Want to add some personal touch to your walls, but worried about the plaster? Rest assured: with the right tools and approach, you can hang any picture you want on plaster walls without causing damage to the material.
Prepping to Hang Pictures on Plaster Walls
Before you begin, make sure to gather everything you need. Stud finders range from $25 to over $50. The cheaper model works fine on your plaster walls. Unlike stucco, regular drill and drill bits will work just fine with plaster, saving you the trouble of having to invest in something new.
As for hooks and anchors, simply get what you need based on the weight of your picture frames:
For anything less than 5 pounds, adhesive hooks will do the job
For frames between 5 to 10 pounds, a heavy-duty nail and hook system is sufficient
For frames up to 25 pounds, plaster hooks with wall anchors are more suitable.
For anything over 25 pounds, use molly bolts or toggle bolts.
Alternatively, you can also invest in a professional picture hanging system used by galleries and museums. However, the cost associated with that would be significantly higher.
Use an Adhesive Hook for Light Pictures
With adhesive hooks, no drilling is required. All you need to do is place the hook wherever you want the pictures to be and apply some force so the hook is fully stuck to the wall. Use a leveler to help you ensure the picture is hung straight.
Directly Use a Nail and Hook System
Most picture frames require a nail and hook system to be hung securely. Depending on the weight, you might opt for the heavy-duty ones used in galleries, which come with a thicker nail. Either way, this is another drill-free method to hang pictures on plaster walls. Simply angle the nail downward at about 45 degrees to the wall through the hook it came with and gently hammer the nail through.
For any frames heavier than 10 pounds, it’s best to hang them on a stud for extra support. Use a stud finder to locate the stud in your wall. If you don’t have the tool, simply wrap a magnet in a thin layer of tape and move it slowly through the area where you think there might be a stud. Since studs contain drywall screws, it will attract the magnet, creating a pull. Or, simply knock on the wall and find the hollow areas between studs.
Tape Where You Want to Drill
Once you know where to drill, put some tape down. This will prevent the plaster from cracking. Use a pencil or marker to mark the holes so your pictures are distributed on the wall the way you want them to. Placing tape first also prevents plaster dust from flying all over the place.
Drill the Hole
No matter what screws you choose to use, a small bit usually does the trick for hanging pictures on plaster walls. Using a normal power drill and a standard wood bit of your desired size, set the drill to clockwise and slowly drill to your desired depth. Reverse to the counterclockwise setting and back out of the drilled hole. Make sure to leave enough room for the end of the screw to stick out of the wall if you planning on hanging onto them directly.
Insert Wall Anchors
Insert wall anchors so the bolts don’t move around. Keep in mind that drywall anchors won’t really work with plaster walls because they’re not designed for that kind of material. Molly bolts, toggle bolts, and expansion anchors designed for masonry will give you a much stronger hold without damaging the plaster around it.
Hang Your Picture
Photo: Maskot / Maskot / Getty Images
Finally, it’s time to hang your picture. Use a leveler to ensure the images are straight. You can also use the leveler to reach 45-degree angles. Gently tuck the frame to make sure the wire is properly placed on the hook. Don’t forget to take a picture and show off your final result!
Using a Picture Hanging System
For a more elevated and professional look, consider using a picture hanging system instead of directly hanging the frames onto your plaster walls. These systems come with adjustable, slideable axes with different sizes of hanging hooks, and all you really need to do is install the rail molding. These systems often come with detailed installation instructions.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Unless you’re going after a commercial-grade gallery setup at home, there is no need to hire a contractor simply for hanging pictures on plaster walls. A plaster or stucco contractor is a lot more helpful for larger projects, such as removing a chunk of the plaster wall to build a shelf into the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drywall anchors won’t work on plaster. Instead, they will more than likely cause more damage and pull out the plaster. The best type of anchors to use on plaster walls are the ones that will bite into the surrounding area, such as molly bolts and toggle bolts. Masonry anchors with expanders on the sides also work for lighter pictures.
Brick and stucco are a lot more different. You must use picture hanging clips designed for brick walls, or use a plaster rail system with adjustable hooks. Any other type of hanging hardware will cause damage to the bricks behind. You won’t be able to really use nails, either, because they’re not strong enough to go into the bricks.
Xiao is a full-time writer giving advice and tips on improving living spaces so it functions as a peaceful sanctuary and an efficient factory. She is visual artist with substantial woodshop experience and isn’t afraid to pick up a circular saw. She is also a volunteer builder for Kansas City’s Habitat of Humanity.
Xiao is a full-time writer giving advice and tips on improving living spaces so it functions as a peaceful sanctuary and an efficient factory. She is visual artist with substantial woodshop experience and isn’t afraid to pick up a circular saw. She is also a volunteer builder for Kansas City’s Habitat of Humanity.
The homeowners guide to Stucco
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
