To use command strips to hang items on plaster walls, first, check the weight of the item you’re hanging. Then, purchase multiple command strips with a weight rating high enough to securely hold the item. Once you’ve selected a location where you want to hang your item, clean the wall with rubbing alcohol. This will remove dust and dirt that can prevent the command strip from sticking securely.
Once the wall is clean and dry, stick several command strips to the back of the item and press it firmly into place against the wall. Then, check each command strip to make sure it is sticking to the wall, and your job is done.
![How to Use Command Strips on Plaster Walls? [7 Easy Steps] | Pepper's Home & Garden (1) How to Use Command Strips on Plaster Walls? [7 Easy Steps] | Pepper's Home & Garden (1)](https://i0.wp.com/peppershomeandgarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/command-strips-on-plaster-walls.jpg)
Table of Contents
Will Command Strips Stick to Plaster Walls?
Command strips stick to smooth plaster walls without a problem. However, most command strips and similar products are best used for items weighing 5 pounds (2 kilos) or less. There are several other methods for hanging things on plaster walls without nails. Many of these are capable of holding heavy objects. Command strips are a great option for hanging small picture frames and other light decor. If you’re hanging something heavy, consider using screws or toggle bolts.
Do Command Strips Work on a Textured Plaster Wall?
Adhesive strips are not designed for use on rough or textured walls. Whether you’re using Command strips or another brand, a textured wall will prevent the adhesive strip from making a strong bond with the wall. Command strips used on textured walls will not be durable. Items hung in this manner are likely to fall. So, it’s best to consider nails, screws, or picture hooks if your walls are textured.
How Do You Make Sure Command Strips Stick to Plaster Walls?
Even smooth surfaces can sometimes be uncooperative when you are attempting to hang items with command strips. However, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your decor sticks securely to the wall. Here’s the best way to use command strips on your plaster wall.
Determine the Weight of the Object You’re Hanging
Before deciding to use command strips, weigh your item. If the item is new, you can often check the packaging or an online description in order to find its weight. As a rule of thumb, command strips are capable of supporting items that weigh up to 5 pounds (2 kilos).
- Command strips work best when hanging items 5 pounds (2 kilos) or less.
- Weigh your item—or check the product description for its weight—prior to hanging.
- If the object is heavier than 5 pounds (2 kilos) consider using anchored screws to hang it.
If your item is heavier than 5 pounds (2 kilos), hang it using screws with special plastic wall anchors for plaster. Although heavy-duty command strips can hold up to 12 pounds (5 kilos), they’re less reliable than screws for supporting heavy items.
Select the Right Command Strips for the Job
No one wants their wall art to come crashing down. So, it’s essential to use a strong adhesive strip whenever you are hanging art on plaster walls. These heavy-duty command strips are the best tool for the job. They’re rated for items weighing up to 12 pounds (5 kilos), making them more secure than the average adhesive strip.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Pick a Spot to Hang Your Decor
Select the location where your decor will hang. It’s essential to pinpoint a spot so that you can prep the wall and ensure a good seal. It’s a good idea to mark where the top and bottom of the wall art will be, as well as the sides.
Clean the Wall with Rubbing Alcohol
Use a washcloth and rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the wall. Rubbing alcohol will remove dirt, dust, grime, and any other residue on the wall. This way, your command strips will stick right to the plaster. This will make them far less likely to fall off. Once you’re done scrubbing, allow the wall to dry completely before proceeding.
Stick the Command Strips to Your Decor
Start by sticking the command strips to the back of the item you wish to hang. Instead of one strip, it’s best to use several. If you are hanging a picture frame, for instance, use at least 4 strips—one on each side. That way, even if one does not stick well, the others will be more than capable of keeping your decor in place.
Press the Decor into Place
Once you’ve completed sticking the command strips to your item, press it firmly into position on the cleaned, prepared portion of the wall. Hold it firmly in place for 5–10 seconds to ensure you get a good bond.
- Command strips cannot be removed and reused, so it’s essential to hang decor in the right place on the first try.
- Mark the wall with a level line to guide you as you hang your item.
- Press the item firmly against the wall for 5–10 seconds to make sure the adhesive sticks.
Make sure that when you press it into place the item is level and at the height you want. Command strips lose their adhesive ability if you try to remove and reuse them, so it’s essential to get it right on the first try. A level pencil line can act as a guide to assist in hanging.
Check for Proper Adhesion
After you’ve completed hanging the item, look closely at the edges where the command strips meet the wall. Check to make sure every command strip is making contact with the wall. You can even gently tug on each side of the item to ensure it is snug. If there is no wobble, your job is done.
- Make sure every command strip is firmly in place by inspecting the edges where the item meets the wall.
- Gently wiggle or tug on the object to see if it is secure.
- If the object doesn’t budge against gentle pressure, your command strips are in place.
- If the object wiggles, remove it and hang it with a different method.
If the item is loose or the command strips do not seem to be strongly adhered to the wall, remove the item fully. It’s not a good idea to trust insecure command strips. If you run into this problem it’s best to consider an alternative hanging method rather than trying with more command strips.
What is a Stronger Alternative to Command Strips?
Command strips have the lowest weight-bearing rating of any method you can use on plaster items. They’re very useful for light items, but are not reliable for hanging items weighing over 5 pounds (2 kilos). When hanging heavy items on plaster, consider the following methods.
- Wood screws in wall studs: Can hold items 100 pounds (45 kilos).
- Anchored screws in plaster: Can support up to 20 pounds (9 kilos).
- Drywall hooks: Support up to 20 pounds (9 kilos).
- Plaster hooks: Hold up to 20 pounds (9 kilos).
- Toggle bolts: Capable of holding 20 pounds (9 kilos) or more.
- Picture rails: Can support decor weighing 20–25 pounds (9–11 kilos).
Each of these methods will give you a higher weight rating than command strips. So, while it’s perfectly fine to use command strips for small decor, use a different method for heavier items.
Will Command Strips Stick to Plaster Walls?
Command strips can be used to hang decor on plaster walls, provided you keep the following in mind:
- Adhesive strips should be used on smooth walls only—they will not work on textured walls.
- Command strips are best used to hang items weighing 5 pounds (2 kilos) or less.
- Use anchored screws, hooks, toggle bolts to hang heavier items.
- Clean the wall with rubbing alcohol before using command strips. This will provide a better bond.
- Use several command strips per-item to get better results.
- Check items after hanging to make sure all the command strips are sticking to the wall.
- If command strips do not form a secure bond with your wall, use a different hanging method.
With a little prep work, you can use command strips or command hooks to hang the majority of your decor on plaster walls. They’re great for picture frames and other decor, and they have the added bonus of not putting any holes in your wall.
FAQs
How to Use Command Strips on Plaster Walls? [7 Easy Steps] | Pepper's Home & Garden? ›
To what surfaces will Command™ Products stick? Painted, stained or varnished wood, glass, tile, painted cinder block, plaster, metal, and painted wallboard.
Will command strips stick to plaster walls? ›To what surfaces will Command™ Products stick? Painted, stained or varnished wood, glass, tile, painted cinder block, plaster, metal, and painted wallboard.
Do command strips work on textured plaster walls? ›Do not use Command™ Products on textured walls or surfaces, wallpaper, brick, rough or non-stick surfaces, or fabrics.
How do you stick things to plaster walls? ›Screws (and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items) are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail. For lighter items, simply screwing into the plaster with a 1 1/4” drywall screw is usually enough to get the job done.
What tape to use on plaster walls? ›Scrim tape is very popular for beginners working with plasterboard, and it's also a good all round tape. It has the added benefit that you don't need to use jointing compound with it, so it's less fiddly.
What tape sticks to plaster walls? ›When clients want you to attach objects to textured surfaces without using nails or screws, use tesa PRO Mounting Wallpaper & Plaster. The double-sided tape is designed to hold onto sensitive surfaces. Its formula compensates minor surface irregularities and simplifies craftsmen's work.
How to hang pictures on textured plaster walls without nails? ›Using adhesive putty for hanging pictures is as easy as pie – just stick some lumps of the material to the back of your picture around the edge, then press the picture firmly against the wall. Don't be sparing with the putty! The more lumps you apply, the less weight each one has to carry.
What is the best way to remove texture from plaster walls? ›Apply a skim coat.
The same technique gets rid of textured walls. A thin coat of mud is applied over the entire wall surface, allowed to dry, and then sanded smooth. Especially bumpy walls may need more than one coat. Skim coating a whole room is both messy and time-consuming.
'Textured finishes allow the homeowner (or designer) to unleash their creativity by imagining a new environment and giving any room a more tactile appearance,' says Alex Adducci, senior designer at 210 Design House.
What is the best adhesive for plaster? ›PVA glue – I use plain old Elmer's school glue. Plastic syringes or a spray bottle – Syringes work best. Construction adhesive – My favorite brand is Loctite Power Grab. The formula works for many applications, including plaster.
What adheres to plaster? ›
PVA glue for plaster is highly effective when used as a bonding agent. Because it's an adhesive, it helps the plaster adhere to the surface of the wall.
Should you hang things on plaster walls? ›Luckily, items can be hung from plaster walls, and in some cases, it's easier to hang things from plaster walls than it is drywall. The wood lath behind the plaster is strong and can support up to 25 lbs of weight, given the screw is driven directly into the wood.
Do you actually need rubbing alcohol for command strips? ›To Apply. Clear strips work best on smooth surfaces. Clean with isopropyl rubbing alcohol by wiping gently. Don't use household cleaners like wipes or sprays because they leave behind a slippery residue.
Why does my command strip keep falling off? ›Any dust, dirt, or residue can make it hard for the adhesive to form a strong bond. I recommend cleaning the area with a Magic Eraser, because it's quick and easy, and will thoroughly clean most surfaces. After using the Magic Eraser, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol to leave it squeaky clean.
How do I make my command strips work better? ›The harder you press, the stronger the adhesive bond will be. Wait 1 hour before hanging anything on the hook. This allows the adhesive bond to reach maximum strength. Check your packaging for the correct weight limits.
Does Gorilla Tape work on plaster? ›Can be applied to both rough and smooth surfaces. Grips uneven surfaces like wood, stone, plaster, brick and more. For ease of application, Gorilla Tape can be neatly ripped by hand.
Does Gorilla Tape stick to plaster? ›Gorilla Tape offers over the top results with its heavy-duty, double-thick duct tape. It is made to stick to rough, uneven, unforgiving surfaces like wood, stone, stucco, plaster, brick and more.
Do you wet plaster tape? ›Dampen, but don't soak, the tape in a bucket of water. Wetting the tape before you embed it in the joint compound can help eliminate troublesome bubbles that show up after the joint dries. Keep a bucket of water nearby and quickly run each piece of tape through it before applying the tape to the wall.
How do you hang decorations on plaster? ›The ideal solution for hanging pictures on plaster is to use a picture hanging system like the all-in-one click rail cable hanging kit. This system works by simply installing a rail along the wall, and pictures then hang from cables attached to the rail, and are fastened with hooks.
What is plaster taping? ›Plasterboard Tapes are simply indispensable in drylining; their primary purpose is to seal gaps and prevent cracks from forming after a plaster finish has been applied. This process is known as 'tape and jointing'. For a professional finish, it's imperative to use the right plasterboard joint tape.
How do you hang pictures without damaging plaster walls? ›
Plaster is hard, and pounding a nail into it could crack it or disengage it from the lath that holds it in place. But it's easy eliminate these risks: Just pre-drill the hole first. Use a bit slightly smaller than the nail, and drill at an angle so the nail will function like a hook to hold the picture securely.
Do you use nails or screws for hanging pictures in plaster? ›The best anchors to use for plaster walls are Molly Bolts and Toggle Bolts. They provide extra support by expanding on the other side of the wall, holding the screw and your frame securely. Just remember that your anchors should be long enough to go through the plaster and lath.
Can you use nails to hang pictures on plaster? ›A: With proper technique, hanging pictures on a lath-and-plaster wall isn't a problem. If the pictures are small and equipped with a wire on the back, use a small picture hook and nail. To install small picture hooks all you need is a hammer.
What tool for smoothing out plaster? ›The finishing trowel is another crucial tool in any plasterer's kit. It allows you to smooth out and flatten the plaster more after applying it to the wall.
Why do some houses have plaster walls? ›Lath and plaster walls provide a measure of insulation, helping homes stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The thick, dense layer of plaster dampens the transfer of noise from one room to the next. This is why older homes are often much quieter than new homes with interior walls that are made from drywall.
Are plaster walls coming back? ›This material has been favored from the 1700s all the way up through the 1940s when drywall became popularized, but with so many now wanting to bring an organic nature back into their home, they're turning to plaster as a way to achieve that. “Plaster continues to be in our design plans for 2022.
How do you smooth textured walls without plastering? ›- Use a joint compound instead of plaster. ...
- Sand your walls down with sandpaper. ...
- Use wall lining paper. ...
- Try the dabbing and dotting technique. ...
- Add wall paneling. ...
- Just paint your walls as they are.
That means these products are great at bonding porous or non-porous surfaces, whether you are working on wood, metal, glass, marble, rubber, brick, plaster and so much more.
What is bonding agent for plaster? ›Thistle Bond-it is usually used in plastering applications where a background requires an improved key.
Will hot glue stick to plaster? ›But glue also adheres to materials such as wood and plaster, which has the advantage that you do not need to drill the skirting board or wall, or plaster over nail heads.
What not to do in plaster? ›
Do not get your plaster cast wet. This will weaken it, and your bone will no longer be properly supported. It's possible to buy special covers for plaster casts to keep them dry when washing or bathing. Ask a pharmacist for more information.
What are the disadvantages of plastering walls? ›As it gets older, plaster is continually curing harder and harder which makes it more brittle than drywall. In high traffic areas or in areas with unstable foundations cracks are common in walls and especially ceilings which can be devastated by age and gravity.
Do monkey hooks work on plaster walls? ›You don't even need any tool for monkey hooks, just wiggle them through. Yes, even on plaster (though you could drill a tiny pilot hole to make it easier). And they hold 100lb. The plaster picture hangers just hammer in and hold a variety of weight depending on if they are a single, double or triple nail.
What can you not use Command strips on? ›Command strips can only be applied to smooth surfaces. Avoid adhering them to brick walls, textured wallpaper, concrete or timber.
What happens if you don't have rubbing alcohol for Command strips? ›Don't have rubbing alcohol on hand but want to get something on the wall in a pinch? Reach for some vodka. I've done this and it works like a charm! I've actually also used nail polish remover for this step, and while it's worked, I wouldn't recommend it, as it can remove paint from the walls.
Do you have to wait 1 hour for Command strips? ›Step 5: To ensure adhesive holds, temporarily remove frame from wall to reinforce strips. Peel frame as shown. Press each strip on wall for 30 sec. Step 6: Wait 1 hour for adhesive to build.
Do command strips tear off paint? ›Command strips can be beneficial during wall decoration as they enable you to hang pictures and other objects without harming your wall. However, if not removed carefully, the can result in peeled paint, sticky patches with leftover residue and in some cases, cracks in the wall.
Do command strips really leave no mark? ›Command™ adhesive holds strongly to a variety of surfaces including wood, tile and glass as well as solid, hollow and painted walls. It removes cleanly using 3M stretch-release technology, leaving no cracks, holes, damaged plaster or sticky residue.
Why aren't my Command strips sticking to the wall? ›Most surfaces have some amount of dust or grime on them. In order to create a good bond, adhesive strips need a fresh and clean surface to begin with. The best thing to do is wipe down the spot with some rubbing alcohol.
What surface is best for Command strips? ›Painted, stained or varnished wood, glass, tile, painted cinder block, metal, and painted wallboard. Command™ Outdoor Products can also be used on smooth, sealed and finished surfaces including vinyl siding and fences, doors, windows, decks, gutters and trim.
What surfaces do command strips not stick to? ›
Command strips can only be applied to smooth surfaces. Avoid adhering them to brick walls, textured wallpaper, concrete or timber.
How well do command strips work on textured walls? ›The adhesive generally needs a fairly smooth surface to stick. A very slight texture will generally work ok, but a more pebbly and pronounced texture won't allow the command strip to stick well at all. However, if you don't hang much on it, it will probably last for a while.
Does 3M claw work on plaster walls? ›Do they work on plaster? 3M CLAW™ Picture Hangers were designed for drywall only and don't need a stud.
Do command strips peel paint off walls? ›Command strips can be beneficial during wall decoration as they enable you to hang pictures and other objects without harming your wall. However, if not removed carefully, the can result in peeled paint, sticky patches with leftover residue and in some cases, cracks in the wall.
Why does my Command strip keep falling off? ›Any dust, dirt, or residue can make it hard for the adhesive to form a strong bond. I recommend cleaning the area with a Magic Eraser, because it's quick and easy, and will thoroughly clean most surfaces. After using the Magic Eraser, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol to leave it squeaky clean.
How do I make sure Command strips don't fall? ›In order to get the adhesive to really stick, you need to slide the hook up and off the mounting base. Now press the base firmly against the wall for 30 more seconds. Slide the hook back on. Wait 1 hour before hanging anything on the hook.
What is better than command strips? ›- EZlifego Double-Sided Tape. ...
- Monkey Hooks Picture Hangers (30-Pack) ...
- Tombow Xtreme Removable Indoor/Outdoor Mounting Putty (60-Pack) ...
- 3M CLAW Drywall Picture Hanger (3-Pack) ...
- MOYASIBB Concrete Wall Hooks (25-Pack) ...
- JINSHUNFA Wall Hooks (8-Pack) ...
- VELCRO Heavy Duty Fasteners (8-Pack)
Hang heavy items up to 15lbs with damage-free Command Utility Hooks.
What tool do you use to strip plaster? ›The CS Unitec Trelawny long reach scrapers are the optimal tool for efficiently removing plaster from brick walls and a variety of other surfaces.
What can I use as a bonding agent for plaster? ›Probably the best-known bonding agent to plasterers is Plaster-Weld, made by the Larsen Products Corpo- ration, Rockville, Md. This bonding agent can be applied in a manner similar to paint: in a thin film using a brush, a roller or a spray gun. This type of agent is different from others in that it is emulsible.
Can Command strips come off? ›
If you have fishing line that also works great for removing stuck Command strips! Sometimes the sticky part may still be left on the surface. On the wall I find it peels right off without damage when you can pull up a corner and peel it off. Work slowly and it should come off easily.
What removes Command strips? ›A Piece of Floss and a Hairdryer will do the Trick
First, warm up the adhesive with a hairdryer. 30 seconds or so seems to be about right. Next, use dental floss or fishing line to gently cut through the adhesive strip. Rub off any remaining adhesive residue, and the Command Hook is ready to reuse!