Hang pictures without damaging walls

stuart45

If the pictures are hung with a cord across the back, it can be tricky to get them level. I was doing a repointing job for a chiropractor, when she asked me to hang some pictures up in her treatment room. 
There were 4 identical sized ones she wanted put up, 2 at the top,2 below, level, plumb, and the space between to form a cross exactly the same size.
I put 2 screws in level  to hang one, then 2 more level with those 2. When I hung the next one it was a bit lower. I realised that because the cord is in a slightly different position it will hang differently. I had to lay the pictures flat, hold the screws right in the cord and measure the distance to the top. Then make the allowance from a level line from the first screws.
I then put the 2 below in, measured the gaps and it was all good. Then called the lady in the check. She said great, looks perfect, then said, 2 of them are in the wrong place. They need to be in a certain order. 
I said no problem, I'll just swop them over. Did that, and that hung slightly lower, and higher so I had to start all over again.
A few days later she asked me to hang some more pictures and her certificates on the back wall which was hard stone. As it was a bit rough she decided I should plaster it first. A mate of mine suggested using magnetic plaster to make things easier. I'd never used it before,  but it's quite easy to use, and although she baulked at the price at bit, now it's done she's really happy with it.  Means she can move everything around any time she wants, and can easily add more pictures anywhere on the wall.

Andyjflet

You learn something every day! magnetic plaster... do you just pop the hook on it without the nail? 

stuart45

Andyjflet said:

You learn something every day! magnetic plaster... do you just pop the hook on it without the nail? 

The plaster itself isn't magnetic, but contains iron particles which a magnet will stick to. You need to fix magnetic strips to the pictures etc. I've heard some people have got flat screen TV's on it.

ChasingtheWelshdream

Going off topic slightly for the OP, but in regards to Stuart45's scenario if something similar happens.

As a picture framer, cord/wire is standard and I have a technique to ensure the tension/length/placement are as uniform as they can be for each frame.

However, if I know a group of pictures are to be displayed together with ultimate precision, I will use different hangers that can be positioned more accurately on the wall. It doesn't cost much more and I'm sure a local friendly framer would be happy to supply something suitable, which can be attached to the frames.

horsewithnoname

Command strips for lighter pictures and command hooks for heavier ones. If used according to the instructions I’ve never had a problem with them.  Brilliant idea whoever thought them up!

Ncafeel

I use double-sided tape in such cases.