Picture Hangers Wire
Hanging several pictures is much more of a project than simply hammering a couple of nails into a wall and attaching hooks to the nails for a secure fit. In some cases, using wire picture hangers to present art represents the best method for hanging paintings and photographs that form the centerpiece for a display. Perhaps you need wire picture hangers for a few of your art pieces to complement a presentation of other artwork.
Although the frame and artwork are the most critical part of a wall display, you might not have an art display without wire picture hangers.
The most durable type of wire picture hangers consists of steel, whether it is stainless or galvanized. You also have to decide whether to opt for coated or uncoated wire. Wire picture hangers receive a grade based on the maximum weight the wire can support or on the breaking weight of the wire, which should be between three to four times greater than a piece of hanging art. You should attach picture hangers wire about one-quarter of the length down a frame, but ensure the wire placement leaves enough slack for a picture to secure firmly on a pair of wall hooks.
When Should I Use Wire Picture Hangers?
Wire picture hangers are not meant for some types of artwork. Pieces of art surrounded by small picture frames between 4 by 6” and 11 by 14” should come with sawtooth hooks or a couple of hooks fastened to the back of the frame. Sawtooth hooks are relatively easy to use because all you have to do is set the zigzag edge on a nail or screw attached to a wall.
French cleats do the best job securing artwork in large, heavy frames. French cleats are long bars consisting of wood or metal that are sized to fit the width of a piece of art. One French cleat attaches on the back and along the top frame edge, while the second attaches to a wall. Working with French cleats can be a considerable investment of time, as they require several nails or screws for displays with many pieces of art.
Artwork of medium size and weighing less than 100 pounds work best with wire picture hangers. Attaching the wire to the back of a painting or photograph is easy, and the project should be inexpensive compared to other methods. You buy wire in a roll that allows you to hang dozens of pictures and photos for the same display.
What is the Best Material for Picture Hangers Wire?
Although you have many types of wire to use for hanging artwork, just two types provide you with both durability and aesthetic quality.
Stainless steel is an alloy manufactured from a combination of steel and a minimum of 10 percent chromium. The blending of chromium increases the wire’s resistance to rust and corrosion. This is important when hanging pictures and photos in high-humidity environments, such as open art galleries. The steel also does not stain when it comes in contact with water. Manufacturers produce galvanized steel wiring with a zinc coat that prevents rust and corrosion. The manufacturing process includes hot dipping steel into molten zinc to ensure the development of a uniform coat.
Find Out if Wire Picture Hangers are Right for Your Display
Walker Display has helped clients choose the best art display products for over 50 years. Our commercial clients include Bausch & Lomb, Las Olas Capital Advisors, and Nimble Hill Vineyard and Winery. Contact us to learn the most effective ways to use wire picture hangers.