FAQ’s – frequently asked questions

A picture hanging system comprises the following elements: rail, hanging wire and hanging hook. Artiteq guarantees the functionality of the products because it carefully coordinates the various elements of a picture hanging system. The quality can only be guaranteed when original (Artiteq) products are combined correctly. The guarantee is null and void if there are combinations other than with the correct Artiteq products. A frame or canvas will always hang more steadily if 2 hanging wires are used. The weight of the frame determines the choice of the hook and wire, in combination with the maximum weight carrying capacity of one metre of the rail.

> Combinations wires and hooks

Whether you choose a wall system or ceiling system depends on where you can and may drill holes. You might not be able, or allowed, to drill holes into the wall. If this is the case, choose our ceiling systems. People tend to choose our wall systems.

Wall systems
These picture hanging systems are mounted on the wall flush against the ceiling using the Click & Connect system. View all wall systems here.

Ceiling systems
These picture hanging systems can be attached directly to the concrete ceiling. Read more here. View all ceiling systems here.

Integrated systems
In addition to our wall and ceiling systems, we also offer integrated systems. These picture hanging systems are incorporated into the construction of a property, office or building. The picture hanging system is then concealed and is invisible. View all integrated systems here.

Our picture rails have a standard length of 200cm. If a picture rail with, for example, a total length of 500 cm is required, three 200-cm rails would be needed. You can easily cut the rail to size.

All-in-one sets (complete sets) are available in DIY stores measuring 200 cm, 400 cm, 600 cm, etc.; all sets consist of picture rails that are 200 cm in length.

In addition to our standard length picture rail, we also offer a 300-cm picture rail. This special picture rail is only available on request. This rail is often used for (larger) construction projects.

The picture hanging system is available in the colours: white (cream) RAL9010, white primed finish RAL9016 (this can be repainted in a different colour if you wish), brushed aluminium and black structured. Not every picture hanging system in our range is available in these 4 colours, see the list of colours available for each rail here.

Our products can be purchased directly online or from local stores or a DIY store. Here you will find the (picture frame) stores or DIY stores in your area. You will also find a list of all webshops that sell our products.

Our rail systems are intended for indoor applications only.

Corner connectors can be used for a flawless finish. The corner connectors can be ordered separately.

The wall systems can be mounted on a sloping wall. The rail is installed in just the same way it would be on a straight wall. The hanging rail must be positioned in such a way that the rail itself doesn’t slide down. You should use a Stopper Set to hang frames/pictures on a sloping wall.  This Stopper Set will keep the hanging wire in the right place, and the wall decoration will hang straight. The stopper locks the hanging wire by tightening the socket head screw in the stopper. The stopper will always be positioned lower than the hanging wire. When mounting a picture hanging system on a sloping wall, we advise that you use Solid Slider hanging wires. When using a Stopper Set, the maximum weight of a frame is 4 kg.

We decided to clearly separate the openings for hanging and electrics from one another (safety, reduced risk of short-circuit).

That’s possible, though only the Click Rail is suitable for this purpose. You can bend the Click Rail around a curved wall with a minimum radius of 10 metres. This will result in slight curvature of the rail. Would you like to learn more about this? Please feel free to contact us.

All of our picture hanging systems are mounted on a wall or ceiling using screws.

When drilling isn’t an option, our Contour Rail offers a solution: this rail can be glued to a ceiling or wall. But remember that this will reduce the rail’s carrying capacity; less can then be hung on the rail than if the rail was mounted with screws.

In principle, our hanging systems can be attached to all conventional wall types (i.e. concrete, brick, hollow brick, sand-lime brick, plaster, plasterboard walls, wood, etc.). Of course, the load also depends on the total strength and construction of the wall itself. When mounting the hanging system on walls with a less solid construction, it is advisable not to fully utilise the maximum load of the system.

We supply universal plugs with the majority of our sets, which are suitable for most solid and hollow walls. Some very uncommon walls may require different, more specific plugs.

When in doubt, ask for advice from a builder, a skilled DIYer, or your local hardware store.

The drill size depends on which hanging system you install. If you are going to drill a hole, it is important to match the diameters of the plug and the drill.

• For a 5-mm Fischer UX plug, use a 5-mm drill
• For a 6-mm plug, use a 6-mm drill
• For a 4-mm plug, use a 4-mm drill

We recommend that you drive the screws into the rail beforehand. The best way to insert the screws into the holes is by twisting them one-quarter turn until they are tightly secured inside the rail. Since the aluminium is fairly pliable, you can use the screw thread to make a slight incision. You can then easily feed the rail into the ceiling in one easy step.

Nail or screw into the wall (can go through thin and soft aluminium). Corners can be mounted with mitres, but just butted together is easier. Angled frame of a dropped ceiling can be stapled to the wood.

All rails can be mounted flush against the ceiling with the exception of the Contour Rail which has to be fitted at least 1 cm beneath the ceiling (drill at least 15mm below the ceiling). For the integrated picture hanging systems (Art Strip, Ceiling Strip and Shadowline), this will depend on how the system will be used.

The rail is affixed quite firmly to the clips because it must be fastened safely and securely. The system is essentially designed to be mounted once. If you disassemble all the parts, it is important that you carefully examine each component and replace any damaged parts. After you disassemble the system, you must always replace the clips and plugs with new ones.

The best way to remove the rail from the clips is by loosening the rail from the clip at the bottom (directly on the clip) using a flat screwdriver. You must start on one of the sides and then work from there to the left or right. In order to prevent wall damage (or at least keep it to a minimum), we recommend that you place a steel or aluminium sheet beneath the screwdriver. Depending on the type of wall, you can then prevent the plug from being pulled out of the wall.

If you mount the Click & Connect connector piece exactly between two rails, the rail will continue smoothly and the joint between the two rails will be barely visible.

You can mark out the holes by using the Click&Connect feature as a template. The clips are designed such that the screws can be inserted diagonally up to a 10° angle, after which the rail can be mounted to the ceiling. If this angle is too small or if you would like to drill at a straighter angle, we recommend that you use a longer drill or a special drill with a compact head.

Mount the first clip about 10cm from end of rail.

> View here the Click Rail drill instruction

The aluminium profiles can be easily customised by trimming them with a metal saw to reduce their length. It is recommended that you use a miter box to make a straight, rectangular cut.

Artiteq profiles are lacquered using a polyester-based powder coating which is generally easy to overpaint. The primer version can be overpainted using commonly available lacquers (latex-based, acrylic-based or alkyd-based). If you intend to overpaint the profiles, you must first prepare the surface. It is sufficient to remove any excess grease (preferably using surgical spirit) and slightly polishing it with fine sandpaper.

The Artiteq picture hanging systems can be mounted to the wall flush against the ceiling. A ceiling may not always be straight, leaving spaces in between the rail and ceiling. By applying a sealant edge to the top (and if required, the bottom) of the rail, this will fit nice and flush and will integrate nicely into the wall.

Extra tip
If a picture rail is chosen in the colour White Primed Finish RAL9016, the picture rail can be painted in the same colour as the wall or ceiling. The rail will then ‘become one’ with the wall and it will be almost invisible.

A picture/frame/wall decoration can be moved around using the hanging wire in the rail, provided that you keep hold of the wall decoration whilst moving this. It is important that the wire at the top of the rail is moved correctly and that you firmly hold the picture that is being moved. To be able to move wall decorations easily on the rail, we advise you to remove the picture from the hook. First move the hanging wire to the required position, adjust the hook to the required height and then hang the picture firmly on the hanging hook.

The carrying capacity of our picture hanging systems varies for each rail. For example, the Click Rail has a carrying capacity of 30 kg per metre. The two wall systems – Click Rail Pro, Combi Rail Pro Light and the two integrated systems – Art Strip and Ceiling Strip, all have a carrying capacity of 50 kg per metre. The other hanging systems have a carrying capacity of 20 kg per metre. If the Contour Rail is glued, the carrying capacity of this rail reduces from 20 kg to 10 kg per metre.

The weight of the frame/picture/artwork or wall decoration determines the choice of hook and wire, in combination with the maximum weight carrying capacity of one metre of the rail. Artiteq guarantees the functionality of the products because it carefully coordinates the various elements of a picture hanging system. The quality can only be guaranteed when original Artiteq products are combined correctly.

As well as hanging pictures, frames, artwork, wall hangings and plant pots, the Artiteq picture hanging systems are also suitable for hanging whiteboards, bulletin boards and glass boards. Artiteq has developed a special Whiteboard Set for hanging whiteboards. This set ensures stable mounting of a Whiteboard to a wall.

Depending on the hanging system you choose, you can hang a whole array of items. From frames to plant pots, from advertising materials to the services offered by your company! The location where you have mounted, or wish to mount the hanging system, determines what can be hung from it. Is this at the office, or at home? In this blog, read what you can hang from our systems at home. In this blog, read what you can hang from our systems at the office.

Endless types of wall decoration can be hung from our hanging systems. Frames, whiteboards and bulletin boards are just a few of the options.

Hanging whiteboards
You can hang a whiteboard from a picture hanging system in combination with our whiteboard set. The set comprises 4 clamps that are attached to the back of the whiteboard.

Hanging frames
Our picture hanging systems allow you to quickly and easily hang frames on your wall. The advantage is that the hanging wires enable frames to easily be clicked into any desired location on the rail system. Read more here about hanging frames.

Other wall decorations
As well as whiteboards and frames, you can of course hang many other things from our hanging systems. Of course, these items might differ depending on whether you are hanging something at home or at work. In this blog, read what you can hang from our systems at home. In this blog, read what you can hang from our systems at the office.

Read here for tips and inspiration

Yes you can. Our range includes various accessories for hanging plants on the wall.

The Botaniq hanging plant pot

The Botaniq hanging plant pot can be used in combination with a picture hanging system. These hanging plant pots are available in white and green. The white version can be painted in any preferred colour, such as in the same colour as the wall.

Loop Maker & Twister Hook
The Loop Maker and Twister Hook are two useful accessories that can be used in combination with a picture hanging system. You can use these to hang macramé plant hangers on the wall.

Use the Loop Maker to create a loop to hang the plants from. This replaces the hanging hook. View here.

The Twister Hook is a small hook which you attach directly to the hanging rail. You can immediately hang a plant from this! View here.

Read more here about hanging plants.

We offer two different options for hanging a photo printed on aluminium: the Artiteq Back Frame Hanging system, or a Dibond Hanger.

Artiteq Back Frame Hanging system
The Artiteq Back Frame Hanging System is an invisible hanging system developed especially for hanging thin and flexible wall panels made of aluminium (Dibond), Forex or Plexiglas. The frames are attached to the back of the wall panel and are therefore not visible from the front.

Using Power Corners, panels which have already been mounted can easily be straightened.

Dibond Hanger
The Dibond Hanger is a self-adhesive hook made of galvanised steel. This invisible hanging system is attached to the back of a Dibond, Forex or Plexiglas wall panel, allowing them to be hung. The Dibond Hanger is available in different sizes: 45x45mm, 70x70mm 100x100mm and 100x200mm. The size of the Dibond Hanger to be used depends on the weight of the wall panel.

45x45mm > max. weight 1kg
70x70mm > max. weight 2kg
100x100mm > max. weight 4kg
100x200mm > max. weight 8kg

Frames suspended from a cord are always tilted slightly forward. You may have seen this in museums, where it is done deliberately in order to prevent glare. How far the frame tilts forward and how this can be avoided depends on a number of factors (see instructions here below). For further tips and suggestions, please read here.

> Instruction tilting frames

In schools, hospitals and larger office blocks, it is important to be able to properly signpost the way to rooms, classrooms, or businesses. Artiteq offers various Signing products which enable signage to be displayed in a simple and flexible manner and to hang panels from. Depending on the type of ceiling, we offer hanging solutions for brick/steel ceilings and for suspended ceilings. Depending on what you wish to hang, you can see which system would be ideal for you. View all of our Signing products here.

We have various products for hanging things in a display window.

Display It LED Fixed and Flex

Artiteq’s Display It LED system offers estate agents, travel agents, retailers, employment agencies and mortgage advisors a way of displaying their products and services in a dynamic and prominent manner.

Display It LED fixed
This window display cable system has a fixed mounting to a wall or ceiling. The LED panels in this system draw attention to the display both day and night. Read more here.

Display It LED Flex
The Display It LED Flex Display system can be mounted to the wall or ceiling. In this system, the adapters can be twisted into and out of the rail, allowing flexible use of the system. The panels can be positioned anywhere along the rail. Read more here.

Display It Fixed and Flex

The Display It system can be used to display notices and products/services. Two different systems are available: Fixed and Flex. Both systems consist of plastic frames and the required content is slid into these frames. The difference is that the Flex version can be used in combination with a hanging rail and stainless steel rods, which can easily be moved along the rail. This system therefore gives complete flexibility. The Fixed version has a fixed mounting.

XPO Rail

As part of our Signing hanging systems, the XPO Rail is an ideal rail to use in display windows. This rail is mounted to the ceiling. In combination with the Artiteq Solid Slider hanging wires, light panels with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm can be hung. Read more about this system here.

Info Rail
The Info Rail is a perfect solution for displaying drawings, artwork and other documents in a well-organised manner on a classroom wall. This system means no more damaged walls from thumbtacks, tape and so on and changing drawings or posters is fast and easy. Read more here about the Info Rail.

Info Rail Magnetic
The Info Rail is also available in a magnetic version. As well as the already familiar features of the Info Rail, the Info Rail Magnetic has a magnetic strip at the front. The magnets included with the system allow drawings, etc. to easily be exhibited at the front of the rail. Read more here about the Info Rail Magnetic.

Info Rail Accessories
Use the Info Rail to create a versatile and fun display system by attaching the Me-Clip, Clip Hanger, Support Clip and Storage Clip to the rail. These accessories are specially designed for use on the Info Rail and Info Rail Magnetic.

Info Rail +
The Info Rail + enables you to create a versatile display system on the wall. Photos, drawings or recipes can easily be clamped in the rail, similar to the system used in the Info Rail and Info Rail Magnetic. At the top of the Info Rail + there is also a 6-cm-wide shelf where canvases, (reading) charts or other small craft projects can be displayed.

Click Rail (wall system) and the Top Rail (ceiling system)

The Click Rail and Top Rail are both picture hanging systems. The Click Rail is mounted on the wall flush against the ceiling using the Click & Connect system. The Top Rail is a perfect system to use in combination with a recessed ceiling. This rail is mounted against the wooden side strip of a recessed ceiling.

Both picture hanging systems can be used to hang (for example) teaching materials, such as reading charts. Click our Twister Hooks along the rail and hang the reading charts from them. The advantage is that both picture hanging systems are very versatile. As well as teaching materials, other materials and equipment can be hung from these systems, such as pictures and whiteboards.

Artiteq offers transparent perlon hanging wires and steel wires for hanging wall decorations on an Artiteq picture hanging system. Artiteq offers both the perlon hanging wires and the steel wires in a 1-mm and 2-mm thickness and in different lengths from 150 cm to 300 cm. The weight of a frame or a different wall decoration determines the choice of hanging hook.  With a maximum weight carrying capacity ranging from 4 kg to 20 kg, there is a wide choice of Artiteq hanging hooks. In addition to the weight of the wall decoration, the choice also depends on the look you wish to achieve. The perlon hanging wires are almost invisible. The steel cable hanging wires, also available in 1-mm steel wire black, are suitable for hanging heavier wall decorations.

Please refer to this compatibility list.

Yes you can. The maximum weight of the chosen hanging wire must, however, be taken into account, in combination with the correct hook.

A perlon wire is a plastic transparent wire. Artiteq offers perlon hanging wires in a 1-mm and 2-mm thickness and in different lengths between 150 and 300 cm. There is also a choice of perlon wires with a glider or twister system. This means that the hanging wire is placed differently in the hanging rail. The advantage of the perlon hanging wires is that these are transparent and are therefore almost invisible against a wall.

As well as the perlon hanging wires, Artiteq also offers steel wire. The colour of the wire is trendy and more striking. Artiteq offers steel wire in a 1-mm and 2-mm thickness and in different lengths between 150 and 300 cm.

You are not able to shorten the steel cable hanging wires yourself. You would, in principle, be able to shorten the perlon hanging wires, but if unsuitable scissors are used, the wire can become distorted, meaning it is difficult or impossible to insert this through the hanging hooks. We recommend that you roll up the surplus hanging wire and place this behind the picture. If you do decide to shorten the wire yourself, use a high-quality, sharp, utility knife.

You may find that the perlon cord curls up after the perlon has been rolled up for an extended period of time. The weight of the frame is usually enough to straighten the wire again. If this does not achieve the desired effect, you may want to try hanging a weight on the wire over an extended period of time. You can accelerate this process by first soaking the wires in warm (not boiling or hot) water for several hours.

Steel wires will last forever. Hanging wires made from perlon may age. In normal indoor climates, this process is extremely slow (>20 years). At higher temperatures, higher levels of humidity or increased UV light, we recommend changing the wires every 10 years, as a precaution.

Steel wire can be used outdoors, but because of the strain placed on the wires from other sources (for example, the wind), this can increase the total strain considerably. Our systems are designed for indoor use only. Perlon is not recommended for outdoor use, because of the (more extreme) impact of moisture and UV light. When less of a strain is placed on the wires and when these are replaced regularly, the system could be used outdoors in certain cases, however we advise against this and will not provide any guarantees to this end.

A dimming feature is really only required when you are lighting a larger space such as a room – it generally does not play a role in spot lighting. When it comes to spot lighting, it is more common to choose a lamp with the desired level of intensity.

While it is possible to dim LED lights, this requires that you use the correct combination of components, and it also depends on the length of the rail. Philips has stated that the 6,5W and 7,5W lamps are dimmable. Philips indicates that these are dimmable in limited applications and with a select number of dimmers. For long secondary (12V) distances, such as a light rail, we therefore do not recommend dimming the lamps. Since Philips regularly changes the specifications for dimming MasterLED lights, we recommend that you check the Philips Lighting website for further information: www.philips.com/masterledlamps.

The 6.5W has a light output of 440lm (which corresponds approximately to the old 35W halogen lamps) and the 7.5W has a light output of 621lm (which corresponds to the old 50W halogen lamps).

To summarise: while the Combi Rail Pro Light is dimmable, we recommend that you choose not to dim spot lights but rather choose bulbs with the appropriate level of intensity. We recommend that you use LED bulbs as this is less expensive because they consume less electricity and have a much longer average service life. In our experience, the MasterLED 6,5W and 7,5W meet the requirements of most applications.

Combi Rail Pro Light Lamps and fittings table

You can choose either LED or halogen bulbs. We always recommend LED: ultimately these are much more cost-effective, because of:
• longer lifespan
• lighter, therefore cheaper to run

The LED bulbs that we offer with the Combi Rail Pro Light have the following advantages when compared with halogen bulbs:
• light is not emitted from behind
• improved light distribution on the wall (more even)
• no UV radiation
• much less heat radiation

In the majority of cases, the 6,5W bulb will suffice (the strength of the light is comparable to our previous most popular 35W halogen bulb).

Combi Rail Pro Light Lamps and fittings table