Mounting Plastic Plates: A Creative Wall Decor Guide

how to hang plastic plates on wall

Hanging plastic plates on a wall can be a great way to fill up empty space and display sentimental items. It is a little trickier than hanging pictures, as you have to consider the fragility, shape, size, and weight of the plates. There are various methods to hang plates on a wall, including adhesive discs, hooks, nails, and DIY hangers made from materials like paper clips and safety pins. Before hanging the plates, it is important to plan the arrangement and clean the plates to ensure the best results.

Characteristics Values
Hanging methods Adhesive discs, adhesive strips, nails, hooks, paper clips, safety pins, vinyl-coated plate hangers, duct tape
Advantages Adhesive discs are invisible and allow plates to hang flat against the wall
Disadvantages Adhesive discs may not work with plates that have a raised pattern on the back, and they can't be easily removed
Preparation Measure the dimensions of the wall, arrange the plates accordingly, and mark the centre point of the wall
Templates Draw around each plate, cut out the templates, and stick them to the wall to plan the arrangement
Adhesive discs Read manufacturer's directions, clean the back of the plate, activate the glue with water, stick the disc on, and hang the hook on the wall
Safety pins Cut a scrap of felt, attach the safety pin to the felt with hot glue, and attach the plate to the wall
Paper clips Bend the paper clip at the top, cut felt into small circles, position the felt and paper clips, and attach the plate to the wall

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Using adhesive discs

Adhesive discs are a popular method for hanging plates on walls, and they are a great alternative to traditional spring-style hangers that may not fit all plate sizes. They are also easy to use and invisible once the plates are hung.

To start, you must select the plates you want to hang and determine their arrangement and location on the wall. Then, place the plates on a large sheet of packing paper and trace around each plate with a pencil. Cut out the tracings and arrange them on the wall with painter's tape to plan out your design.

Next, follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure the adhesive discs are suitable for your plates and activate the glue correctly. Typically, you will need to add a small amount of water to the adhesive and stir it with your finger until it becomes tacky. Make sure the back of your plates are clean and smooth, as plates with raised designs will not work properly with adhesive discs.

Once the glue is ready, place the disc on the back of the plate, ensuring the hook is in the correct position for the plate's design and how you want it to hang. Press the disc firmly onto the plate and leave it overnight to dry.

After the adhesive has dried, test the adhesion to ensure the discs are secure before hanging your plates on the wall. You can remove adhesive discs with warm water, which will not damage the back stamps, glazes, or markings on your plates.

Adhesive discs are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different plate sizes, and they can be purchased from craft stores or online.

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DIY plate hangers

Plastic plates can be hung on walls using various DIY plate hanger methods. One method is to use adhesive discs, which are invisible once hung and can be easily removed by soaking the plates in warm water. However, some people have reported issues with adhesive discs, such as plates falling off the wall and breaking. Another option is to use U-shaped wire hooks attached to the backs of plates with silicone sealant. These hooks can then be hung on command hooks on the wall. When using this method, it is important to plan the plate arrangement beforehand and to position the wires correctly, especially if the plates have a specific top or bottom design.

For lightweight plates, a paper clip can be glued to the back of the plate with hot glue or E-6000 glue, leaving a small loop for hanging. This method creates an invisible hanger, but it may not be suitable for heavier plates. Before hanging, it is recommended to roughen the surface of the plate with sandpaper to help the glue adhere better. Additionally, placing heavy objects on the back of the plate can aid in setting the glue.

When creating a plate wall, some people trace each plate on paper, cut them out, and arrange them on the wall. Others start with the middle plate and work outwards, adding the top, bottom, and sides. Planning the arrangement on a table and photographing it can help with the wall layout. Weighing the plates can also assist in determining the correct hooks to use.

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Planning the layout

Choose the plates

Start by selecting the plastic plates you want to hang. Consider the size, shape, colour, and design of the plates to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing arrangement. You can mix and match different styles or stick to a specific theme to achieve your desired look.

Determine the display area

Decide on the wall or space where you want to display your plastic plates. Measure the dimensions of this area to help you plan the arrangement of the plates. Consider the amount of space available and how many plates you plan to hang.

Create templates

Draw around each plate on separate pieces of paper and cut them out to create templates. You can also use kraft paper or wrapping paper for this step. These templates will help you visualise the layout and make adjustments before putting any holes in your wall.

Arrange the templates

Tape the templates to the desired wall using painter's tape or low-tack masking tape. Play around with different arrangements until you find one that you are happy with. Consider the spacing between the plates and try to stick to the measurements as a guide, allowing for some creativity and adjustments as needed.

Mark the wall

Once you finalise the arrangement, use a pencil to lightly mark the centre point of each plate on the wall. These marks will guide you when hanging the plates, ensuring they are placed accurately according to your planned layout.

Clean the plates

Before attaching any hangers or adhesives, ensure the backs of the plates are clean and free from dust or lint. This step is crucial for ensuring a strong bond between the plates and the chosen hanging method.

By following these steps, you will have a well-planned layout for hanging your plastic plates on the wall, minimising the risk of errors and creating a visually appealing display.

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Attaching plates to the wall

Adhesive Discs

One of the easiest ways to hang plates on a wall is by using adhesive discs. First, choose the plates you want to display and find a suitable location. Place the plates on a large sheet of packing paper or kraft paper on a flat surface. Then, following the manufacturer's directions, clean the back of each plate and ensure it is smooth, with no raised designs. When you are ready to apply the adhesive disc, stir a little water into the adhesive with your finger until it becomes tacky. Place the disc on the back of the plate, ensuring the hook is positioned correctly for how you want the plate to hang. Leave the plates for 24 hours to allow the adhesive to bond. Finally, use the measurements and templates you previously recorded to place a hook on the wall for each plate, and hang them according to your design.

Nails, Hooks, and Hardware

Another method is to use nails, picture hanging hooks, or other hardware to hang your plates. First, mark the centre point of your plate wall with a pencil or tape. Then, use a level to check the placement of any plates you want to hang in a straight line. Decide on the placement of each plate and lightly mark the wall with a pencil to indicate where each nail will go. Use a hammer to place small nails in the spots you marked. Finally, hang your plates on the nails.

DIY Plate Hanger

If you want a DIY option, you can create your own plate hanger using medium-sized safety pins and felt. First, cut a scrap of felt so that it overlaps the safety pin by ½ inch on each side. Decide on the placement of the pin on the plate and apply a narrow band of hot glue along the back rim. Quickly place the lower half of the pin into the glue, ensuring the round part of the pin points towards the top of the plate. Allow the homemade hanger to dry for a couple of minutes before hanging your plates on the wall.

Paper Clips

Some people hang plates on the wall using paper clips, but this method may not be as secure as the others. To use this method, bend the top of the paper clip slightly and position it on the front of the plate. Cut a small circle of felt, about the size of a silver dollar, and place it behind the paper clip. Use hot glue to attach the paper clip and felt to the plate, but be aware that hot glue does not bond well to itself, so you may need to use fresh glue and felt if you need to adjust the placement.

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Pros and cons of different methods

Hanging plastic plates on a wall can be a great way to display decorative items. However, there are several methods for doing so, each with its own pros and cons.

One popular method is to use adhesive discs. These discs have glue on the back that is activated by adding a small amount of water. The pros of using adhesive discs are that they are easy to use, invisible once the plate is hung, and allow the plate to hang flush against the wall. However, there are also several cons to this method. Firstly, they may not be suitable for plates with raised designs on the back. Secondly, they can't be easily removed if you want to use the plates. Lastly, there is a risk of plates falling off the wall if the adhesive breaks down over time.

Another option is to use vinyl-coated plate hangers. These hangers can be bent at the top so that the plate lays flat against the wall. The advantage of this method is that the hangers can be easily removed, allowing you to take the plates off the wall for use. Additionally, the vinyl coating helps to prevent scratches on the plates. However, one potential downside is that these hangers may not fit smaller plates, as they tend to "run small".

For a more DIY approach, some people use paper clips or safety pins with hot glue to hang their plates. The pros of this method are that it is inexpensive and can be done with simple materials. However, there is a risk of the plates falling and breaking if the glue fails or is not applied correctly.

Lastly, a more traditional method is to use nails, picture hanging hooks, or other hardware to hang plates directly on the wall. The advantage of this method is that nails leave less of a mark on the wall than adhesives. However, it may be more challenging to hang the plates flush against the wall, and there is a risk of damaging the plates if they are not hung securely.

Overall, each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the best approach may depend on factors such as the weight and size of the plates, as well as personal preference.

Frequently asked questions

There are a few different methods for hanging plates on a wall. One option is to use adhesive discs, which can be stuck onto the back of your plates and then hung on hooks attached to the wall. Another option is to use a DIY method with safety pins, hot glue, and felt. You can also use nails, picture hanging hooks, or other hardware to hang plates directly on the wall.

Adhesive discs are easy to use and allow your plates to hang flat against the wall. They are also invisible once the plates are hung. However, they may not work well with plates that have raised patterns or designs on the back, and they can be difficult to remove if you want to use the plates. Some people have also reported issues with plates falling off the wall when using adhesive discs.

First, put the safety pin upside down on a scrap of felt and cut the felt so it overlaps the pin by 1/2 inch on each side. Decide where the pin will go on the plate and use hot glue to attach the lower 1/2 inch of the pin to the back rim of the plate. The round part of the pin should point toward the top of the plate.

It is recommended to use a tape measure to work out the dimensions of the plate wall and arrange the plates accordingly on the floor. You can then use low-tack masking tape to mark the boundaries of the plate display on the wall. Draw a sketch of where the plates will be positioned and record the measurements. Use a level to check the placement of any plates that you want to hang in a straight line.

It is important to clean the front and back of the plates before hanging them to remove any dust, lint, or fingerprints. It is also a good idea to plan the placement of the plates before attaching them to the wall. You can use paper templates or trace the rims of the plates with a pencil to plan the arrangement.

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