Hanging the Picture

• 1). Lift the painting by the wire that is attached to the back of the artwork to get an idea of how heavy the painting is. Also make sure the wire does not stretch beyond the height of the painting and that the wire is properly installed to remain taut and hold the weight of the painting.
  
  
• 2). Measure the length of the wall, where the painting will be hung to find the center point. Mark this center point on a wall with a pencil at your eye level.
  
  
• 3). Locate the two studs that are nearest the center point. This is done by using the stud finder to locate the vertical support, then checking the results by driving a 16-penny nail into the wall with a hammer. It is possible, but unlikely, that a stud will be located right behind the center point.
  
  
• 4). Determine the height that you wish to hang your painting. To do this you need to measure the available space (this might be from the top of your sofa to the ceiling) as well as the height of the painting. Then subtract the height of the painting from the available wall space. Divide this number in two and now you have the distance between the top of the painting and the ceiling.
  
  
• 5). Lift the painting by the wire to determine the distance between the taut wire and the top of the painting. Add this numerical value to the distance that you calculated in step 4 to arrive at the distance from the wire to the ceiling. This is the elevation where you will attach the wire from the painting to the wall. Mark this distance on each one of the two central studs with a pencil.
  
  
• 6). Measure the distance between the two studs and add 4 inches to the measurement. This is the length of the 1-by-4 that will support your painting.
  
  
• 7). Cut the 1-by-4 to the calculated length using a crosscut saw.
  
  
• 8). Attach the 1-by-4 to the two studs with 2-inch round head screws. Do this so the middle of the board falls exactly at the height where the taut wire will hang as calculated in step 5. First drill a pilot hole with an electric drill and then insert each wood screw with the electric screw gun. Use three screws for each side of the board.
  
  
• 9). Using the center point of the room and the distance from the ceiling for the point of attachment, drill a pilot hole for the threaded hook that will support the picture.
  
  
• 10
  
  Insert the hook into the pilot hole and hang the painting.