Mounting A Thick Sand Painting: Drywall Guide

Hanging a thick sand painting on drywall requires careful consideration of the weight of the painting and choosing the appropriate hardware to support it. Drywall, also known as gypsum board, is a common wall material in modern construction, especially in North America. It is often installed over a wooden frame, with wood studs providing additional support for screws and hooks. When hanging a heavy item on drywall, it is crucial to select the appropriate hanging hardware, such as wall studs, rail tracks, or drywall anchors, to ensure the painting is securely mounted and does not damage the wall.

Use a rail cable hanging kit for heavier paintings

If you're hanging heavier paintings, such as a thick sand painting, on drywall, it's recommended to use a rail cable hanging kit. These kits are an innovative solution that eliminates wall damage and the need for drilling, making it simple to hang and rearrange your artwork with precision.

One popular option is the STAS Cliprail Pro Picture Hanging System, which is a heavy-duty track and art hanging gallery kit. This system includes everything you need, such as rails, cables, hooks, end caps, and installation hardware. The rails can be mounted on the wall or ceiling, providing endless possibilities for displaying your artwork. The STAS system is trusted by museums, offices, galleries, and public buildings worldwide and has received excellent reviews for its ease of use and flexibility.

Another option is the Gallery System Steel Cable art hanging kits, which offer sleek and robust solutions for hanging heavier artwork. Their GalleryOne kits start at $254 and can accommodate up to 60 pounds of weight. If you need a higher capacity, their Original Gallery System kits start at $293 and can hold up to 88 pounds. These kits also come with a limited lifetime warranty and an easy return policy.

When using a rail cable hanging kit, you'll need to mount the rail to your wall or ceiling. Then, insert a transparent nylon or steel cord anywhere along the rail and adjust the picture hooks to the desired position. This system allows for infinite adjustability and secure hanging without causing any damage to your walls.

By using a rail cable hanging kit, you can confidently hang your heavier sand painting on drywall, ensuring both security and aesthetic appeal.

Locate a stud to hang the painting on

To hang a thick sand painting on drywall, it is important to locate a stud to ensure the painting stays in place and does not damage the wall.

The easiest way to locate a stud is by using a stud finder, a handheld device designed to scan drywall for wooden studs. Some stud finders can also detect metal studs and wiring within your walls. Place the stud finder on the wall where you want to hang your painting and slowly slide it horizontally. The stud finder will flash or beep when it detects a stud. You can also use a stud finder app on your phone.

If you don't have a stud finder, you can try knocking on the wall. Stretch a tape measure along the wall horizontally and knock on the wall every inch. When you knock where there's a stud, it will sound more solid. A hollow sound indicates the absence of a stud. You can also use a thin finishing nail to probe the wall. Hammer the nail into the wall where you want to hang the painting. If a stud is present, the nail will only go about half an inch into the wall.

Another method is to look for dimples on the wall, which are indicators of drywall fasteners. Turn off the lights and hold a flashlight flat against the wall to make the dimples more visible. Light switches, electrical outlets, and electrical boxes are typically anchored to studs, so you can start by locating the nearest one and measuring 16 inches from there. Studs are usually spaced 16 to 24 inches apart, so you can also measure from the corner of the room to find the next stud.

Once you've located a stud, use a drill to slowly drill into the drywall and then the stud, creating a hole. Always be cautious of plumbing and electrical cords when drilling into a stud.

Use drywall anchors if there is no stud

If you're hanging a thick sand painting on drywall and there is no stud available, you can use drywall anchors (also called screw-in anchors). Drywall anchors are ideal when you can't access a wooden stud and need to screw directly into the drywall. They provide extra stability and prevent the screw from coming loose.

There are different types of drywall anchors, including plastic and metal varieties. Plastic drywall anchors are suitable for pictures weighing up to 20 pounds. When a screw is drilled into them, two small legs expand and provide support on the other side of the drywall. For pictures over 20 pounds, metal drywall anchors are recommended. Metal anchors like Toggle Bolts or Molly Bolts can hold 30 pounds or more.

To install plastic wall anchors, simply drill a screw into the anchor, causing two small legs to expand and provide support on the backside of the drywall. For heavier items, you can use a metal anchor like a Toggle Bolt or Molly Bolt, which can support weights of 30 pounds or more.

Using suitable hardware for specific frames and walls, as well as considering the weight of the item being hung, is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of the hanging setup.

Choose the right hangers and hooks for the painting's weight

To choose the right hangers and hooks for your painting's weight, you must first determine how much your painting weighs. You can use a bathroom scale to do this.

If your painting weighs less than 5 pounds, it is considered light, and most hanging solutions should work. Hanging strips, adhesive wall hooks, or mounting tape can be used. Picture-frame hangers and nails are also ideal for lightweight items on drywall and plaster walls.

For paintings that weigh between 5 and 20 pounds, plastic drywall anchors are a good option. These anchors provide extra stability and prevent screws from coming loose. Plastic wall anchors are specifically suited for weights of 20 pounds or less.

For paintings that weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, you can use a metal wall anchor or ensure you use a wall stud. Metal wall anchors, such as a Toggle Bolt or Molly Bolt, can hold 30 pounds or more.

If your painting weighs more than 50 pounds, a rail cable hanging kit is a good option. This system can support any weight capacity up to 300 pounds per track and can be adjusted multiple times.

Additionally, it is recommended to choose hardware with a weight capacity rated higher than your painting's weight. This ensures safety and stability.

Use a level to ensure the painting hangs straight

Using a level is crucial when hanging a thick sand painting to ensure that it is straight and aligned with the wall. A level is a tool used to determine whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). It typically consists of a straight, elongated body with a transparent tube containing liquid and an air bubble.

• Place the level against the painting or along the wall.
• The bubble inside the tube will indicate whether the surface is level by being at the centre of the tube.
• If the bubble is not at the centre or is shifting its position, adjust the painting until the bubble is exactly at the centre of the level.
• You can also use a pencil to mark the desired location on the wall before hanging the painting. This will ensure accurate placement and help you achieve the desired visual effect.
• Once you've hung the painting on the hooks, place the level on top of the frame and make any necessary adjustments.
• If you're using French cleats, ensure that they are mounted level on the wall, as uneven cleats will result in an uneven painting. Hold the cleat up to the wall and place the bubble level on top, adjusting until the bubble is centred.

Levels are available at hardware stores, home improvement centres, and online retailers specialising in tools and equipment. If you don't have access to a level, you can use a straight edge or a plumb line to check for levelness, although these methods may not be as accurate.

Frequently asked questions