Do your picture frames & canvases tend to tilt or go crooked? You hung them so nicely, but after a couple weeks, you notice them leaning.
That happens a lot in my house. I’m pretty sure my kids racing around are to blame – even though they may not physically bump my pictures, their activity jostles the wall and thus my wall hanging.
Luckily I learned a simple tip for picture hanging that completely changed this. It’s so easy and inexpensive, you’ll want to do this for all your wall hangings!
Ready?
All you need is removable adhesive putty (I call it “sticky tacky”).
This will keep your frames in place on the wall, despite jostling from kids running around. It’s not strong enough to support the full weight of your picture (you’ll still need a nail or hook), but the adhesive putty is pretty effective at keeping it steady.
You can find removable adhesive putty in most stores, but the cheapest place I’ve found is Amazon.
(affiliate link) Here’s the type I prefer and it’s only $1.99: Removable Adhesive Putty Tabs
One quick note: I recommend using white adhesive putty because other colors (blue, orange, etc.) can leave small colored marks on your wall. (Take it from my experience.) It’s not permanent, but you may have to scrub it later and that could discolor your paint, etc. I’ve never had an issue with white.
Simply roll up a small piece of putty into a ball and stick it onto the corner edges of your picture frame. Usually the two lower corners are sufficient. However if you have a very large frame, you may want to add a couple more pieces along the sides or bottom edge.
Then simply hang your picture frame back on its original hook on the wall…
and once you’ve made sure it’s centered, gently but firmly, press down on the corners where the adhesive putty is.
This will set your wall hanging in place.
This won’t cement your picture down; you can easily move it any time you want. It just lightly “sticks” it to the wall.
This should keep your frames even on the wall for months at a time. Sometimes, I’ve found after a long period of time, a frame will still go crooked. If that happens, you simply roll the adhesive putty into another ball and restick.
So easy, right?
Lisa says
I need this stuff! I absolutely suck at hanging pictures;)
Amy says
We use this all the time and call it sticky tack. My pictures are always moving so this helps keep most straight!
Brandy says
It is like you read my mind – I am moving and was curious what options I had to hang up things without hurting the walls of my landlord’s amazing home! I will have to try to find this at a local shop here!
Christine says
I love solutions like this that make you stop and go..duh! Genius
Freida says
I will definitely be trying this! Thanks for the tip!
tammileetips says
These are great tips! I never would have thought to use sticky tack like this to hang pictures.
diane hoffmaster says
I must admit, I detest hanging pictures on the wall! I am so horrible at it! Great tip though..will have to give it a try!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
Most of my pictures are hung on picture hooks and they don’t tilt. I have three that do tile that aren’t on hangers. But, having a hubby that was a painter for over ten years I know better then to stick anything on our walls.
Kristina says
So smart. I need these for all my crooked pictures, they drive me nuts.
Daisy says
This is such a cool tip because we bought a new house and haven’t hung anything yet. This will make life much easier!
Derek Dewitt says
My wife and I want to hang some pictures in our living room soon, so thanks for these tips. I like your point about using white adhesive strips. We’ll be sure to do this so it doesn’t mark the walls up.