Tips to Hang Multi-Panel Canvases

Print Arcade : Multi-canvas prints of art work or photos on different size canvases give you an opportunity to unleash your creativity and create your own master work.  Here’s a simple guide to how to identify and hang those to give an awesome effect to your room:

1. Select complimentary images and sizes

Choosing a variety of sizes, with both horizontal and vertical pieces can create visual impact. A set of 3 or 4 vertical canvases(40x100, 40x120 cm) or a 4x4 matrix of smaller 30x30 can create a great visual impact.

2. Identify the most suitable wall

Grouped art is better displayed within the parameters of visual markers, e.g. the centre of mantelpieces, between windows, centre of fireplace, equally placed between door frames, etc.  It is very crucial that the size and position of canvas pieces identified align with your wall of choice.  This is where the next step of creating templates is so crucial for multi canvas art work

3. Create templates for each of the canvas prints

Use ultra low-tack masking tape to carefully affix the templates to the wall. This enables you to find the best position for assembly.  Do not rush into making nail holes as you may damage the wall with nail holes that you may want to change later.

4. Play with the layout to create the best visual response

By viewing the group of pictures as one large one, you will be able to see them as a cohesive unit. It usually works well to make the largest print the main focus at the centre of the display, placing it at eye level with the smaller pictures branching out from it. It is important to ensure the grouping remains tight.

5. Don't hang the canvas prints too high

When hanging a collection of canvas prints it can be easy to let them spread higher than intended. Use the mantle or piece of furniture closest to the wall as a guide to ensure the complete unit can be viewed easily from standing eye-level and doesn't disrupt the balance of the room. The usual height used by museums and picture galleries for hanging pictures is 64” (or 160cm). Your central or main canvas should be at that height

6. Stand back to see the final arrangement to ensure the spacing and composition is right

When you are happy with your selection and positioning you can start hanging your cheap canvas prints. Use the templates to establish where each print needs to go.

7.   Select right hook for your canvas print based on its weight and width and the thickness of your wall

A single hook will work well for your smaller canvas prints (30x30, 40x40 cm). However, additional support and a more elegant appearance can be obtained by hanging the artwork on two hooks or nails, rather than one. This should definitely be done for your central large canvases (anything 60x60cm or above).  A variety of hook sizes are available that are designed to support weights from 2.25kg up to 45kg. However, we recommend you use with the canvas wall hanging system or D rings to help improve the stability of larger, heavier pieces.

8.   Determine the right position for your hook

Place the canvas print on the floor, facing downwards, and pull the hanging wire towards the top edge of the canvas frame at two equidistant points. Measure the length between the two points and the distance from one of them to the top of the canvas frame. Note that the wider the gap between the two points, the closer the picture will hang to the wall. Apply the measurements to the wall by measuring down from your earlier pencil mark.

9.   Nail the hook into the wall

Stick a small amount of masking tape over the area where you are about to nail the hook. This will prevent any chipping.  Hammer the hook or nail at an angle to ensure the wall bears the majority of the weight.

10.        Make final adjustments

Review the canvas positions and straighten them as required

If you have created your own multi-canvas masterpiece, post a picture of that on facebook.com/printarcade and share your creativity!