How to Hang a Painting
Find the right wall space., Use a 4D or 6D nail., Drive the nail at a 45 degree downward angle., Attach a d-ring to the painting., Hang the painting.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find the right wall space.
When you have a small painting, between one and three square feet, you shouldn’t hang it on a big empty wall by itself.
You’ll make the painting look even smaller.
So find a small section of wall or choose a few other paintings to hang with it.
Hang the artwork at eye level, around 60”.Small paintings are great to hang around larger paintings to offset them and create some balance.
You can also hang a collection of small paintings in a pattern. -
Step 2: Use a 4D or 6D nail.
As long as your painting is less than about 5 pounds, a regular finish nail will be sufficient to hold it, even in drywall.
The nail should be around 1 ½”(3.8 cm).
Definitely don’t use a nail that is over 2” (5 cm) because it will end up being too long.Don’t use a nail that is less than 1” (2.5 cm) because most walls will be at least that thick and the nail won’t be long enough If you know that your walls are made of brick or plaster, use a screw rather than a nail.
Use screws that still have a small head on them. , Many people make the mistake of pounding a nail straight into the wall, but this is not the most stable way.
Gently hit the nail into the wall so the head is angled up toward the ceiling.
Leave about ½” (1.3 cm) sticking out of the wall.
If you have a small hammer, use this rather than a large carpenter’s hammer.
A 20 or 24 oz hammer is too heavy and might damage the wall. , These hooks are standard for hanging artwork.
Measure the width of the painting and make a mark in the middle of the top on the back.
Attach the hanger here.
Make sure it is centered so the painting will hang straight.If you purchased the artwork or frame, it may have a hanger attached already.
You can pick up d-ring hangers at most hardware and home improvement stores. , The d-ring hangs right on the nail.
Step back at least five feet from the artwork and look at it to see if it is straight.
If there is someone else around, it is good to have a second person take a look to see if they think it is straight as well. -
Step 3: Drive the nail at a 45 degree downward angle.
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Step 4: Attach a d-ring to the painting.
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Step 5: Hang the painting.
Detailed Guide
When you have a small painting, between one and three square feet, you shouldn’t hang it on a big empty wall by itself.
You’ll make the painting look even smaller.
So find a small section of wall or choose a few other paintings to hang with it.
Hang the artwork at eye level, around 60”.Small paintings are great to hang around larger paintings to offset them and create some balance.
You can also hang a collection of small paintings in a pattern.
As long as your painting is less than about 5 pounds, a regular finish nail will be sufficient to hold it, even in drywall.
The nail should be around 1 ½”(3.8 cm).
Definitely don’t use a nail that is over 2” (5 cm) because it will end up being too long.Don’t use a nail that is less than 1” (2.5 cm) because most walls will be at least that thick and the nail won’t be long enough If you know that your walls are made of brick or plaster, use a screw rather than a nail.
Use screws that still have a small head on them. , Many people make the mistake of pounding a nail straight into the wall, but this is not the most stable way.
Gently hit the nail into the wall so the head is angled up toward the ceiling.
Leave about ½” (1.3 cm) sticking out of the wall.
If you have a small hammer, use this rather than a large carpenter’s hammer.
A 20 or 24 oz hammer is too heavy and might damage the wall. , These hooks are standard for hanging artwork.
Measure the width of the painting and make a mark in the middle of the top on the back.
Attach the hanger here.
Make sure it is centered so the painting will hang straight.If you purchased the artwork or frame, it may have a hanger attached already.
You can pick up d-ring hangers at most hardware and home improvement stores. , The d-ring hangs right on the nail.
Step back at least five feet from the artwork and look at it to see if it is straight.
If there is someone else around, it is good to have a second person take a look to see if they think it is straight as well.
About the Author
Tyler Rodriguez
Experienced content creator specializing in organization guides and tutorials.
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