In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to hang a picture with a wire, a timeless and reliable method that offers flexibility and convenience when it comes to decorating your walls. We’ll walk you through the trick to hanging pictures with wires, from essential considerations to the actual steps, so you can create a beautiful gallery wall in no time!
Consider This Before Hanging a Picture With a Wire
Before you dive into how to tie wire on picture frame, there are several essential considerations to keep in mind for your specific picture frame and hanging a picture with a wire:
Wall Type
Depending on whether you have drywall, plaster, brick, or another wall type, you may need different wire picture hangers and techniques for hanging a picture with a wire successfully. Take the time to assess your wall and choose the appropriate tools accordingly:
- For drywall, consider using a drywall anchor or mounting your picture frame into a stud.
- For plaster walls, you may need to use a drill to create a hole in the wall before adding nails, screws, or a wire picture hanger.
- With wood panels, you won’t want to leave a large hole, so consider using as small of a nail as possible.
- If you have brick walls, you should nail into the mortar instead of trying to nail into brick.
Wire Type
Here’s the biggest trick to hanging pictures with wires: knowing what wire type to select! Selecting the right wire for your picture frame is crucial. Consider the weight of your picture and the distance it needs to span across the wall. Different wire types have varying weight-bearing capabilities, so choose one that suits your specific needs. The three types of picture wire are:
- Braided wire, which is made from 12-36 strands of galvanized steel braided together. This method creates a very flexible picture wire, but it is also the least weight-bearing of all the types of wire. In general, the strongest braided picture wire can hold about 36 pounds.
- Stainless steel wire is made differently by twisting individual strands of stainless steel together using tension cables. This method creates the strongest type of picture wire, able to hold up to 100 pounds of weight.
- Vinyl coated wire is the same as stainless steel picture wire, but covered in vinyl so it is soft to the touch and easy on fingers. It can bear up to about 60 pounds or weight.
Weight Support
Knowing the weight of your picture frame is essential for selecting the appropriate hardware and ensuring your wall can support it. In addition to choosing the appropriate wire, you’ll also need to select the right hangers and anchors:
- For a heavy picture up to 50 pounds, consider using drywall anchors.
- Alternatively, if you are mounting a heavy picture on plaster, instead of a drywall anchor, use a plastic sleeve and pan head screw.
- For lighter pictures, you can simply use a nail.
Tasker’s Consideration
If you’re not confident in your DIY skills or lack the time, consider hiring a Tasker for hanging a picture with a wire. Mounting services on Taskrabbit provide a hassle-free way to get your artwork up on the wall with precision and care.
Project Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the project:
- Total Time: Depending on the complexity and number of pictures, this project can take from 10 minutes to a few hours. Each picture will likely take around 10 – 20 minutes.
- Expertise Level: Beginners with some DIY experience can handle this project.
- Average Cost: The cost varies depending on the number of pictures to hang and whether you need to purchase any additional materials. The average cost for materials alone will range from $2 – $15, but if you need to purchase tools, it could cost you up to $75 at the hardware store. The average cost to hire a Mounting Tasker for this kind of job is $50/hour.
Tools Needed
To hang a picture with wire, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- Picture frame
- Wire picture hanger
- D-rings
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Screwdriver
- Wall anchors (if necessary)
- Hooks or nails
Steps for Hanging Pictures With Wires
Here are the steps for how to tie wire on picture frame:
1. Mark the Spot on the Wall Where You Want to Hang the Picture
- Determine the desired height and position for your picture. To hang your picture at the height of the average human gaze, you’ll want the center of your picture to be 57 inches from the bottom of the floor.
- Mark the spot with a pencil.
2. Attach D-rings to the Picture Frame
- Measure the height of the frame to determine exactly where to position your D-rings.
- You’ll want to place your D-rings a third of the way from the top of the frame, which means you can divide the total height of your frame by 3 to figure out how many inches from the top to place the D-rings.
- Screw in two D-rings to the back of your frame at a 45 degree angle and have them face each other. This will help your frame lay flat.
- Ensure they are level and evenly spaced.
3. Measure the Wire and Trim
- Measure a piece of wire that is twice the width of your frame.
- Trim the wire and ensure it’s straight.
4. Knot the Picture Wire
- Here’s how to tie wire on a picture frame: loop each end of the wire through the D-rings and twist your wire a few times before making a secure knot.
- Leave some excess on each side that you can trim once each side is completed.
- Leave some slack to create a slight arch in the wire. The top of the arch should be about 1-2 inches from the top of the frame.
5. Add a Wire Picture Hanger on the Wall
- Choose an appropriate picture wire hanger or hook for your wall type.
- Install the hanger at the marked spot on the wall using appropriate anchors or screws.
6. Hang the Picture
- Hook the wire over the hanger or hook on the wall.
- Adjust the picture until it’s level and secure.
Need Mounting Help?
Even though you now know the trick to hanging pictures with wires, if you find the process daunting or prefer assistance, Taskrabbit’s Mounting services are an excellent option. Taskers with expertise in hanging pictures will ensure your artwork is perfectly positioned and secure on your walls. Don’t hesitate to book a Tasker to make your decorating project a breeze.
