Those new to the field of art hanging may view this task as relatively straightforward. Yet, the process rarely boils down to finding a stud, driving a nail, and leveling the frame. Things get way more complicated when professional art hangers have to work in non-conventional art installation spaces, such as curved walls, columns, and architecture with concrete, glass, or stone walls.
What Do Experts Do to Hang Art on Unusual Walls?
To perform the task safely, art handlers should complete a wall and surface assessment first. The protocol includes substrate composition, thickness, and load-bearing capacity evaluation, which gives a clear idea of the wall’s risk profile. For example, concrete and masonry walls differ widely in terms of their density and age, so professional art hangers should understand the wall’s drill resistance and mortar integrity before making any moves.
When art needs to be hung on metal or glass surfaces, the hanging team encounters a completely different set of challenges. Glass walls can’t be drilled, so art hangers need to use non-invasive systems, including pressure-mounted rails, ceiling suspension systems, or precisely engineered clamps. Yet, these hanging solutions also require accurate engineering calculations to guarantee precise load distribution. Metal walls also resist drilling, so magnetic art installation systems may help realize the art owner’s creative intent.
Installing art in historical, protected buildings is also technically demanding. Art hangers have to navigate the drilling limitations and tight conservation guidelines, which may be addressed with reversible and non-invasive mounting systems. Floor-supported display options are used for spaces where walls can’t be drilled; installations in historical buildings can also be arranged using freestanding walls.
The hanging process never follows a standard protocol when the walls are curved; art handlers can’t use standard leveling tools and have to resort to laser leveling systems and custom spacers. Custom brackets and mounts can be fabricated to match the wall’s unique curvature, thus ensuring even weight distribution and proper art positioning.
Our Professional Art Hangers Can Address Any Challenge
Successful art hanging depends on the degree of engineering expertise and knowledge of wall materials’ properties. Thus, you need a team that can perform a methodical risk assessment and complete the process safely using specialized equipment, tools, and protocols. Fine Art Shippers is the team you can rely on; we have many trained art handlers ready for any challenge. Even if you need to hang a sculpture or place mixed-media art onto a column, we can do this without hassle or experimentation.