How to Hang Artwork Using Security Hardware

Nothing more upsetting to an art enthusiast than watching art pieces crash to the floor. The hard work, beauty, money, time, and effort were ruined because you did not use security hardware for artwork. At RFA Decor, an art consultant and installation company, we are no stranger to the proper handling techniques of different types of artwork. 

Art is expensive and even more expensive to replace depending on the piece which is why there is little to no room for mistakes when hanging artwork on the walls of your business, home, or office. Thankfully with the help of our professional art handlers and artwork storage specialists, here is a step-by-step guide on how to hang artwork with security hardware to ensure it stays right in place. 

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Hang Artwork With Security Hardware 

Our RFA Decor art handlers are experts at completing residential and commercial art installations. We ensure that everything is handled and installed securely, including security anchors and other art theft prevention systems for pieces displayed in public spaces. Hang artwork using security hardware to ensure the safety of the art to prevent it from being stolen, damaged, dropped, or fallen from natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. You can find picture frame security hardware at your nearest hardware shop or art supply store. Be sure to hang artwork using security hardware capable of handling the entire weight of both the frame and art piece you plan on displaying.

  1. Position the artwork on the wall. Press the two plates at the top of the frame's back into the wall to mark their position. (The plates will leave marks on most types of wall surfaces.)
    security hardware plate
  2. Using the plate position marks as a guide, attach two brackets to the wall using two short drywall anchors and 1" screws. 
    security hardware bracket
  3. Place the artwork onto the brackets by sliding the brackets into the spaces between the frame back and the top plates on the artwork.
  4. Press the bottom plate on the artwork into the wall to mark its position, and remove the artwork from the brackets.
  5. Insert the long plastic anchor into the wall completely. Insert the T-screw into the plastic anchor until it extends 1/2" out of the wall.
  6. Hang the artwork on the brackets, and tilt the bottom of the frame away from the wall so that you can view the T-screw.
  7. Turn the T-screw head to a horizontal position so that it will fit into the corresponding slot in the bottom plate on the frame back. There should be a slight space between the frame and the wall.
  8. From below the picture frame, use the special T-lock wrench to turn the T-screw one-quarter turn (90 degrees) to a vertical position so that the head of the T-screw locks the frame into place on the wall.  

Hang artwork with confidence with the proper security hardware to protect your investment. At RFA Decor, we offer a full range of high-level art-related services and provide clients with only the best in art consulting, custom framing services, and installation of a wide range of art pieces. 

Contact us today to learn about our art shipping and logistics services, as well as how you can benefit from our art storage and warehousing services.