What to Order, Policies, FAQ
Questions about selecting your Gallery System picture hanging system? There's helpful information on this page, and we hope you'll also consider giving us a call at 800-460-8703 — we can often save you money and/or time with a brief phone conversation, and are happy to provide free samples of our gallery hanging systems. Or, use our simple Contact Form.
Important Art Hanging Capacity Information
What to Order?
Steel Cable, Clearline, or Clear Tape? Steel Cable picture hanging systems work well in all situations, and are particularly effective against dark-colored and wallpapered walls. They have the highest weight capacity and can be used with all hook types. Clearline art hanging systems offer affordable pro-quality hanging, with your choice of Pushbutton or Classic Mini-Hooks, which adjust with an included wrench. Clear Tape gallery hanging systems use our economical Classic Hook, which adjusts with an included wrench, and provide a barely visible alternative, especially against white or light-colored walls.
How many tracks will I need? Our art hanging tracks come in lengths of either 6.5 feet (Original Gallery System) or 4.5 feet (GalleryOne), and are easily cut to any size. Running them across the full width of your hanging area offers maximum hanging flexibility, a clean and seamless look, and the ability to “turn the corner” onto adjacent walls. Or, mount separate shorter sections of art hanging track and use our inexpensive end caps to provide a finished look.
After determining the overall length you'll need, dividing the total (in feet) by 6.5 for Original Gallery System or 4.5 for GalleryOne and round up to the nearest whole number. Note that your installation must use either Original Gallery System or GalleryOne tracks; combinations of the two will not work.
Note how the large piece at left is held evenly and securely with double hangers, while the two central columns place multiple works on a single hanger — and the group at right does both! Photo courtesy Harry Bertoia Foundation Gallery, St. George, Utah
How many hangers and hooks? A good starting point is 10 hangers and 10 hooks for every 25 feet of picture hanging track, but consider the number, size, weight and arrangement of pieces to be hung.
Smaller pieces can be hung on a single hanger with a single hook; the accompanying photo shows how vertical columns can be created with several hooks on one hanger. Note the use of paired hangers and hooks to ensure secure, even hanging of heavier and larger (over about 24 inches) pieces, and create columns of differently sized/shaped pieces.
Which hooks? Clear Tape art hanging systems require Classic Hooks (which adjust using the provided hex wrench). Steel Cable gallery hanging systems can use Classic Hooks, Pushbutton Hooks (for instant, tool-free adjustment - see a video demonstration) or Security Pushbutton Hooks (for a measure of protection against theft or earthquake — see a video demonstration). Clearline art hanging systems offer a choice of Pushbutton Hooks (black color only) or (for higher weight capacity) wrench-adjustable Classic Mini-Hooks.
Consider your lighting needs. Artworks must be seen to be appreciated. You can review our discreet, gallery-quality lighting option here; please call for more information.
When evaluating any gallery hanging system, look for compact, inconspicuous components that operate smoothly, lock securely and have uniform finishes and smooth edges. Insist on gallery-grade equipment that will last -- all Gallery System art hanging equipment is covered by our lifetime limited warranty.
Important Hanging Capacity Information
Original Gallery System - Steel Cable
44 pounds using a single hook; 88 pounds using two cables and two hooks
Multiple pictures may be hung on one hanger; 66 pounds maximum per cable
Maximum 130 pounds per 6.5-foot section of track (60 pounds per 3 feet)
Original Gallery System - Clearline with Pushbutton Hooks
13 pounds using a single hook, 26 pounds using two hangers and two hooks
Multiple pictures may be hung on one hanger; 13 pounds maximum per hanger
Maximum 130 pounds per 6.5-foot section of track (60 pounds per 3 feet)
Original Gallery System - Clearline with Classic Mini-Hooks
17 pounds using a single hook, 34 pounds using two hangers and two hooks
Multiple pictures may be hung on one hanger; 17 pounds maximum per hanger
Maximum 130 pounds per 6.5-foot section of track (60 pounds per 3 feet)
Original Gallery System - Clear Tape
33 pounds using a single hook; 66 pounds using two tapes and two hooks
Multiple pictures may be hung on one hanger; 33 pounds maximum per tape
Maximum 130 pounds per 6.5-foot section of track (60 pounds per 3 feet)
GalleryOne - Steel Cable
30 pounds using a single hook; 60 pounds using two cables and two hooks
Multiple pictures may be hung on one hanger; 33 pounds maximum per cable
Maximum 90 pounds per 4.5-foot section of track (60 pounds per 3 feet)
GalleryOne - Clearline with Pushbutton Hooks
13 pounds using a single hook; 26 pounds using two cables and two hooks
Multiple pictures may be hung on one hanger; 13 pounds maximum per cable
Maximum 90 pounds per 4.5-foot section of track (60 pounds per 3 feet)
GalleryOne - Clearline with Classic Mini-Hooks
17 pounds using a single hook; 34 pounds using two cables and two hooks
Multiple pictures may be hung on one hanger; 17 pounds maximum per cable
Maximum 90 pounds per 4.5-foot section of track (60 pounds per 3 feet)
GalleryOne - Clear Tape
15 pounds using a single hook; 30 pounds using two tapes and two hooks
Multiple pictures may be hung on one hanger; 15 pounds maximum per tape
Maximum 90 pounds per 4.5-foot section of track (60 pounds per 3 feet)
Picture Rail Hangers - Steel Cable
44 pounds using a single hook; 88 pounds using two cables and two hooks
Multiple pictures may be hung on one hanger; 44 pounds maximum per cable
Note: maximum weights assume picture rails are installed securely into wall studs.
We recommend confirming proper installation to avoid damage to your art.
Hanging System Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Are different track finishes available?
A. Yes! The art hanging track comes in your choice of a paintable satin anodized aluminum (silver) finish, or pre-painted white.
Q. Is the track pre-drilled?
A. No, because the hole spacing depends on the type of wall construction.
Q. Is the track easy to install?
A. Yes, installing is a basic handyperson job (we provide instructions and hints).
Q. Can the track be installed on curved walls?
A. Yes — see full guidance here.
Q. What is the best height for the track?
A. While every installation is different, placing the gallery track at or near ceiling level usually creates the cleanest appearance and leaves the most wall area for display.
However, if the lighting option will be used, tracks should not be mounted more than 9 feet above floor level, and a few inches of overhead clearance above the track is needed for installation of the light wands.
Q. How do I remove track from the wall?
A. It’s easy to remove tracks from the wall for reinstallation in a different location, painting, etc.
Original Gallery System tracks can be taken down by simply removing the fasteners holding them in place.
If space allows, remove tracks for GalleryOne system by sliding them sideways until the track is clear of the last wall mount. If not, start at the location of the first wall mount at the outside end of the installation. Slip the end of a pry bar or the tip of a flat screwdriver between the bottom edge of the track and the wall and gently pry outward to pop the track off the mount. In most cases you can then use a gentle pull to release the track from its other mounts without use of a tool. Repeat the process for additional sections of track.
Gallery System Lighting FAQ
Q. Can the Gallery Lighting System be used with any Gallery System?
A. No, our art gallery lighting system works only with the Original Gallery System picture hanging system. The GalleryOne System does not support the lighting option.
Q. Can the Gallery Lighting System be fitted to existing Gallery System installations?
A. Yes, but only with the Original Gallery System (not GalleryOne). Note that a few inches of clearance between the track and the ceiling is needed for attachment of the light wands.
Q. Can Gallery System Art Gallery Lighting be installed without the hangers and hooks used to hang art?
A. Yes! Combine your choice of Gallery System Lighting components with Original Gallery System art hanging track to create a sleek, efficient art lighting system. You can add hanging capabilities later — unlike some hanging systems, our light wands and hangers operate completely independently.
Q. How many lights will run off one transformer?
A. One 300-watt transformer will run up to 24 7-watt LED lamps; the 60-watt Power Pack transformer will run up to 5 7-watt LED bulbs.
Q. What length of track can be fed by one transformer?
A. The Power Pack 60-watt power supply can feed up to 25 feet when the power-providing junction box is mounted at the end of the track, or up to 50 feet when the junction box is mounted centrally (up to 25 feet in either direction).
The 300-watt transformer, used with custom lighting packages, can feed up to 50 feet when the junction box is mounted at the end of the track, or up to 100 feet when the junction box is mounted centrally (up to 50 feet in either direction).
Q. Do I need an electrical contractor to install the system?
A. Our art gallery lighting products are designed for do-it-yourself or handyperson installation, but an electrician can be used if you desire. Our art lighting systems use safe 12-volt power, so you are not legally obliged to use a licensed contractor, but if in doubt hire a pro. Any work on 120-volt wiring requires a licensed contractor.
Q. How does the current reach the lamp?
A. Power is carried by a flat cable, hidden in the channel on top of the wall-mounted track. When a light wand is locked onto the gallery track, sharp probes on the wand’s base penetrate the cable to draw 12-volt power.
Q. How do I carry the power around corners?
A. The power cable bends around corners. You can use our track corner covers to hide the cable or miter the tracks at the corner.
Q. Are the lamps adjustable vertically?
A. Yes. The lamp slides along the curved stainless steel rods so you can aim the light anywhere from 24 inches below the track down to floor level. For best results, tracks with lighting should not be mounted higher than 9 feet above floor level.
Q. Is the Gallery Lighting System the only lighting needed in a hanging area?
A. No. The system is designed to illuminate the art and not the surrounding area. You will still need to provide ambient lighting in the room.
Q. Can the lights damage artwork?
A. No, as long as the correct lamps (such as those supplied by Gallery System) are used. In general, LED lamps are perfectly safe, and are what we sell and recommend. Many incandescent halogen bulbs can generate excess heat and/or ultraviolet light, either of which can damage artwork, and we do not recommend their use.
Q. What size/type of bulb is used in Gallery System Lighting?
A. Gallery System light wands accommodate standard MR-16 bulbs; we recommend using LED bulbs that consume no more than 7 watts of power. The bulbs we sell are specially selected for art lighting; they have a neutral color temperature of 3000K, and a color rendering index (CRI) of 90, to ensure that the colors of your artworks are perceived accurately. When replacing bulbs, pay close attention to their power consumption and do not exceed the capacity of your Gallery System Lighting power supply. We do not recommend use of halogen bulbs.