Stucco generally, is based on a mixture of cement and sand which makes it pretty difficult to get things hung on. Perhaps you have stucco walls and you plan to decorate them, it can be quite challenging to do so using conventional methods such as power drilling.
Walls that are covered with stucco or plaster are notoriously tough to decorate because they are easily prone to cracking and crumbling, especially when put through the rigors of a power drill which may eventually lead to cracking and crumbling that’s why you need to know how to hang things on stucco without drilling
However, this shouldn’t prevent you from hanging art or any other decorative items on your walls. It isn’t necessarily important to use a drill in order to hang a clock, picture frame, or any other decorative object on stucco so far you have the appropriate hardware and materials.
So if you want to save time, money, and effort, you really want to learn how to properly hang your decor on the stucco wall. And today, I’m going to be showing you another dimension on what it will take for you to hang wall decor on stucco without having to use nails or anything in between. So how to hang things on stucco without drilling, let’s get started!
- Using adhesive hooks
1. Use long-lasting adhesive hooks designed for exterior use.
There is quite a number of adhesive strips with hooks that can be used to hang on stucco. You can check the packaging for information on how much weight they can support. However, endeavor to go for the one that can support the weight of whatever it is you intend to hang.
Adhesive hooks are a great idea for hanging picture frames, clocks and other objects that can be attached to hooks. Meanwhile, for larger or heavier objects, you may need to use multiple hooks.
If you intend to hang a painting or frame with a hanging wire, ensure you choose a hook whose wire will be able to fit onto it.
Also, if you plan to hang on stucco outdoors, you want to get strips that are rated for outdoor use and can possibly withstand elements.
Note: On no account should you use these adhesive hooks in an area with a high moisture level or heat, such as the bathroom or kitchen as this can weaken the adhesive, hence making the hook fall off.
Remember that adhesive hooks may likely peel off some of the wall paint even if they aren’t supposed to, when they are removed.
2. Get the surface area cleaned with alcohol.
You want to ensure the surface is ready enough to have adhesive applied to it because any dirt or residue can make it quite difficult for the adhesive to stick to the stucco. So you make sure the area is properly cleaned by scrubbing it using alcohol, while you give it enough time to dry completely.
3. Measure and mark where you want to have the hooks applied.
It is much better to have to apply the adhesive hooks for the first time rather than remove and reapply. You may need to use the wire backing of a painting or multiple hooks to hang on your stucco, so the earlier you apply the stucco on the right spot, the better for you. Use a pencil to mark where you’d have the hooks applied.
Note: Perhaps you’re using multiple hooks, try measuring in order to make sure they are even. You can also use a tape measure, ruler or leveler to ensure the hooks are in alignment by having it held against the stucco and observing if the places marked, are on a straight and even line.
4. Do away with the adhesive backing and attach the hooks to the stucco.
Now, you want to get the hooks attached to the places marked so be sure to check the directions on the packaging as there may be specific instructions on how to stick your hooks to stucco. Adhesive strips are quite difficult to remove, so they are best attached properly the first time to be on the safe side.
Ensure the adhesive is pressed firmly against the wall in order to make sure it attaches securely.
5. Carefully hang your objects on the hook.
While the adhesive hooks may be strong enough to hold whatever object, you still want to carefully attach the object to the hooks so that they don’t pop off of the stucco.
Peradventure you’re to hang a frame with a wire, you want to slowly lower the wire backing onto the hook(s) until the frame has been placed firmly.
- Using wire hangers
1. Use wire hangers to hang heavy objects.
Presently, we have diverse brands of lightweight wire hangers that can be installed without having to drill into the stucco. However, make sure you go for a wire hanger that can go deep into plaster walls. The hangers are very easy to remove, leaving just a little hole behind.
2. Mark your hook placement with a pencil.
I’m sure nobody wants to make a hole in the plaster only to have the hooks removed again while you start over. You really want to make sure you mark where you want your hook inserted especially if you plan to hang a frame with wire backing.
Larger frames may require more than one hook to support the wire backing, so ensure you measure and make sure the hook(s) are in alignment so your frame doesn’t lean. You can make use of a ruler or tape to ensure the hooks are well aligned.
3. Puncture the wall using the sharp and straight end of the hanger.
Although it may require some effort to pierce the stucco, however, be very careful not to crush or bend the wire hanger. You can rotate your wrist in order to help the wire penetrate the plaster and once the stucco is pierced, the wire should slide through easily.
Push the hanger in slowly to avoid damaging the stucco as a sudden burst can potentially crack the stucco.
4. Gently push the hanger into the wall and twist until you have the hook right side up.
Once you’ve inserted the straight end of the hanger, the wire should be able to slide easily through the wall. So you rotate the hanger so that the straight end of the hook is pressing against the inside of the wall. It should slide in all the way to the hook of the hanger.
Note: Ensure the hook settles into place while providing a stronghold.
5. Hang the object carefully onto the hook.
Although the hook is strong enough to hold it, trust me, if you knock the hook sideways, it will not support any weight. So you want to slowly lower the object or wire backing of the frame onto the hook until it is properly settled in place on the stucco. Don’t let the object fall into place while you risk knocking the hook out of alignment.
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- Using double-sided tape
1. Use outdoor mounting tape to hang light frames and objects.
By using good quality double-sided mounting tape, you can easily hang light frames and decor on your stucco wall. Since there are different types of double-sided tape available, you really want to be sure you’re selecting the one that is specifically designed for outdoor use, as these are often the strongest adhesives.
This will basically ensure the tape is able to withstand the elements and remain attached to your stucco wall.
2. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol.
Due to the fact that dirt may affect how well the tape will stick to the stucco, it is very important that the surface is clean and clear before anything else.
How that you’re able to clean the entire area where you plan to hang something properly, is by scrubbing it with alcohol and allowing it to dry fully. Use a sponge, rag or brush to scrub the area well while you clean it and let it dry.
3. Cut strips of tape and place on the object you want to hang.
Instead of attaching the tape directly to the wall, you can attach a side of the tape to what you want to hang first. Thereafter you peel the backing off of one side of the tape and attach it to the object such that it isn’t visible when you hang it.
4. Remove the tape’s backing off and hang on the wall.
Once you’ve applied enough tape to the frame or decor you plan to hang, you can now remove the backing while you expose the adhesive that will attach to the stucco. Pull the paper backing off of the adhesive slowly.
The sticky surface of the tape will begin to dry and lose its strength after removing the backing, so ensure you’re ready to hang the object on the stucco wall before you remove the backing.
Lastly, hold the object against the stucco for about 10 minutes to ensure it sticks firmly.
Conclusion: How To Hang Things On Stucco Without Drilling.
You don’t always have to drill a hole into your stucco wall whenever you want to hang any object, there are several other days in which you can do this while still having your decor properly adhered to the wall surface.
Depending on the weight of the object you intend hanging, some may require just a single hook while for heavier objects, multiple hooks will be required. So you want to take precautions where this is concerned so as not to damage your stucco wall. I think this article is well explanatory enough.
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