How to Hang a Painting

There's more to hanging a painting than just driving a nail in the wall. Picture wire should distribute the weight so the canvas won't sag. It's also important to consider the positioning of the painting. Keeping it away from moisture, direct sunlight and heat will prolong the life of your painting.

Things You'll Need

• 2 eye screws
• Woven picture wire
• Nail
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Put 2 marks about 1/4 of the way down on each side of the inside of the stretcher bar or frame. These marks will be your guide to where to put the eye screws.

2. Screw in the eyes screws where you made the marks.

3. Cut a piece of picture wire that equals the width of your canvas plus 8 inches.

4. Insert 1 inch of one end of the wire through the first screw. Twist the wire around itself tightly.

5. Stretch the wire across the back of the stretcher frame; make sure is has a give of 1 inch. Repeat Step 4.

6. Use a nail or hook that can hold double the weight of the painting. Hang the wire on the hook or nail, making sure it hangs flush with the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang the painting on a wall stud, especially if it's heavy.

• Make sure your painting is away from a heat source and away from direct sunlight.

• Make sure your hands are clean before you handle your painting. If it's an old painting, consider wearing white cotton gloves.

• Don't carry a painting by the top of the frame. Carry it with both hands on both sides of the painting.