Can You Hang a Mirror With Command Strips?
There are many reasons you’ll want to hang a mirror without drilling or using nails and screws. It could be that the wall isn’t made to support drilling, or you want a hanging solution that is a bit more temporary, which can allow you to quickly take down the mirror. Command strips are marketed as the solution in these scenarios, but can you trust them with your mirror?
You can hang a mirror with Command strips by getting the right number of strips in relation to the mirror’s weight. When mounted properly and on the right surface, Command strips can hold your mirror in place for as long as necessary. Removing the mirror from the wall is also straightforward.
The rest of the article will take a closer look at Command strips and how you can use them to hang your mirror. I have also covered a section on common mistakes to avoid.
Get more ideas of diy projects for the home here.
What Are Command Hanging Strips?
Command hanging strips are one of the popular products from the Command brand. The company is one of the top makers of adhesive strips that don’t do any damage.
Their hanging strips come with specially designed adhesive that makes it easy for you to hang your mirror securely without worrying about leaving a sticky residue or ruining your paint job.
This product makes it easy to change your mirror’s position or take it down completely with minimal fuss. You don’t have to worry about leaving holes in your wall.
Are There Any Downsides to Using Command Hanging Strips?
Although Command strips simplify the DIY process of hanging mirrors, they are not without some downsides.
Here are two of them.
Failed Installation
You need to follow instructions strictly when using these, or the mirror will most likely fall.
Unlike artwork or glass-free picture frames, there’s no coming back from a mirror falling off the wall. You’ll lose the cost of buying the strips and the money paid for your mirror, plus you will have a lot of clean up on your hands.
Your mirror will fall off the wall if you don’t use the right size and number of strips that matches its size.
The different sizes available are small, medium, and large. Each of them has a specific weight limit.
The small sizes can hold up to 0.4kg (1lbs) per pair, the medium can hold 1.3kg (3lbs), and the large can hold 1.8kg (4lb).
You’ll need to work out the size of the mirror first to decide on the right size and number of strips to use.
Also, not allowing enough time for the strips to stick to the wall before mounting the mirror is another reason why the mirror can fall off.
Pricey Installation
Command strips can get pretty expensive when compared to using nails.
If you are mounting a fairly large mirror, you may have to spend up to $30 to get the right strip size and quantity required. Nails, on the other hand, will cost less than $5.
However, the cost doesn’t look so bad when you think about what it will take to fill nail holes and repaint the portion of the wall when you need to change the position of the mirror.
If you are a renter, Command strips might be your only option to hang mirrors, decor prints, and other large wall art, so it makes very good sense in this situation.
Can Command Strips Be Used on All Surfaces?
Command strips can be used to mount mirrors on a wide range of surfaces, including drywall, metal, stained wood, cinder block, and plaster surfaces.
Generally, smooth surfaces are your best bet.
The strips, however, won’t stick to brick or newly painted walls.
If you’ve just painted the wall, you need to wait a couple of weeks to ensure the fresh paint has cured before you mount the mirror.
Command strips also work great for hanging full length mirrors on a door where the use of screws is out of the question.
COMMAND STRIPS would work great for a GALLERY WALL
How to Mount a Mirror With Command Hanging Strips
To mount a mirror with Command hanging strips, here are the steps to take for best results:
- Wipe the portion of the wall with rubbing alcohol to get rid of dust and debris. Don’t use any other cleaners as there’s no telling how they can affect the stickiness of the Command strips.
- Take apart two strips, and press the Velcro parts together.
- Remove the protective liner on one side of the strips and place the sticky surface on the mirror. Make sure the “pull tab” is facing downwards.
- Stick the strips horizontally on the center of the top part of the frame if you are using a pair (remember what we discussed about weights and sizes). If you are using four pairs, put two of them on the top side of the mirror, and two on the bottom side. However, you shouldn’t go 2/3rds lower to avoid making things difficult when it’s time to remove the mirror or adjust its position.
- Remove the protective liners, which should be facing away from the mirror if you placed them correctly, and then position the mirror where you want it on the wall.
- Press the mirror firmly against the wall for at least 30 seconds, taking care to not crack it.
Once your wall is clean and you have pressed the mirror against the wall and held it for half a minute, it will stick.
If you are unsure about the number of strips to use when mounting the mirror, don’t hesitate to add more. It’s better to use too many pairs of strips than to use too few.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Using Command Strips to Hang a Mirror
If you’ve followed the mounting instructions above properly, you’ll see that Command strips are a one of the best ways to safely hang your mirrors without nails and screws.
If you don’t get it right, however, you’ll most likely encounter problems. Here are some of the top mistakes you should avoid:
- Not cleaning the wall: Dust and other debris will make it difficult for the Command strips to adhere to the wall tightly. With the weight of a mirror, the setup is bound to fail.
- Using the wrong strip size: You can use large strips for a small mirror without any problems, but if you use small or medium strips for a large mirror, the result could be a broken mirror.
- Using too few strips: As you’ve seen above, each size has its weight limit. If your mirror weighs 10kg, you’ll need a minimum of six pairs of Command strips to hang it—seven to be completely sure.
- Putting the strips in the wrong spots on the mirror: We have covered above how to place them correctly. If you are still unsure, ask for a demonstration from your local store if they sell these.
- Not putting pressure on the strips for 30 seconds: If you don’t put pressure on the strips, they won’t adhere to the wall properly.
- Leaving too quickly: Even when you’ve done everything right, it doesn’t hurt to watch your installation closely for at least five minutes to ensure that there are no problems. Pay attention to see if the mirror is coming off the wall, so you can keep the mirror from shattering on the floor.
Command Strips for Mirrors
One of the biggest advantages of using Command Strips for mirrors is that they eliminate the need for drilling holes or damaging your walls.
Traditional methods often involve drilling into the wall and leaving unsightly marks or creating permanent damage. With command strips, all you have to do is peel off the backing, stick them onto your mirror frame, press firmly against the wall, and you’re good to go!
Below are different options for Command Strips for your home.
Heavy Duty Command Strips for Mirrors
Heavy weight Command picture hanging strips are the easiest way to hang a large wall mirror. The number of strips used will depend on the weight of the object.
Heavy mirrors will require more strips. Ensure it is in the right spot before hanging on the wall surface.
Hanging heavy mirrors with Command Strips is certainly possible if you avoid the common mistakes listed above in this article. So, take a moment to go back and review those!
Command Mirror Organizer
This Command Mirror Organizer is great for bathroom organization and would also be a good idea for dorm life.
It is a smaller mirror that comes with an adhesive hook on the back of the mirror. Attach to a clean, flat surface and that’s it.
An easy way to add keep keys organized by the door, too!
Command Hooks for Mirror
For items that are under 15 pounds of weight, these 15 lb XL Hooks are perfect. The Command Hooks can be used on a variety of surfaces and are a great alternative to nails.
Hanging Heavy Mirrors with Command Strips -Final Words
Command strips are an excellent way to hang a mirror when you don’t want to use screws and avoid the use of nails.
You can buy them online or at your local store.
However, you’ll only get the installation right if you buy strips that match the mirror’s size and get enough pairs to provide the strength necessary to keep the mirror on the wall and support the weight of the mirror.
Don’t forget to follow all the instructions provided to avoid losing your mirror.
Only use the strips on clean, recommended surfaces and ensure you put pressure on the setup for 30 seconds before leaving it.
In no time at all, that large picture or those heavier mirrors can find a home in your living room while avoiding creating a small hole in the walls.
RELATED POSTS:
– Installing Heavy Shelves Using Drywall Anchors
– How to Install a Heavy Leaning Mirror to a Wall
– How to Build a DIY Frame to Hang Over a Bathroom Mirror
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Thanks for the tips. Wasn’t to sure it’ll work but you answered that.
My pleasure, Phil. Have a great week!