Art Tip: Low Cost Art Hanging
I was recently asked by one of my buyers to attach a hook on a canvas panel painting that they purchased (I try to accommodate small special requests like this if I can). This type of substrate doesn’t generally lend itself well for immediate hanging, so I had to brainstorm possible solutions that would work. On this week’s blog I thought I would share the solution that I came up with as I wasn’t able to find many suggestions already out there on the interwebs.
This is a great low-cost option to get your art on the wall right away. However, I share with a couple of caveats. This method of hanging would not be an approved method for galleries or typical art shows (I will share a post at a later point of what I typically do). This method probably would only be effective for smaller canvas panels (larger ones tend to warp over time) as a short-term solution.
Sawtooth hanger
Scotch Bumpers, 40 Bumpers/Pack, Clear, 1/2", (SP951-NA) (Find it here)
Gorilla Super Glue, Two 3 Gram Tubes, Clear (Find it here)
Ruler Pencil/Pen
I'm guessing you may already have a painting in mind if you've searched this out, but if you're looking for canvases to paint on or the painting I used in this demonstration, here is where to find them:
Canvas panels 5 x 7 inch (pack of 12) (Find it here)
Seven Swans a Swimming (Find it here) This post contains Amazon Associates links, which if used for your purchase I earn a tiny percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you.
Step 1
Turn your canvas panel over to the back. Make sure that you align the painting so that the top of the painting is at the top. Depending on how careful/lucky you were when beginning the piece of art, this means that the lettering may end up upside down.
Step 2
Use your ruler to find and mark the center of painting.
Step 3
Set the sawtooth hanger so that it is centered at of the top of the painting. The ridged edge should be on the bottom side. I find it helpful to mark the outline around the nail holes.
Step 4
Put a tiny dot of glue under where each nail hole is (marked by the x’s). Apply pressure by holding down on the center of the hanger (where the glue isn’t) for the required time for the glue to set. Be sure to follow the instructions and cautions on the adhesive that you’re using (I’m not responsible for any super glue incidents).
Step 5
Once the glue has set, peel and attach a bumper to each of the bottom corners of the painting.
Step 6
Once the glue has completely cured, it’s time to hang up!
Some Final Thoughts:
Why super glue? Better adhesion. Be sure that the type that you use specifically states that it can be used with metal surfaces.
Why use bumpers? Bumpers help to create a level finished look, as well as helping grip against the wall so it doesn’t slide or shift as easily.
Alternative methods? For a canvas panel painting generally I would pop it into a small frame for a more finished look (also a longer-lasting hanging solution). You could also use adhesive squares as a short-term solution. If you’re starting on a piece that you will want to hang up later, I would recommend using a gallery-wrapped canvas which lends itself to hanging more easily without framing.
I hope you’ve found this helpful!
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