How to Keep Heavy Paintings Flush Against the Wall

Install the frame half of a bracket cleat hanging system onto the back of one heavy painting's frame. Find the center of the top edge of the frame, and mark that point. Find the center of the bracket, and match it to the center of the frame's top edge. Use the pan-head screws included with the hanging system to mount the bracket to the center back of the frame.

Measure the painting's height, including the frame, and divide that measurement by two to find the center vertical point of the painting. Measure up from the center point to the bracket you installed on the frame, and note that measurement.

Determine the location you wish to hang the painting on the wall. Measure up from the wall 57 inches, and place a small mark at that point. The center of the painting should go at the 57-inch mark for the most pleasing hanging height. Measure up from the 57-inch mark the distance you measured on the back of the painting between the center point and the bracket. Make a small X at that point with a pencil. It will be where you mount the center point of the bracket, or wall bracket.

Place the wall bracket on the wall with the center of the bracket over the X you made. Place a level over the bracket to ensure you mount the bracket level, and use the pencil to mark the screw holes for the wall bracket. Set the wall bracket aside.

Drill pilot holes at the screw hole marks.

Place the bracket in place on the wall, lining up the holes in the bracket with the pilot holes. Drive the screws, fitted with drywall anchors, through the bracket holes and into the wall.

Hang the painting by placing the frame bracket inside the wall bracket. This hanging system is especially effective for securing a heavy painting and keeping it flush against the wall.

Repeat the procedure for each heavy painting.