The Easy Guide to Displaying Plaster Wall Art Like a Pro

The Easy Guide to Displaying Plaster Wall Art Like a Pro – ArtNouveauVision
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Minimalist living room with white plaster walls and clean-lined, modern art frames arranged symmetrically

How to Best Put up Art on Plaster Walls

I recently moved into my new house with plaster walls, but I have no idea what type of hardware should I use for hanging art and pictures. Can you help? 

Have you encountered the same issue as I mentioned above with plaster wall art? If yes, ano worries. In this guide, we’ll illustrate the differences between plaster walls and drywall, offer some workable ways to mount plaster wall art safely and effectively.

Why Plaster Walls Are Different from Drywall

If you’ve ever tried hanging a piece of artwork—especially plaster wall art—or drilling on plaster walls, you’ll know that plaster is very different from drywall. To have a basic knowledge on how to work with these surfaces, it’s important to first understand what plaster walls are made of and why they differ so much in structure and function.

What Is a Plaster Wall Made Of?

Plaster walls are a traditional construction method that dates back centuries and are composed of the following layers:

Wood or Metal Lath

In older homes, plaster was applied over narrow wooden strips called laths. These laths are spaced slightly apart to allow the wet plaster to "key" or grip onto them. In modern retrofits, metal lath or blueboard may be used instead, providing a solid base for plaster wall art.

Scratch and Brown Coats

After the lath is secured, two layers of coarse plaster (usually a mixture of lime, gypsum, or cement) are applied. The scratch coat is pressed into the lath to create a strong bond, and then "scratched" to help the next layer adhere. The brown coat adds thickness and strength.

Finish Coat

The final layer is a smooth, fine plaster finish, sometimes made from lime putty or gypsum, and polished for a refined look.

This multilayer system results in walls that are denser, more soundproof, and aesthetically rich compared to modern drywall. You can also consider how wall colors interact with your art by exploring the best paint colors to showcase art.

The Advantages of Plaster Walls vs. Drywall

Plaster and drywall each have unique qualities, below are their main pros and cons to help you choose the best method for your space or preserve what you already have—especially when it comes to displaying plaster wall art.

Feature Plaster Walls Drywall
Durability Thicker and harder; resistant to minor dents and scratches Softer and more prone to dings, cracks, or holes
Soundproofing Excellent at blocking sound due to high mass and thickness Moderate sound insulation
Aesthetic Appeal Supports ornate detailing, curved edges, and artisan finishes Smooth and flat surfaces; easy to paint but lacks character
Fire Resistance Naturally more fire-resistant due to its mineral composition Less fire-resistant unless treated or reinforced
Installation Complexity Labor-intensive; requires skilled artisans and drying time Fast and cost-effective to install by most contractors
Crack Resistance Prone to hairline cracks over time, especially with house settling Cracks less often but can be damaged by impact
Moisture Behavior Absorbs moisture but can also dry out naturally if ventilated Susceptible to mold if not properly sealed or in damp environments
Repair & Renovation More difficult to patch and match textures precisely Easy to cut, replace, or patch uniformly

It is much easier for you to choose the right method for mounting artwork after knowing these differences. 

5 Methods on How to Best Put up Art on Plaster Walls

In this part, we will introduce 5 methods on how to hang wall art on plaster wall, keep reading.

1. Use Adhesive Hooks for Lightweight Artwork

Damage-free adhesive strips are perfect for renters or anyone looking to avoid holes altogether. Brands like Command offer picture hanging strips that hold firmly but peel away cleanly without harming the wall, making them ideal for mounting items like plaster wall art.

Pro Tips:

  • Clean the wall surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before applying.
  • Wait at least an hour before hanging your artwork to allow the adhesive to bond.
  • Not ideal for textured or uneven plaster surfaces.

2. Try Picture Rails – The Classic, No-Damage Solution

If your home already has a picture rail, you’re in luck. This moulding, often found near the ceiling in older homes, allows you to hang artwork, including plaster wall art, using hooks and cords without touching the plaster at all.

Even if your home doesn’t have one, installing a picture rail is a long-term, elegant solution that preserves your walls and adds vintage charm.

3. Use Masonry Nails or Hooks (Carefully!)

Yes, you can use nails on plaster—but do it carefully. Masonry nails or specially designed plaster hooks with curved tips can penetrate the wall without causing cracks.

How to Do It Safely:

  • Place painter’s tape on the wall where the nail will go to reduce the risk of chipping.
  • Tap the nail in gently and avoid using forceful hammering.
  • Use a small pilot hole with a drill if necessary.

4. Drill and Use Anchors for Heavy Artwork

For heavier artwork, anchors are a must. Drilling into plaster should be done slowly and carefully using a masonry drill bit. Once the hole is ready, insert a wall anchor to securely hold the screw.

Safety Tips:

  • Use a stud finder to locate wooden lath or studs behind the plaster.
  • Never force the drill, just let it work at low speed.
  • Always wear protective glasses to avoid dust.

5. Locate Studs or Lath for Strong Support

Plaster walls are supported by wooden laths or vertical studs behind the surface. Hanging artwork directly into these solid areas gives you the most stable hold.

How to Find Studs:

  • Use a high-quality stud finder designed for deep detection.
  • Alternatively, knock on the wall and listen for a solid sound (vs. a hollow one).
  • Once located, insert screws or hooks directly into the wooden support for maximum stability.

Do’s and Don’ts for Hanging Art on Plaster Walls

Do This (Best Practices) Don’t Do This (Common Mistakes)
Use a level to hang frames straight Skip alignment—crooked art looks careless
Plan your layout with tape or on the floor Guess placement and risk extra holes
Clean the wall before applying adhesive strips Apply adhesive on dusty, textured plaster
Use bumpers behind frames to prevent tilting Let frames hang directly and damage walls
Drill slowly with the right bit Force-drill and crack plaster
Find studs/lath before anchoring Hang heavy items blindly on weak spots

The right piece can bring warmth, character, and personal style to your space. Here are some of our most popular wall art options that are lightweight, easy to mount, and designed with classic interiors in mind:

1. Framed Vintage-Inspired Prints

Perfect for homes with picture rails or traditional molding. These ready-to-hang prints combine timeless design with durable, lightweight frames ideal for older plaster walls.
Style Tip: Choose architectural sketches or botanical illustrations to match the historic charm of plaster.

2. Canvas Wall Art 

Our canvas prints are ideal for adhesive hooks or strip mounting. We use high-quality, warp-resistant frames and fade-resistant inks for a gallery-style look that’s simple to hang.
Best For: Minimalist, Scandinavian, or soft-neutral interior styles.

Minimalist living room with white plaster walls and clean-lined, modern art frames arranged symmetrically

3. Three-Piece Art Sets for Larger Walls

Need to fill a wider space? Try a coordinated 3-piece canvas set—balanced visual impact with evenly distributed weight that makes it easier to mount without heavy anchors.
Pro Tip: Use our mounting templates included with the product for easy layout planning.

FAQ

1. Can you hang art on plaster walls without nails?

Yes, adhesive hooks and picture rails are great no-nail options, especially for light artwork.

2. What is the best way to hang a heavy picture on plaster?

Drill into a stud or use a wall anchor with a screw. Always use appropriate 

3. Is it okay to use Command Strips on plaster?

Yes, but only on smooth, clean plaster. They may not adhere well to heavily textured or flaky surfaces.

Conclusion

This is all about how to best put up art on plaster walls. With the right tools, methods, and a little patience, you can decorate your home beautifully without damaging the walls.

Want a piece that’s light, easy to hang, and perfectly suits your plaster interiors? Just visit our online store and shop our best-selling framed and canvas art and give your walls the attention they deserve.

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