Frame: If you want to remove the frame, you can do so by grabbing the bottom corners and peeling it up and away from the wall. Pulling it straight off will damage the strips or even the frame.

Final Thoughts

Overall, command strips are one of the most efficient and affordable ways to hang picture frames or other items around the house. And while they are durable and can hold up to 16 pounds, you still need to pay attention to what items you hang.

Nonetheless, you can safely rely on command strips to hold your pictures, mirrors, or even shelves. And if you want something more durable, you can always use an alternative such as command hooks or jumbo picture hangers.

Image credit: AngieYeoh / Shutterstock.com

The post Command Strips Weight Limits: What You Need to Know appeared first on HomelyVille.

Read on to learn about the alternatives to command strips that won’t cause a lot of damage to your walls.

When Should You Avoid Using Command Strips?

If you want to hang pictures up without damaging your walls, command strips are a great way to do so. You simply stick the strips to a picture frame and adhere the other side to your wall.

You can use command strips on wood, metal, tiles, glass, and any other smooth and solid surface. If you opt for the larger variety, command strips can hold a frame that weighs up to 16 pounds. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about the frame falling down and breaking or damaging your furniture.

Command strips are quite durable and non-damaging. However, they won’t stick well to every surface. For example, if you have textured walls, it’s probably better to opt for another way to hang your frames. Since the surface of the wall isn’t smooth enough, the strips won’t stick to it well enough.

Additionally, command strips won’t hold well on any non-stick or rough surfaces. Therefore, if you have any wallpapers or fabrics on your walls, you should avoid sticking the command strips onto them. Moreover, don’t use command strips on brick walls. They will remain durable only if the bricks don’t have any texture to them and if you can avoid the gaps between the bricks when applying the strips.

9 Alternatives to Command Strips

It’s difficult to find a way of hanging items on your walls without causing any damage. Although command strips can be quite useful, they aren’t fit for all wall types. Depending on the type of wall you’re dealing with, and how heavy the items you want to hang are, you should opt for one of these nine alternatives to command strips:

1. Nails

If you don’t rent and don’t mind damaging your walls a bit, opt for regular nails. They are a great choice for those who have textured walls or wallpapers. Additionally, if your frames are light enough, you’ll likely only need one nail to hang up each frame. Therefore, you’ll minimize the damage to your wall greatly.

Furthermore, if you use the right tools, you won’t cause much damage to your walls. For example, picture hanging kits can be quite handy to have around. They contain all the elements you need, such as nails, screw eyes, and hanging wires. Additionally, some of them contain a level, so you can make sure the frame is not crooked.

2. Adhesive Hooks

You’ve likely used adhesive hooks before. They’re quite handy, as they can hold a lot of weight and don’t damage walls as much as nails. However, although adhesive hooks work well on wallpapers and walls with a smooth finish, they may detach from overly textured walls. Still, if your walls are smooth, adhesive hooks are quite easy to attach.

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Firstly, make sure to clean the surface with rubbing alcohol and wait for about a minute for it to dry. Once the surface is dry enough, peel off the paper that’s on the back of the hook and press the adhesive part in place. Hold the hook in place for 30 seconds. Afterward, let the adhesive set for about an hour before hanging anything you want from it.

3. Wall Anchors

If you’re dealing with textured drywall, neither command strips nor nails by themselves will be able to keep your picture frames in place. However, with high-quality wall anchors, you can hang items as heavy as mirrors onto drywall. Otherwise known as wall mollies, these plastic anchors are meant to hold screws in place.

It’s easy to find high-quality kits online with various screw and anchor sizes. Additionally, it’s quite easy to install a drywall anchor. Simply twist the plastic part into the wall with a power drill and place the matching screw into it. The anchor will protect your wall from breaking down due to the weight of the item that’s hanging off the wall.

4. Drywall Hooks

Using drywall hooks, otherwise known as monkey hooks, is among the least damaging ways to hang lighter items. Unlike command strips, you can use monkey hooks on textured walls. However, you won’t be able to use them on harder materials, such as metal and wood. Additionally, if you want to hang up heavier frames and mirrors, a standard drywall hook may not be strong enough to hold it in place.

Monkey hooks are quite easy to install. Firstly, determine where you want to hang up the item. The bottom part of the drywall hook should be at about the same height. Push the bottom part of the hook into your wall until it penetrates the wall completely. Once only the top of the hook is left, rotate it and push it further into the wall until only the very top peeks through.

5. Hardwall Hangers

If you want to hang items on a brick or a concrete wall, hardwall hangers are your best option. None of the previous four options are able to penetrate a hard wall well enough without causing damage. Even command strips don’t hold up well when it comes to textured brick walls. Luckily, a high-quality hardwall hanger can hold up quite heavy items without causing a lot of damage to your walls.

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Hardwall hangers are usually plastic, and they come with three or four pins. The pins are usually made of stainless steel, so they don’t deteriorate over time. Since they are thin, you can easily hammer them into a hard wall, and they won’t leave much of a mark. Once you secure the pins in place, you can hang whatever you want from the plastic hook.

6. Double-Sided Tape

Double-sided tape is one of the most versatile interior design solutions you can find on the market. It may not be as heavy-duty and durable as dedicated wall-hangers, but its versatility makes it a convincing competitor.

Whether you want to hang spoons and spatulas in your kitchen, or school supplies in your office, double-sided tape is easy-to-use and customizable to fit almost any application. It can be a good option for hanging pictures as well, but the wall should be smooth for best results.

7. Adhesive Putty

If you’re looking for an all-around good option for hanging items on just about any surface, look no further than adhesive putty. It forms to the surface of the wall, whether it’s smooth or textured, and sticks to the back of your pictures and other home decor items with ease.

To use, all you need to do is ensure that the surface you’re hanging on is clean and dry. Roll a piece into a small, warm ball. Stick the ball to the back of what it is you’re hanging, and then press the item into the wall, holding for up to a minute.

The downside to mounting putty is the weight limitations. It can only hold up to one pound.

8. Magnetic Dots

Hanging decorative items on the walls can be stressful if you like to move things around a lot. Magnetic dots offer a way around the commitment.

All you have to do is mount one magnet to a wall using either double-sided tape or Velcro patches, and mount the other magnet directly to the items you intend to hang.

Once you have magnets on the wall and magnets on your pictures, you can easily rearrange whenever you want!

9. Shelving

If you live in a strict apartment complex or a dorm room, there’s a good chance that you’re not allowed to hang anything on the walls. In these instances, you always have the option of using shelving to display all of your home decor items.

If you’re able to hang items on your walls, another good option is to install shelves directly on the walls. This way you can have the best of both worlds — a place for your books, and a stylish display for all your small home decor items.

In Conclusion

Which of these nine alternatives to command strips you opt for will depend on the wall type and the weight of the decor you want to hang up.

Still, no matter which option you go for, it’s important to buy a well-crafted product. That way, you can ensure your decor will stay put for a long time, and the damage to your walls will be minimal.

The post 9 Alternatives to Command Strips for Hanging Decor on Walls appeared first on HomelyVille.