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Putting your personal stamp on a living space is one of the great joys of making a house a home. But for many, especially renters or those who simply dislike DIY, the thought of hammers, nails and the resulting wall damage can be a major deterrent. Filling holes and repainting just to get a security deposit back is a hassle no one needs.
Fortunately, there's a straightforward way to hang pictures, art and mirrors without leaving a trace. This guide is designed to walk you through the practical considerations of using Command picture hanging strips, a popular choice for damage free picture hanging in the UK. We'll cover what to look for and share some specific recommendations to help you decorate with confidence.
Before you start, a little planning goes a long way. Keep these points in mind to ensure your frames stay securely on the wall.
The most critical factor for success is selecting a strip rated for the weight of your item. Adhesive picture hangers come in various sizes, each with a specific weight capacity. Always weigh your picture frame or mirror first. Using strips that are too weak for the item is the most common reason for failure. Also, consider the frame's dimensions; larger frames may require more pairs of strips for stability, even if they are lightweight.
Wall hanging strips are versatile but not universal. They adhere strongly to a variety of smooth, sealed indoor surfaces, including:
However, they are not recommended for use on wallpaper, vinyl surfaces, unpainted brick or other rough or delicate surfaces. The adhesive may not bond properly or could cause damage upon removal.
For a secure hold and clean removal, proper application is essential. Always start by cleaning the wall surface with isopropyl rubbing alcohol to remove any dust or grime. When applying the removable picture hangers, press each strip firmly against the wall and the frame for about 30 seconds. Most importantly, after mounting the frame, it's often recommended to remove it, press the wall-side strips again for 30 seconds and then wait one hour before re-hanging. This allows the adhesive to build a strong bond.
Here are a few options from the 3M Command strips range, suited for different decorating projects.
Why It Stands Out: The Large strips are the workhorse of the range, offering a great balance of strength and versatility. They are suitable for the majority of standard picture frames and wall art, making them an excellent all-rounder for most household decorating tasks. The interlocking design clicks together, so you know the frame is secure.
Pros:
Who is it for? This size is ideal for anyone hanging medium-to-large pieces of art, family photos or decorative certificates. It's a reliable choice for creating a feature wall or hanging statement pieces in a living room or bedroom.
Why It Stands Out: When you need to hang heavier items, the Extra Large strips provide the additional holding power required. They are designed specifically for bulky frames, large pieces of art and even some small, lightweight mirrors, offering peace of mind for your more substantial decor.
Pros:
Who is it for? Perfect for homeowners and renters who want to hang larger, heavier items like mirrors, framed posters or significant art pieces without resorting to permanent fixtures.
Why It Stands Out: These small strips are designed for lightweight and compact frames. They are an excellent tool for creating a gallery wall with multiple small pictures, as they provide a secure hold without the bulk of larger strips, keeping the focus on your photos.
Pros:
Who is it for? This size is best for students decorating dorm rooms, families creating a photo gallery along a hallway or anyone looking to hang small, lightweight decorative items and calendars.
While Command picture hanging strips are a leading solution for tool-free decorating, they are part of a wider world of adhesive products. If you have different needs or are simply curious about other solutions, there are many types of hooks and hangers available.
Explore our full range of Sticky Strips to find the perfect match for your project.
Q1: How do you remove Command picture hanging strips without damaging the wall? To ensure damage free picture hanging, removal is a key step. Do not pull the strip outwards, away from the wall. Instead, lightly hold the top of the frame or strip and slowly pull the exposed adhesive tab straight down, parallel to the wall. The strip will stretch and release its grip cleanly without leaving residue or peeling paint.
Q2: Can you reuse Command picture hanging strips? The interlocking plastic parts of the strips can be reused. However, the adhesive backing is designed for a single application. Once you remove a strip from the wall, its adhesive properties are gone. To reuse the plastic fastener, you would need to purchase Command Refill Strips of the corresponding size.
Q3: What surfaces should you not use Command strips on? You should avoid using these strips on delicate surfaces like wallpaper and vinyl, as removal can cause tearing. They are also not intended for rough, uneven surfaces like unpainted brick or porous concrete, as the adhesive cannot form a strong bond. Additionally, avoid using them on freshly painted walls; it's best to wait at least a week for the paint to fully cure.