How to Hang Metal Wall Art Without Nails

Metal wall art can add a touch of elegance and creativity to your space. But if you’re renting, or simply want to avoid putting holes in your walls, you might be wondering how to hang metal wall art without nails. Luckily, there are several effective and damage-free alternatives to nails. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to securely hang your metal artwork without causing damage to your walls.

Why Avoid Nails?

Before we dive into the methods, let’s briefly discuss why you might want to avoid nails:

• Damage to Walls: Nails leave permanent holes in the wall, which can be especially problematic for renters.
• Plaster or Drywall Concerns: In older homes with plaster walls, nails can cause cracks, while drywall can crumble or weaken around nail holes.
• Flexibility: You may want the freedom to easily rearrange or remove your art without worrying about patching up the wall afterward.

Tools and Supplies for Hanging Metal Wall Art Without Nails

Here’s a list of the most effective tools you’ll need for hanging metal wall art without nails:

• Adhesive Strips (Command Strips)
• Adhesive Hooks
• Double-Sided Mounting Tape
• Velcro Strips
• Magnetic Hanging Systems

Let’s look at how each option works.

1. Adhesive Strips (Command Strips)

One of the best solutions for hanging metal wall art without nails is to use adhesive strips, such as Command Strips. These strips are designed for picture hanging and can hold surprisingly heavy items if used correctly.

How to Use Command Strips for Metal Art:

1. Clean the Wall and Art: Ensure both the wall surface and the back of your metal art are clean and free of dust or grease.
2. Attach the Strips: Apply the strips to the back of your metal art. Follow the weight guidelines on the package to determine how many strips you’ll need.
3. Position the Art: Once the strips are attached to the art, press it against the wall for about 30 seconds to ensure a firm hold.
4. Remove When Needed: Command Strips are easy to remove when it’s time to change your decor, leaving no damage behind.

Adhesive strips are perfect for light to medium-weight metal wall art, typically up to 16 pounds.

2. Adhesive Hooks

Another excellent option is adhesive hooks, which are sturdy enough to hold medium to heavy metal wall art. These hooks use strong adhesives and can hold weight up to 10 to 20 pounds, depending on the product.

How to Hang Metal Wall Art with Adhesive Hooks:

1. Prepare the Surface: Like adhesive strips, clean both the wall and the back of your art to ensure a proper bond.
2. Apply the Hook: Attach the adhesive hook to the wall where you want to hang your metal art. Be sure to press firmly for about 30 seconds.
3. Wait for Adhesion: Wait at least one hour to let the adhesive fully bond to the wall before hanging your art on the hook.
4. Hang Your Art: Once the adhesive hook is firmly attached, hang your metal artwork on the hook.

Adhesive hooks work well for heavier pieces of metal art that require strong support.

3. Double-Sided Mounting Tape

For smaller or lightweight metal art pieces, double-sided mounting tape can be an excellent solution. This strong, sticky tape can hold lighter items securely in place and is easy to use.

How to Use Mounting Tape:

1. Prepare the Surface: Clean both the wall and the metal surface for the best adhesion.
2. Cut the Tape: Cut the tape to the desired length and apply it to the back of the metal artwork.
3. Press the Artwork to the Wall: Press the metal artwork against the wall firmly to ensure a strong hold.
4. Check the Weight Limits: Be sure to check the weight limit of the tape you’re using, as it is typically only recommended for lightweight pieces.

This method is ideal for small and light metal decorations.

4. Velcro Strips

Velcro strips, also known as hook-and-loop fasteners, are another good choice for hanging metal wall art. They are durable and can hold heavier pieces without the need for nails.

How to Hang Metal Art with Velcro Strips:

1. Attach Velcro to the Metal and Wall: Apply one side of the Velcro strip to the back of the metal art and the other side to the wall.
2. Press Firmly: Once both sides of the Velcro are in place, press the metal artwork firmly onto the wall. The Velcro should securely hold the weight of your art.
3. Reposition Easily: Velcro strips also allow you to easily remove or reposition the artwork as needed without damaging the wall.

Velcro strips are suitable for medium-weight metal art.

5. Magnetic Hanging Systems

For a more creative and modern approach, you can try magnetic hanging systems. This method works particularly well for metal wall art, as the magnets naturally adhere to the metal surface.

How to Use Magnetic Hanging Systems:

1. Install Magnetic Plates: Attach magnetic plates to the wall where you want to hang the art.
2. Position Your Art: The metal art will naturally adhere to the magnetic plates, holding it in place without nails or adhesives.
3. Easily Reposition: One advantage of magnetic systems is the ability to reposition or swap out your art effortlessly.

Magnetic hanging systems are ideal for light to medium-weight metal art and can give your space a modern, sleek look.

Bonus Tip: Use Easels or Shelves

If you want to avoid hanging your metal wall art altogether, consider using easels or floating shelves. This option requires no adhesives or wall-hanging equipment and is completely damage-free.

• Easels: A decorative easel can display your metal art beautifully, and you can easily move it around as needed.
• Shelves: Floating or wall-mounted shelves provide a sturdy base for your artwork. Simply place the metal art on the shelf without the need for hanging.

Conclusion

Hanging metal wall art without nails is easier than you might think! With options like adhesive strips, hooks, mounting tape, Velcro strips, and magnetic systems, you can showcase your metal art without damaging your walls. Choose the method that best suits your needs based on the weight of the artwork and the condition of your walls.

Now, you can decorate your space beautifully, even if you’re renting or simply want to keep your walls in perfect condition!

FAQs

1. Can I hang heavy metal wall art without nails?
Yes, you can use heavy-duty adhesive hooks or magnetic hanging systems to support heavier metal artwork.

2. Do adhesive strips really work for metal art?
Yes, adhesive strips like Command Strips can hold metal art securely as long as the weight limit is not exceeded and the surfaces are clean.

3. How do I remove adhesive strips without damaging the wall?
To remove adhesive strips, pull down on the tab slowly, stretching it until the strip comes off without leaving marks.

4. What’s the easiest method for lightweight metal art?
For lightweight pieces, double-sided mounting tape or adhesive strips are the easiest and most damage-free options.

5. Can I hang metal art on a plaster wall without nails?
Yes, you can use any of the methods mentioned above, including adhesive strips or hooks, to avoid damaging plaster walls.