Hanging Your Prints

Hanging pictures can be a somewhat daunting procedure – you need to make sure they hang straight, are not about to fall off the wall and that they are also aesthetically pleasing. To help you achieve a good result here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q: What is the best way to ensure a picture hangs straight?

A: Use wall plate hooks and strap hangers to hang your picture and always use a spirit level.

Q: How can you make sure the frame hangs flat against the wall?

A: Use wall plate hooks and strap hangers but allow a 2-3 mm air gap - this is to prevent condensation, especially on exterior walls.

Q: Once the picture is straight how can it be kept in position?

Glue a slice of wine cork on each corner at the bottom of the frame at the back - this will also stop the frame marking the wall. Alternatively, if you don't have a cork use a little blue tac.

Q: Is it possible to hang a frame on a stud partition wall?

A. Make sure you hang the picture on one of the wooden batons/studs and ensure that the frame is relatively light - no more than 14in x 18ins. Alternatively you can use a metal screw in rawl plug but don't forget that once in the wall, they can't be taken out without making an awful mess.

Q: What tools do I need to hang a picture?

A: Drill, screws, rawl-plugs, a spirit level, tape measure, a cloth and a pencil.

Q Is there some way of hanging a picture without making a hole in the wall?

A: Unfortunately not unless you have a picture rail.

Q: What is the best way to hang large, heavy prints on old walls?

A: Treat old walls with caution and don't hang anything too heavy on them. Use split baton or J-hooks and make sure you use the correct screws and rawl-plugs. Very large or heavy pictures may need a ledge or bracket at the bottom of the frame to spread the weight of the picture.

Q: Are special studs or screws required to hang a picture? If so are they supplied with your prints?

A: Wall plate hooks and strap hangers will be provided by our frame. Otherwise, there are good specialist framers who offer a more bespoke service (see below). Alternatively, or you can go to a general store such as Homebase or B&Q.

Q: How do you know where it’s safe to drill a hole in a wall and where it’s not safe to drill a hole in the wall?

A: Use caution at all times. If you are unsure use a pipe/cable detector. Never drill holes or use nails over, or in line with, plugs or light sockets.

Q: As a general rule how high should a picture be hung?

A: 160cms (eye level).

Q: When hanging a series of 5 prints with an equal space between each frame, how do you work out where to put the picture hooks?

A: This really depends on the aesthetics – but always hang the middle print first and work outwards. Try arranging the prints on the floor before you start; this way you can play around with them until you find a combination you really like then recreate the same effect on the wall starting with the centerpiece.

Q: How to hang a group of prints with different sized frames?

A: You need to create an aesthetically pleasing balance so before hanging your prints try grouping them on the floor, that way you can make sure you like the arrangement before making any holes in the wall.

Q. What is the best way to avoid getting fingerprints on the glass?

A: Use fine cotton gloves. These can be purchased from art shops and certain chemists.

Q: How can you avoid reflections?

Where possible use low reflective glass. Alternatively, you can tilt the picture and frame at a slight angle towards the floor when hanging. This can be achieved by using a slice of wine cork, but this time affixed with a dab of glue to the top of the frame at the back.

Q. How do you work out what size mount to order if you already have the picture and the frame? Is there a general guideline?

A: There is no general rule – its an aesthetic thing and depends on the style of the frame and the size of the print. Don’t make the mount too small as this can throw the overall effect out of balance.

Q: Is there a way of displaying a collection of prints without damaging the walls?

A: Prints looks terrific when displayed on shelves, the mantelpiece or even on the floor, propped up against the wall.

Useful links

John Jones - Bespoke framers

Green and Stone of Chelsea - Artists materials, framing and picture hanging equipment

24 Seven Art Services - Picture hanging workshops