Picture tape- does it really work?

[Lobster12345]

I'm attempting to do a gallery wall but don't really want to start banging in nails. Has anyone use the picture tape stuff? Did it really stick? Any particular brand name that is best? I like the idea of it but have visions of frames smashing to the floor! Any advice?

The only thing I've used was gorilla tape to stick a frameless bathroom mirror to the tiles. It was supposed to be able to withstand moisture, could use it on tiles and mirrors etc and we did it exactly how the instructions said. It lasted about a day until it came down - luckily I had put a towel on the side so it didn't smash to smithereens!
Not very helpful but I'd suggest maybe try it on an empty frame or something you aren't too bothered about close to the ground so you can see how well it holds first

I don't know, but following with interest because doing my gallery wall was probably one of the most stressful projects I've ever attempted and even now every time I see it I'm reminded of how terrible a job I did!

Command strips work really well but can be expensive as you could need a few per frame depending how heavy the frames are!

We use the stuff that's like sticky back velcro. Works brilliantly, never had a problem, have used it to hang some fairly hefty things.

I’ve got all my canvas pics up with command strips. We’ve put one at each end of them, been up 3yrs and fine.
I’ve got a smallish (ikea frame, I think beginning with and R, fits 3 6x4 pictures) wooden frame up in the kitchen held up by command strips. I was a bit worried because it’s a glass front and didn’t want it smashing but it’s been fine.

Not sure I’d trust them with anything heavy. According to the packet, they can take it but I’m not so convinced.

I want a gallery type wall up the stairs but I know I’d have a heart attack if they fell in the night!

DS used the Command hanging strips in uni halls/student houses for framed pictures. Nothing fell off! They give the maximum weight they are suitable for. He chose to use strips that were one category up if the picture was near the maximum weight IYSWIM.

I've just looked up command strips, and they look like witchcraft! How do they work?!

These belong on the "glues I have loved" thread.

Yes command strips all the way!

Looks like command strips are the thing I need to get hold off. Once up, I'm assuming they're really hard to take off if they're that sticky and strong?

Averagebear- I can already tell this is going to be a huge faff!

Command strips are basically velcro that attaches the strip on the frame to the strip on the wall. The velcro strip is stuck to the wall and frame with a sticky plastic/glue that has a tab on it. You remove it by pulling on the tab, the energy from the force of pulling causes the plastic/glue to undergo a reaction that changes the properties of the plastic/glue so it isn't sticky any more. If you follow the instructions carefully, it comes off easily. If you pull it away from the wall rather than down, you risk pulling off the paint or plaster...

Lobster I just made mine into a faff. I wanted to use vintage frames which was my first mistake, and did not anticipate that their fixings would be slightly off centre, plus I wanted the frames to touch (like a cluster frame, but separate frames) and that nearly finished me off because even a millimetre out and they were wrong.

I am just not an accurate kind of person!!