Maya Ellison
Hanging a plastic frame can be a daunting task, especially if you want to avoid damaging your walls. There are several methods you can use, depending on the type of plastic frame you have. For instance, if your frame is made of polystyrene, you should use a hanging system with multiple screws on each side, such as WallBuddies, to reinforce the top corners. On the other hand, if your frame is a softer grade of plastic, you might want to try gluing a sawtooth hanger to the back of the frame, rather than using nails. This method is also suitable for heavier metal frames. Alternatively, you can attach small eye hooks to both sides of the frame and hang it on a nail or picture hook with wire or string.
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What You'll Learn
Using hooks, wire, and nails
Hanging a plastic frame using hooks, wire, and nails can be done in several ways. One way is to use a sawtooth hanger, which can be attached to the frame with heavy-duty glue designed for plastic and metal, such as E-6000. Apply the glue to the points where nails would typically be inserted and let it dry for at least 24 hours before hanging. Mark the spot on the wall with a pencil by measuring from the hanger to the top of the frame. Then, hammer a nail through the mark. Alternatively, use a plastic sleeve and a screw with a flat-mount picture hook if you have a plaster wall and need to hang a heavy picture.
Another method involves using picture wire and hooks. First, measure the distance from the taut wire to the top of the frame. Use this measurement to determine the placement of the picture hanger on the wall. Hammer the picture hanger into place, preferably into a stud for extra security. Hang the picture by hooking the middle of the wire onto the hanger. You can also use two eyelets screwed into the rear or inside edges of the frame, with a string or wire tied between them and hung on a nail or picture hook.
If you're using panel pins or finish nails, drive them into the wall at a downward angle of 45 degrees for optimum wall strength, leaving less than the frame's depth showing. If it's a large piece or in an area prone to being knocked, use two pins near the outer edges. For extra security, you can also drill two screws into the wall and sit the frame directly on top of them.
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Bulldog clips
- Choose the appropriate size of bulldog clip for your frame. Bulldog clips come in various sizes, so select one that can securely hold the corners of your frame without causing any damage.
- Plan out where you want to place the frame by sticking it on the wall using Blu-tak. Play around with the positioning until you find a balance that you like.
- Mark the spots on the wall where you will hammer the nails. Measure the distance between the hole for the nail in the bulldog clip and the end of the clip. Then, measure this distance up from the top middle of your frame to find the spot where you will hammer the nail.
- Hammer a nail through the centre of each bulldog clip. You will need one bulldog clip for each corner of the frame.
- Clip the bulldog clips onto the plastic frame. Open the clip by pressing the two metal arms together, and then slide the corner of the frame into the clip. Repeat this for each corner of the frame, ensuring that it is held securely.
- Hang the bulldog clips on the nails. Adjust the clips as needed to ensure that the frame hangs straight.
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Mounting tape
When using mounting tape, it's essential to choose the right type of tape for your needs. Conservation-style framing uses materials that minimize the artwork's deterioration from environmental factors. If you want to adopt this approach, opt for acid-free hinging tape. This type of tape is considered archival, meaning it will protect your artwork over the long term. The benefit of hinge mounting with acid-free tape is that it doesn't touch the face of the art, and you can remove the tape without causing any damage.
Another option is to use a V-hinge, which is a strip of hinging tape or tissue that's pre-folded lengthwise. One side is applied to the backside of the artwork, and the other half is attached to the mounting board. This method is excellent for hiding the hinge behind the art, allowing you to frame the image without a mat board, thus reducing framing costs.
For heavier prints and artwork, consider using Lineco's Gummed Linen Hinging Tape or Gummed Paper Hinging Tape. These tapes are designed for heavier pieces and use a water-activated adhesive made with carbohydrates and proteins. They also have a neutral pH, making them safe for photos and fine art. When using these tapes, it's recommended to use an acid-free mount board as the attachment base for the best results.
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D-rings
When hanging a plastic frame, you can use a D-ring with a self-tapping screw. If the frame is made of MDF (medium-density fiberboard), which is harder and heavier than ordinary wood, you should drill it and put in screws. However, drilling should be done carefully as MDF tends to crumble.
To hang your art with D-rings, first, get the right height. If you hang it too high, you will affect the room's proportions, and if you hang it too low, viewing it will be uncomfortable. The proper height of your art should be 57 inches from the centre of the piece to the floor. Then, measure the height on your wall using a measuring tape and mark the height with a piece of masking tape. Take the masking tape and place it across the back of your piece on top of the D-rings. Using a pen, make a dot right below the top of the D-ring on the masking tape. Lastly, hang your art on the hooks and use a standard level to check if it is level.
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Screws
Screw-in Hangers
Specialist screw-in hangers can be used to hang plastic frames. These include D-rings, which can be screwed into the frame with self-tapping screws. It is recommended to drill a small pilot hole first to prevent the frame from splitting. If the frame is polystyrene, it is suggested to use a product called WallBuddies, which can accommodate up to six screws on each side, providing excellent reinforcement.
Eye Hooks and Wire
Small eye hooks or screw-eyes can be screwed into the frame, and wire can be attached to them to hang the frame. This method may require additional support, such as a picture hook or nail, unless the wire is looped under the frame points to hold the piece in place.
Brads and Staples
Brads inserted at an angle can hold picture-hanging wire, although screws are considered more secure. Staples can also be used, but they may not provide the same level of support as screws.
Direct Screws
In some cases, screws can be directly inserted into the wall to support the frame. This method involves screwing into the wall at a downward angle, leaving enough space for the frame to sit flat against the wall while ensuring the screws remain hidden behind the frame.
Considerations
When using screws, it is important to consider the type of plastic and its properties. Some plastics may be too soft or brittle for screws, and drilling or screwing may cause the material to crumble or melt. It is recommended to test on a small area first and to use a suitable drill speed to avoid damage. Additionally, some users suggest reinforcing screws with glue to increase their holding power.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to hang a plastic frame. You can use a hanging kit with small hooks and wire, or bulldog clips if the frame is lightweight. You can also use mounting tape, but this may not work for heavier frames. If you want to attach the frame directly to the wall, you can use panel pins, or finish nails, or drill two screws into the wall and sit the frame on top of them.
You can attach small eye hooks or screw D-rings to both sides of the frame, then twist wire between the hooks or rings. You can then hang the frame on a nail or picture hook.
You can use a sawtooth hanger, which is a type of picture hanger. First, place the frame face down and use a ruler or measuring tape to find the centre point along the top of the frame. Mark the centre point with a pencil, apply glue to the sawtooth hanger, and place the hanger on the pencil line. Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours before hanging the frame.
