Welcome to our resource page on preparing artwork for gallery hanging! Whether you're a new or experienced artist, properly presenting your pieces is crucial for making a lasting impression. Here, you'll find concise instructions and helpful videos on essential techniques, including installing D-Rings, using hanging wire, and applying the French cleat system. Let's dive in and ensure your artwork is showcased beautifully!
Galleries and museums frequently opt for D-rings when hanging artwork due to their safety, flexibility, and sleek appearance. These rings streamline the installation and adjustment of hanging wires, while providing strong support for a wide range of artwork sizes and weights. Additionally, cleats are another reliable hanging system that ensures secure displays. In comparison to smaller hardware options like screw eyes or sawtooth hangers, D-rings stand out as the preferred choice for creating captivating exhibitions in gallery environments! |
|
How to Install D-Rings (Written instructions below video)
Installing D-Rings on your artwork is a crucial step in preparing it for display. This method provides a secure and stable way to hang your pieces, ensuring they are both safe and visually appealing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install D-Rings properly.
Materials Needed:
Materials: Towel or bubble wrap, parchment paper or glassine, tape measure, pencil, pliers, wire cutters, screw driver, D hook hangers and screws, hanging wire.
Materials Needed:
Materials: Towel or bubble wrap, parchment paper or glassine, tape measure, pencil, pliers, wire cutters, screw driver, D hook hangers and screws, hanging wire.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
D-Rings Installation:
Materials: Towel or bubble wrap, parchment paper or glassine, tape measure, marker, pliers, wire cutters, screw driver, D hook hangers and screws, hanging wire.
D-Rings Installation:
Materials: Towel or bubble wrap, parchment paper or glassine, tape measure, marker, pliers, wire cutters, screw driver, D hook hangers and screws, hanging wire.
- Select appropriate sized D Rings and hanging wire according to size and weight.
- Identify the top of frame/art piece
- Prepare work surface by selecting surface such as a table and laying down towel and placing frame/artwork facedown on work surface.
- Finding where to install D Rings
- Measure the entire height of frame /artwork
- Multiple that by 20 percent (0.20)
- Take that number and measure down from top of the frame /artwork, mark spot with a pencil.
- Using screwdriver screw into frame. A pilot hole made with drill and drill bit may help but should be done with caution.
- Install hanging wire on one side (see video for more details)
- Insert wire through top of the D Ring
- Loop back the wire back through the D ring, pull wire through ‘loop’ to create a knot, pull wire taut to tighten knot.
- Wrap excess wire around main wire 4 to 5 times.
- Cut wire, leaving slack to wrap around wire.
- Find correct wire sag without having wire exposed at the top.
- Insert wire though top of the D Ring and hold in place.
- While holding wire taut at the D Ring pull the main wire up towards the top of the artwork and leaving about 3 inches of room between the wire and top of artwork.
- Install hanging wire on one side (see video for more details)
- Insert wire through top of the D Ring
- Loop back the wire back through the D ring, pull wire through ‘loop’ to create a knot, pull wire taut to tighten knot.
- Wrap excess wire around main wire 4 to 5 times.
- Cut wire, leaving slack to wrap around wire.
How to install a cleat hanging system (Step by Step Directions below video)
Materials Needed: Cleats (wood or metal), Screws, Screwdriver, Drill with appropriate bit, Pencil, Tape measure, Blue painter’s tape, Level.
How to Install a French Cleat
1. Identify Cleats: Determine which cleat goes on the artwork and which goes on the wall. Each piece is cut at a 45-degree angle to interlock securely.
2. Measure and Mark: Measure the width of the artwork and find the center. Mark it with blue painter’s tape. Measure 3 inches down from the top of the artwork and mark with tape.
3. Attach Cleat to Artwork: Align the cleat on the back of the artwork so it is centered and 3 inches from the top. Use a level to ensure it is straight. Mark where the screws will go (use three screws for secure attachment). 4. Drill Pilot Holes: If necessary, select the correct drill bit size to create pilot holes in the artwork frame.
5. Secure the Cleat: Using a screwdriver or drill, install the screws into the back of the artwork.
1. Identify Cleats: Determine which cleat goes on the artwork and which goes on the wall. Each piece is cut at a 45-degree angle to interlock securely.
2. Measure and Mark: Measure the width of the artwork and find the center. Mark it with blue painter’s tape. Measure 3 inches down from the top of the artwork and mark with tape.
3. Attach Cleat to Artwork: Align the cleat on the back of the artwork so it is centered and 3 inches from the top. Use a level to ensure it is straight. Mark where the screws will go (use three screws for secure attachment). 4. Drill Pilot Holes: If necessary, select the correct drill bit size to create pilot holes in the artwork frame.
5. Secure the Cleat: Using a screwdriver or drill, install the screws into the back of the artwork.
