A Guide to Hanging Canvas Prints (With and Without Nails)

Source: Pinterest

There are many moments in our lives that we wish we could relive: weddings, the birth of our children or grandchildren, their first birthdays, or even photos we took at our last family vacation.

Of course, it is impossible to go back in time to revive those experiences. Instead, we can convert memorable photos into canvas prints and decorate our home’s walls to cherish them again and again! It will let everyone who visits our home get a glimpse of our lives too.

But many of you impulsively get your pictures printed on canvas wraps and become confused about the hanging and nailing mechanics. Sadly many artworks get stashed away due to a lack of proper tutorials on hanging a canvas print.

If you're also one of them, don't fret because you've landed on the right page.

To help you, we have curated the ultimate canvas print hanging guide so that no art or favorite picture of yours is left unattended.

So let’s begin!

How to Hang a Canvas Easily?

The most traditional way to hang canvases is by using nails. The term "hang" may throw you into the spiral of finding nails and a hammer. But what if we told you that hanging a canvas requires no technical science and there are ways, yes, nail-less ways, to display your treasured photos on the wall?

Smaller canvases, such as ones that fall under the size of 16" x 16", can be hung simply with the help of a saw tooth bracket on the back of your frame.

On the other hand, a hanging wire is an excellent choice for a large canvas as it can bear more weight.

Regardless of the size you choose for your canvas prints; a few things need to be sorted out before you put on your creative hat and display your art.

Things to Consider When Hanging a Canvas Print

Keep these points in mind and become a pro at hanging canvas prints in no time.

1. Things you will need

The essential items to have in your arsenal when hanging your canvas include:

• Pencil

• Ruler or measuring tape

• Spirit level

• Screwdriver

• Hammer

• Wall protection pads

• Nails

Apart from these necessary supplies, equip yourself with additional items such as screws, wire, hooks, saw tooth hangers, double-sided tape, and adhesive putty. Depending on the method you choose to hang your canvas print, you will need them.

2. Decide on the placement of your canvas

Artworks displayed too high or low compared to eye level can cause more pain than relaxation, thanks to the strain it puts on your neck. Remember, you're no giraffe, and neither are the people who come to your house. Placing it too high gives rise to craned-neck syndrome.

It also looks wrong and strangely weird, which will keep bugging you to figure it out. Therefore, pictures need to be at an eye level where guests can enjoy seeing them.

Tips for calculating eye level

• Measure the height of your canvas print

• Divide it in half

• Add the half digit to the magic number 57

• The final number tells you that your canvas print should be that much above the floor.

For instance,

• Let's say your canvas wrap size is 24

• Dividing it in half gives you 12

• Add 12 to 57, and you get 69

• That means your picture should be 69 inches above the floor

This method is often referred to as the "museum hanging" method. If you want people to admire your photos, use this trick when mounting your favorite pieces on the wall.

An exception to the 57" rule

The magic rule doesn't apply in every case, like when you want to hang your canvas print over a bed, sofa, or furniture. In this scenario, a general rule of thumb is to hang a picture 6 to 10 inches above the furniture piece for a cozy, balanced look.

On the other hand, the rules are different if you are in a space with high ceilings, about 12 or 14 feet.

Here, the distance between the bottom edge of the canvas and the top of the furniture matters more than between the picture and the floor. Usually, designers recommend leaving a gap about 4 to 8 inches above the furniture piece.

The two-thirds rule is the other thing to remember when mounting the photo above the furniture. Center a piece, and ensure that the width of your artwork is no more than two-thirds of the furniture itself.

You can run a series of canvas prints over your sofa for a welcoming look. Adding frames over your desk that soothe you is also a great relaxing way as it provides a refreshing view when you look up from your work.

3. Figure out the spacing

Next, determine how much space you have to display your art and whether the area where you're going to put up a picture is cluttered or uncluttered.

Ideally, choose a wall that is visually lacking than one that is brimming with other decor items.

Position the photo in the center if it's the large canvas, or run a series of pictures in symmetrical or whimsical order with a split canvas option. Regardless of whatever you choose, adding a canvas print to your space makes a powerful, bold statement about you.

Map the layout on the floor first in any form - grid, oval or free. Sit back and see whether you're pleased with the view or not. If the answer is no, change the order and reorganize until satisfied.

Tips for Hanging a Canvas

Hanging canvas on the wall is a fantastic way of decorating your house. The art you display says a lot about your personality and nature.

Here are some steps to ensure a smooth, seamless hanging process.

• Using a wet cloth, clean the wall where you plan to hang your art.

• Move furniture or any indoor plants out of the way for easy moving space.

• Ensure you have all the tools you need.

• Use wall protector pads on the stretcher bars of your canvas to protect your walls from any scratches.

How to Hang a Canvas Print With Nails?

The traditional option, nails, is the quickest and most common way to hang the prints.

Make sure you don't hammer a nail into the wall. Leave at least one-third of the nail to ensure a secure fit for the frame.

Remember, this option is suitable for small to medium-sized canvases. However, if your print is on a large canvas, refrain from employing this method, as it might not support a heavy-duty frame.

Read on to learn how to hang canvas prints with or without saw tooth hangers when using nails.

How to Install a Sawtooth Hanger on the Canvas Print?

For small to medium-sized canvas

Source: Pinterest

A sawtooth hanger is a small metal clip with a flat end on one side and a jagged one on the other. It's available in many different sizes, so make sure you buy one according to the weight of your art. Generally, they are best for canvases weighing less than 25 pounds.

• Step 1: Turn the canvas over on its back. Ensure that the top wooden bar is at the top.

• Step 2: Measure the width of the top wooden panel of the canvas.

• Step 3: Mark the midpoint with the pencil to determine the placement of your sawtooth hanger.

• Step 4: Align the sawtooth hanger above the center-marked point.

• Step 5: Make sure the jagged side points down, and the flat surface is on the top.

• Step 6: Hold the hanger firmly in place.

• Step 7: Screw the two nails gently with screwdrivers into the holes at both sides of the hanger.

• Step 8: Ensure that the screws are tight and not loose.

• Step 9: Mark the point where your frame will rest. You can use a pencil or painter’s tape for it.

• Step 10: Hammer a nail into the wall at a 45-degree angle. Ensure that it's of the appropriate size for the anchor.

• Step 11: Position your canvas, rest the raised section of the hanger over the nail, and lower it. Make sure that the teeth of the hanger are perfectly resting across the nail.

• Step 12: Step back to see whether the canvas print fits right.

• Step 13: Check it with the spirit level for the best fit.

• Step 14: If it seems crooked, adjust it by tilting it slightly to ensure a perfect fit.

How to Install Eye Hooks for Rope or Wire Installation?

Source: Pinterest

Eye hooks are easy and quick to install. They offer stability and durability to your panel and work amazingly well with small to medium canvases.

Step 1: Arrange all the supplies: pencil, measuring tape, level, two eye hooks, wire, wire cutter, hammer, and nails.

Step 2: Measure the length of your canvas board. Divide into three. Mark a spot with the pencil at one-third from the frame's top. This is where the eye hooks will go.

Step 3: Use a builder and double-check the mark's position to ensure that both sides are even.

Step 4: Take the steel screw bars out from the packaging. Push it into the bar where you marked the spot and twist it firmly.

Step 5: Repeat the same procedure with the other screw on the opposite side.

Step 6: With the help of a measuring tape, measure the width of the canvas.

Step 7: Keep in mind the "b+8" formula, where "b" denotes the width of the canvas. Add the width measurement to the number eight (20 centimeters) and calculate it to get the final digit. Make sure you have some extra wire, so it can easily loop through the eye screws.

Step 8: Measure the steel wire with measuring tape. Use wire cutters to cut the steel wire to the desired size.

Step 9: String the wire between the steel eye hooks. Ensure that the loop is tighter at each end for a secure fit.

Step 10: Leave room for the wire to hang between the two hooks.

Step 11: Hammer a nail carefully into the wall. Place the center of the wire on the canvas panel over the nail.

How to Install J-hooks With Nails?

For large-size canvas

Source: Pinterest

J-hooks are great for all canvases sizes, small, medium, or large. Usually, they are employed for wide canvases as they are excellent at handling more weight.

The number of hooks and nails you will require depends directly on the size of your canvas panel. J-hooks are available in various sizes and can come with one, two, or even three nails.

You can easily hang a light canvas print with a single nail, whereas heavy canvases require two nails. You can position two to three hooks on the wall to ensure extra steadiness.

Step 1: Gather J hooks, measuring tape, nails, and a hammer.

Step 2: Measure the width of your panel with the help of a measuring tape.

Step 3: Place pencil markings on the wall where you want to install the J hook. The number of J hooks you use will determine the points you need to mark.

Step 4: Position your J hooks on the marks.

Step 5: Hammer the nail at a slight angle into the J hook hole with a quick one or two hits.

Step 6: Place your canvas on the hook. Ensure that it doesn't look bent or crooked.

What Are Some Popular Ways to Hang Canvas Prints?

There is no right or wrong way when it comes to art. It all comes down to your personal preference. You can display your treasured photos on the wall in various ways.

Single Canvas Print

Source: Pinterest

Some pictures are a masterpiece and are best when standing on their own. They require no companions - decor items or other prints to accompany them. Often these photos are large and serve as a perfect focal point that makes people turn their heads.

Below is a simple step-by-step guide on how to hang a canvas wrap:

• Attach two hooks to the left and right of the stretcher bars.

• Move them a little to ensure a secure fit.

• Cut a wire and attach both ends to the hooks.

• Hang it on your decided spot.

Split Canvas

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The split canvas is a modern, streamlined approach to a classic single canvas. In this, an image is split across multi-canvas panels and has an artistic, more personalized touch that is great for larger-than-life moments and beautiful cityscapes.

Instead of creating a single focal point with a large canvas, split canvas uses multiple smaller canvases to display your photos. They are impressive works of art and enhance the look of your space tenfold compared to conventional standard canvas.

The hallmark of this canvas is its ability to amplify the impact of any image. You can use any photo and create a triptych (3-panel) and pentaptych (5-panel canvas) with it or more for show-stopping, jaw-dropping looks.

Some of the pictures that work best with split canvas prints are:

• Family photos

• Couple photos

• Friends photos

• Travel photos

• Pet photos

• Holiday destinations

• Landscapes and so much more

Some ways canvas prints can be split

Choose an image you want to split, and select your desired layout. Many options are available, and Printing Box lets you see exactly how your photo will look in the chosen design.

Take a look at this stunning skyscraper below:

Here, the chosen size is Diamond-C, which splits the image into three panels horizontally. Similarly, you can select any layout you want with an easy-to-see template and shop for unique pieces for your house.

Our few personal favorites are:

• Three prints split vertically

• Three, four, and five photos are split horizontally

• A diamond shape that splits the image into five parts, the larger one in the center and two smaller ones on each side.

How to hang a split canvas

Whether you choose a split canvas with five panels or seven, it's vital to have a balanced distance between the canvases. Keep a distance of about three to four inches between each panel to create a shared look. Too much or too little space can cheapen the appearance of your art.

Here's a step-by-step guide to installing a five-multi-panel canvas

Source: Pinterest

• Prepare the materials: nails or screws, spirit level, hammer or drill, toothpaste, and a pencil.

• Map your desired layout on the floor to confirm the wall arrangement.

• Apply a little toothpaste to the embossed circle of the sawtooth hanger.

• Press the canvas print panel on the wall; the toothpaste will stick to the wall.

• Hammer the nail where the toothpaste is on the wall.

• Hang the canvas on the nail.

• Recall the museum hanging rule and exceptions if your split canvas is about to go over the top of furniture.

• Use the pencil and spirit level to calculate where the second canvas will go.

• Hang the second canvas according to the museum hanging rule.

• Repeat the steps for all canvases until all have been placed on the wall.

Note: Keep a distance of one to two inches between the panels.

How to Hang a Canvas Print Without Nails?

While drilling and nailing is a conventional method to hang art, there is a high chance that you don't find it appealing due to the damage it incurs to the wall.

Maybe you live in a rental house and are restricted by your landlord about no hammering policy.

In cases like these, you can use another popular option to hang your favorite prints around the house without using nails. Keep reading on to learn more about them.

How to Use Double-Sided Tape?

Source: Pinterest

For lighter canvas

Command strips/double-sided tape is excellent for lightweight canvas. It is easy to attach and remove. It works best on drywall, painted, varnished, metal, and tile surfaces.

Below is a step-by-step guide on using command strips/double-sided tape to hang a canvas board:

Step 1: Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol where you'll place the canvas.

Step 2: Take measurements and mark the place with a pencil where the tape will attach.

Step 3: Remove the liner from one side of the double-sided tape and stick it on the four corners of the stretcher bars. Press it firmly.

Step 4: Remove the liner from the other side of the tape. Then press the frame firmly on the wall, where you want your canvas print to hang.

How to Use 3M Command Hooks?

For small to medium canvas

Source: Pinterest

Hooks like the 3M ones are suitable for small to medium canvas panels.

Step 1: Place a mark on the wall using a pencil where you want to hang your canvas wrap.

Step 2: Clean the surface of the wall.

Step 3: Take 3M command hooks from the package. It also includes command strips.

Step 4: On one side of the command strips, "wall" will be written while the other side has "command" written over it. Remove the command liner and place it firmly on the back of the 3M hook.

Step 5: Press it down hard so that the adhesive can bond.

Step 6: Remove the wall liner on the other side of the command strip and place the hook on the wall.

Step 7: Press it firmly for about 30 seconds.

Step 8: Wait for an hour before hanging the canvas.

Step 9: Install the wire and eye hooks by following the steps above in the section (if using)

Step 10: Place your canvas board on the adhesive hook.

How to Hang a Canvas Using Adhesive Putty?

For small to medium canvas

Source: Pinterest

Adhesive putty, also known as blu tack or sticky tack, is a quick and easy solution for mounting small-size frames.

Step 1: With the help of a spirit level, draw a straight line on the wall where you want to affix your canvas panel.

Step 2: Place a little blu tack on the canvas’s corners.

Step 3: Ensure that the tack is on the edges of the canvas, then press it firmly onto the wall.

How to Hang Canvas Using Metal Clips?

Source: Pexels

Metal clips are suitable for medium and large canvases. Here are some steps to hang your heavy canvas on the wall using metal clips:

Step 1: Keep your necessary tools handy, like metal clips, pencils, and thumbtacks.

Step 2: With the help of a pencil, mark the area where you'll hang your canvas.

Step 3: Secure the metal hinge clip on each top corner of the canvas board.

Step 4: If your canvas isn’t too heavy, insert thumbtacks through the holes in the clips. Press the thumbtacks to penetrate the wall, and the canvas is placed in your desired location.

If hanging a heavier canvas, use nails or screws instead of thumbtacks.

Decorate Your Space With Canvas Prints Easily!

Now that you know all the easy and quick ways to hang a canvas print without a frame, wait no more. Regardless of whatever method mentioned above you choose for displaying your art, it's going to bring a level of sophistication to your space. Decorate your home as you like, and enjoy seeing your favorite photos in their ideal spot!