How to Hang Posters: A Damage-Free Guide

You’re probably wondering how to hang posters to preserve them for more than ten years. After creating beauty, it can be hard to get it up on the wall without making a jumbled, tape-filled mess. So what’s the best way to hang posters without damaging them?

Whether you’re a renter hoping to personalize your apartment or a homeowner looking to keep those walls clean, our comprehensive guide has you covered. So, let’s dive right in and learn how to hang posters like a pro!

how to hang posters without damaging them — Image credit: @corelens

How to Hang a Poster – Supply List

Before you start, gathering the right supplies is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Poster or art print
Cleaning solution for the walls
Pencil
Scissors or utility knife
Removable adhesive, magic tape, or double-sided removable tape
Level or tape measure

How to Hang a Poster Without Damaging It: Brief Instructions

For those of you who prefer to cut to the chase, here’s a quick rundown of the steps involved in hanging posters without damaging them:

Wash your hands.
Flatten your poster if it’s been rolled up.
Clean the wall surface and the back of your poster.
Choose a damage-free adhesive solution.
Apply the adhesive to the back of the poster.
Carefully position and press the poster onto the wall.

How to Hang Posters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Think of the Space You’ll Use

Where are you planning to hang your poster? Is this a high-traffic area? Is the surface smooth or textured? Are there any potential obstacles to work around? Consider the lighting, the wall color, and any furniture that may be close. Everything in your environment should complement each other rather than clash!

Measure and Mark the Poster Placement

Get out your tape measure or ruler. Measure your poster’s size carefully, then lightly sketch where you want it to go on the wall with a pencil and tape measure. Measure and indicate the center of the wall space you’ve chosen. This step is critical because it will help you position the poster correctly the first time, lowering the danger of adhesive errors or tearing.

Clean your Hands and the Wall Surface

This step is critical for ensuring proper adhesion. Posters are fingerprint-prone if handled with greasy or oily fingers. Make sure your hands are clean and free of any oils or debris before you start handling the poster.

Next, wipe the wall down with a clean, dry towel. If you use adhesive, your poster will not attach to a dirty or oily surface. Clean every surface, get into every nook and cranny with a rag, and use warm water or a cleaning chemical to ensure every space is spotless. Also, verify that the wall is entirely dry before applying the poster.

Flatten the Poster

Poster prints usually arrive folded up, so they’ll still be a little crooked when you unfurl them. To flatten your poster, lay it face down on a clean, dry table, smooth it out, and place weights in each of the four corners and the center of the print. You may use anything with smooth edges for weights, including books. You can also flatten it by rolling it in the opposite direction, although this procedure can result in unintended folds if not done correctly.

Choose the Best Adhesive for Hanging Posters

Double-Sided Removable Tape: Putting up signs is one of the main uses for double-sided tape. The glue on this tape is soft, so it won’t leave marks or damage the print.
Nano Double-Sided Tape: This appears to be a thicker double-sided tape that leaves no residue.
Heavy-Duty Mounting Tape: Get heavy-duty mounting tape if your pictures are in frames or are made of thick paper. This is a good option if you don’t want to drill or use nails but still want to safely hang your pictures.
Wall-Safe Putty: A putty-like adhesive, such as Blu Tack or Fun-Tak, is ideal for hanging posters without damaging them or the wall. Apply the putty to the back of the poster and glue it to the wall.
Poster Tape: This low-tack tape is meant to hang posters without destroying them. It is simple to apply and remove, making it an ideal choice for temporary displays.
Magic Tape: This kind of tape is great for light-colored banners because it doesn’t stand out as much. Even after prolonged use, this tape detaches effortlessly and leaves no residue on the poster.

Attach Adhesive to the Back of the Poster

Attach the adhesive on the back to keep your poster from dropping. Place the poster face down on a clean, level surface and apply glue to all corners, the center, and the midpoints between them. You’ll need plenty of touch points to keep the poster securely in place. Avoid employing excessive force, since this may cause the paper to wrinkle.

Put up the Poster

Since your poster is complete and the location for hanging it has been determined, the final step is to exhibit it. Once you’re sure everything is okay, start by lining it up with where you marked it to go. Then, attach the two top corners. Make sure the spot where it sticks is straight. Smooth down the sides while pushing hard against the adhesive places. Smoothly press outward from the center to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.

Final Thoughts

Hanging posters without damaging them is an art that requires simple procedures and careful planning. Each step is meant to make your beloved posters look their best now and in the future, from measuring and marking your wall to choosing the right glue. With careful planning, the correct supplies, and an eye for detail, you can decorate your home without regrets.

FAQs

How to put posters on a wall without damaging it?

Double-sided tape is a simple and quick way of how to hang Posters without frames or having to make any holes in the wall.

What is the best way to hang posters?

Sticky-backed Velcro® strips, hooks, and even plastic eye-holes are inexpensive and handy alternatives. Just keep those specified weight limits in mind. Light-weight pieces, like an unadorned poster, can be mounted simply with decorative tacks, poster putty, or flat adhesives like double-sided tape.

Does mounting putty damage posters?

Unlike nails, tacks, and duct tape, mounting and poster putty won’t leave holes or peel paint.

How to hang kpop posters without damaging them?

Washi Tape. As you know, washi tape can come off easily, so just take some washi tape, take your photocard, and then tape it. But be sure to take it off every few hours and put a new piece of tape on! I have kpop posters up on my wall.