Hanging Paintings: Using Frame Wire Like A Pro

Hanging a painting with frame hanging wire is a great way to securely display your artwork. It is a straightforward process that requires just a few tools and some simple steps. With the right technique, you can ensure your paintings are safely hung and enjoy them for years to come. This guide will take you through the process, from choosing the right materials to achieving a level and secure hang. By the end, you'll be able to hang your paintings like a pro!

Choosing the right wire and D-rings

When hanging a painting with frame wire, it is important to select the right wire and D-rings to ensure that your artwork is securely mounted on the wall. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you choose the right hardware for the job:

Choosing the Right Wire:

The type of wire you choose depends on the size and weight of your frame. There are three main types of picture wire: braided, stainless steel, and vinyl-coated. Braided wire is made of interwoven strands of galvanized steel wire, which creates a flexible and strong product. It comes in different thicknesses, with thicker wires supporting heavier loads, up to a maximum of 36 pounds (16 kg). Stainless steel wire is made of twisted strands of steel, making it stronger than braided wire but less flexible. It is suitable for hanging very large and heavy objects, with a maximum weight capacity of 100 pounds (45 kg). Vinyl-coated wire is another option and can support weights up to 60 pounds (27 kg). Always choose a wire with a break weight greater than the weight of your artwork.

Choosing the Right D-Rings:

D-rings are hardware pieces that look like belt buckles attached to a strip of metal with screw holes. They are designed to be mounted flush against the back of the picture frame. When choosing D-rings, follow the rule of thumb: select a D-ring with a weight capacity of 1-3 times the weight of your frame. The heavier your artwork, the larger the D-rings you'll need. D-rings with more than one screw hole typically hold up heavier frames. It is important to attach the D-rings at the same distance from the top edge of the frame, angled upward and diagonal at approximately 45 degrees.

Remember to wear safety goggles and use the appropriate tools when installing your D-rings and hanging your artwork. By choosing the right wire and D-rings, you can securely and safely display your paintings and artwork.

Preparing the artwork

Firstly, lay your artwork face down on a soft surface, such as a towel or a sheet, to protect it from accidental scratches or damage during the process. This is especially important if your artwork is on a canvas.

Next, you'll need to attach the D-rings to the back of your frame. D-rings are metal hooks that lay flat against the back of the frame and provide a secure connection for the hanging wire. Before screwing in the D-rings, use a tape measure to determine the correct placement. Divide the length of your frame by three, and mark this distance from the top of the frame on both sides. Angle the D-rings upward at approximately 45 degrees, ensuring they don't point directly toward each other, and screw them into the frame. It is recommended to use a drill or a screwdriver for this step.

Now, you can attach the hanging wire to the D-rings. Measure and cut a length of wire that is double the width of your frame. Insert about 5 inches of wire through one of the D-rings from below, and then pull it through the ring again from above to create a knot. Stretch the wire across to the other D-ring, and repeat the process to secure it. Ensure the wire is taut but with a slight slack, so the painting hangs comfortably.

At this point, you can hold the artwork by the wire and determine the desired hanging height. Measure the distance from the top of the frame to the tensioned wire, and then find the spot on the wall where you want the top centre of the frame to be. Mark this spot, and then measure and mark the precise location for your nail or screw.

Finally, you may want to consider using wall anchors or finding a stud in the wall if you are hanging a heavier painting. This will provide additional support and ensure your artwork remains securely hung.

With these steps, you've prepared your artwork for hanging and are now ready to move on to the final step of hanging your painting on the wall.

Attaching the D-rings

Attaching D-rings to your frame is a secure and reliable way to hang your artwork. D-rings, also known as strap hangers, are the most common method for creating an attach point behind picture frames. They are strong, secure, and easy to install.

D-rings can be attached to the centre rear of a picture frame, or you can mount two D-rings, one on each side rail. The customary formula for placing D-rings is one-third of the way down from the top of the frame. However, some sources suggest placing them higher on the side rails, especially if your frame is wider. This is because the closer the D-rings are to the top of the frame, the shorter the distance between them.

If you are using a wire between two D-rings, make sure it is not too loose, as this can cause the artwork to tip forward. You can avoid this tilt by using security hardware, which holds the frame flush against the wall. Alternatively, you can mount the D-rings on the inside of the frame back so they don't stick out, and use felt pads on the corners to allow air circulation and prevent condensation.

When installing D-rings, it is important to consider the weight of your frame. Use D-rings that can carry the weight of your frame, and take into account the weight capacity of your hooks to avoid the frame falling. For more stability, it is recommended to use two D-rings per frame, attached to each side.

Attaching the wire to the D-rings

Now, find the middle of the frame and gently pull the wire up until you reach a point about 2 inches from the top. This adds slack to the wire, reducing tension and helping your artwork hang more level. Secure the wire to the right D-ring by repeating the looping and knotting process. Push the wire up through the D-ring, wrap it over the ring, and then pull it back down through the ring. Coil any excess wire over the knot.

Tighten the knot using a pair of pliers. Grip the wire ends with the pliers and pull to tighten the knot. Cut off any excess wire, then twist the end around the other length of wire. Flatten the end with the pliers to ensure there are no sharp edges that could catch your finger. Repeat this process on the other end.

Hanging the artwork

Once you have decided on a spot, use a pencil to mark the wall at the top centre of the frame. Then, using a tape measure, measure down from this mark by the same distance as the distance from the top of the frame to the wire. This is where your nail, screw or hook will go. If you are using a hook, you may want to use two hooks, spaced horizontally apart by about a third to half of the picture's width.

If you are using a nail or screw, you may want to drill a pilot hole first to make the process easier and to avoid damaging your wall. You can then hang your artwork by placing the wire over the nail, screw or hook. If you are using hooks, tilt the picture up or down to level it.

If you are using wire to hang your artwork, you will first need to attach D-rings to the back of the frame. Place your artwork face down on a soft surface and measure a third of the way down from the top of the frame on both sides. Mark these spots with a pencil and then place your D-rings on top of these marks, with the flat side down and the rings facing inwards. Screw the D-rings into the frame, angling them upwards at a 45-degree angle.

Now you can attach the wire to the D-rings. Measure a length of wire that is double the width of the frame and cut it. Insert about five inches of wire through one of the D-rings from below, then pull it through the D-ring again from above to create a knot. Pull the wire taut, but not too tight, and then stretch it across to the other D-ring. Find the middle of the wire and pull it up gently until it is about one to two inches from the top of the frame. Secure the wire to the other D-ring in the same way as the first.

Frequently asked questions