How to hang framed pictures on acoustic batten wall?

[ichaelmay]

We have used the prempanel acoustic batten walls for our bedroom. I have purchased two framed canvases to hang above the bed, however I can't see to find any picture hooks that are big enough to reach beyond the slats. What's the best way to hang things on these walls so they're secure? Thanks in advance.

[EricL]

Hello @ichaelmay 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about hanging your pictures. 

This does present a bit of a challenge as the Prempanel panels have already been installed which means that we can't use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. The timber strips on the Prempanel are not meant to carry weight. Technically you would have to drill through the panel media (the black part) and install a Ramset Nylon WallMate Anchor - 4 Pack but use a Zenith 8G x 75mm Countersunk Rib Head Chipboard Screws - 16 Pack. 

Generally, the screw would need to go into the Wallmate at least 50mm and 25mm would be sticking out in order for the head of the screw to serve as a hanging point for the frame. The drawback is that if the picture frame is too heavy it will drag the nail down.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @ichaelmay 

As @EricL has already mentioned finding studs will be difficult. The panels themselves are not very strong. The timber look slats have no structural strength and as you know they are on a thin foam backing.

Your best and potential only solution is to use a plasterboard anchor/s such as what @EricL in the most central in-between slat position.

Nailbag

[AlanM52]

Hi @ichaelmay,

Tagging @EricL , @Nailbag 

If Eric's suggestion fails use gravity or spring toggles.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=gravity+toggle+bolts&sort=BoostOrder

Cheers

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @ichaelmay 

I would go along the route that @AlanM52 has suggested, in particular Ramset 3 / 16" x 50mm Round Head Toggle Spring - 4 Pack 

I have used these before to give an offset large bolt type deal to hang picture frames on hollow walls and they work well.

For your use I would actually purchase an extra nut and washer for the front side, so before you push the butterfly wings through the hole, you load up the screw with a nut and larger washer in that order so (screw them up to within 5mmm from the head) when you push the lot through you end up with a 5mm (or 10mm whatever you want but may need a longer screw) bolt to hang your picture off. The nut and washer act as a point for the pressure to be put on the butterfly.

Dave

[Nailbag]

HI @ichaelmay 

Just a fresh thought. You could place a short length of 3mm aluminium bar across a few of the timber panels. Then use longer toggle-bolts such as what @AlanM52 and @Dave-1 suggested positioned at the gaps so you can feed the ends through the wall holes. Once tightened they will be pressed evenly across several timber slats. 

Then fix your picture hooks to the bar using flat head metal screws. The 3mm bar will not be noticed behind the picture/s and have no impact on how they hang of the hooks.

Nailbag