Magnetic Hangers - Make Or Buy?

When it comes to art, most think that a traditional four-sided frame is the only option, but there are a few different ways you might not have considered. Introducing magnetic hangers. 

If you’re unfamiliar, magnetic hanger frames use four thin strips of wood with magnets embedded just under the surface. They clamp your artwork at the top and bottom, like a scroll. There’s no glass, no matting, and with most of the frame gone, you can swap artwork quickly and easily (if that’s your thing).

Some might wonder whether it's worth making or buying these hangers for their art. We'll take a look at each option and help you make the best decision for your needs.

What Are Magnetic Art Hangers, and Why Do You Need Them?

Magnetic art hangers are wall hangers that use magnets to hold artwork in place using friction, but won’t damage your art. They're most popular among people who want or need quick and easy access to their artwork, like teachers, interior designers and artists. 

Magnetic hangers are also super easy to use and remove. This feature makes them very popular for renters who can’t damage their walls. This is due to the fact that these hanger frames are very lightweight and can be mounted using double sided tape.

Who Uses Magnetic Hangers?

Magnetic hangers are popular among a wide range of people, including artists, restaurants, interior designers, parents, and teachers. The primary advantage of these frames is that you can easily access the artwork, the frames are more affordable than custom framing, and that this type of framing easily accommodates odd-sizes.

Artists: Artists often need to switch out their artwork quickly and easily, whether it's for a gallery show or an art fair. Magnetic hangers are an ideal solution for this purpose since they allow artists to display their work without damaging it. Plus, magnetic hangers are more affordable than custom framing, which can be a significant expense for artists who need to frame multiple pieces. Magnetic hangers also make it easy to accommodate odd-sized artwork, which is common among artists who create non-standard pieces.

Parents: Parents often want to display their children's artwork, but traditional framing can be expensive and time-consuming. With magnetic hangers, parents can easily switch out their children's artwork and display it proudly on their walls. These frames are also ideal for odd-sized artwork, which is common among children's art projects. Plus, magnetic hangers are more affordable than custom framing, making it easy for parents to create a rotating gallery of their children's artwork.

Restaurants: Restaurants often use artwork to decorate their spaces and create a particular atmosphere for their customers. With magnetic hangers, restaurants can easily switch out artwork to keep things fresh and interesting for their diners. These frames are also ideal for accommodating odd-sized artwork, which can be challenging to fit into traditional frames. Additionally, magnetic hangers are more affordable than custom framing, which can be a significant expense for restaurants that need to decorate their walls with multiple pieces.

Interior Designers: Interior designers often work with a wide range of artwork, from paintings to prints to posters. With magnetic hangers, interior designers can quickly and easily display artwork without damaging it. These frames are also more affordable than custom framing, making them an ideal choice for designers who need to decorate multiple rooms. Plus, magnetic hangers can accommodate odd-sized artwork, which is common in many design projects.

Teachers: Teachers often display artwork in their classrooms to create a welcoming and inspiring environment for their students. With magnetic hangers, teachers can easily switch out artwork to keep things fresh and exciting for their students. These frames are also ideal for odd-sized artwork, which is common among children's art projects. Plus, magnetic hangers are more affordable than custom framing, making it easy for teachers to create a rotating gallery of their students' artwork. Additionally, magnetic hangers are easy to use and remove, making them an ideal choice for teachers who may need to move their artwork around frequently.

So, Should You Make or Buy Magnetic Poster Hangers?

Unlike most custom framing, it is possible to make your own magnetic hangers. For those with woodworking knowledge and access to tools, making your own magnetic hangers can be a fun and rewarding project. However, it's not for everyone. If you don't have the tools, experience, or time, it might be better to buy pre-made magnetic hangers from the pros at Well Made, in Chicago.

Well Made specializes in manufacturing this type of frame and has worked with companies like the MoMA, Smithsonian, Guggenheim and many others. By buying professionally made magnetic hangers, you'll be getting a product made with higher quality materials and techniques, resulting in a better end result. While it might be more expensive to buy pre-made magnetic hangers, the peace of mind knowing that your artwork is secure and the frame is professionally made is worth the cost.

If you want to make your own, it's essential to note that if the magnets protrude above the surface of the wood, it can damage your artwork. Therefore, it's crucial to use the right materials and techniques to ensure that the magnets are properly embedded in the wood. We’ll show you how below!

Another important consideration is the strength of the magnets. If the frame fails, your artwork will fall to the ground, damaging it. Well Made fabricates these frames to order in sizes up to 92” wide, so you can be sure we use magnets that are strong enough to hold your artwork securely in place.

In summary, making your own magnetic hangers can be a fun and rewarding project for those with woodworking knowledge and access to tools. However, for most people, it's better to buy pre-made magnetic hangers from a reputable company.

What to Expect When DIY-ing Magnetic Hangers

If you're handy, making your own magnetic hangers might seem like an exciting and creative project. While it's true that making your own frames can be a fun and rewarding experience, it's essential to know what to expect before you begin. You'll need the right tools, materials, and techniques to make sure your magnetic hangers are strong enough to hold your artwork and won't damage it. In this section, we'll take a look at what you need to know if you're planning on making your own magnetic hangers.

Step-By-Step Guide to DIYing It

1. Choose your wood (we recommend Black Walnut or White Oak) and cut it into four strips, each the same length. If you already know what you want to hang, measure the piece and cut your wood 1” longer than the width of your artwork.
2.  Measure out where the magnets will go and drill holes for them. After drilling the holes, use a chisel to clean it up and ensure that your magnets line up with the surface of the wood. You don't want them protruding, as they might damage your art. 
3. Place the magnets in their holes and secure them with glue or quick-drying epoxy. If you decide on using epoxy, clean the surface before it sets otherwise, it can be challenging to get off.
4. Sand down the wood to smooth it out.
5. Apply a finish to protect the wood from moisture. Using an acid-free finish is essential to prevent damage to your artwork or posters. 
6. Attach the magnetic hangers to your artwork. 
7. Hang your artwork using string, 3M Poster Strips, or attach the back end to the wall to make it more permanent.

The Pros and Cons of Making Your Magnetic Hangers

Making a choice is always easier after you've looked at both sides of the coin. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of DIY magnetic hangers. 

Tips for Using Magnetic Hangers for Your Art

If you decide to use magnetic hangers for your artwork, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that your art is displayed securely and beautifully.

Match your interior: Hanging art is about more than just putting a picture on the wall. It influences the entire aura of said space. Therefore, it’s pretty important to choose the right frame for the look you’re trying to achieve. 

Choose the correct type of hanger: Select the proper hanger for your artwork. For example, choose a plate hanger if you're hanging a heavier piece of art. On the other hand, a picture hanging strip will suffice if you're putting up a lighter piece of art.

Attach the hangers correctly: Make sure to follow the instructions with your hangers to ensure that they're attached correctly and securely to your artwork. After all, we wouldn’t want your precious art to go skydiving without a parachute. 

Hang your artwork at the right height: Generally, you'll want to hang your artwork so that the center of the piece is at eye level. It will allow you and your guests to better see and appreciate your art pieces. Although, seeing as we aren’t all made the same, the best height to hang your artwork is so the center is exactly 57 inches (144.78 cm) from the ground. This measurement is the average eye-height. 

Weigh your options carefully: Take some time to weigh the pros and cons of making or buying magnetic hangers. Then, consider your needs and budget to make the best decision for you.

Making or buying magnetic hangers for your artwork is a personal decision. There are highlights and challenges to both options. 

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your needs, availability, and preferences. Consider the tips above to help you make the best decision for displaying your artwork beautifully and securely.

Hang Strong With Well Made

Which option is best for you? Making your own magnetic hangers or buying a handmade frame from Well Made? It’s always fun to have DIY projects, but professionally made frames usually add a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’. 

All our products are high-quality and handmade with care, you can rest assured knowing that your art piece is secure. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to our website and check out our selection of hand-crafted frames!