How do you hang lights on a brick wall without drilling?

Hanging lights on a brick wall can seem daunting if you don’t want to drill holes into the bricks. However, with some clever solutions, you can securely mount lights on a brick surface without any drilling required. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore several methods for safely and effectively hanging string lights, sconces, spotlights, and other lighting fixtures on brick without drilling.

Can I use command strips?

Command strips are a popular option for hanging lightweight objects on walls without nails or screws. However, most command strip products are not rated to hold heavier loads like lights and lamps. While you may be able to hang very lightweight string lights with a few command strips, any larger or heavier fixtures will require a more heavy-duty solution.

What about removable adhesive hooks?

There are some removable adhesive hooks on the market that claim to securely hold lights and decorations on brick. These can be an easy option, but use caution – most of these hooks are designed for lightweight loads under 5 pounds. Carefully check the weight rating and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Apply the hooks evenly across the mounting surface and let them set for at least 24 hours before hanging anything on them. Test them with light tugs to ensure they will be secure enough for a lighting fixture.

Can I use magnets?

High-powered magnets provide one good option for securely affixing lights to a brick wall without drilling. Neodymium magnets or magnetic strips can hold quite a bit of weight on a smooth brick surface. Look for magnets designed for home use with at least 30 lbs of pull force. Clean the brick thoroughly before attaching the magnets. Distribute sets of magnets evenly across the back of the light fixture base, ensuring it makes flush contact with the wall surface. Magnet sets combined with additional adhesives provide the most secure hold.

What about mortar mounts?

Mortar mounts are brackets designed to be installed in the mortar joints between bricks, without drilling into the bricks themselves. First, select high quality stainless steel mortar mounts rated to hold the weight of your lighting fixture. Using a hammer and chisel, clear out enough space in the mortar joint to fit the mortar mount bracket. Tap the mounts into the mortar joints with a rubber mallet until secure. Install sets of mortar mounts across the fixture’s mounting plate for the most hold. Mortar mounts hold well when installed correctly, but take some time and effort to chisel into place.

Could I use removable silicone?

Removable silicone adhesives provide a surprisingly strong solution for securely holding lights on brick. Look for silicone products specifically designed for temporary interior use – these will not degrade or stain the brick surface. First, thoroughly clean the wall area. Apply strips and dots of silicone across the fixture’s mounting plate and press it firmly to the wall for at least 10 seconds. Allow to cure fully, which can take 24-48 hours. The silicone should hold the light securely in place but still allow clean removal later. When it’s time to take the fixture down, simply slice the silicone off the wall with a utility knife.

What about liquid nails?

Liquid nails is an all-purpose adhesive typically used for permanent installations. However, some new liquid nails formulas claim to have removable strength when applied in small amounts. You could test using very small dots of liquid nails to affix a lightweight string light fixture to a brick wall without drilling. This comes with some risks though – liquid nails are not designed for temporary use. Excessive use or very heavy lights may damage the brick face when removed. Any liquid nails remnants must be promptly cleaned off or they will permanently adhere.

Can I use Velcro?

Self-adhesive Velcro strips provide a removable and damage-free method for hanging lightweight string lights or other small fixtures on brick. Stick the soft side of the Velcro directly to the back of the light fixture. Press the rough Velcro strips very firmly onto the clean brick wall, at least 4 across the fixture backing. Allow both sides to cure for 24 hours before attaching. Velcro holds well for light loads buthigher weight lights will require a more heavy-duty adhesive option.

What about mounting putty?

Mounting putty is designed to temporarily adhere objects to various surfaces, including brick. It stays removable and leaves behind no damage. Look for mounting putty formulas that state they can securely hold light loads on brick and masonry. Apply generous amounts across the back of the light fixture, smoothly pressing it into the putty for the most hold. Let the putty fully cure as directed on the package before hanging the light. Mounting putty works best for very lightweight fixtures under 3 pounds.

Can I use double-sided tape?

High strength double-sided tapes provide an easy option for removably mounting light fixtures on brick. Look for exterior-grade foam tapes rated to securely hold at least 5 pounds. Thoroughly clean and dry the brick before applying. Press the tape very firmly across the entire back surface of the light for 10-20 seconds. Allow the tape adhesive to cure fully, which can take 48-72 hours. Double-sided foam tapes work well for lightweight string lights and small fixtures. Use multiple strips for heavier loads.

What about tension poles?

Tension poles provide a unique method for hanging string lights and other decor across brick walls without any drilling or adhesives. Available in fixed lengths or adjustable telescoping styles, tension poles use a spring-loaded pressure system to grip both the floor and ceiling. Position the base of the pole near the wall area to be lit. Carefully extend the pole until the top is pressed firmly on the ceiling and the base maintains constant upward pressure. Use clips to attach string light strands anywhere along the pole. Tension poles work well but require sufficient floor space and ceiling height.

Could I use brick clips?

Brick clips, also called brick brackets, provide an easy adhesive-free option for hanging light loads. The small metal clips fit securely over brick edges or into mortar joints, so no wall damage occurs. Look for corrosion-resistant clips rated to hold at least 10 pounds per pair. For heavier lights, distribute sets of clips evenly across the back of the fixture. Ensure the clips grip the brick edges firmly and allow no sliding. Brick clips work best when the surrounding bricks are in good condition without large gaps or missing mortar.

What about clear nail polish?

In a pinch, clear nail polish can act as an adhesive to temporarily affix very lightweight string lights or decorations to a brick wall without drilling. This is only suitable for the smallest accents – the polish will not securely hold any sizable lighting fixture. Use the polish to lightly coat the back of the object to be hung. Firmly press it to the brick and hold for 30-60 seconds. Allow to fully dry for at least 4 hours before letting go. The nail polish will form a lightweight bond with the rough brick texture. Take care not to get any polish drips on the visible brick face.

What methods work for spotlights or sconces?

Heavier lighting fixtures like spotlights and sconces require a very secure hold, so weak adhesives will not properly support them on brick. Instead, look to magnetic mounts, mortar mounts, removable silicone, or high-strength mounting putty to hold several pounds of weight. You will also need to evenly distribute multiple mounts across the fixture’s backing plate. Consider supports at the base as well in addition to wall mounts. Sturdy removable options like brackets, stands, or tension poles can bear weight at the bottom of freestanding spotlights. Take extra time evaluating the weight and balance when installing heavier fixtures.

Which is the strongest method?

For holding the most weight securely on a brick wall without drilling, mortar mounts and magnetic mounts prove strongest. Sturdy steel mortar mounts installed properly in brick joints can hold up to 50 pounds per mount. Similarly, sets of powerful neodymium magnets can safely hold 50 pounds or more evenly distributed across a smooth brick surface. Dense mounting putty and high-grade removable silicone also rate among the strongest non-drilling options. When used together in sufficient quantities, these methods can safely support most lighting fixtures on brick walls.

What weight limitations should I know?

Method	Weight Limit Per Mount	Total Weight Limit
Command Strips	1 lb	3 lbs
Adhesive Hooks	3-5 lbs	10 lbs
Magnets	Up to 50 lbs (depending on magnet strength)	100+ lbs evenly distributed
Mortar Mounts	Up to 50 lbs	100+ lbs evenly distributed
Silicone	5-10 lbs	30 lbs
Velcro	2-3 lbs	10 lbs
Mounting Putty	3-5 lbs	15 lbs
Double-Sided Tape	5-10 lbs	20 lbs

Closely follow all manufacturer instructions and weight limits for whichever product you choose. Distribute mounts evenly and allow full curing time. Do not exceed the load capacity, as overloaded adhesives can detach and cause lighting fixtures to fall.

What are some general tips for hanging lights safely?

When installing lights on brick without drilling, keep these safety tips in mind:

Carefully check the total weight of the lighting fixture and do not exceed adhesive weight limits.

Clean brick thoroughly and let adhesives fully cure before hanging lights.
Distribute mounts widely across the fixture backing for best support.
Follow all manufacturer instructions closely.

Use the most heavy-duty adhesive option that allows clean removal.
Consider supplemental supports like brackets or stands to share the weight.
Test mounts by gently pulling on the fixture before fully installing.

Check periodically that all mounts remain secure and re-apply if needed.

Will these methods damage my brick at all?

The good news is all of these methods can securely hold lighting fixtures on brick walls without drilling or otherwise damaging the bricks. However, some care is required:

Take care with mortar mounts to only chisel space within the mortar – do not chip the brick edges.

Clean off any adhesive residues promptly when removing fixtures to avoid permanent sticking or staining.
Use only adhesives explicitly designed for temporary indoor use that state they are removable without damage.
Apply silicone, liquid nails, and other adhesives very sparingly to avoid drips and runoff.

With responsible use following all guidelines, these installation methods should not cause any permanent damage to your brickwork. The wall area may require occasional re-pointing of mortar joints over time but the bricks themselves will remain undamaged.

How do I ensure a secure hold?

To best ensure your lighting fixtures stay securely mounted to the brick wall, adhere to these guidelines:

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and curing time.

Only use adhesives specifically rated for the type and weight of your fixtures.
Apply adhesives evenly across the full surface of the fixture backing plate for the most hold.
Distribute multiple mounts widely across large or heavy fixtures.

Press fixtures very firmly to the brick for at least 10-20 seconds after applying adhesive.
Allow 72 hours or more for adhesives to fully cure before hanging fixtures.
Periodically check fixtures to ensure mounts remain tightly affixed to the wall.

Taking the time to properly prepare the brick surface and install high-quality adhesive mounts correctly will result in lighting fixtures that remain securely and safely in place.

What if my brick wall is uneven or damaged?

Brick walls with large gaps, missing mortar, or uneven bricks present additional challenges for securely mounting lighting fixtures without drilling. Here are some tips to address uneven brick surfaces:

Fill any gaps around anchors with silicone or water-resistant caulk for better adhesion.

Use mounting putty to create a smooth, consistent base across bumpy areas before installing hooks.
Choose mortar mounts or brick clips to bypass damaged bricks and grip solid areas.
Consider braces or L-brackets at the fixture base for extra support if the wall surface is unstable.

For large damaged areas, build out a smooth wooden framework on the bricks to create an even mounting surface.

Taking a few extra steps to compensate for uneven bricks will help ensure your lighting fixtures are safely and securely supported.

How do I remove the lights later without damaging the brick?

Removing lighting fixtures from brick walls without harming the bricks involves a few simple steps:

Turn off power and disconnect all electrical components fully.
Use a utility knife to carefully slice any silicone caulk or adhesive pads from the wall surface.
Slowly pull fixtures straight out from the wall, easing the mounts free.

Remove all remaining adhesive residues using a plastic scraper and mild cleaning solutions.
For mortar mounts, use a screwdriver and hammer to pry them free from the joints.
Fill and repair any mortar holes if necessary. Refinish paint or coatings disturbed during removal.

Wipe the brick clean to remove final adhesive traces.

Taking your time and using care not to nick or gouge the brick, you can fully remove lighting fixtures without leaving any permanent damage or marks on the brick facade.

Conclusion

Installing beautiful lighting on brick walls without drilling is completely achievable using removable adhesives, mortar mounts, magnetic mounts and more innovative solutions. With proper installation and care, these methods can securely and safely hold a variety of lighting fixtures on brick while still allowing non-destructive removal later. Just be sure to follow all guidelines closely, use the right products for your fixture weight, allow adhesives to fully cure, evenly distribute multiple mounts, and avoid excessive adhesive usage. With the right approach, you can avoid drilling and permanently mounting lights to enjoy stunning illuminated brick walls.