Is Your Artwork Safe? The Hidden Dangers of Adhesive Hanging Strips

Adhesive hanging strips are bad for your framed art!

In our quest for quick, easy, and drill-free home improvement solutions, adhesive hanging strips (like the popular 3M Command Strips) have become a go-to for many homeowners and renters. They promise a hassle-free way to decorate without putting holes in your walls.

While these products are fantastic for hanging lightweight posters, temporary party decorations, or very small items, at Have it Framed, we are seeing a worrying trend. More and more customers are coming into our Edinburgh workshop with shattered glass, broken frames, and—most heartbreakingly—damaged artwork, all because an adhesive strip failed.

If you cherish your framed art, photographs, and memorabilia, relying on sticky strips is a gamble that often doesn't pay off. Here is why we strongly advise against them for professional framing, and what you should use instead.

The "Crash in the Night" Phenomenon

There is a common story we hear from distraught customers: "It was fine for months, and then suddenly, in the middle of the night—CRASH!"

Unlike a traditional picture hook, which relies on mechanical strength and physics, adhesive strips rely on a chemical bond. This bond is surprisingly vulnerable to environmental changes.

1. Temperature and Humidity Fluctuations

Homes are living environments. Central heating goes on and off, windows are opened, kitchens get steamy, and sunlight hits walls. These constant fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause the adhesive on the strips to dry out, become brittle, or simply lose its tackiness. Over time, this degradation is invisible—until the moment it fails completely.

2. The Nature of the Wall Surface

The "hold" of an adhesive strip is only as good as the surface it is stuck to.

• Textured Wallpaper: The adhesive cannot make full contact, significantly reducing its strength.

• Fresh Paint: Paint can take weeks to fully cure. If applied too soon, the strip can pull the paint right off the drywall.

• Old Paint/Dust: Even a microscopic layer of dust or grease (common in kitchens) acts as a barrier, preventing a secure bond.

  
  

3. The Weight Miscalculation

Framed art is heavier than it looks. It's not just the picture; it's the glass (which is dense and heavy), the mountboard, the backing board, and the frame moulding itself.

While a packet of strips might claim to hold "up to 5kg," that is under ideal, laboratory conditions. It doesn't account for the constant vertical gravity pull over months or years, or the fact that the weight of a frame often pulls outwards from the wall at the top, putting uneven stress on the strips.

The Cost of Failure

When a picture hook fails (which is rare if installed correctly), a frame might slip or hang crookedly. When adhesive strips fail, the release is usually instant and catastrophic. The frame drops straight to the floor.

The resulting damage is often extensive:

• Shattered Glass: This is not only dangerous to clean up but can scratch, puncture, or slice the artwork underneath.

• Broken Frames: The impact often causes frame corners to split or mouldings to snap, requiring a complete replacement.

• Irreparable Art: While we can replace glass and frames, we often cannot fix a torn original painting or a scratched limited edition print.

  
  

The cost of repairing this damage—reglazing, reframing, and restoration—is far higher than the small investment in proper hanging hardware.

The Solution: Hang It Right, Hang It Once

The good news is that hanging pictures securely doesn't have to be daunting. The peace of mind that comes with using the correct hardware is invaluable.

Professional Hanging Hardware

At Have it Framed, we don't just finish your frame; we ensure it's ready to hang safely. Depending on the size and weight of your piece, we can equip your frame with:

• D-Rings and Wire: The industry standard for a reason. Secure, adjustable, and strong.

• Z Bar Hangers: For heavier items, these bolt directly to the wall for zero movement.

• Security Fittings: Special hardware that locks the frame to the wall—perfect for high-value items or busy hallways where frames might get knocked.

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Expert Advice

Unsure what hooks to use for your specific walls? Whether you have plasterboard, brick, or lathe and plaster, there is a correct hook for the job.

We stock a full range of professional picture hooks, pins, and hanging systems in our shop. You don't need an appointment to pick these up! Just pop in, tell us about your wall and your frame, and we will make sure you leave with the exact hardware you need to sleep soundly at night, knowing your art is safe.

Don't Risk Your Treasures

Your artwork, photos, and memorabilia are part of your home's story. They deserve to be displayed safely.

If you have frames currently hung with adhesive strips, we highly recommend checking them. If you're planning a new gallery wall, skip the sticky strips and do it the traditional way.

And if you ever need advice, repairs, or a professional hanging solution, Have it Framed is here to help.

Need advice on hanging or a repair for a fallen frame? Book a consultation with our experts today.