To hang Command picture hanging strips, follow a precise process involving surface preparation, strip application to the frame, adherence to the wall, and a crucial curing period. These strips offer a convenient, damage-free solution for decorating with frames and objects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging with Command Strips
For optimal adhesion and to ensure your items stay securely in place, make sure both the wall and the back of your frame are clean and dry before starting.
1. Prepare Your Surfaces and Strips
- Clean: Wipe the intended hanging area on the wall and the back of your picture frame with rubbing alcohol. Allow both surfaces to dry completely. Avoid using household cleaners, as they can leave residues that hinder adhesion.
- Pair Strips: Take two individual Command picture hanging strips and press them firmly together, interlocking the "velcro-like" fasteners. You should hear a click, indicating they are securely joined.
2. Apply Strips to the Frame
- Peel Liner: Peel off one of the protective liners from the connected strip set (typically the black or one of the red liners).
- Press to Frame: Press the adhesive side firmly onto the back of your picture frame. For larger or heavier frames, distribute multiple sets of strips evenly across the back to support the weight. Ensure the pull tab of the strip extends slightly below the frame for easy future removal.
3. Position the Frame on the Wall
- Remove Remaining Liners: With the strips now securely attached to your frame, remove the remaining red liners from the exposed adhesive on the back of the strips.
- Place Frame: Carefully position the frame or object onto the wall exactly where you want it to hang. Take your time to ensure proper alignment.
4. Press and Separate
- Press Firmly: Once the frame is in position, press each set of fasteners firmly against the wall for 30 seconds. Apply consistent pressure directly over each strip set to ensure strong adhesion between the strips and the wall surface.
- Remove Frame: After pressing, remove the frame or object by lifting from the bottom, gently easing it away from the wall. The strips should remain adhered to the wall, with the adhesive side that was on the frame now exposed. This allows the wall adhesive to bond properly without the weight of the frame.
5. Allow Adhesive to Cure
- Wait One Hour: Leave the strips adhered to the wall for at least one hour. This "curing" period is vital, as it allows the adhesive to bond properly with the surface, reaching its maximum holding strength.
6. Reattach Your Frame
- Align and Press: After the one-hour curing period, realign your picture frame with the strips on the wall.
- Secure: Press the frame firmly onto the strips until you hear a click, confirming that the fasteners have re-engaged.
Pro Tips for Optimal Use
- Weight Limits: Always check the package for the specific weight limit of your Command strips. Exceeding this limit can lead to detachment.
- Surface Compatibility: Command strips work best on smooth, sealed surfaces like painted drywall, finished wood, tile, and metal. They are generally not recommended for use on wallpaper, uneven textures, or unpainted brick.
- Temperature: Apply strips in rooms where the temperature is between 50°F (10°C) and 105°F (40°C).
- Proper Removal: To remove a strip without damaging your wall, grasp the pull tab and slowly stretch it straight down, parallel to the wall, until the strip releases from the surface. Do not pull the tab outwards or rip it quickly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Fell Off | The strips or the frame detached from the wall shortly after hanging. | Ensure all surfaces were cleaned thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and completely dry. Verify that enough strips were used to support the item's weight. Always allow the full one-hour cure time before reattaching the frame. |
| Damaged Wall Paint | Paint peeled off the wall during strip removal. | This often happens when the strip is pulled too quickly or at an incorrect angle. Always stretch the tab slowly and straight down, parallel to the wall, rather than pulling it away from the wall. This action elongates the adhesive, causing it to release cleanly. |
| Strips Don't Stick | The adhesive side of the strip does not adhere properly to the wall or frame. | Re-clean the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or residue. Ensure the surface is smooth, not textured, and within the recommended temperature range for application. Apply firm, sustained pressure for the recommended 30 seconds when initially adhering the strips. |
For more detailed instructions and product specifics, refer to the official Command brand website.
