Everything You Need to Know about Picture Hanging Bumpers

Things like crooked picture frames on the wall might not seem like a problem. But maybe if you saw it every day, it could drive you crazy in the long run. 

This is just one of the smallest issues that doesn't seem to bother you at first, but slowly and surely, it will. Small problems like these need simple solutions. What kind of solutions? Bumpers.

If you're not sure what they are or how to choose the right ones, this article is for you.

Picture hanging bumpers are what you need if you want a hassle-free life. Bumpers are easy-to-use self-sticking adhesives that allow you to attach them to the back of frames and certain parts of furniture in just seconds. They’re made of 100% molded polyurethane material to resist abrasion, chemicals, oil, and weather.

These stick-on bumpers protect wall surfaces and floors from damage, keep objects from slipping, and allow pictures to hang straight on the wall.

Just like our line of picture hanging hardware, we have bumpers in different colors shapes, and sizes. There are flat, dome, tapered, high cylinder types, square, and round bumpers. 

Choosing the right one will depend on what you’re using them for.

Picture frame bumpers are a picture hanger’s best friend. They work together to make sure that frames on the wall are secure and straight.

There are two primary types, mainly rubber bumpers and felt bumpers. Both rubber and felt bumpers are commonly used on the back of picture frames, artwork, signs, etc. But you can also use them where you see fit, like on electronics, cabinets, glass tabletops, and more. 

These picture hanging hardware may be small, but they help in big ways! Here’s a quick rundown of what bumpers actually do:

• Grip objects to avoid slipping
• Elevate objects to reduce scratches and make things level
• Dampen noise, shock, and vibration 
• Act as replacement feet 

Your walls, frames, cabinets, cutting board feet, glass, mirrors, boards, and electronics are guaranteed to stay in place for as long as possible with bumpers on. 

In short, bumpers are the unsung heroes in picture-hanging. 

All bumpers function the same way; however, they come in different sizes for different uses. In this section, learn about the different types of bumpers, their specific uses, and why they're best for each application.

Clear Rubber Bumpers are crystal-like bumpers that are nearly invisible on glass surfaces. You can place them on:

• Glass tabletops
• Frames
• Mirrors
• Electronics like tablet devices
• Small appliances 

They're perfect for protecting your things without being an eyesore.

Flat Rubber Bumpers are cylindrical-shaped bumpers that are 0.140" tall with a 1/2" diameter.  They are best used on:

•  Wood frames
• Other home items like cabinets

Flat rubber bumpers provide the same protection as the other types of bumpers while barely increasing the object's height. This means that you can use them on lids and still have the full function of the bumpers and, at the same time, also ensure the lid stays closed.

Tapered Bumpers are square-shaped bumpers that are 0.3" tall. They measure 0.81" on the sticky side, then tapers down to 0.40" on foot. Tapered rubber bumpers are used when more standoff distance is needed from the wall when hanging frames.

Aside from that, the height allows for airflow or ventilation which is why they also work as great replacement feet for gadgets, small appliances, and other electronics. They work great on things like: 

• Computers
• Speakers
• Keyboards

Dome Bumpers are 0.150" dome-shaped rubber bumpers that have a 3/8" diameter. They work best on metal frames and can also be applied on equipment or machinery.

Among all the other types, dome bumpers have the smallest dimensions. They’re the best option for metal frames as they fit better in the channels which are too narrow for the other bumpers to fit in.

Felt Bumpers have a softer texture, providing cushion protection. They're perfect to use on objects like:

• Chairs
• Table feet
• Cabinets
• Lids

This type of bumper sticks to most surfaces like wood, metal, tile, and even paper despite the soft texture. 

They're the perfect bumpers to silence dragging and slamming noises when moving tables and chairs and closing cabinet doors.

With the different types available in our store, it’s easy to get confused about which one you need. Here’s how to choose the right type on your first try:

Will you be using them on wood frames, metal frames, electronics, or cabinets?

As mentioned earlier, there are different styles, shapes, and sizes designed for a specific purpose. It will be easier to narrow down your choices once you know what you’ll use the bumpers for. Here’s a quick recap of what each type of bumper can be used for:

• Clear - frames, glass tabletops and mirrors
• Tapered - frames that need more wall standoff, electronics
• Flat - wood frames, cabinets, and lids
• Dome - metal frames and equipment
• Felt - wood frames 

Every bumper has a specific purpose and once you’ve figured out what you will be using it on, the next is to choose the specific style and shape that is most suitable for your application.  Here’s a guide to choosing the style, shape, and size of the bumpers:

At this point, you should already be able to choose which bumper you want to use according to your needs. The next step in the process is the real work itself, installing the bumpers.

If you're installing the bumpers onto frames and framed art, here's how you do it:

1. Lay the frame down.

• Make sure you lay it down with the front side facing down on a blanket or a soft surface.

2. Wipe the bumper application area on the backside of the frame.

• It should be smooth, clean, and free of debris. 
• It shouldn't be greasy or oily.

3. Place one bumper at each bottom corner of the frame. You don't have to put bumpers on the upper corners.

• To pick up a bumper from the pad, hold the sides between your thumb and forefinger. 
• Avoid touching the bumper's adhesive surface.

4. Apply the bumpers

• For metal frames, apply a dome-style bumper close to the edge of the frame at each bottom corner.
• For wood frames, apply a flat-style bumper close to the edge of the frame at each bottom corner. 
• Use higher cylindrical or tapered bumpers if more wall standoff distance is required. 

5. Press the bumpers firmly

• Once they're in place, avoid repositioning them. Doing so will ruin the adhesive bond.

6. Hang your frames

• You can hang frames immediately, but it's best to allow the bumpers to reach maximum adhesion within 24 hours. 

As mentioned earlier, aside from frames, you can use bumpers on other objects, too. If you’re using it on other objects, here’s how to install it:

1. Wipe the surface clean.

• Use a mild solvent like isopropyl alcohol.
• The surface needs to be smooth, non-porous, clean, dry, and free of debris and oil.

2. Apply the bumpers

• Hold the bumper on the sides without touching the adhesive.

3. Press the bumpers firmly 

• Once they’re in place, avoid repositioning, as this can ruin the adhesive.

4.Hang your frame

• For maximum performance, give bumpers 24 hours to cure before exposing them to heavy force or weight.

Bumpers are the type of picture-hanging accessories you think you don't need until you try them and find out that they're actually very useful. Make sure you check out the different types of bumpers we have and see for yourself how handy they are!