Ah, plaster walls—the grand dames of home construction. Elegant, durable, but also a tad dramatic. Enter 3M Command Strips, the darlings of renters, dorm-dwellers, and anyone who’s ever sworn at a hammer.
For those wondering how to hang things on a plaster wall could they be the silver bullet you’ve been looking for? When these two collide, things can get interesting. Are Command Strips the solution to your plaster wall woes, or are you setting yourself up for heartbreak? Let’s dive into the sticky truth.
Do Command Strips Really Hold on Plaster Walls?
In theory, yes. In reality? It depends. Command Strips are designed to stick to smooth, clean surfaces like painted drywall, glass, or tile. Plaster walls, though? They’re a bit more…textured. Imagine trying to Velcro your cat to a fuzzy couch—sure, it might hold, but it’s not what the designers had in mind.
The key to success is preparation. We’ll discuss this below. Oh, and don’t push your luck—heavy mirrors or bulky artwork? Probably not a good idea. Keep it lightweight, and you might just be in business.
Pro Tip: If your plaster walls are painted with a glossy or semi-gloss finish, you’re golden. Matte or textured surfaces are a tougher sell. And whatever you do avoid those crazy plaster textures, relatively smooth plaster only.
How to Use Command Strips on Plaster Walls
Want to boost your odds of success? Here’s how to become the Command Strip whisperer:
1. Test First: Before committing, stick one strip to an inconspicuous corner. Wait 24 hours, then remove it. If the wall stays intact, proceed. If not, abort mission.
2. Clean Thoroughly: Dust is your enemy. Wipe the wall with isopropyl alcohol to ensure the adhesive bonds properly.
3. Stick to Lightweight Items: Command Strips are best for small, lightweight decor like photo frames or string lights. Skip the heavy mirrors and flat screen TVs (it’s frightening I feel the need to mention this).
4. Don’t Skip Settling Time: Press the strips firmly for at least 30 seconds and wait at least an hour before hanging anything. Impatience is not your friend.
5. Remove Slowly and Correctly: When it’s time to take them down, pull the strip’s tab straight down at a 90-degree angle. No shortcuts. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.
Do Command Strips Damage Plaster Walls?
This is the million-dollar question, right? Removing Command Strips should be a cinch: pull the tab straight down, and voilà—no residue, no mess. That’s the dream. But with plaster walls? Sometimes the dream becomes a nightmare.
Plaster isn’t as forgiving as drywall. It’s prone to chipping, cracking, and straight-up flaking off if you’re not careful. Of course, I’ve peeled the paper right off of drywall with these things too so no surface is safe.
Is your plaster in sound shape? Did you follow the instructions earlier? Then you’re probably fine. If your plaster is already cracked and peeling you may have put the final nail in the coffin for your plaster walls.
Users across Reddit and home improvement forums share a mixed bag of results. Some have peeled Command Strips off their plaster walls with no issues. Others? Well, let’s just say they’re Googling “plaster repair” at 2 AM.
Command Strip Victories & Fails
One user on Reddit’s r/HomeImprovement bragged about hanging lightweight picture frames with Command Strips on plaster walls. “We’ve used them for years and they’ve never failed us” they wrote. Cue applause.
Another Reddit user claimed their Command Strips held a 2-pound clock on plaster walls for over five years without an issue.
Meanwhile, over at r/DIYDisasters, a poor soul shared their heartbreak when the Command Strips left their ceiling looking like the constellation Orion after removal.
On r/DIY, someone confessed their Command Strips left behind a chunk of plaster when removed. Their words: “It was like peeling a band-aid off a sunburn.”
What to Do When Things Go Awry
Sometimes you follow all the rules and things still go awry. The biggest problem is when that pesky little pull tabs break off and you can’t remove the strips. Is there a solution that doesn’t involve a trowel and a plasterer? Yes!
If you find yourself in this predicament then a little dental floss will do the trick. Use a piece long enough that you can wrap it firmly around your fingers, slide it behind the strip, and with a back and forth sawing motion you can cut the Command Strip free from the wall.
You may have a little adhesive left on the wall, but a little GooGone will clean it right off.
So… Are Command Strips Good or Bad for Plaster Walls?
The answer is, it depends. They can work beautifully for lightweight, non-precious items if you prep the wall properly and follow the rules. But if you’re dealing with fragile plaster, high humidity, or heavy objects, the risk of damage might outweigh the reward.
If you’re nervous about committing, consider alternatives like small nails, picture rail hooks, or even museum putty for lighter items. After all, your plaster walls are more than just a canvas—they’re history, baby. Treat them right.
Command Strips and plaster walls can coexist, but it’s a delicate dance. Prep your surface, stick to lightweight items, and say a little prayer. Because when it comes to plaster, the only guarantee is that nothing’s guaranteed.
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
I love old houses, working with my hands, and teaching others the excitment of doing it yourself! Everything is teachable if you only give it the chance.