Hanging posters and other wall decor is a great way to add personality to any space. However, it’s important to hang posters and decor without damaging the wall paint. Damaged paint not only looks unsightly, but can be difficult and expensive to properly repair. Thankfully, there are easy solutions for hanging posters that won’t damage paint.
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Use Poster Putty
One of the simplest and most effective solutions for hanging posters without damaging paint is to use poster putty. Poster putty goes by many names – sticky tack, blue tack, reusable adhesive, etc. It’s an adhesive, clay-like substance that can be molded into small balls or strips and used to hang lightweight items, like posters and photos. Here’s how it works:
- Break off a piece of poster putty and roll it into a ball, about the size of a marble.
- Press the poster putty onto the back corners of the poster, mirror, or frame you want to hang. Use at least four pieces – one in each corner.
- Firmly press the item with poster putty against the wall. The poster putty will keep it in place, without damaging the paint or leaving residue behind.
Poster putty is a great option because it’s inexpensive, reusable, and can be found at most craft, office supply, or big box stores. It allows you to easily reposition posters as needed. It works on many surfaces like drywall, wood, tiles, concrete, glass, metal and more. When it’s time to take the poster down, the poster putty peels off cleanly without damage. Just be sure not to hang anything too heavy, as poster putty does have weight limits.
Try Adhesive Hooks
Another strategy for hanging posters without wall damage is using adhesive hooks. These types of hooks stick to the wall with a gel adhesive, allowing you to hang lightweight items. Once you’re ready to remove the hooks, they come off cleanly, without harming the paint or drywall underneath. Here are some popular options:
Command Hooks
Command hooks are a best selling adhesive hook brand. They make a variety of hook designs meant for different uses. For example, their large utility hooks can hold 5 pounds each – perfect for most posters. Or choose specialty hooks made for frames and mirrors. Command hooks can be reused by pressing the adhesive back onto the hook. When fully removing, the adhesive strips off without paint damage. Command also makes adhesive strips, great for hanging string lights, garlands and other decor.
3M Adhesive Hooks
3M is another leading brand when it comes to adhesive hooks. Like Command, they offer a wide selection of hook types and designs for different household uses. 3M hooks can be reused multiple times by pressing the adhesive backing back on. When fully removing, the adhesive comes off cleanly, leaving surfaces undamaged.
Gorilla Hooks
For super strong holding power, Gorilla Hooks are a top choice. Their compact hooks can hold up to 15 pounds each. Gorilla Hooks feature a patented double-stick adhesive that adheres firmly to most surfaces. Yet they can be removed without harming paint or drywall. Gorilla Hooks are an excellent option for securely hanging framed art, canvases, mirrors and more.
Use Magnetic Walls
Turning your walls into a magnetic surface is another creative strategy for hanging posters and art, damage-free. Here are some ideas:
Magnetic Paint
Specialized magnetic paint can transform any wall into a magnetic surface for hanging posters and decor. Magnetic paint contains iron particles that allow magnets to stick to the wall. To use:
- Clean and prime the wall area to be magnetized.
- Apply 2-3 coats of magnetic paint, allowing drying time between coats.
- Let the paint fully cure for at least 48-72 hours.
- Then use magnets or magnetic hooks to hang lightweight posters, photos and more.
Magnetic Drywall
Another option is to install magnetic drywall panels. These pre-made panels have a magnetic receptive layer, allowing magnets to adhere directly. Magnetic drywall panels can be cut to size and mounted over existing drywall. Use them to create a whole magnetic wall or just a section for hanging posters and schedules.
Magnetic Sheeting
For a removable magnetic surface, self-adhesive magnetic sheeting is ideal. Magnetic sheeting comes in rolls or sheets. Simply cut it to size, peel off the backing, and stick on any smooth surface – like walls, doors, lockers and more. Use magnetic hooks or tape to hang lightweight posters and papers from magnetic sheeting.
Try Temporary Wallpaper
Removable wallpaper is an innovative option for hanging art and posters without damaging paint. Special temporary wallpapers feature an adhesive backing that sticks securely, but peels away easily. Here are some ideas:
Removable Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper comes in a wide range of patterns and colors. Transform a wall into a decorative backdrop for displaying posters and photos. When it’s time to remove, the wallpaper peels off without leaving adhesive residue or disturbing the paint.
Reusable Peel and Stick Wall Decals
For more customizable options, use reusable peel and stick wall decals. These vinyl wall decals come in every shape and style imaginable – geometric patterns, wall murals, inspirational quotes, and more. Arrange wall decals in any design you choose to create a unique display space. Reposition or remove decals whenever needed without wall damage.
Chalkboard Contact Paper
Turn a blank wall into a chalkboard instantaneously with chalkboard contact paper. This removable vinyl has a chalkboard-style surface on one side. Cut it to size, stick it on any smooth surface, and start writing! Use chalk to draw calendars, to-do lists, hang posters and more. Peel it off later without harming the underlying paint.
Use Damage-Free Hanging Systems
Some innovative systems offer ways to securely hang posters and wall decor without puncturing your walls at all. Here are a couple concepts:
Hangman No-Damage Picture Hanging System
This system uses adjustable sliding tracks that mount to the wall with adhesive strips. Insert hanging strips onto the back of posters and frames, then slide them anywhere along the track for easy hanging. No nails or hooks required. When removing, the tracks peel off without damaging paint.
Command Picture Hanging Strips
Command Picture Hanging Strips is another damage-free system. Two interlocking strips adhere securely to the wall and the back of the picture frame. Press them together to hang up your poster or framed art. When it’s time to take down or reposition, the strips separate cleanly. No need to puncture or permanently mar your walls.
Use Wire and Nail-Free Hanging Methods
For a low-tech approach, you can use common household items to hang posters without nails, tacks or tape. Here are some creative, paint-safe ideas:
Clothespins
Use wooden or plastic clothespins to hang lightweight posters and photos from wall molding, ceiling tracks, cords or strings without wall damage.
Binder Clips
Use binder clips with an adhesive hook to clip posters, photos or strings to the wall without puncturing it.
Twine or String
Hang twine or string in a grid pattern on the wall with adhesive hooks. Use clothespins to clip posters and photos to the hanging strings.
Shower Curtain Hooks
Adhesive shower hooks stuck to the wall can hold lightweight banners, streamers or strings for hanging items.
Over-the-Door Hanging Racks
Use over-the-door storage hooks or hanging racks to display posters and artwork on the back of a door, without needing to stick anything to walls.
Use Proper Wall Repair Techniques
If your wall does get damaged from hanging posters or other decor, make sure to properly repair it to prevent permanent unsightly marks. Here are some tips:
- Carefully remove any remaining tacks, nails, or adhesive from the damaged area by hand.
- Fill any holes or indented areas with spackle or drywall joint compound. Let dry completely.
- Sand the area smooth. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth.
- Spot prime with a primer similar to the existing wall paint.
- Spot paint the repaired area with matching paint. Use a small paintbrush for best results.
- Let the paint fully cure for at least 24 hours before hanging anything over the repaired spot.
Proper prep and paint repair will help the patched area blend into the surrounding wall for minimal visible damage.
Conclusion
Hanging posters and wall decor should be fun, easy and damage-free. With the right tools and techniques, you can protect your wall paint and display artwork to your heart’s content. Adhesive hooks, magnets, wall decals and nail-free systems make it possible to hang posters securely without puncturing walls or leaving behind tape residue. And if minor wall repairs are ever needed, be sure to properly fill, prime and paint for seamless results. With a little creativity and care, you can enjoy constantly changing, personalized wall decor without the damage.