If you are going to hang a smaller and lighter picture, you do not necessarily need to use nails or screws. Hanging pictures without nails is a good alternative as it avoids ugly holes in the wall. If you also feel unsure about using a screwdriver, drill, or hammer, nail- and screw-free methods might be the solution for you.
Read on to learn all about how to hang pictures without nails. We will also go through the pros and cons of adhesive alternatives, versus nails and screws.
How do adhesive nails work?
Those who want to hang pictures without nails can instead use adhesive nails, hooks, and strips. With these, you neither need to drill nor hammer holes in the walls.
Always start by cleaning the surface where the picture hanger will be attached. Remove the protective strip on the back and press the hanger onto the wall. It is always important to follow the instructions, as these can vary depending on the brand you use.
If you have a concrete wall at home, adhesive nails can be a convenient solution. Read more about how to hang pictures on a concrete wall here.
Advantages of hanging without nails
There are many advantages to hanging pictures without nails and instead using adhesive picture hooks. Some of these are mentioned below:
- You avoid holes in the walls and usually do not have to worry about ugly marks. This is very suitable if you, for example, rent an apartment second hand or live in a student apartment.
- You do not need any special tools like a hammer or drill.
- Suitable for those who are unsure about using a drill or other tools. If you do not know how to proceed, you might drill incorrectly, which leads to more or larger holes.
- Cheaper and often faster.
Are there any disadvantages?
- When using adhesive nails, you cannot hang very heavy pictures. For a slightly heavier picture, it can sometimes work to distribute the weight between two adhesive nails. If you want to hang heavier pictures, for example in size 50x70 we recommend that you instead use nails or screws.
- If the wallpaper is fragile, there is a risk that the adhesive nails will damage it.
- Putting up adhesive nails involves several steps. You need to know how many nails are needed, and make sure the surface is free of dirt. The nails also need to stay on the wall for a while and dry before anything can be hung on them.
- There is a greater risk that the pictures will fall down if you hang them with adhesive nails. If you want to hang expensive pictures that you are careful with, it is safer to use nails or screws.
Things to consider when hanging pictures without nails
- We mention above the importance of cleaning the wall before you put up adhesive nails. Wipe with alcohol (isopropanol). The alcohol helps the adhesive nails to grip better.
- Measure carefully and preferably use a level to ensure the hangers are straight.
- Put up enough nails to support the weight of the picture.
What if I change my mind?
Have you changed your mind and want to move a picture? No problem, it is easy with adhesive nails. Thanks to something called a polymer chain, the nails have a strong adhesion that makes them stick firmly to the wall, but at the same time, they are easy to remove. The nails are equipped with a strip that releases the polymer chain. When you pull the strip, the chain changes its shape so that it does not adhere to the surface, and you can remove the picture hanger.
Hanging pictures and posters does not have to be complicated
It should not be complicated to decorate your home with nice pictures and posters. All you need is the right equipment and knowledge. Today it is also easier than ever. From previously only having nails and hooks to hang pictures with, there are now several different picture hangers to choose from. Also, read our guides on how high a picture should be hung and how to build a nice picture wall behind the sofa, as well as our other articles that help you decorate with nice wall decorations at home.
Thanks to Posterton it is now easy to find and buy unique posters, pictures, and frames. All you need to do is choose your favorites on our website, which will then be delivered within 1-3 business days.