
Command™ Strips are adhesive hooks that can be used to hang pictures, frames, and other items on walls without causing damage. They are designed to stick to a variety of surfaces, including painted walls, but there are some important considerations to ensure they work effectively and don't cause damage. The paint type and surface texture play a crucial role in the adhesion process, and improper use can result in peeling paint and damaged walls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Smooth, painted, stained, or varnished |
| Surface Material | Wood, painted cinder block, metal, painted wallboard |
| Paint Type | Not latex |
| Paint Cure Time | Minimum 7 days |
| Surface Preparation | Clean with rubbing alcohol, let dry |
| Application Technique | Press down for 30 seconds, follow instructions |
| Weight Limits | Large strips: 16-24 lbs, Small strips: 4 lbs |
| Removal Technique | Pull directly down, not out and away |
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What You'll Learn
- Command strips stick to painted surfaces, but not if they're freshly painted
- They don't work on all paint types—they can't be used on walls with latex paint
- They need a smooth, clean surface to stick to
- They're not suitable for use on highly textured surfaces
- You must follow the instructions for the strips to stick properly

Command strips stick to painted surfaces, but not if they're freshly painted
Command Strips are designed to stick to painted surfaces, but they may not be suitable for all types of paint or wall. It is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the strips hold up to your needs. Firstly, they are intended for mostly smooth surfaces, so they are not suitable for textured surfaces like popcorn ceilings, concrete, brick, or wood. They can be used on painted, stained, or varnished wood, painted cinder block, metal, and painted wallboard.
Secondly, the paint needs to be fully cured before applying the Command Strips. It is recommended to wait at least a week after painting before using Command Strips, as this allows the paint to cure properly. If you do not wait, you may find yourself stripping paint off your newly painted wall. Additionally, alcohol may remove or dull the surface of fresh paint.
Thirdly, the surface must be clean and dry before application. Wipe down the spot with rubbing alcohol or a suitable cleaning product to remove any dust, debris, or oils. Other cleaning products, like all-purpose cleaners, may leave a residue that doesn't allow for proper adhesion.
Finally, it is important to follow the weight restrictions and application instructions for the specific Command product you are using. Each product has different weight and size restrictions, so ensure you buy the right type for your project and do not overload them. Press down on the strips for a full 30 seconds during installation to give them a chance to bond well with the surface.
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They don't work on all paint types—they can't be used on walls with latex paint
Command Strips are designed to be used on mostly smooth surfaces. They can be used on painted, stained, or varnished wood, painted cinder block, metal, and painted wallboard. They are not designed to work on rough textures, such as popcorn ceilings, concrete, or unpainted brick, as the adhesive cannot get a firm grip. It is important to note that Command Strips do not work on all paint types and cannot be used on walls with latex paint. This is because the adhesive in Command Strips is a synthetic rubber resin and does not contain natural rubber latex.
When using Command Strips, it is essential to follow the instructions carefully to ensure they hold up to your needs. Before applying the strips, it is recommended to wipe down the surface with rubbing alcohol to create a good bond for the adhesive. The surface should be clean and dry before applying the strips. It is also important to wait at least seven days after painting a wall before using Command Strips, as the paint needs time to cure properly.
In addition to the type of surface, it is crucial to consider the weight of the object you are hanging. Each Command product has a different weight and size restriction, so choosing the right strips for your project is essential. Large Command strips can typically handle a 24- to 36-inch object weighing up to 16 pounds, while the smaller hanging strips can handle up to 4 pounds.
While Command Strips can be a convenient way to hang items without damaging walls, they may not always be reliable. Some users have reported issues with the strips failing to hold up objects, even when following the directions and weight ratings. Therefore, it is important to use caution when hanging items, especially in areas where safety is a concern, such as over a crib or someone's head.
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They need a smooth, clean surface to stick to
Command Strips are designed for use on smooth surfaces, such as painted, stained, or varnished wood, painted cinder block, metal, and painted wallboard. They can also be used on windows, as long as the surface is clean, smooth, and dry.
The strips are not intended for use on highly textured surfaces, such as popcorn ceilings, unpainted brick, or concrete. It is also not recommended to use them on wallpaper, as it is too delicate and can tear.
To ensure proper adhesion, it is important to prepare the surface before applying the Command Strips. The surface should be clean and free of any dust, debris, or oils. It is recommended to wipe down the area with rubbing alcohol or a similar cleaning agent before applying the strips. If the surface is recently painted, it is important to wait at least seven days to allow the paint to cure completely.
Additionally, it is important to follow the weight and size restrictions of the specific Command product being used. Each product has different limitations, and overloading the strips can cause them to fail.
Overall, while Command Strips are a convenient option for hanging items, they require a smooth, clean surface to stick to and proper preparation to ensure effective adhesion.
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They're not suitable for use on highly textured surfaces
Command Strips are intended for use on mostly smooth surfaces. They are not suitable for use on highly textured surfaces, such as popcorn ceilings, concrete, or unpainted brick. The adhesive cannot get a firm grip on rough textures, and the strips may not stick properly or may cause damage to the surface when removed.
It is important to note that Command Strips are designed for light to medium-weight objects. Each product has a different weight and size restriction, so it is essential to choose the right strips for your specific project. Overloading the strips with items that are too heavy or too big can cause them to detach and fall.
When using Command Strips, it is crucial to follow the instructions carefully. Before application, the surface should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove any dust, debris, or oils. It is also recommended to wait at least seven days after painting a wall before using Command Strips, as the paint needs time to cure fully.
While Command Strips can be used on some types of painted surfaces, they are not suitable for all types of paint. For example, they should not be used on latex paint, as indicated in the fine print on the package. Additionally, most wallpapers are too delicate and can tear when adhesives are applied.
For highly textured surfaces, it is recommended to use an industrial-strength adhesive product designed for better bonding with textures. However, these types of adhesives may be challenging to remove, so they should be used with caution.
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You must follow the instructions for the strips to stick properly
To ensure that Command Strips stick properly, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Firstly, consider the type of surface you are mounting on. Command Strips are designed for mostly smooth surfaces and will not adhere well to highly textured surfaces like popcorn ceilings, unpainted brick, concrete, or wood. They can, however, be used on painted, stained, or varnished wood, painted cinder blocks, metal, and painted wallboard.
Before applying the strips, it is crucial to prepare the surface by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol to remove any dust, debris, or oils. Avoid using household cleaners or water as they may leave a residue that interferes with adhesion. Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding. If you have recently painted the surface, wait at least seven days to ensure the paint is fully cured before applying the strips.
When applying the Command Strips, follow the instructions on the package carefully. Ensure you are using the correct type and amount of strips for your project by checking the weight and size restrictions. Press down on the strips firmly for at least 30 seconds to allow them to bond well with the surface.
Finally, when it comes time to remove the strips, do not pull them out and away from the wall. Instead, pull them directly down toward the floor to avoid damaging the surface. By following these instructions, you can ensure that your Command Strips stick properly and securely.
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Frequently asked questions
Command Strips are intended for mostly smooth surfaces and will stick to painted, smooth cinder block, painted wood, metal, and painted wallboard. They are not suitable for use on wallpaper.
You should wait at least seven days after painting a wall before applying a Command Strip to allow the paint to cure.
It is recommended to use 70% isopropyl or rubbing alcohol on a paper towel or cloth to wipe away any dust, debris, or oils from the surface before applying a Command Strip.
No, Command Strips are not supposed to be used on paint that contains latex.
The weight Command Strips can hold depends on the size of the strip. Large Command Strips can handle a 24- to 36-inch object that weighs up to 16 pounds, while the smaller hanging strips can hold up to 4 pounds.










































