How to Hang a Canvas Print

by William Kenny

How to hang a canvas print is among the most popular queries from our customers. So here’s our complete guide to hanging canvas!

To hang a canvas, you can use the special hanger set from MYPICTURE.co.uk. This can be added to your order for a small extra cost – we explain how to use it below. Or if you’re looking for a solution that leaves your walls totally unblemished, you can use adhesive strips.

The truth is, canvas prints are pretty light and don’t need heavy-duty support. But you still want a hanging solution that keeps your print as stable as possible, while staying neatly out of the way to let your beautiful print soak up all the attention. That's why we recommend our hanger set as the best option.

We’ll give you full usage instructions further down the page. But if you're impatient to get your print on the wall ASAP, here’s a simple rundown of the hanging process:

How to Hang a Canvas Print: Steps in Brief

• Place sawtooth hanger in middle of top bar of stretcher frame

• Screw sawtooth hanger in place

• Hammer 2 nails into wall close together

• Rest sawtooth hanger on nails to hang canvas

Simple as that.

However, please note we do recommend a slightly different technique if your canvas is in one of our largest formats. (For more info, see below under How to Hang a Large Canvas – Full Instructions.)

And if you’re wondering where you’re going to find one of these “sawtooth hangers”, don’t worry! They come included with every MYPICTURE canvas hanger set.

Speaking of which…

Our Hanger Set – An Introduction

You can add the hanger set to your order once you reach the product design page. You’ll need one set for each canvas you buy. Each set costs just £3.

NOTE: The hanging technique is rather different for SMALL and for LARGE canvas prints. But each hanger set includes all the elements you’ll need for EITHER technique – so if you added the set to your order, you’re ready to go!

And we’ll give full instructions for both techniques below.

So, here’s what you’ll need to get your new canvas on the wall:

• This article!

• Our canvas hanger set

• A pencil

• A spirit level (if available)

• A small cross screwdriver

• A hammer

• Some patience

How to Hang a Small Canvas – Full Instructions

We recommend this hanging technique for canvas prints up to 60 x 30cm in size.

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What you’ll need from our hanger set:

• The sawtooth hanger (slim metal bar with serrated edge)

• The pair of nails

• The pair of longer black screws

Step 1: With a pencil, mark the points where you’re going to insert the nails into the wall.

The sawtooth hanger will rest on the nails later, so the distance the nails sit apart needs to be the same as the distance between the first and last grooves of the sawtooth hanger’s serrated edge.

The nails will also need to be on an even plane, so you might want to use a spirit level to check your chosen points are even.

When you’re ready, hammer away!

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Step 2: Using the pair of (longer) screws, secure the sawtooth hanger to the back of your canvas, in the middle of the top stretcher bar.

Again, it’s recommended to do some measuring first to get the position just right.

Note: the serrated edge needs to point downwards!

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Step 3: Hang your small canvas by resting the first and last grooves of the sawtooth hanger on the nails.

Your small canvas is now ready for display – simple as that.

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How to Hang a Large Canvas – Full Instructions

We recommend this hanging technique for canvas prints 60 x 40cm in size or larger.

What you’ll need from our hanger set:

• The length of cord

• The pair of triangular D-rings (picture hooks)

• The 4 shorter black screws

• The pair of nails

Step 1: Using the four (shorter) screws, secure a triangular D-ring to each of the side stretcher bars so the two D-rings are pointing towards each other horizontally.

They should be above the halfway point of the side stretcher bars, but not too close to the top.

It helps to do some prior measurements so that the D-rings are on a level plane.

Step 2: Thread the length of cord through both D-rings, pull the cord taut and then tie a knot in each end to secure it, cutting off any length you don’t need.

Step 3: With a pencil, mark the points on the wall where you’re going to insert the nails.

If you’re in any doubt, use a spirit level to make sure they’ll be on a level plane.

When you’re happy, hammer in the nails.

Note: They’ll need to be deep enough into the wall so that the sticking-out part of each nail isn’t longer than the depth of your frame.

Step 4: Hang your large canvas by simply resting the cord on the nails.

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And that’s it – you’ve successfully hung your large canvas photo print. Wasn’t really that hard, was it? If you're interested in learning how to set up your prints without leaving a scratch on your wall, check out our article about hanging pictures without nails!