Security Hardware for Art Installations
Many times one will assume that hanging art or pictures is as simple as nailing a hook in the wall, and setting the art piece in place. In many cases it is almost this simple. At Art Installer Pro we have specific hooks that we like to use in order to reduce the impact on the wall, or to reduce the gap between the top of the art piece and the wall. There are other types of hardware that can be used outside of hooks as well that many wouldn’t consider. That hardware type would vary depending on the type of art structure we are installing. Is it a canvas art piece with D-rings, a framed art piece on a wire, a tall art piece with a sawtooth hook, or some other mounting system? In all cases, our goal is to present a professional appearance that won’t easily come out of level.
However, there is a type of art installation that many are not aware of. It is referred to as a security art installation, and I am here to briefly discuss what it is and why you would use it. T-lock security hardware is very popular in commercial applications. It uses a bracketed system at the top to hang the art piece from the wall, and then a bolt (or bolts) in the shape of a “T” at the bottom that is then twisted into a metal plate to secure the art piece to the wall. This is highly recommended in areas with a lot of foot traffic to prevent someone from accidentally bumping it off the wall and reduce liability issues, but there are other uses that this system is useful for as well. Those uses could include high value art pieces, heavy art pieces that you don’t want kids shaking around, or pieces that you don’t want stolen. Sometimes we would install these on heavy mirrors so they can’t be pulled away from the wall at the bottom. Every time you pull these away from the wall you are weakening the hardware so that would become a safety issue.
Overall, it really doesn’t matter what the case is. T-lock security hardware mounting systems are one of the most secure systems that you can hang your art or mirrors from. Typically these will be referred to as 3 or 4 point T-lock security hardware systems, and that is the common way in which we would hang the art (on 3 or 4 points). However, the bottom T-bolts can be combined with a French cleat style rail at the top to support heavy pieces securely into the wood studs in the wall. If you have any concerns with the safety and integrity of your art installation, please ask about upgrading to security hardware. Don’t risk your piece getting stolen, falling off the wall and hurting someone, or breaking. Some art pieces can’t be replicated the same way as they were before, so it is important to properly protect them the first time around. For all of your art and decor, wallpaper, or window treatment installations, trust Art Installer Pro to keep you and your decorations safe, secure, and professional.
Check out the our Instagram video reel below that demonstrates the basic process of what an installation may look like.
