Hanging Art: Brick Fireplace Makeover

Hanging a painting on a brick fireplace can be a challenging task, especially if you're dealing with older, softer bricks that are more difficult to drill through. Before starting, it's important to determine the weight of the painting and choose the appropriate hanging hardware, such as hooks, screws, or clamps. If you plan to drill into the brick, you'll need a drill, a masonry bit, and possibly wall anchors for added support. Alternatively, you can use adhesive methods like brick clamps or brick clips, which are inexpensive and don't require tools. Planning the layout of your artwork and marking the spots where you'll drill or attach the adhesive is crucial to ensuring a level and secure hanging.

Using brick clips to hang your painting

Brick clips are a great option if you're looking to hang a painting on your brick fireplace without drilling holes or causing any damage to the brick or mortar. These handy, inexpensive hooks are easy to use and can support the weight of your wall art and decor.

Brick clips are designed to hook onto your brick and stay securely in place. They have little teeth that hang on the top of the brick and dig right in. This provides gravity-supported strength, and you won't need to make any adjustments. The clips are also flush-mount, meaning they sit nearly flush with the brick wall.

To use brick clips, start by measuring your brick to ensure you get the right size of clips. Bricks can vary in height, so brick clips are available in different sizes to accommodate this variance. Once you have the correct size, simply hook the clips onto the brick where you want your painting to hang.

Brick clips typically have two hooks, providing two places to attach the wire of your picture frame. If your painting has a wire across the back for hanging, you can hang it directly on the hooks of the brick clips. Alternatively, if your painting has D-rings or sawtooth hangers, you can attach hooks or hangers to the brick clips first and then hang your painting on those.

Using brick clips is a straightforward and damage-free way to hang your painting on a brick fireplace. With the right-sized clips and a little planning, you can easily and securely hang your artwork without any drilling or mess.

Choosing the right drill and masonry bit

First and foremost, ensure you have the necessary tools. For drilling into brick, you will need a drill and a masonry bit. A masonry bit is specifically designed for drilling into hard materials like concrete, stone, and brick. You can easily acquire one by ordering a set online or from a hardware store.

When selecting a drill, it is recommended to use a hammer drill for drilling into brick. Hammer drills are designed to hammer the bit into the material while rotating it, making it more effective for drilling into hard surfaces. If you don't own a hammer drill, renting one is always an option.

Next, consider the size of the masonry bit. Choose a bit that corresponds to the width of the screw or anchor you will be using. For smaller artworks, a masonry bit equal to the width of your screw may suffice without the need for an anchor. However, for larger pieces, it is advisable to use an anchor to provide extra security and prevent the screw from pulling out of the wall. In this case, select a masonry bit that matches the width of your anchor.

Additionally, pay attention to the depth of your drilling. Drill deep enough to accommodate the length of your screw or anchor, but be cautious not to puncture any wires or pipes behind the brick. Drilling too deep can cause damage, so take your time and drill slowly to avoid overheating your drill. You may need to take breaks during the drilling process to prevent overheating.

By following these instructions and choosing the right drill and masonry bit, you can confidently begin the process of hanging your painting on a brick fireplace. Remember to work carefully and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and successful hanging experience.

Marking the location of your painting

Firstly, plan the layout of your wall. Consider whether you are hanging a single painting or multiple paintings as part of a gallery wall. This will help you determine the placement and spacing of your artwork. You can use painter's tape to experiment with different layouts before making any holes in the wall.

Once you have decided on the layout, it's time to determine the number of holes you will need to hang your painting. If your painting has a wire across the back, one hole will suffice. However, if it has multiple D-rings or sawtooth hangers, you will need as many holes as there are hooks.

Now, grab a marker and carefully mark the spots on the wall where your painting will attach. Ensure that your marks are centred and located on the mortar, not on the face of the bricks. Take into account the height at which you want the painting to hang. If you are hanging multiple paintings, use a level to ensure that your marks are even and aligned.

If you are using brick clips or clamps, which are handy tools that require no drilling, make sure to measure your bricks before purchasing the clips, as they come in different sizes.

By following these steps, you will accurately mark the location of your painting, ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing display on your brick fireplace.

Drilling holes and inserting anchors

Planning:

Before you start drilling, it's important to plan the placement of your painting. Use chalk or a marker to mark the location on the mortar where you want to install the picture hook. Ensure you mark the centre and account for how high or low you want the painting to hang. If you are hanging multiple pictures, use a level to ensure they align.

Drilling:

Attach a masonry bit to your drill. Masonry bits are designed for concrete, stone, and brick. Drill a hole into the mortar where you marked it, ensuring it is deep enough to accommodate a wall anchor. Be careful not to drill so deep that you puncture any wires or pipes behind the brick.

Inserting Anchors:

Once you have drilled the hole, use a dry cloth to remove any debris. Then, take a hammer and gently tap the anchor into the hole. The anchor provides extra security by keeping the screw in place and preventing it from pulling out of the wall, especially for larger artworks.

Screwing:

After the anchor is in place, screw the picture hook into the anchor. Leave enough space between the screw and the wall to hang the painting. Tighten the screw, and your painting is ready to be hung!

Remember to take the necessary precautions when drilling into brick, such as covering nearby fragile items and wearing appropriate protective gear.

Attaching a picture hook or hanger

Now you can attach the hook. If you are using a masonry drill bit, choose one that is designed for brick, concrete, and stone. Drill a hole deep enough to fit the anchor, being careful not to drill so deep that you hit any wires or pipes behind the brick. Use a hammer to tap the anchor into the hole, and then screw the picture hook into the anchor. Leave enough space between the screw and the wall to hang the painting.

If you don't want to drill into your brick fireplace, you can use brick clamps or brick clips. These are inexpensive hooks that attach to your brick without the need for tools. Brick clips have little teeth that dig into the top of the brick and are available in different sizes to accommodate different brick sizes.

Frequently asked questions