How-To Articles

Recently we had a homeowner inquire with us as to how to hang an art display on a stone fireplace. This person has a beautiful stone fireplace in his home that he didn't want to mar by putting holes into either the stone or the grout work. We love it when these questions are brought to our attention so we can share our solutions.

The mere act of changing art and repositioning a display damages the one most valuable asset most of us possess, our home. The repeated hammering of nails leaves holes that need to be filled, patched and painted. This is inefficient, not sustainable and budget foolish, and sometimes the damage is simply not repairable. Think of Venetian Plaster, as just one example. Yet, this repeatedly destructive process need not continue.

Frames are traditionally prepared with a hang wire on the rear. It is typically mounted to the side rails of frames about 1/3 down from the top of the frame. Also, this wire is traditionally longer than it need be. There is slack in it by some inconsistent amount. When hung from a hanging system cable, or rod, this standard frame preparation will frequently cause the top of the frame to hang away from the wall, what we call face forward.

Since most of the population is familiar and experienced with hanging a frame from the hang wire on the rear of a frame, it is natural for us to do the same when hanging a framed art piece from a hanging system. However, that experience does not translate to a framed art piece hanging from two cables or rods.

Hanging a single piece of framed art is typically straightforward. While there can be certain aspects to consider when hanging solo pieces, as we've mentioned in our first post of this series, the tactical aspects usually arise when attempting to hang multiple pieces in a vertical format on a single cable or rod. One of these is the Teeter-Totter Effect.

Have you ever tried to hang a framed piece of art or lovely photo and, while the piece itself is wall-worthy, its presentation is less than appealing? It tilts or leans on the wall. Right or left, it doesn't matter. It distracts from the visual.

In our series, "How to Optimize Hanging Systems", we've discussed topics including how to hang framed art, managing face forward of frames, when to use two cables for picture frame stabilization, tips for how to prevent art frames from a teeter-totter effect, and eliminating the dizzying visual distraction of unbalanced picture frame tilting.

Perhaps you own a laminated photo.Or maybe graduation plaques from your child's school?Or recent awards from your business success. On the back side of many of them, you find a common keyhole slot. Has this left you contemplating how to hang a picture or plaque when one of these slots is present?

Today, we're excited to show you how integral our hanging system can be in showing off another style of three dimensional art. These sculptures are anything-but typically hung flat art. Check out how this clever resin climbing man, nicknamed Goal Achiever by sculptor Ancizar Marin.

Maintaining the natural beauty and integrity of brick walls, such as those often but not exclusively found in historic architecture, can pose challenges when it comes to hanging art or signage. With a mounting surface of brick, as opposed to drywall, it is nearly impossible to fill, patch, or repair nail hole damage once it has occurred. Over time, the results of repeatedly hanging and repositioning objects on brick walls create an unsightly Swiss cheese effect

As someone who grew up in an earthquake zone in southern California, I have personal first hand experience with shake, rattle, and roll of Mother Nature's occasional convulsing. Besides a multitude of less memorable shakers, I have experienced the following significant quakes:1971 6.6 San