See below for FAQs regarding Command™ products, common uses and surfaces, and our troubleshooting guide.
Command™ adhesive holds strongly to a variety of surfaces including solid, hollow and painted walls, and stained or varnished wood. It’s also ideal for surfaces difficult to drill - such as tiles, glass, stainless steel and melamine.
Command™ Strips are easy to remove – leaving no cracks, holes, damaged plaster or sticky residue.
Holding power and damage free removal make Command™ Strips perfect for rented homes and accommodation where drilling isn't allowed, helping you ensure you keep your deposit!
A: Always ensure the surface is dry and is free from dust or grease. For perfect preparation we advise the surface is cleaned using isopropyl rubbing alcohol or methylated spirits, wipe gently and let dry. Do not use household cleaners.
A: Many household cleaners leave behind a very thin layer of residue that affects how strongly the adhesive will bond to the surface.
A: Painted walls and plaster, stained or varnished wood, glass, tile, stainless steel and melamine.
A: Paint should be fully cured (check paint can for manufacturer's cure time) before using Command™ Products, please wait at least 7 days. Also, alcohol may remove or dull the surface of fresh paint.
A: You should not use Command™ Products on delicate or paper wallpaper. It may not adhere well to some vinyl wallpapers. Due to the wide range of wallpaper finishes available, some types may be particularly delicate. It is important to note Command™ adhesive is only as strong as the wallpaper’s adhesive bond to the surface below.
A: No. Command™ Products are intended for most smooth, solid and robust surfaces such as those listed above.
A: It is okay to use Command™ Products if the glass is not exposed to direct sunlight or not flooded with water. For example: Do not use inside or outside on south or west windows. For glass shower doors use our special Water Resistant line of products (blue strip) which are clearly marked on our packaging.
A: Command™ Products and Strips come in a range of different sizes, types and designs. Please see packs and/or product detail pages for information on weight limits, holding power and maximum frame sizes (Picture Hanging Strips).
A: No. We don't recommend it.
Not sure which Command™ Product is right for you? We weighed some common household objects to give you a better understanding of the amount of weight you’re hanging on your walls. Explore our Command™ Weight Reference Guide to find the best Command™ Product for your project.
Even the lightest items need the right support. Our smaller hooks will hold the equivalent of a small jar of your favourite jam or choccie spread. Sweet!
Flour, rice and pasta usually come in 500 g, 1 kg or 2 kg options. Think of a medium sized bag of flour when using our medium sized hooks.
For more heavy items you want a damage-free hanging solution that’s up to the task. 2 kg is around the weight a standard box of washing powder. If you're unsure how much weight your hooks can hold, just check the weight stated on the box.
Looking for a solution to hang your heavier objects? Just compare your item to a mega 6-pint bottle of milk, as that weighs about 3.6 kg!
Items such as picture frames and pinboards can start to get really heavy and this is where our Picture Hanging Strips step in. Medium hanging strips will hold the equivalent of a 5 litre can of paint. Once the paint has dried, start hanging!
The holding power of our large picture hanging strips almost defies belief! The heaviest ball in the bowling alley is the equivalent to 7 kg, which is pretty impressive and means these hooks are reliable enough for your biggest frames and pictures.
A: Command™ Products are a great alternative to nails or screws, 3M™ adhesive holds on strongly yet stretches off cleanly. Command™ Picture Hanging Strips are our best selling products and are ideal for for hanging all sizes of frames on the wall (see packs for size and weight guides).
They are great for creating collages and galleries without the risk of wall damage. Command™ Hooks and Clips are perfect for cupboards, lockers, offices, kitchens, utility rooms, kids' room, baths, boats and campers. Each package of hooks comes with extra strips so the hooks can be reused or repositioned. Command™ Party and Clear Products are ideal for seasonal decorating when you want a more discreet hook and to make the decoration the feature.
A: Command™ Products and Strips come in a range of different sizes, types and designs. Please see packs and/or product detail pages for information on weight limits, holding power and maximum frame sizes (Picture Hanging Strips).
A: See our guides to selecting the right size and amount of Command™ Picture Strips for your frame.
All Command™ Picture Hanging Strips include 4 sets
A: The one-hour wait ensures that the adhesive has had enough time to build strong adhesion to the wall or surface before any weight is placed on it. After initial application we always recommend that you remove the frame (Command™ Picture Strips) or Hook Piece (Command™ Hooks) from the wall, in order to press firmly on the strips for 30 seconds. Leave for at least one hour before rehanging/reattaching.
A: Command™ adhesive is designed to stay in place for as long as you need it to, and will stay put for many years. Therefore Command™ Hooks and be used as temporary or permanent hanging solutions. When you do want to take them down, they stretch off cleanly, without damaging your walls.
A: Always ensure the surface is dry and is free from dust or grease. For perfect preparation we advise the surface is cleaned using isopropyl rubbing alcohol or methylated spirits, wipe gently and let dry. Do not use household cleaners.
A: Many household cleaners leave behind a very thin layer of residue that affects how strongly the adhesive will bond to the surface.
A: No. We don't recommend it.
A: No, we do not recommend using general hooks or strips on the ceiling, due to weight bearing load. However, Command™ Ceiling Hooks in our party range can be used for lightweight paper decorations.
A: Simply heat up the base plate with a hair dryer to soften the adhesive. Then use dental floss to gently cut through the foam to remove the hook or hanger from the surface. Stretch or peel off the remaining adhesive.
A: No. Command™ Strips contain an adhesive that is a synthetic rubber resin and does not contain natural rubber latex.
A: Command™ Products are available at all good DIY, high street and grocery retailers and online. See where to buy page for full list of retailers.
A: Because the adhesive could soften and lose adhesion above 105°F (40°C), we don't recommend using it in your car. In addition, vinyl dashboards and door panels contain high amounts of plasticizers to maintain flexibility, and this makes adhesion to these surfaces difficult.
A: No. These products are not for use on the inside or outside of automobile windows due to weather extremes.
A: Simply heat up the base plate with a hair dryer to soften the adhesive. Then use dental floss to gently cut through the foam to remove the hook or hanger from the surface. Stretch or peel off the remaining adhesive.
A: Ensure that you have left at least one-hour before you hang your picture frame. Once you have positioned the frame in initial application, we always recommend that you remove the frame from the wall (grab frame at the bottom and peel off surface).
Once the frame is taken down, then make sure you press firmly on all the strips again for 30 seconds to ensure they are firmly in place (i.e. press on strips on the wall and on the back of the frame). Wait one hour before rehanging picture (to allow the adhesive to bond), and when doing so, listen for the 'click' to ensure the strips are 'locked' in place.