There is nothing quite like seeing your photo printed on acrylic. Images are so vibrant and glossy, it’s practically like looking onto a real-life scene through a window. But what’s the best way to hang an acrylic print?
In this article, we’ll look at several hanging and framing options, as well as provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to hang an acrylic print on the wall.
We’ll also include some tips to help you decide on the best place to display your photo art so you can admire them for years to come.
Let's get started...
Acrylic Print Mounting & Hanging Options
If you choose Posterjack to turn your photo into an Acrylic Print, you will be provided with six different options to display your Acrylic Print.
Each of these mounting and hanging systems have their own unique characteristics, making it easy to customize your print to fit in perfectly with your own style and decor.
Here’s a look at our Acrylic Print hanging and framing options. Unless otherwise stated, these options are available with all 35 print sizes we offer.
No Frame
With this option, your print will have a smooth back with no hanging system installed. This is a good option to choose if you plan to have a custom frame made for the print or intend on using your own hanging system.
[Side-view of a Posterjack Acrylic Print with no hanging system installed.]
Float Mount
This is our most popular Acrylic Print hanging option. It offers a modern frameless look, while providing ease of mounting with a hanging wire on the back. The Float Mount makes the print float approximately half an inch away from the wall.
[Posterjack Acrylic Print with Float Mount hanging system installed.]
Standoff Kit
A very secure hanging option, the Standoff Kit is a wall-anchor and bolt system. The print is bolted into the wall through holes drilled in the four corners of the print. Installation instructions are included with the print.
[Close-up of an Acrylic Print with a Standoff Kit installed.]
Modern Float Frame
With this option, your Acrylic Print is mounted flush with the front edge of a deep, solid wood box frame. The frame has a depth of 1.75-inches and is available in four colours: black, white, espresso, and silver. The back of the frame has a hanging wire installed.
[Acrylic Prints with Float Frames, detailed different colour options available.]
Standard Frame
A classic frame style made from solid Canadian hardwood with a satin finish, your Acrylic Print is set in the rear of the frame, with the inner lip of the moulding covering the edge of the print. The frame itself has a 1.25-inch front profile and is fitted with a key-hole hanging system on the back of the frame. This style comes in two colours: black and charcoal.
[Close-up of an Acrylic Print with the black Standard Frame option.]
Aluminum Easel
This display option is only available with Acrylic Prints that are 12”x18” or smaller and include a fold-out aluminum standing leg so the print can be displayed on a desk, shelf, or other flat surface.
[An Acrylic Print with an aluminum easel installed on the back.]
How to Hang an Acrylic Print on the Wall
[Collection of Posterjack prints displayed on the wall.]
Hanging an acrylic print on the wall is a straightforward process. Here are step-by-step instructions to help you:
1. Gather the Necessary Materials
- Acrylic print: Ensure that it has a hanging mechanism, such as a wire hanger or key-hole hanging system, on the back.
- Hanging hardware and tools: Depending on your wall and print, you may need items such as screws, nails, or wall anchors, along with the tools to install these (like a hammer or drill).
- Level: To ensure your acrylic print hangs straight.
- Tape measure: To accurately measure and mark the hanging position.
- Stud finder (optional): A tool to help you locate the wall studs to securely hang your acrylic print.
- Pencil: To mark hanging positions.
2. Choose the Location
Decide where you want to hang your acrylic print. Consider factors such as wall space, lighting, and the desired height for display. To help you decide which hanging options might be the best for your situation, we’ve included some helpful tips below.
3. Measure and Mark the Hanging Position
Use a tape measure to determine the desired height and position of your acrylic print. Measure from the floor or an adjacent reference point to ensure accuracy. Use a pencil to mark the spot lightly.
4. Locate Wall Studs (Optional)
If you're hanging a large acrylic print, it's advisable to secure it to wall studs for added stability.
Use a stud finder tool to locate the position of the studs within your marked area.
Mark the edges of the studs with a pencil and aim to hang your print near the centre of the stud.
Tip:
If you don’t have a stud finder, you can still locate studs behind the drywall. Studs can be positioned up to 24-inches from each other but are typically placed 16-inches apart on walls and are used around windows and doors, as well as in the corners of rooms.
Using a measuring tape, measure in 16-inch increments from any of these starting points and you will likely find a stud.
Once you think you’ve located a stud, you can do the knock test where you gently tap on the wall to see if it sounds solid or hollow.
If it sounds hollow, there isn’t a stud behind the wall.
Note that this test isn’t a foolproof way to locate studs, but combined with measuring, could help and hopefully prevent putting unnecessary holes in the wall.
5. Attach Wall Fasteners
Based on your wall type and the weight of your acrylic print, select the appropriate wall fasteners.
If you're attaching to studs, simply drill screws into the marked locations. For drywall or other wall types, use wall anchors or other suitable fasteners.
6. Hang the Acrylic Print
With the wall fasteners securely in place, it's time to hang your acrylic print. If your print has a wire hanger, ensure it is centered.
If it has a sawtooth hanger or keyhole, position it at the desired height. Carefully lift the acrylic print and align the hanging mechanism with the fasteners on the wall.
Lower the print, making sure it hooks securely onto the fasteners.
7. Level the Acrylic Print
Use a level to ensure your acrylic print is perfectly straight. Adjust the position if necessary, gently lifting it off the fasteners and reattaching it until it is level.
8. Step Back and Assess
Take a step back to examine the placement and alignment of your acrylic print. Make any adjustments if needed.
9. Clean and Enjoy!
Finally, wipe the surface of your acrylic print gently with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any smudges or fingerprints and admire your beautifully displayed acrylic print!
Tips for Deciding Where to Hang Your Acrylic Print
["After some great time off we’ve been back at it this week with a vengeance with installs, destages and site visits going full force in preparation for what’s looking to be an insanely busy fall." Image and quote from spaces.collective.]
To help you enjoy your acrylic print in all its glory, here are a few tips and considerations:
Lighting: Consider what type of lighting will be in the area you’re planning to hang your acrylic print. If there’s bright overhead lighting or even natural sunlight that will fall on the print, there’s a good chance your print will be affected by glare.
Location: If you’re planning to hang your acrylic print in a high-traffic area like a hallway or staircase, you might want to consider choosing a hanging system that is more secure, like our Standoff Kit. Although not necessary, a hanging system like this will mean you don’t need to constantly be straightening frames when they get bumped by the kids running up and down the hallway.
Height: Where and how you choose to display your acrylic print is a personal preference, but ideally, the center of the print should be about 57-inches from the floor. Refer to this infographic on how to display your artwork for more tips.
Trial Run: To help reduce the chances of putting unnecessary holes in the wall, cut craft paper or newspaper to the size of your acrylic print(s) and hang them on the wall using painter’s tape. Step back to see if you like how it looks and make adjustments if needed. This is a great way to play around with various gallery wall layouts too if you plan on hanging multiple acrylic prints.
Show Off Your Acrylic Prints
By following these tips, you’ll have your acrylic prints hanging on your wall in no time and by choosing the best hanging system and the ideal display location, you can proudly show off your acrylic prints in a way that truly reflects your personal style.
["Hanging up some of my Christmas gifts. Love them!" Image and quote from dream.believe.receive.]
["These family photos are in the upstairs hall. I wanted to get creative so I decided to choose scenic photos and printed them with Posterjack. I absolutely love the acrylic style!" Image and quote from catchfeelsforyourhome.]
