How to Hang a Picture on a Brick Wall

How to Hang a Picture on a Brick Wall

Brick walls provide aesthetic value to any space. Bare or decorated, they exude a unique personality that makes a room stand out. While brick walls look great on their own, hanging pictures on the wall adds character and a “lived-in” vibe. What you choose to display on your walls makes a statement about your personality and makes your space truly yours.

However, the process isn’t as simple as hammering frames onto the surface, and it’s important to make sure the frames are properly installed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on hanging pictures on brick walls while maintaining functionality and design value.

1. Assessing the Current Frame

How do you hang a picture on a brick wall? If you already have framed photos on display and wish to move them onto the brick wall, the first thing you need to do is evaluate the condition of the existing frame.

Inspect all corners of the frame to spot possible dents and scratches. Determine whether the frame can be reused for hanging or if a replacement is necessary. Identify the hardware and ensure they’re properly attached to the frame. Different frame sizes could mean different types of hardware. Your frame may come with a sawtooth attachment, a standard hook, a D-ring or a wall plug anchor. Make sure you have the correct hardware for your frame in mind.

2. Tools and Materials Needed

Before measuring and drilling holes in the wall, prepare and keep all the tools handy. When hanging pictures on a brick wall, you’ll need:

• A drill
• A chalk
• Screws, nails, hooks or masonry bit
• A hammer
• A level
• A tape measure
• Painter’s tape
• Wire
• A plastic sheet or cloth
• Caulking
• Insulation
• A new frame (if needed)
• Goggles for protection

3. Removing the Old Frame

To hang pictures on brick walls when replacing existing decor, you must first remove the old frames from the wall. It’s important to do this carefully to prevent or minimize damage to the wall. Follow this step-by-step guide on removing old frames from the wall:

1. Remove the old frame from the hook.
2. Insert a strong and thin tool behind the hook, like a knife, and gently lever it out.
3. For nails and drill bits, use the toe of a hammer or a drill for quick removal.
4. Try wrapping your hammer with a rubber band to act as a cushion and prevent damage to the wall.
5. Clean frame marks from the wall using alcohol or a gentle cleaner.

4. Preparing the Brick Surface

Part of knowing how to hang pictures on brick walls is being mindful of the correct way to prepare the surface. Brick walls are known for having rough, uneven textures. The best way to clean them is by using alcohol to dissolve oil and dirt buildup.

You can also mix warm water and dish soap or white vinegar and clean the surface using a sponge or nylon-bristle brush. Rinse the solution with a clean cloth and let the wall dry before hanging your frames. In addition to the brick surface, you can prepare the surrounding area by removing furniture and other obstructions.

5. Installing the New Frame

Pick your ideal spot on the wall and hold the frame against it. Determine how many holes you need to hang your frames and mark each spot using chalk. The number of holes depends on your frame’s size, with one being suitable for smaller frames and two ideal for larger ones.

Lay a plastic sheet or cloth on the area and drill holes in your marked spot. If possible, do it on the mortar instead of the brick itself. Remember to drill deep enough to accommodate a wall anchor. When hanging multiple frames, use a leveling tool to keep them level and plumb.

6. Sealing and Insulating

Apply caulking or sealant around your frames to protect them from damage. This step helps prevent moisture and water penetration, especially during the wet season. Include insulation if the wall is in an area with high temperature and humidity. Consider adding picture-hanging bumpers on your frames to improve airflow and prevent mildew.

Caulking is also helpful in sealing old drill holes, especially if you’re moving the frames to a new spot. Fill in the old holes with caulk or mortar to make your wall look cleaner and address safety risks.

7. Testing and Adjustments

Step back and look at the full picture. Check if your frames are balanced and make the necessary adjustments. Test the functionality of each frame to ensure they open and close as needed. Doing so is essential if you intend to change the pictures on the frames occasionally.

Test the stability of the frames as well as the anchors and screws to ensure they are securely in place. If they seem wobbly, there might be a problem with the anchors and drilling process. Seek assistance if necessary.

8. Finishing Touches

Now that you know how to hang a picture on brick walls, it’s time for the finishing touches. Clean up excess caulking and fold away the plastic sheet from earlier. Sweep or vacuum the area to remove all traces of dirt and debris. If there’s any damage, touch it up with paint or stain to match the surrounding area.

How Can I Hang a Picture on a Brick Wall Without a Drill?

How do you hang a picture on brick walls without using a drill? Your best option is to use a hammer and nails. While you might’ve heard of adhesive strips for picture frames on plaster walls, these don’t adhere well to brick and concrete. You risk your frames falling and smashing on the ground with these strips. Prevent this scenario by securing your frames to the wall with appropriate tools for the surface.

Partner With Tribeca Printworks for Professional Framing Needs

Tribeca Printworks offers reliable, high-quality printing and framing solutions for professional photographers, artists, collectors and hobbyists. Choose from our selection of frames to find the perfect match for your brick walls. If you’re in New York, drop by our SOHO Studio or set up a consultation with our experts.