How does an acrylic panel actually mount to the wall?
Before getting into any of the specifics, the first question to tackle is why I recommend acrylics in the first place.
The answer is simple, really.
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It just looks f*cking amazing.
Seriously.
I’ve printed several samples of my art, and acrylic is, hands down, my favorite way to display the kind of art I create.
I cannot say enough good things about the weight (deceptively light) and the quality of the art on the finished piece.
Acrylic panels come mounted and ready to display.
No frame, mat, or print shop required.
Just glossy, finished dog-bone wall art.
And, if you happen to be living in Canada or the Continental U.S., these beauties ship FREE.
Acrylics come ready to hang.
Our acrylic panels come with a wood back frame that includes a floating mount system: a routed slot cut into the frame that hangs directly on the head of a screw sticking out from the wall. There's no wire, no D-ring, no picture hook loop. The screw goes in first, you leave a small gap between the screw head and the wall, and the frame slides onto it. This is what gives the panel its "floating" look once it's up, a slight gap between the wall and the back of the piece.
Because the mounting method is built into the frame, the real decision you need to make is what goes into the wall behind it, not what to attach to the panel itself.
How much does an acrylic panel weigh?
Weight scales with size, and it's the single biggest factor in choosing the right hardware. Here's roughly what to expect across our sizes.
Weights are estimated based on panel thickness and material, and can vary slightly by breed art coverage and frame finish.
Can I use Command strips to hang an acrylic panel?
For a 12x12 panel, yes. At around a pound, that's well within the weight range adhesive strips are built for, and it's the easiest option if you don't want to put a hole in the wall. Once you're at 16x16 or larger, we don't recommend it. Acrylic is rigid and doesn't flex to help distribute weight across an adhesive strip the way a canvas print can, so the load ends up concentrated at whatever points are actually stuck to the wall. A screw and anchor system handles that concentration far better.
What hardware do I need for 16x16 and larger?
Two screws instead of one. This is a widely used rule for any wall art over about 16 inches wide, our own panel supplier builds the floating mount slot with this in mind. A single screw lets a wide, flat panel tip or rotate slightly over time. Two screws, set level and spaced correctly, keep it locked in place.
If the screws land on a stud, you're set, drive them in directly. If they don't, which is common, you'll need a wall anchor rated for the panel's weight. For 16x16 and 20x20, a standard self-drilling drywall anchor is usually enough. For 24x24 and 30x30, we'd recommend stepping up to a toggle bolt.
What's a toggle bolt, and do I need one?
A toggle bolt is a wall anchor built for hanging heavier items on hollow walls. It has a spring-loaded metal toggle, two small wings folded flat, attached to the bolt. You drill a hole, push the folded toggle through into the wall cavity, and the wings spring open on the other side. When you tighten the bolt, those open wings pull up flat against the back of the drywall, so the weight is braced against a much wider area than a standard anchor provides.
That's why toggle bolts hold significantly more weight than a plastic anchor, which only grips the hole itself. The tradeoff is a slightly bigger hole, and once the wings open inside the wall, the anchor isn't meant to come back out, so it's a better fit for a panel that's staying put rather than one you plan to move soon.
Step by step: hanging your acrylic panel
What you'll need: a tape measure, a level, a pencil, a drill, screws sized for your panel, a wall anchor or toggle bolt if you're not hitting a stud, and a stud finder if you have one.
- Decide on placement and mark the top edge of where the panel will sit.
- Measure the mount slot spacing on the back of your panel so your two screw points line up exactly.
- Check for a stud at each marked point. If you find one, you can skip the anchor at that point.
- Drill your holes and install anchors or toggle bolts where needed.
- Drive the screws in, leaving about a 1/4 inch gap between the screw head and the wall so the mount slot has room to slide on.
- Use a level to confirm both screws sit at the same height before hanging the panel.
- Lower the panel onto the screws carefully, letting the mount slot catch on both screw heads at once.
The most common mistake is getting the two screw heights slightly off, even a small difference will leave the panel visibly tilted since there's nothing to flex and self-correct the way a wire-hung frame might.
Find your breed, pick your size
Acrylic panels from $159.99 CAD, any breed, five sizes to choose from. Your panel can be personalized with your dog's name. Ships FREE within Canada and the Continental US. Made to order.
Can I hang an acrylic panel with just Command strips?
For a 12x12 panel, yes, it's light enough to be within range for adhesive strips. For 16x16 and larger, we recommend the two-screw method instead, since the rigid panel doesn't distribute weight across an adhesive strip the way a flexible canvas does.
What if I'm renting or can't drill into the wall?
For 12x12 panels, Command strips remain a solid no-damage option. For anything larger, a small anchor hole is usually the more reliable route even in a rental, and it's easy to patch when you move. If drilling isn't an option at all, look for heavy-duty adhesive hanging strips rated well above your panel's weight, and stick to sizes 16x16 and under, we wouldn't recommend adhesive-only mounting for 20x20 and up regardless of the strip's rating.
Do I need to hit a stud to hang an acrylic panel?
No. A stud gives the most secure hold, but a wall anchor or toggle bolt rated for the panel's weight works well on drywall alone. Use the weight table above to match the anchor to your panel size.
What's the difference between a wall anchor and a toggle bolt?
A standard wall anchor grips the hole it's inserted into. A toggle bolt has spring-loaded wings that open behind the drywall once installed, spreading the weight across a much wider area, which is why it holds more. We recommend toggle bolts for 24x24 and 30x30 panels.
How many screws do I need for a large acrylic panel?
Two, for anything 16x16 or wider. A single screw allows the panel to tip or rotate slightly over time, two screws set level keep it locked in place.
Where do you ship acrylics?
At this time, acrylics only ship to Canada and the Continental US. We're actively looking for other suppliers to handle acrylic overseas orders.
How long will it take to get my order?
All acrylics are made to order. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing and another 10-15 business days for shipping. If we could get it to you sooner, we would, but we promise it'll be worth the wait!
