Using hanging wire and D-rings is one of the most common and most trusted types of picture hanging methods available. And what’s challenging about it is dealing with the picture wire itself.
Today, we’re putting picture wire into the spotlight and showing you how to properly tie it in order to successfully and securely hang your picture frames in this article.
As the name suggests, it’s wire for hanging pictures and objects on the wall. There are various types made of different materials which can hold different weights. Some types are rigid and others are flexible. Some are even coated, so as to not hurt your fingers!
Picture hanging wire works best when best paired with D-rings because of how well they work together. Just like many other types of picture hangers, wire comes in different materials and has different weight ratings, which can then be used for various applications. What makes wire strong enough to hold 30-100 lbs? The answer lies in the process of how it’s manufactured. Wire strands are either braided or twisted together, which produces a strong hanging product.
There are three types of picture wire, and choosing the right one depends on the size and weight of your frame. They may look similar at first, but if you look closer, you'll see their subtle differences.
Braided Wire
Braided wire is made of interwoven strands of galvanized steel wire, which creates a solid yet flexible finished product. It comes in different thicknesses, and the thicker the wire, the heavier the load it can support, which is a maximum of 36 lbs. You can hang small to medium-sized picture frames, paintings, and other light to medium weight objects.
Stainless Steel Wire
This type of wire is made of strands of steel that are twisted together under tension. As a result, stainless steel wire is comparatively stronger than braided wire, but less flexible.
Again, it comes in various sizes supporting objects weighing up to 100 lbs. You can hang medium to large-sized and heavy-weight mirrors, signages, and paintings.
Vinyl Coated Wire
This is basically stainless-steel wire, but with a soft and flexible protective vinyl coating covering it. The extra layer makes it feel softer and easier on the fingers. Vinyl coated wire is considered a high-strength wire, despite having slightly lower weight ratings than stainless steel wire.
Like the braided and stainless steel wires, there are different thicknesses available, supporting up to 60 lbs. You can hang medium-sized wall decor like photographs, artwork, mirrors, etc.