How to Display an Art Print Without a Frame

By Stationery that gets you · MangoIllustrated | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn practical, damage-free ways to display art prints without a frame, using washi tape, binder clips, magnetic bars, and more.

Quick answer

You can display an art print without a frame using washi tape, binder clips, magnetic poster bars, or removable adhesive strips—each method protects the paper while letting you change the look anytime.

Why go frameless?

Frames add cost and weight, and they make it harder to swap prints seasonally or when your taste changes. Going frameless is especially useful for renters who can't nail into walls, or for anyone who wants to rotate their wall art often without buying new frames each time.

The trade-off is that unframed prints are more exposed to dust, moisture, and accidental tears. The methods below balance visibility with protection so your print stays in good condition.

Which method works for your wall?

Painted drywall, brick, and textured wallpaper each respond differently to adhesives. For painted walls, washi tape and removable adhesive strips work well if you test a small corner first. For brick or concrete, consider magnetic bars that clamp the print without touching the wall surface directly.

If you're hanging a print that's already a little worn or has intentional texture—like the hand-lettered 'Cause We Never Go Out of Style' print with its layered, poster-on-a-wall look—a frameless display actually enhances the aesthetic.

6 ways to hang an art print without a frame

1. Washi tape (low-tack, removable): Cut four small strips of washi tape and attach each corner of the print to the wall. Use a level to keep the print straight. For larger prints, add a strip in the middle of each long edge. Washi tape is safe for most painted walls, but test on an inconspicuous spot first—some paints peel even with low-tack tape.
2. Binder clips + pushpins: Clip the top edge of the print with two binder clips. Push a thin pin or nail through the metal loops of the clips into the wall. The print hangs freely below, and the clips become part of the display. The clips add visual weight—choose matte black or silver to match your print. Avoid this method if the print is very lightweight paper that might curl.
3. Magnetic poster bar (damage-free hanging): Slide the top edge of the print into a magnetic poster bar, then hang the bar on a single nail or adhesive hook. The bar holds the print flat without puncturing it. Magnetic bars work best with prints on thicker paper. For thin museum-quality paper like the 8×10 matte art paper, make sure the bar's magnets are strong enough to hold without slipping.
4. Removable adhesive strips (e.g., Command strips): Apply two strips to the back of the print at the top corners, and two at the bottom corners. Press firmly against the wall for 30 seconds. Follow the package instructions for weight limits. Never use these on wallpaper or textured walls—they can tear the surface on removal. For a single 8×10 print, small strips rated for 1 lb are enough.
5. Poster putty (reusable, repositionable): Roll small balls of poster putty and press them onto the back corners of the print. Stick the print to the wall and smooth out any bubbles. The putty can be reused multiple times. Poster putty can leave a greasy residue on porous paper over time. Use it only for temporary displays (a few weeks) and store the putty separately between uses.
6. Clip frame (minimalist, no glass required): Use a clip frame that sandwiches the print between two clear acrylic sheets with metal clips. Hang it with a single nail or adhesive hook. The print stays flat and protected without a traditional frame border. Clip frames add a thin border and slight protection from dust. They are not truly frameless but give a similar clean look while keeping the print safer than open hanging.

Art print that suits a frameless look

Cause We Never Go Out of Style art print: The line is hand lettered in mixed styles and layered like a poster pasted onto a city wall, wrinkles and all. Worn in on purpose. This print's intentional worn-in look pairs naturally with frameless hanging methods—tape or clips won't fight the aesthetic.
Cause We Never Go Out of Style art print