Buzz
Decorating a cement wall can be a challenging task if you don't have the right tools. Thankfully, there are some simple solutions that don't require expensive or hard-to-find equipment. For lighter items, use adhesive wall hooks that can hold up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg). For heavier decorations, use heavy-duty picture hooks that can hold up to 25 pounds (11 kg) or wall anchors for items exceeding that weight.
Steps
Attach the adhesive hooks to the wall
Select adhesive hooks that can hold up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg). The back of these hooks has strong adhesive, so there's no need to drill holes in the wall. First, weigh your items to choose the appropriate hook type.
- Adhesive hooks come in a variety of sizes and clearly list their maximum weight capacity. The largest hooks can support up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg), while the smallest ones hold just 1 pound (0.45 kg).
- If your item has a cord or already has hooks, use two adhesive hooks at once for better support.
Clean the wall with alcohol to help the hooks adhere better. Dampen a clean cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol and wipe away any dust or leftover mortar on the wall. This will help the adhesive hooks stick firmly to the surface.
- If you don't have rubbing alcohol, try cleaning the wall with warm soapy water. Make sure to dry the cleaned area afterward.
Use a pencil to mark where you want to place the hooks. If your item has wire at the back, be mindful of the slack in the wire. To measure, stretch the wire from the center to the top of the item. Measure the distance from the bottom of the item to where the wire reaches when pulled taut.
- If you're hanging an item with two hooks on the back, make sure to measure the distance between them and mark these points on the wall.
- If you're hanging something with a wire, measure the width of the object and divide by 3. The two adhesive hooks should be placed at this distance apart.
Peel off the protective backing of the double-sided tape and apply it to the back of the hook. If the hook doesn’t already have adhesive, peel off the protective backing from one side of the tape and stick it to the back of the hook. Press down firmly to secure it.
- Some hooks already have adhesive on the back. If that's the case, skip this step and move on to the next one.
Press firmly for about 30 seconds to make sure the hook sticks to the wall. Peel off the protective backing from the back of the hook, pull it slowly in a straight line, and press the hook firmly against the wall. Hold it in place for about 30 seconds before releasing your hand.
Wait for 30 to 60 minutes for the adhesive to dry. After the adhesive has dried, you can hang your items on the hook.
- If the hook comes off the wall even after waiting for the adhesive to dry, double-check the specifications to see if the hook is rated for the weight of the items you're hanging.
Using Picture Hooks
Purchase picture hooks that can hold up to 25 pounds (11 kg). These hooks are specifically designed for cement and brick walls. Each hook includes four very sturdy pins that are hammered directly into the wall.
- You will need a hammer to install the picture hook.
- If necessary, use two hooks to hang a single item and make sure you have the appropriate tools.
Mark the spot where you want to place the hook on the wall. If your item has wire at the back, pay attention to the slack in the wire when choosing the placement. Check by pulling the wire taut from the middle to the top of the item. Measure the distance from the bottom of the item to the point where the wire reaches when fully stretched.
- If you’re using two picture hooks, measure the distance between the hooks on the back of the item or the width of the item, then divide that by 3. This result will help you determine the spacing between the two marks on the wall.
Use a hammer to drive each pin into the wall through the pre-made holes. Position the hook on the wall so that the center aligns with your marked spot. Hold the hook in place with one hand, and with the other hand, use the hammer to tap each of the four pins halfway into the wall. Release your grip on the hook and check if it’s aligned correctly. Finally, hammer the pins all the way in.
- To avoid hitting your fingers, be gentle with the first few taps. Once you feel the pins are securely in place, let go of the hook and hammer in the remaining pins to secure it fully.
Hang the wire or hanging cord of your item onto the hook. Step back to check if the item is hanging straight. Adjust if necessary and enjoy the result.
Installing Wall Anchors
Choose wall anchors for hanging items heavier than 25 pounds (11 kg). Wall anchors are typically made of plastic and are used to secure screws. You will need a drill and a drill bit that matches the size of the anchor.
- You can purchase a toolkit that includes anchors, screws, and the correct size drill bit.
- If necessary, use two anchors to hang a single item.
Using a hammer drill is the best option. While you can use a regular electric drill with a drill bit, it will likely drill slowly and might cause the hole to be larger than expected. If possible, buy or borrow a hammer drill.
- You can rent a hammer drill at a local hardware store, a home improvement chain like Lowe's, Home Depot, or a tool rental shop. Be sure to call ahead to check availability.
Drill the hole for the anchor. Measure and mark the spot carefully. Place the drill bit on the marked spot. Ensure that the drill, handle, and your arms are aligned horizontally with the floor. Drill firmly into the wall and maintain a steady stance.
- For cement walls, it’s best to drill at the slowest speed possible.
Insert the anchor into the hole and use a hammer to tap it in place. The anchor should fit snugly into the hole, but not too tightly to avoid excessive force when hammering. If the hole is too small, use a larger drill bit and re-drill the hole to the correct size.
Insert the screw into the anchor. Use a screwdriver or the screw-driving tool from your drill set to tighten the screw. Stop before the screw goes too deep into the wall, as you'll need the exposed part of the screw to hang the item or wire. Once everything is in place, hang your item, adjust it for balance, and enjoy your handiwork.
Warning
- Always read and follow the drill's operation manual before use.
- Protect your eyes while drilling. Consider wearing safety glasses or goggles.
- Use a stud finder with a metal detection function to ensure you're not drilling into electrical wiring hidden within the walls.
What You Need
When Installing Adhesive Hooks
- Optional adhesive wall hooks
- Alcohol cleaning solution
- Clean cloth or paper towels
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
When Using Picture Hooks with Pins
- Picture hooks with pins
- Hammer
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
When Installing Wall Anchors
- Wall anchors and screws
- Drill bit matching the wall anchor size
- Hammer drill or regular drill
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
