How to Use Command Strips on Plaster Walls? [7 Easy Steps]

To use command strips to hang items on plaster walls, first, check the weight of the item you’re hanging. Then, purchase multiple command strips with a weight rating high enough to securely hold the item. Once you’ve selected a location where you want to hang your item, clean the wall with rubbing alcohol. This will remove dust and dirt that can prevent the command strip from sticking securely.

Once the wall is clean and dry, stick several command strips to the back of the item and press it firmly into place against the wall. Then, check each command strip to make sure it is sticking to the wall, and your job is done.

Will Command Strips Stick to Plaster Walls?

Command strips stick to smooth plaster walls without a problem. However, most command strips and similar products are best used for items weighing 5 pounds (2 kilos) or less. There are several other methods for hanging things on plaster walls without nails. Many of these are capable of holding heavy objects. Command strips are a great option for hanging small picture frames and other light decor. If you’re hanging something heavy, consider using screws or toggle bolts.

Do Command Strips Work on a Textured Plaster Wall?

Adhesive strips are not designed for use on rough or textured walls. Whether you’re using Command strips or another brand, a textured wall will prevent the adhesive strip from making a strong bond with the wall. Command strips used on textured walls will not be durable. Items hung in this manner are likely to fall. So, it’s best to consider nails, screws, or picture hooks if your walls are textured.

How Do You Make Sure Command Strips Stick to Plaster Walls?

Even smooth surfaces can sometimes be uncooperative when you are attempting to hang items with command strips. However, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your decor sticks securely to the wall. Here’s the best way to use command strips on your plaster wall.

Determine the Weight of the Object You’re Hanging

Before deciding to use command strips, weigh your item. If the item is new, you can often check the packaging or an online description in order to find its weight. As a rule of thumb, command strips are capable of supporting items that weigh up to 5 pounds (2 kilos).

• Command strips work best when hanging items 5 pounds (2 kilos) or less.
• Weigh your item—or check the product description for its weight—prior to hanging.
• If the object is heavier than 5 pounds (2 kilos) consider using anchored screws to hang it.

If your item is heavier than 5 pounds (2 kilos), hang it using screws with special plastic wall anchors for plaster. Although heavy-duty command strips can hold up to 12 pounds (5 kilos), they’re less reliable than screws for supporting heavy items.

Select the Right Command Strips for the Job

No one wants their wall art to come crashing down. So, it’s essential to use a strong adhesive strip whenever you are hanging art on plaster walls. These heavy-duty command strips are the best tool for the job. They’re rated for items weighing up to 12 pounds (5 kilos), making them more secure than the average adhesive strip.

Pick a Spot to Hang Your Decor

Select the location where your decor will hang. It’s essential to pinpoint a spot so that you can prep the wall and ensure a good seal. It’s a good idea to mark where the top and bottom of the wall art will be, as well as the sides.

Clean the Wall with Rubbing Alcohol

Use a washcloth and rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the wall. Rubbing alcohol will remove dirt, dust, grime, and any other residue on the wall. This way, your command strips will stick right to the plaster. This will make them far less likely to fall off. Once you’re done scrubbing, allow the wall to dry completely before proceeding.

Stick the Command Strips to Your Decor

Start by sticking the command strips to the back of the item you wish to hang. Instead of one strip, it’s best to use several. If you are hanging a picture frame, for instance, use at least 4 strips—one on each side. That way, even if one does not stick well, the others will be more than capable of keeping your decor in place.

Press the Decor into Place

Once you’ve completed sticking the command strips to your item, press it firmly into position on the cleaned, prepared portion of the wall. Hold it firmly in place for 5–10 seconds to ensure you get a good bond.

• Command strips cannot be removed and reused, so it’s essential to hang decor in the right place on the first try.
• Mark the wall with a level line to guide you as you hang your item.
• Press the item firmly against the wall for 5–10 seconds to make sure the adhesive sticks.

Make sure that when you press it into place the item is level and at the height you want. Command strips lose their adhesive ability if you try to remove and reuse them, so it’s essential to get it right on the first try. A level pencil line can act as a guide to assist in hanging.

Check for Proper Adhesion

After you’ve completed hanging the item, look closely at the edges where the command strips meet the wall. Check to make sure every command strip is making contact with the wall. You can even gently tug on each side of the item to ensure it is snug. If there is no wobble, your job is done.

• Make sure every command strip is firmly in place by inspecting the edges where the item meets the wall.
• Gently wiggle or tug on the object to see if it is secure.
• If the object doesn’t budge against gentle pressure, your command strips are in place.
• If the object wiggles, remove it and hang it with a different method.

If the item is loose or the command strips do not seem to be strongly adhered to the wall, remove the item fully. It’s not a good idea to trust insecure command strips. If you run into this problem it’s best to consider an alternative hanging method rather than trying with more command strips.

What is a Stronger Alternative to Command Strips?

Command strips have the lowest weight-bearing rating of any method you can use on plaster items. They’re very useful for light items, but are not reliable for hanging items weighing over 5 pounds (2 kilos). When hanging heavy items on plaster, consider the following methods.

• Wood screws in wall studs: Can hold items 100 pounds (45 kilos).
• Anchored screws in plaster: Can support up to 20 pounds (9 kilos).
• Drywall hooks: Support up to 20 pounds (9 kilos).
• Plaster hooks: Hold up to 20 pounds (9 kilos).
• Toggle bolts: Capable of holding 20 pounds (9 kilos) or more.
• Picture rails: Can support decor weighing 20–25 pounds (9–11 kilos).

Each of these methods will give you a higher weight rating than command strips. So, while it’s perfectly fine to use command strips for small decor, use a different method for heavier items.

Will Command Strips Stick to Plaster Walls?

Command strips can be used to hang decor on plaster walls, provided you keep the following in mind:

• Adhesive strips should be used on smooth walls only—they will not work on textured walls.
• Command strips are best used to hang items weighing 5 pounds (2 kilos) or less.
• Use anchored screws, hooks, toggle bolts to hang heavier items.
• Clean the wall with rubbing alcohol before using command strips. This will provide a better bond.
• Use several command strips per-item to get better results.
• Check items after hanging to make sure all the command strips are sticking to the wall.
• If command strips do not form a secure bond with your wall, use a different hanging method.

With a little prep work, you can use command strips or command hooks to hang the majority of your decor on plaster walls. They’re great for picture frames and other decor, and they have the added bonus of not putting any holes in your wall.