There are plenty of option for hanging objects to a wall…that is if you’re interested in permanent adhesive, There are less options for a removable tape, and still fewer options for a re-stickable, repositionable tape option.
With 10 years experience with removable tapes, we will focus on the tapes that actually work or are widely used in the market.
Apartment Tape: a double-sided foam tape
Pro: it comes in rolls and pre-cut pieces. The pre-cut pieces have slightly thicker foam than the rolls, so the photos will pop from the wall a little more. You can re-stick and reposition the adhesive, same as Mixtiles adhesive. Relatively inexpensive.
Con: Available only in few places.
Command Strips: this is probably the most well-known product for hanging art, photos and objects to wall. Their “Do no harm” marketing phrase tells you up front that they will not harm your walls. They have several Command Strips options, from strips to wall hooks.
Pros: they work as described. Convenient to use and purchase. Available from numerous in-store and on-line sources. They offer hooks and various size lengths.
Cons: While they offer various lengths, you can’t get in rolls so you could cut to size you need. You need to match the two sides and can’t reposition to get it just right. They are also relatively more expensive than other options. Note: once their patent expires, there will be several knock-offs at a big discount.
Double-sided removable film tape:
Pro: There are several film tapes to choose from that are removable. They are offered in rolls and pre-cut pieces.
Con: Film tapes are not recommended for use on walls for picture hanging and general wall decoration. The film tapes are very thin and won’t hold up much weight. Not re-stickable or repositionable.
Post it Tape: thin foam pieces that have removable re-stickable adhesive on both sides.
Pro: you can re-stick to paper probably 50 times or more. Good for hanging posters and documents.
Con: not widely available. Comes in pre-cut pieces only (1” x 2”). Won’t hold heavy objects for extended period. Not expensive.
Scotch® Wall-Safe Tape. Scotch-Mount™ This is the well known scotch tape that everyone has but with a removable adhesive and two sided adhesive.
Pro: comes in convenient scotch dispenser roll. Economical.
Con: as stated in film tapes, won’t hold much weight other than paper on walls.
Alien or Nano tapes: this is a clear, thick foam hybrid tape. When first on the market, it was heavily marketed as removable foam tape, but there have been many complaints that it acts as a permanent tape and severely damages walls. Since then, they have largely dropped the removable marketing claim, however you can still find it marketed as removable.
Pro: widely available. Strong hold power on many surfaces.
Con: will damage your wall after the adhesive sets in after a couple of days. Do not use as a wall safe removable tape.
Hook and loop strips (or Velcro): it has two sides, hook and the loop.
Pro: strong holding power.
Con: while the Velcro itself will remove, the adhesive backing is actually a permanent adhesive, so that part will damage walls when removed. You need to be careful when aligning.
