The "no modification" rule sometimes enforced in apartments, dorms, or similar places prevents you from nailing objects to walls. Don't worry, you don't have to worry about losing your deposit because the following article will explain how to easily hang items such as shelves.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Mounting Tape
Step 1. Choose a shelf made of light and hollow
Hanging very heavy shelves, made of solid materials such as steel or oak requires nails. Another case with shelves made of balsa wood. You can hang the balsa wood shelf using mounting tape. As a general rule, try to hang shelves that weigh no more than 1.4 kg.
- For safety reasons, try not to use mounting tape to hang shelves that weigh more than 4.5 kg.
- Look for hollow hanging shelves at a furniture store or buy lightweight wood planks at a carpentry shop.
Step 2. Purchase mounting tape
To hang shelves, you'll need strong mounting tape, specifically for photos or other large objects. Before buying, check the load capacity of the tape to make sure the adhesive can withstand the weight of the shelf and the items you want to place on it.
- Purchase a piece of tape that has adhesive on one side and a Velcro-like material on the other side. Please note, this material is different from that used in items such as hangers.
- Popular tapes include adhesive tape for hanging photos, Scotch reclosable fasteners, and removable Velcro mounting tape. You can generally buy this kind of product at craft and office supply stores.
- For very small or light shelves, a moldable glue, such as Sugru, can also be used.
Step 3. Clean the shelves and walls with isopropyl alcohol
Wet a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol, then gently wipe it against the wall and side of the shelf you want to stick. Allow both surfaces to dry for 5 minutes before applying mounting tape.
- This step will help remove oily dirt, oil, and wax from the surface of the object so that the mounting tape will stick more easily.
- Buy isopropyl alcohol at the supermarket or pharmacy.
Step 4. Adhere the tape to the rack by pressing it down for 30 seconds
If after 30 seconds they are not glued together, glue and press the Velcro side 2 mounting tape. After that, remove the protective layer of one of the tapes, press the newly exposed side of the glue to the area of the shelf you want to stick, then keep pressing both tapes for about 30 seconds. Repeat this process for the other tape.
- Provide regular spacing for each piece of tape so that the shelf hanging power is maximized.
- Use a stapler to attach the tape to the wooden shelf.
Step 5. Hold the shelf against the wall for 30 seconds
After applying the tape, remove the existing tape and position the shelf against the wall. After that, press the shelf against the wall for 30 seconds so that it sticks firmly.
If possible, tape two adjacent shelves to each other, then hang them in the corner of the room. This method makes the shelf stick much more firmly to the wall
Step 6. Remove the racks and press each piece of tape for 30 seconds
Gently and carefully, pull the edge of the shelf to remove it from the wall. Each pair of tape should be separated so that one side sticks to the wall while the other side sticks to the shelf. After that, press down on each piece of tape for 30 seconds to make sure it's all glued together perfectly.
If any of the tape comes off, attach new tape to the rack, then repeat the pasting and removing process above
Step 7. Reinstall the rack after 1 hour
Give it about 1 hour for the tape to stick firmly. After that, reassemble the shelves by joining pairs of tape. When removing your hand from the shelf, pay close attention to make sure it doesn't fall over.
Consider placing a blanket or pillow under the shelf to cushion the fall, should that happen
Step 8. Place light and durable items on the shelves
Without strong fasteners such as nails, shelves may not be able to withstand heavy weights such as textbooks or tools, but they should be able to withstand the weight of small knick-knacks, light electronics, and similar items.
- Do not place glass or other fragile items on the shelf; who knows the shelf will fall.
- If your shelf protrudes more than 10-13 cm from the wall, place the item near the back of the shelf to prevent the adhesive from pulling, then remove it.
Method 2 of 2: Looking for Alternatives
Step 1. Purchase adhesive sticks for hanging light items
Before installing shelves to store light items such as clothes, jewelry, and small electronics, consider purchasing adhesive tape. The most common types of adhesives are hooks and hangers, which are usually available in the market, but you can buy more unique designs online, including:
- Stick hanger, which is perfect for hanging things like keys.
- Sticky tray, which can hold cell phones, kitchen condiments, and toiletries.
- Stick-on balustrades, which are perfect for showing off light knick-knacks and collectibles.
Step 2. Stick the adhesive tape to the object you want to stick to the wall
Instead of hanging shelves to display photos, paintings, or other relatively flat objects, consider sticking them directly to the wall with the help of adhesive tape. To apply masking tape, wipe the back of the object with isopropyl alcohol and allow the surface to dry for about 5 minutes. After that, stick the tape to the corner of the object, then attach the object to the wall as if you were installing a shelf.
- Before attaching the adhesive tape to the photo frame, make sure you remove the hanger on the frame.
- Check the load capacity the adhesive tape can bear before you buy it to make sure it can withstand the weight of your painting.
Step 3. Purchase shelving cabinets for more space and support
Sometimes, hanging shelves aren't as strong and wide as you need them to be. In cases like these, consider purchasing a shelving system such as a bookshelf or storage rack.
- You can buy shelving cabinets at most supermarkets and office supply stores.
- To assemble the shelving cabinet, follow the assembly instructions included at the time of purchase.
