How do you stick posters to the wall without damaging them?

Putting up posters and prints can help add personality to your living space. However, if done improperly, you risk damaging your walls or your posters. Luckily, with the right materials and techniques, you can hang posters in a way that keeps them looking great but does not damage them or your walls. Here are some tips on how to stick posters to walls without causing any damage.

Use painter’s tape

One of the best tools for hanging posters without damage is painter’s tape. This lightly adhesive tape can be stuck to the back corners of the poster and then placed on the wall. Painter’s tape allows you to reposition the poster multiple times without tearing the paper. It also comes off the wall easily without stripping paint or leaving a sticky residue.

When using painter’s tape, stick it only to the back edges of the poster rather than in vertical strips across the back. Tape in diagonal corners keeps the poster flat against the wall, while vertical strips can cause bumps or wrinkles in the paper. Gently smooth the poster after placing it to ensure there are no air bubbles between the tape and wall.

Try poster putty

Poster putty or sticky tack is another good option for hanging lightweight posters without damage. These putty-like substances can be rolled into small balls then gently pressed onto the corners of the poster and the wall to hold it in place. Poster putty comes off cleanly when done, leaving no marks on the wall.

When using poster putty, be sure to use adequately sized amounts. Start with balls around 1” diameter in the corners to hold an 8×10” print. Adjust the size appropriately for larger or heavier posters. Too little poster putty won’t secure the poster, while overdoing it can cause difficulty removing and increase the chance of residue being left behind.

Use clips for frameless posters

For frameless posters without distinct borders, clips can be a good damage-free way to hang them. Clips that attach to the top corners are ideal. Adhesive-backed clips stick to the wall while the poster slides between the clip pieces. This allows adjustment while keeping the edges from curling or bending.

Be sure to space clips every 8-12 inches for proper support and smoothness. Place them just inside the edges rather than beyond the poster borders. Position the clips evenly and check the alignment to achieve the desired visual effect before sticking them to the wall.

Try command poster strips

Command poster strips utilize Velcro-like adhesive technology to hang lightweight posters without nails or tape. These have one side that sticks to the wall, while the soft opposite side adheres to the back of the poster without leaving residue.

To use command strips:

– Clean the wall area where strips will go with isopropyl alcohol
– Separate the strip sides and adhere one to the poster’s back near the edges
– Remove strip liner and press poster area to wall, adjusting as needed
– Smooth down the attachment strips completely
– Ensure adequate support with multiple strips for larger posters

This makes hanging damage-free and allows easy removal later. However, command strips can lose adhesive strength over time on some surfaces, so are best for temporary hanging.

Use magnets on magnetic surfaces

For metal surfaces like file cabinets or fridges, magnet sets provide an easy no-damage hanging solution for posters. Small, powerful magnets with self-adhesive backing can attach to each corner. The strong magnetic pull then secures the poster smoothly to the metal surface.

When using magnets, be sure they and the metal surface are clean before attachment. Start with smaller magnets, gradually using more or larger ones if needed for adequate holding power. Place the magnets as close to the corners as possible without them sticking out from beyond the poster edges.

Best Practices for Damage-Free Poster Hanging

– Use acid-free and lignin-free tapes when possible. These are less likely to discolor or damage paper.

– Add tape borders if needed. For thin poster paper, add strips of archival tape along the top and side edges to reinforce it before hanging.

– Consider framing irreplaceable or delicate posters. Posters with high sentimental or monetary value are safest in a frame rather than directly on the wall.

– Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Fading can damage posters over time. Hang them out of direct sunlight or use UV protective glass when framing.

– Check for wall weakness. Press along the area to ensure the wall is solid. Avoid hanging over hollow drywall or weak points that could easily get damaged.

– Use wire for heavy prints. Heavier canvas or framed prints should be hung with wire rather than tape or adhesive. Follow standard picture hanging techniques.

– Remove tape gently and slowly. Pull painter’s tape off the wall at a 45 degree angle to minimize the chance of paint being lifted.

Hanging Posters on Different Wall Surfaces

The wall material you want to hang posters on can impact the best method to use to prevent damage. Consider the surface type when selecting an adhesive option:

Drywall

Painter’s tape and poster putty are good choices for regular drywall. Avoid heavy framed posters directly on drywall. Look for solid anchoring points like wall studs to hang these using picture hooks and wire.

Plaster

Because plaster can be delicate, low-tack tapes and light plastic putty are ideal. Test adhesives first on a small area to ensure they don’t lift the plaster surface.

Wood paneling or trims

Wood surfaces are prone to dents and mars. Use low tack adhesive putty rather than permanent tapes. Ensure the putty stickiness will be enough to support the poster weight without needing clips.

Textured or delicate wallpaper

Adhesive tapes may lift wallpaper or stick unevenly on textured surfaces. Non-adhesive options like static cling posters or framed prints are best here. Or use very low-tack putty on a small wallpaper area to test first.

Concrete or brick

The uneven, rough surface of concrete makes tapes ineffective. Command poster strips or strips of double-sided tape offer better adhesion. Also try industrial putty or dots of construction adhesive for concrete poster display.

Metal

Magnets are ideal for safely securing posters to metal without causing any damage. Be sure the magnets have sufficient strength and use enough to keep posters flat and smoothly adhered.

Hanging Large Posters and Reducing Damage Risk

Larger posters call for a bit more care to hang them without damage. Here are some tips for safely displaying oversized posters:

– Roll posters loosely when transporting them rather than folding, which can cause creases.

– Have someone help hang large posters to manage the extra material and align it level.

– Tape down the top edge first, then smooth the rest of the poster onto the wall. For mini-posters, tape the top lightly then do the bottom before the sides.

– Add tape borders along the edges for reinforcement so the weight doesn’t tear poster paper.

– Use low-acid tapes to prevent staining of paper over time. Test tape first on a small corner.

– Position in a spot without glare to prevent fading and wear on large pieces.

– Allow adequate drying time for adhesives before hanging. Putty and glue need time to reach maximum strength.

– Increase adhesive amounts for heavy vinyl or promotional posters. Add small pieces every 6 inches instead of just the corners.

– Check regularly and re-adhere loose edges to keep the poster contained and prevent tears.

Precautions When Removing Posters

To take posters down without damaging them, the wall, or your posters, follow these precautions:

– Remove tape and adhesive slowly and carefully. Never rip posters off forcefully.

– Pull painter’s tape off at an angle rather than straight out to reduce paint removal.

– Twist and roll poster putty to loosen it rather than pulling directly. This prevents wall damage.

– Heat glue dots with a blow dryer as you peel gently to reduce residue.

– Detach one clip, magnet or command strip at a time without removing support from the other corners.

– Roll down posters evenly rather than peeling from one section to avoid tearing or creasing.

– Take down decorative borders, frames, or background material attached near posters first.

– Check the poster backing and corners for any remaining adhesive pieces and remove them.

– Use oil or lemon oil-soaked cotton to wipe away any putty or adhesive residue left after removal.

– Wash any oil cleaner off the wall with gentle soap and water.

Storing Posters Long-Term

To keep posters protected and prevent damage when storing them away, follow archival storage guidelines:

– Roll posters loosely around an acid-free cardboard core or insert them in an archival quality poster sleeve. Never fold posters.

– Store posters flat and evenly supported to prevent indentations or buckling.

– Use acid-free backing boards or liners in frames to prevent discoloration.

– Keep posters out of direct light, heat sources, and high humidity areas.

– Place posters in archival polyethylene, polypropylene plastic, or Mylar sleeves or envelopes.

– Use archival tape and neutral pH adhesive putty if sealing tubes or sleeves. Avoid rubber bands or paperclips.

– Label poster sleeves discreetly with archival pens or acid-free paper. Avoid markers bleeding through.

– Store posters vertically in protective cabinets or bins. Horizontal stacking can lead to damage from excess weight and pressure.

Conclusion

Hanging posters cleanly and safely is possible with the right adhesive products and techniques tailored to your wall type. When in doubt, start gently with lower-tack tape or minimal putty and build up adhesion as needed. Consistently allowing proper drying time, gently removing adhesives, and storing posters flat are also key to keeping them damage-free over time. With the proper care, you can decorate with posters while keeping them vibrant and your walls pristine.

Adhesive Option	Best For	Precautions
Painter’s tape	Posters on drywall, plaster	Use acid-free; don’t leave up too long
Poster putty	Lightweight posters; smooth walls	Adjust amount for weight; may leave oily residue
Command strips	Temporary hanging; framed prints	Clean surface first; can damage wall when removing
Magnets	Metal surfaces like refrigerators	Use strong magnets; may slide down over time

Surface Material	Recommended Adhesive
Drywall	Painter’s tape, poster putty
Plaster	Low-tack tape, plastic putty
Wood	Putty (no tape)
Wallpaper	Non-adhesive or low-tack putty
Concrete	Command strips or double-sided tape
Metal	Magnets