Chloe Zhang
Hanging plastic frames can be a tricky task, especially if you want to avoid damaging your walls. There are several methods to securely hang a plastic frame, including using adhesive hooks, nails, or a hanging kit with a sawtooth hanger and heavy-duty glue. If you're looking for a more permanent solution, you might consider drilling and screwing directly into the frame, but this requires careful execution to avoid damaging the frame. Let's explore the various options available to help you choose the best method for your needs.
Characteristics and Values Table for Hanging a Plastic Frame:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hanging Hardware | Sawtooth hanger, D-rings, wire, nails, panel pins, finish nails, adhesive hooks, Velcro strips, double-sided tape, bulldog clips, picture hanging kit |
| Tools | Stud finder, tape (masking or painter's), tape measure, hammer, anchors, level |
| Considerations | Frame weight, wall type, frame material, stud location, centre point of frame, height of artwork, frame size, wire length |
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What You'll Learn
Using a sawtooth hanger
Sawtooth hangers are a versatile, popular, and easy way to hang lightweight plastic frames. They are small metal brackets with serrated teeth that attach to the back of picture frames. The zigzag, saw-like edge allows for flexible positioning on nails or hooks.
Step 1: Prepare the frame
Lay the frame face down on a clean, flat surface to prevent scratches or damage to the front. Remove any existing hanging hardware if it needs to be replaced. Clean the area where you'll attach the sawtooth hanger to ensure proper adhesion.
Step 2: Mark the centre
Measure and mark the centre point along the top edge of the frame's back. For standard placement, position the hanger about one-third to one-quarter of the way down from the top edge of the frame.
Step 3: Attach the hanger
Place the sawtooth hanger on the marked spot, ensuring the serrated edge (teeth) face downward toward the bottom of the frame. Use a screwdriver to carefully attach the hanger, ensuring it is perfectly centred for balance. You can also use a piece of tape to secure the hanger in place while you hammer or screw it onto the frame.
Step 4: Mark the wall
Mark the spot on the wall where you'll hang the frame. Use a level to ensure accurate alignment.
Step 5: Hammer a nail or screw
For best results, hammer a nail or screw into the marked point, providing a sturdy base for the hanger. You can also use a screw driven straight into the wall. If using a nail, hammer it down into the wall at a 45-degree angle to provide the most support for the picture.
Step 6: Hang the frame
Gently slide the sawtooth hanger over the nail or screw on the wall. Centre the frame and ensure it is level.
Tips and Tricks:
- Sawtooth hangers are typically used for wooden frames or frames with solid backing material that can hold nails securely.
- They are not ideal for metal frames, very thin frames, or frames with delicate materials.
- For frames wider than 12 inches, consider installing two sawtooth hangers positioned at equal distances from the centre for better weight distribution.
- Most standard sawtooth hangers can support between 10 and 15 pounds. For heavier items, consider installing multiple hangers or switching to wire hanging systems.
- If the frame feels unsteady, double-check that the sawtooth hanger is centred and securely fastened.
- For heavier pictures, use a wire installed across the back of the frame.
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Bulldog clips
First, plan out where you want your plastic frames to be hung by using Blu-tack to stick them onto the wall. This will help you play around with the positioning and achieve a nicely balanced look. Once you are happy with the arrangement, mark the spots where you will put the nails. Measure the distance between the hole for the nail in the bulldog clip and the end of the clip itself. Then, measure this distance upwards from the top middle of your frame to locate the spot for the nail.
When hanging your plastic frame, you can choose to use one or two bulldog clips per frame. If using two clips, place them on either side of the frame. Clip the bulldog clip onto the middle or sides of your plastic frame, and then hang the clip on the nail. You can adjust the clips slightly once they are hung to ensure your frame hangs straight.
It is important to note that binder clips, a type of bulldog clip, can leave permanent impressions on certain materials. If you are concerned about this, consider placing small pieces of cardboard, metal, or wood between the clip and the frame to minimize the effect.
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D-rings
Before installing the D-rings, make a mark on the back of the frame to indicate the top of the frame, so it's easy to remember the orientation of your image. Then, measure the length of the frame and divide it by three. Use this number to measure from the top and mark the spot with a pencil—that’s where the D-ring goes. Measure and mark the other side of the frame in the same way.
Centre one D-ring with the width of the frame, and align the screw hole over your pencil mark. Keep the ring triangle facing up. Use a screwdriver to screw in the D-ring. Repeat this to install the second D-ring on the other side of the frame.
Now, you can hang your frame. Tie a cord or wire between each D-ring and secure it with a knot. Finish the cord ends off with a bit of frame backing tape to prevent fraying. You can also use wire and ferrules. You can then hang your frame on a picture hook attached to the wall.
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Adhesive hooks
Before installing adhesive hooks, it is important to clean the surface of your wall with a damp cloth to ensure the adhesive sticks properly. You can also use rubbing alcohol for a more thorough clean if your wall seems particularly dirty. Once the wall is clean, use a pencil and a ruler to mark where you will be hanging your frame.
When using adhesive hooks, it is crucial to ensure that the wire or bracket of your plastic frame hangs securely on the hook to avoid any accidents. Additionally, make sure to use enough adhesive hooks to support the weight of your frame. For larger pieces, consider using two adhesive hooks to distribute the weight evenly and keep your frame level.
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Screws
If the plastic frame is made of polystyrene moulding, a hanging system that uses multiple screws on each side is recommended. WallBuddies, for example, can reinforce the top corners and allow for up to six screws on each side. For this type of frame, a D-ring with a self-tapping screw can also be used.
For heavier frames, drywall anchors (also called screw-in anchors) can be used. These anchors provide extra stability and prevent the screw from coming loose. Plastic wall anchors are suitable for pictures weighing 20 pounds or less, while metal wall anchors, such as Toggle Bolts or Molly Bolts, can hold 30 pounds or more.
When hanging a plastic frame with screws, it is important to consider the weight of the frame and choose the appropriate type of anchor or screw. Additionally, if the frame is made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), it is important to drill carefully as the material tends to crumble.
Another option is to use a rail-cable hanging kit, which can be installed once and provide a convenient solution for hanging heavy or light frames without nails. This system offers flexibility and allows for easy changes or additions to wall decorations without damaging the walls.
When using screws to hang a plastic frame, it is also important to consider the placement and angle of the screws. For example, when using two screws or brads in the wall to hang a picture, they should be level and spaced about 80-90% of the picture's width apart. The screws should be inserted at a downward angle of about 20 degrees, ensuring that the edge of the fastener is on the inside of the frame.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use adhesive hooks or double-sided tape to hang a plastic frame without nails. However, be sure to use enough tape or hooks to support the weight of the frame.
One of the best ways to hang a plastic frame is to use a sawtooth 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 at the points where the nails would typically be inserted. Place the hanger centred on the pencil line and let it sit for at least 24 hours before hanging.
The hardware you use to hang your plastic frame will depend on its weight, size, and composition. For heavier frames, use a French cleat, which can handle frames that weigh anywhere from 50 to 400 pounds. For polystyrene frames, use a D-ring with a self-tapping screw. For softer plastic frames, use a heavy-duty glue designed for plastic, such as E-6000, to attach a sawtooth hanger.
To hang a plastic frame with wire, screw two eyelets about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way up each side of the frame. Tie a string or wire between the two, with enough slack to pull a triangle near the inner top edge. Hang the frame on a nail or picture hook.
