The Tape Hack That Will Save Your Walls From Damage When Using Command Hooks
3M Command hooks have established themselves as the go-to product for homeowners wanting to hang objects around their houses without drilling holes in their walls. While the application process is fairly simple, removing Command strips without damaging the walls is another story. Several DIY enthusiasts recommend applying painter's tape beneath the hooks to make the removal painless and smooth. According to them, this hack will save your drywall from damage since painter's tape is designed to come off walls easily without leaving any sticky residue.
Although they aren't wrong in assuming that, they neglect to account for a painter's tape removal period. Regardless of the kind of painter's tape you choose, it must be removed within a certain period (depending on the manufacturer) for "clean removal." This doesn't mean the hack doesn't work; several people have found anecdotal success – but only if they use it to hang decor items for a few days and plan to remove the tape and hook within the instructed removal period. For instance, this hack is ideal for temporary party decorations. However, it shouldn't be used when permanently hanging something on a wall.
How to use painter's tape beneath command hooks
Begin by cleaning the wall to remove accumulated dirt or debris. Now, stick a big piece of painter's tape where you plan to hang the picture, wall art, or other fixture. The idea is to provide comfortable real estate for the Command hook to adhere to. That said, the tape shouldn't poke out of the decor item, or it'll detract from it. Now, attach the hook on the tape's center like you normally would and pull it off when it's time to remove the fixture (hopefully within the tape's removal period).
However, if you wait too long and removing the tape damages the paint underneath, get a sharp razor blade and glide it along its length to loosen its hold on the wall. As for the leftover adhesive, try rubbing it off with your fingers. If that doesn't work, try a dedicated adhesive remover or citrus-based cleaning solution. Remember, if the tape had years to adhere to your wall, you might have to resort to scraping it off.