Display How-To
License Plate Hangers and Mounting: How to Display Plate Art Safely
A metal license plate looks effortless on the wall, but a clean, secure mount is what makes it last. This guide walks you through the right hangers, anchors, and spacing for drywall, brick, wood paneling, and the great outdoors, so your handcrafted Packwood Plates piece stays level and damage-free for years.
Under 1 lb
Single Plate Weight
2 Holes
Pre-Drilled Mounting Points
5 Minutes
Typical Hang Time
Hanging Methods for Every Surface
- •Drywall: two picture nails or 3M Command strips through the factory holes hold a single plate with zero anchors.
- •Brick and stone: brick clips grip the mortar line, or use masonry screws with plastic anchors for heavier panels.
- •Wood paneling and barn wood: a short pan-head screw drives straight in, no anchor needed.
- •Multi-plate panels: mount a sawtooth hanger or D-rings into a stud, and confirm the wire is rated above the panel weight.
- •Outdoor and garage walls: stainless or galvanized fasteners resist rust and keep moisture off the wall.
- •Renters: removable adhesive strips peel off cleanly, leaving no holes when your lease ends.
Getting the Display Right
Eye Level and Spacing
Center a single plate around 57 to 60 inches from the floor, the standard gallery height. For a grid of plates, leave two to three inches between each so the layout reads as one intentional display rather than a cluster.
Level and Lasting
Because the plate has two mounting holes, a small bubble level or a phone app keeps it perfectly straight. Felt bumpers on the bottom corners stop the metal from scuffing the wall and let the piece sit flat without rocking.
Protecting the Wall and the Art
Sharp embossed edges can mar paint, so a thin foam spacer or rubber washer behind each corner keeps the plate slightly off the surface. That gap also lets air circulate, which matters most for outdoor metal state plates in Tennessee humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardware do I need to hang a metal license plate?
Most single license plates weigh under one pound, so two small picture nails or adhesive strips into the factory mounting holes are enough for drywall. For multi-plate panels or framed pieces we recommend a sawtooth hanger or D-rings anchored into a stud or with a drywall anchor rated above five pounds.
Can I mount license plate art on brick or concrete without drilling?
Yes. Heavy-duty exterior adhesive strips or brick clips that grip the mortar line hold a single plate without drilling. For larger outdoor metal state plates we suggest masonry screws and plastic anchors so the piece stays flush through Tennessee humidity and wind.
How do I keep my license plate art from rusting or shifting outdoors?
Use stainless or galvanized fasteners, leave a small gap behind the plate so moisture can dry, and seal the mounting holes if you drill new ones. We finish outdoor pieces with a clear protective coat, but stainless hardware and good airflow keep both the plate and the wall safe over time.