How to Frame and Hang Art Safely

A good frame protects a work of art, and secure hanging keeps it from crashing to the floor. This guide is for anyone hanging paintings, prints, photographs or works on paper at home, whether it is a family piece or something new from an auction, and covers the materials and methods that help keep art safe.

Choose protective framing materials

For works on paper, such as prints, drawings, watercolors and photographs, the materials touching the art matter. Ask your framer for conservation or archival framing, which commonly includes:

• Acid-free or rag mats and backing boards, which will not stain or yellow the paper over time.
• Hinges or corners that are reversible, rather than tape or glue applied directly to the art.
• A mat or spacers so the glazing does not touch the artwork.
• UV-filtering glass or acrylic to reduce light damage.

Do not trim, dry-mount or glue down an original work or a valuable print. These steps are usually irreversible and can reduce value.

Pick the right glazing

Glass and acrylic both have uses. Acrylic is lighter and less likely to shatter, which makes it a good choice for large pieces and high-traffic areas. However, acrylic can hold a static charge, so it is generally not recommended for loose media such as pastel and charcoal, which can be pulled off the paper. Ask your framer what suits your particular piece.

Oil and acrylic paintings on canvas are usually framed without glazing so the surface can breathe, though some owners add it for protection in certain settings.

Check the frame and hanging hardware

Before you hang anything, look at the back. Old frames often have dried-out wire, loose screw eyes, or nails holding the art in. For heavier pieces, D-rings screwed securely into the frame on each side are generally more reliable than a single wire. Make sure any wire is rated well above the weight of the piece and is firmly attached. Replace anything rusted, frayed or loose.

Choose the right wall hardware

• Use picture hooks or hangers rated for more than the weight of the framed piece.
• For heavy art, screw into a wall stud or use anchors designed for your wall type, such as drywall, plaster or masonry.
• Use two hooks spaced apart rather than one. This spreads the weight and keeps the piece level.
• Avoid adhesive strips and single nails for valuable or heavy pieces.

Plaster walls in older homes can crack easily. Drill a pilot hole and use hardware made for plaster.

Decide where to hang it

A common guideline is to place the center of the artwork near average eye level, then adjust for furniture and ceiling height. Above a sofa or sideboard, leave enough space that the art relates to the furniture without being bumped.

Avoid spots in direct sunlight, above heat sources or fireplaces, near humid areas such as bathrooms, and along busy hallways where people may brush against frames. In areas prone to earthquakes, ask a hardware store or art installer about security hooks that keep frames from bouncing off the wall.

Hang it step by step

1. Measure the art and mark the hook positions on the wall with light pencil.
2. Use a level and double-check your measurements.
3. Install the hooks or anchors according to their instructions.
4. Have a helper hold larger pieces while you place them on the hooks.
5. Check that the piece is level and firmly seated.
6. Add small bumper pads on the lower corners to keep the frame steady and allow air flow.

Know when to call a professional

For very large, heavy or valuable works, or pieces with fragile old frames, consider hiring a professional framer or art installer. If a work on paper shows staining, tears or tape residue, a paper conservator should look at it before reframing.

Quick checklist

• Request archival materials for works on paper.
• Keep glazing from touching the art.
• Avoid acrylic glazing for pastel and charcoal.
• Replace old wire and loose hardware.
• Use two hooks rated for the weight, or anchor into studs.
• Hang away from sun, heat and humidity.