How to hang pictures on textured plaster walls without nails

As a regular renter I refuse to use any kind of tape now. You realise over the years that you are messing up people’s houses with stupid ‘super sticky hold up anything tape.’ You don’t do any damage using a nail that can’t be hidden with a dot of paint or at worse a little polyfiller. I am moving and the landlords insisted no nails and it’s caused so much work. The sticky stuff never comes off without taking paint and plaster with it. Sometimes just peeling it isn’t enough and you have to sand and scrape it til there is a huge gap in the wall.

It’s so sticky it actually broke two of my nice frames because it wouldn’t come off the wall.

I will always use nails now. Recently took off nailed in certificate wall and didn’t need anything other than paint to cover it. The other room however took a week to remove, sand, fill, sand, paint. Total waste of time.

Also. Textured walls can be skimmed with plaster so it doesn’t look like it’s from the 70s/80s.

Whether you're a serious collector or have just acquired a few pieces for fun, decorating your walls with artwork can add personality and a splash of color to your home. Studies show that it can even boost your mood. Of course, finding a way to display each masterpiece can be challenging, especially if you're worried about damaging your walls.

If you're renting or just want to keep your walls in pristine condition, you're in luck. We've put together a step-by-step guide with easy, creative ideas on how to hang art without nails.

Hang Wall Art With Adhesive Strips Instead of Nails 

Be cautious using these on textured surfaces as they may remove the finish. You'll need to do a little prep work to ensure the strips adhere properly.

If you’re not sure which strips to choose, a good rule of thumb is to get strips that hold weight that’s more than you think you’ll need. 

Here’s how to use adhesive strips to hang art on the wall: 

1. Remove any protruding hardware that's attached to the back of the picture. This includes any wires, screws, nails, or hanging fasteners. Also, remove any frame stands that will prevent the art from hanging flat against the wall.
2. Clean the frame and wall area with a clean cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Allow the surfaces to dry.
3. Press the two sides together for each set of strips.
4. Remove the paper liner and attach the adhesive side to the back of the picture. Hold for 30 seconds. Light-weight artwork should only need a single set of strips positioned at the top center. Medium-weight pieces will require two sets at each top corner and heavy pictures will need four sets positioned at the top corners and on each side.
5. Repeat until all strips are affixed.
6. Remove the liners and press the picture against the wall.
7. Gently pull on the bottom corners of the picture and lift to separate the wall strips. Press the wall strips with your fingers for 30 seconds.
8. Wait an hour before replacing the artwork to ensure the strips have had time to properly attach on the wall. 

If the Frame Has a Hanger on the Back, Use Adhesive Hooks

1. Clean the wall with a clean cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
2. You'll be hanging the artwork on the hook with hardware that's attached to the back, so you won't need to remove anything unless it prevents the picture from hanging flat against the wall.
3. Remove the paper liner from the back of the adhesive, and press firmly against the wall for 30 seconds.
4. Let set for one hour before hanging your artwork.

For Heavy Art, Use Press-in Hooks

Dealing with a heavy piece of artwork? You’re in luck. Manufacturers include Monkey Hook that can hold up to 35 pounds, Gorilla Hook for artwork weighing up to 50 pounds, Super Hook for up to 80 pounds, and Hercules Hook for massive pieces weighing up to 150 pounds. These will make a small hole in the drywall but do not require tools to install.

1. Push the long, tapered end of the hook through the wall so just the small hook is sticking out. Make sure the hook is upright.
2. For heavier pictures, you'll need to use more than one hook. Use a level to make sure the hooks are at the same height. Measure the artwork width and divide it into thirds or quarters to balance the weight.
3. Hang the artwork. A wire strung along the back of the frame may be easier to line up on the hooks.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative 

By using a little ingenuity and specially designed fasteners, you can easily hang art without nails. 

Still feel a little nervous or unsure about how to display your beautiful collection yourself? If you live in the Dallas area, a professional Puls handyman can do the work for you. We've got affordable service plans and convenient appointment scheduling available to hang your artwork or handle other projects quickly and easily.

Debbie Dey is a professional writer with over three decades of experience in residential construction. Her background gives her a wealth of knowledge about all kinds of home improvement projects, which she enjoys sharing through her writing. She has been a Puls staff writer since 2018. In her free time, you can find her relaxing by the water or cruising with her husband in their sports car.

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