How to Hang Metal Prints Without Drilling: Full Guide

The most popular and reliable no-drill solution. We recommend Command strips or similar products.

What You'll Need

• Adhesive picture hanging strips (Command or equivalent)
• Clean cloth
• Rubbing alcohol (optional, for best adhesion)
• Level
• Pencil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Clean both the wall and the back of your print's hanging hardware with a dry cloth. For best results, wipe with rubbing alcohol and let dry completely. The adhesive bonds best to clean, dry surfaces.

Step 2: Plan Your Placement

Hold the print against the wall at your desired height. For most walls, center the print at eye level (about 145-150 cm from floor to center). Above furniture, maintain 15-25 cm spacing from the furniture top.

Mark the corners lightly with pencil or use painter's tape to outline the position.

Step 3: Prepare the Strips

Separate the interlocking strips. For our prints:

• Small (13×9 cm): 2 small strips
• Medium (30×20 cm): 4 medium strips
• Large (42×30 cm): 4-6 medium strips

Step 4: Apply to Print Hardware

Attach one half of each strip pair to the print's mounting plate. Press firmly for 30 seconds to activate the adhesive fully.

Step 5: Apply to Wall

Remove the liner from the wall-side strips and position your print at the marked location. Press the print firmly against the wall for 30 seconds, ensuring each strip contacts the wall properly.

Step 6: Separate and Wait

Gently remove the print, leaving the wall-side strips attached. Wait at least 1 hour for the adhesive to reach full strength. For maximum security, wait 24 hours.

Step 7: Hang and Level

Align the print strips with the wall strips and press together until you hear a click. Use a level to check that the print is straight.

Method 2: Magnetic Mounting System

Our prints come with a steel mounting plate that works with magnetic solutions.

Option A: Magnetic Strips

Attach magnetic strips to both the wall and the print back. The magnets attract through painted drywall for invisible mounting.

Pros:

• Easily removable and repositionable
• Works great on smooth walls
• Invisible mounting

Cons:

• Requires stronger magnets for larger prints
• May not work through thick plaster

Option B: Magnetic Mounting Rails

Metal rails attach to the wall (with adhesive or minimal hardware), and the print's steel backing attaches magnetically.

Best for:

• Gallery walls where prints are rotated frequently
• Commercial spaces
• Those who want professional mounting with minimal damage

Method 3: Sawtooth Hangers with Adhesive Hooks

If your print has a sawtooth hanger on the back, you can use adhesive hooks designed for picture hanging.

Steps:

1. Measure and mark where the hook needs to go
2. Clean the wall surface
3. Apply the adhesive hook, pressing firmly for 30 seconds
4. Wait 1 hour (24 hours for best results)
5. Hang print on hook

Method 4: Picture Rail Hanging

If your home has a picture rail (a molding near the ceiling), you can hang prints with no wall damage at all.

How It Works:

1. Install picture rail hooks on the molding
2. Run picture hanging wire or cord from hooks
3. Attach print to wire using provided hardware
4. Adjust height as needed

Benefits:

• Zero wall damage
• Easy to change and rearrange
• Classic, gallery-style look

Method 5: Easel or Desk Stand Display

Not all art needs to be on walls! Our desk stand accessory lets you display prints without any wall mounting.

Perfect for:

• Desks and work surfaces
• Shelves and bookcases
• Mantles and console tables
• Tabletop displays

The small (13×9 cm) size is ideal for desk display, though medium (30×20 cm) works on larger surfaces.

Comparing No-Drill Methods

Tips for Success

For Best Adhesion

• Temperature matters: Apply strips at room temperature (15-30°C)
• Avoid humidity: Don't install in steamy bathrooms immediately after showering
• Press firmly: 30 seconds of firm pressure activates adhesive fully
• Wait the full time: 1 hour minimum, 24 hours for best results

For Clean Removal

When it's time to remove:

1. Warm the strips with a hair dryer (30 seconds)
2. Pull the tab straight down slowly (not away from wall)
3. Pull slowly—fast pulling can damage paint
4. If tab breaks, use dental floss behind the strip

For Textured Walls

Light texture usually works fine with adhesive strips. For heavy texture:

• Try magnetic mounting through texture
• Use a small mounting bracket with one nail (minimal damage)
• Consider using our desk stand for an alternative display

For Renters

• Take photos of the wall before installation
• Use quality removable strips (cheap knockoffs may damage walls)
• Test in a closet or hidden area first
• Wait the full cure time before hanging

When You Might Need to Drill

Despite all these options, some situations call for traditional mounting:

• Very heavy gallery walls: Multiple large prints may exceed adhesive limits
• Heavily textured surfaces: Deep texture prevents adhesive contact
• Outdoor mounting: Weather can affect adhesive
• Seismic zones: Building codes may require mechanical fasteners

Even then, a single small nail or screw creates minimal damage compared to traditional framed art requiring anchors.

Our Mounting System

All Bolot Studio prints come with a rear mounting system that's compatible with:

• Adhesive strips (Command-style)
• Sawtooth hangers
• Wire hanging systems
• Our optional desk stand

The steel backing plate also works with magnetic solutions for tool-free hanging.

Conclusion

Drilling is completely optional for hanging metal prints. The combination of lightweight metal construction and versatile mounting options means you can display beautiful wall art without leaving a mark on your walls.

For most people, quality adhesive strips are the easiest and most reliable solution. They hold securely, remove cleanly, and cost just a few euros.

Your walls—and your security deposit—will thank you.