Frame Hanging Supplies

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Our frames do not include hanging hardware as part of the basic frame price.

We offer the more common hanging hardware items separately.

We provide the following information outlining the steps required for installing hanging hardware onto a frame.

HANGING SUPPLIES

D-Ring Hangers
D-Ring hangers are a common hardware choice for frame hanging (e.g. D-Ring Hanger, Flap Hanger, Strap Hanger) and are available in several standard sizes and weight ratings.
We recommend using two or three hole hangers whenever possible to prevent the hangers from pivotal action while also giving the added protection of having more than one mounting screw per hanger. One hole hangers should only to be used on lightweight and narrow frames. We do not recommend screw-eye hangers for frame hanging. Install D-Ring hanger mounting screws into the frame only and not into the stretcher.

Super Steel Hangers
Super Steel Hangers are another common hardware choice for frame hanging and are a good choice for frames with narrow moulding widths that can hold up to 30 lbs.
Super Steel Hangers are mounted vertically onto the side rail mouldings and come in two hole and four hole configurations. We recommend four hole hangers that have staggered mounting holes to reduce the risk of splitting the wood of the frame. These hangers are good for frames made from softer woods. It is recommended to only install Super Steel Hanger mounting screws into the frame and not into the stretchers.

Hanging Wire
Hanging wire is a critical component for frame hanging. (e.g. Hanging Wire, Picture Wire, Picture Cord,)
Hanging wire is available in various weight rated sizes and is looped through the wire hangers that are secured in the left and right vertical frame moulding. A braided steel wire is recommended (weight rated for at least four times the weight of the artwork and frame) and the ends of the wire should be secured so that they do not poke into the back of the canvas or panel - Improperly secured hanging wire end can poke the canvas leaving a dent or bulge that is visible on the front of the artwork.

Be sure to have sufficient padding laid down on your work surface prior to placing an ornamented frame face down for artwork fitting.
Only use hangers and hanging wire that are weight rated for your artwork and frame. It is recommended to use a braided steel wire that is designed to support at least four times the weight of the artwork and frame.
If possible the hanging wire and hangers should be attached while the frame is empty.
It is recommended to use hangers with 2 or more holes made of plated steel.

Gayle F. Clements (Conservator Gilcrease Museum), Guidelines for Framing Canvas Paintings in Traditional Frames without Glazing, Part I, (Jan, 1994)
Gayle F. Clements (Conservator Gilcrease Museum), Guidelines for Framing Canvas Paintings in Traditional Frames without Glazing, Part II, (Jan, 1994)
Smithsonian - Museum Conservation Institute, Caring for Your Paintings, (Retrieved 4/1/13)