A Guest Post by PBA Lisette Ortiz
Acrylic photo prints are designed to make your images stand out with brilliant color, exceptional clarity, and a sleek, modern appearance. But as a photographer, I not only take photos and print them, but I also hang them. The hanging process is exciting because it's the final product of your work with selected print media. However, hanging can also be an overwhelming task. The goal is to get it right the first time to prevent multiple attempts from damaging your wall.
One of the most secure, professional, and wall-friendly ways to display an acrylic print is with a French cleat mounting system. This hidden mounting method creates the illusion that your artwork is floating slightly away from the wall while providing outstanding stability.
Whether you’re decorating your home, office, or gallery wall, here is a simple guide to installing your acrylic print with confidence.
What Is a French Cleat Mount?
A French cleat consists of two interlocking pieces. One piece is permanently attached to the back of your acrylic print, while the matching piece is secured to the wall.
When the two pieces slide together, they lock into place, creating a strong, level mount that is entirely hidden from view. This mounting system is ideal for medium to large acrylic prints because it distributes weight evenly and makes removing or repositioning the artwork easy when needed.
Tools You’ll Need:
Level
Pencil
Tape measure
Mounting Screws
Power drill or screwdriver
Stud finder (recommended)
Appropriate wall anchors (if not mounting into a stud)
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Choose the Perfect Location
Before drilling any holes, hold the acrylic print against the wall to visualize its
placement. Consider surrounding furniture, lighting, and viewing height. A common
guideline is to position the center of the artwork approximately 57–60 inches from the
floor, which is close to average eye level. Adjust as needed for your space or when
creating a gallery wall.
Step 2: Mark the Mounting Height
Measure the distance from the top of your acrylic print to the top edge of the French
cleat attached to the back. Transfer this measurement to the wall and make light pencil
marks where the wall cleat will be installed. Using a level at this stage is essential; even
a slight tilt will be noticeable once the print is hanging.
Step 3: Locate Wall Studs
Whenever possible, mount directly into wall studs for maximum strength. If a stud isn’t
available where you’d like to hang your print, use heavy-duty wall anchors that are
rated for the weight of your acrylic artwork. Never rely solely on drywall screws without
appropriate anchors.
Step 4: Install the Wall Cleat
Position the wall cleat on your marks with the angled edge facing upward and toward
the wall. Check that it is perfectly level before tightening the screws. Once installed,
gently tug on the cleat to verify it is secure.
Step 5: Hang Your Acrylic Print
Lift the acrylic print carefully and align the cleat attached to the artwork with the wall-
mounted cleat. Lower the print slowly until the two pieces interlock. The artwork should sit flush against the wall while floating slightly away from the surface, creating a clean,
contemporary presentation.
Step 6: Make Final Adjustments
Step back and inspect the artwork from different angles. If necessary, lift the print off
the cleat and make small adjustments until it is perfectly centered and level.
Caring for Your Acrylic Print
To keep your acrylic print looking its best for decades to come:
• Dust regularly with a soft, clean microfiber cloth.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners, glass cleaners containing ammonia, or paper towels, as these can easily scratch the surface.
• Use a dedicated, acrylic-safe cleaner if deeper cleaning is needed.
• Keep the print out of prolonged, intense direct sunlight to maximize the longevity of the vibrant image.
Final Thoughts
A beautifully printed acrylic photo deserves a mounting system that is equally refined. At Lisette Ortiz Photography, we believe that the presentation should enhance, not compete with the artwork itself. A French cleat mount provides the strength, security, and minimalist appearance that lets your photography remain the focal point. With careful measuring, a level, and a few basic tools, you’ll have your acrylic artwork professionally displayed, perfectly secure, and ready to enjoy for years to come. If you're looking for high-quality French cleat mounting hardware for your own acrylic prints, I highly recommend Nations Photo Lab (NPL). As an NPL Brand Ambassador, this is the trusted professional lab where I have my photographs printed and mounted. Their precision craftsmanship and premium mounting options make it easy to achieve a clean, gallery-quality presentation that beautifully showcases your artwork.
