Picture hanging tape- will it ruin your walls ?
At Big Acrylic, we foster innovation in our products. Through collaborative brainstorming sessions and enhancing existing products, we believe innovation drives our success. Picture hanging tape was on our radar
Striving to surpass existing innovations or conceive entirely new solutions is a perpetual goal we set for ourselves. However, turning these aspirations into reality is often more challenging than we anticipate. Everyone can have an idea, but the real question is, is it marketable? That’s the million-dollar question.
For nearly a year, we have been diligently testing alternative picture hanging tape solutions for our Acrylics that eliminate the need for nails.
Removable and repositional picture hanging tape
There are a few companies out there what offers this system. Mixtiles is one of them. They have a substantial fan base. Perhaps we could provide a similar offering that aligns with their approach. With that being said we tested and tried many many picture hanging tape solutions . The goal obviousely is to find a viable solution that
- Looking for a tape that won’t damage your walls when you hang things up and remove
- Introducing a tape that is not only reusable but also repositional, offering both convenience and versatility.
- Would be able to hold at least 3-5 lbs
Sometimes things that seem so simple become extremely difficult.
After searching for over 6 months and experimenting with countless tapes that turned out to be ineffective, I woke up one morning to a pleasant surprise – an email from a tape company, offering precisely what I had been seeking.
I quickly called and spoke to the representative, who assured me that their product was superior to what was already on the market. I eagerly awaited the arrival of their samples.
Not off to a great start. Paper work was missing and the shipment was delayed. We finally recieved the Tape 10 days later.
We used an acrylic measuring 11-14 inches with a 1-inch float backing. Following the instructions, we firmly pressed the acrylic against the wall using repositional tape. It looked amazing and held securely. However, when we attempted to remove the acrylic from the wall, it peeled off some of the paint along with it. The tape was surprisingly sticky, making it challenging to remove and causing damage to the wall’s paint. Not was i was expecting.
The salesperson did confirm that they had shipped the incorrect tape. First, there was the shipping issue, and now this mix-up with the tape. It initially put me off, but I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt since they were promptly responding to emails and phone calls.
We received the new tape and put it to the test. While it didn’t have the same level of stickiness, it still managed to remove some paint from another wall we tried it on.
Based on my extensive testing of different tapes, I’ve noticed a recurring issue. So far, I haven’t come across a tape that doesn’t damage the paint when removed or lose its adhesive strength over time.
Tape was definely out.
Magnets with receptor
A few months back we were working on magents with receptor. More technical then the Tape idea but doable. There were 3 materials that need to work properly.
- A protective leaf adheres to the wall, safeguarding the paint while offering the flexibility to be repositioned. The leaf compliments the metal surface, creating a harmonious pairing comparable to the yin and yang.
- The receptive would go onto the back of the prodcut itself and and the metal adhesive on the wall.
- Once putting the acrylic ontop of the metal on the wall it would click together and stay on the wall.
We had success using a 1/8 ” Acrylic panel after testing various different receptor strenghts. However, when attempting to execute a back float using a reboard, the magnet failed to function properly. Back to the drawing board with finding a float off the wall solution. However we it would work as a plexi poster, with no float in back.
A Supply chain issue
After successfully identifying the appropriate receptor, we proceeded to order a multitude of rolls for further testing. Regrettably, the supplier neglected to document the samples they sent, resulting in the delivery of an incorrect receptor. In addition, we encountered some challenges with the acrylic panel’s ability to magnetize to the wall.
So, this is where we stand now. Sometimes, in situations like this, a little bit of patience is needed. It can be quite frustrating when suppliers display incompetence, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. However, we remain hopeful as we eagerly await the arrival of the correct receptor in the next few weeks. Keeping our fingers crossed for a positive outcome!
For now just check our regular hanging options
