How to install French Cleats for panel paintings
We recommended the selection of Langridge Archival PVA as the glue for adhering the cleats to the panel.
For panels up to 5" x 7" (13cm x 18cm)
Two French Cleats are used in the process – one cleat is attached to the wall, and a second matching cleat is glued to the panel. Once the glue is dry, the board is hung by sliding the cleat attached to the board onto the cleat attached to the wall. Gravity does the rest creating a snug, precise fit.
Instructions
(1) Position and then glue the cleat to the back of the panel, ensuring it is equidistant horizontally and just above the vertical centre-point.
Make sure the narrow face of the cleat is glued to the board and is exactly parallel to the top of the panel.
This will create a narrow angle between the bottom of the cleat and the board.
(2) The matching cleat is positioned and then attached with a suitable fastener (screw or adhesive) set flush to the face of the cleat.
Make sure the narrow face of the cleat is level and securely attached to the wall.
This creates a narrow angle between the top of the cleat and the wall.
(3) After the glue from step one is dry, fit the panel onto the wall. The panel cleat will fit neatly above the wall cleat for a secure hang.
For panels larger than 5" x 7" (13cm x 18cm) with maximum size of 8" x 10" (20cm x 46cm)
St Luke recommends the use of three French Cleats on panels – one cleat is attached to the wall, a second matching cleat is glued to the panel. A third should be glued to the lower section of the panel to keep the artwork hanging perpendicular to the wall.
Once the glue is dry, the board is hung by sliding the cleat attached to the board onto the cleat attached to the wall.
Instructions
(1) Position and then glue the first cleat to the back of the panel, ensuring it is equidistant horizontally and toward the top of the panel.
Make sure the narrow face of the cleat is glued to the board and is exactly parallel to the top of the panel.
This will create a narrow angle between the bottom of the cleat and the board.
Position and then glue the second cleat. It should be positioned toward the bottom of the panel.
Ensure it is equidistant horizontally. This second cleat is only a 'spacer'. Attach as per the diagram below.
(2) The matching cleat is positioned and then attached with a suitable fastener (screw or adhesive) set flush to the face of the cleat.
Make sure the narrow face of the cleat is level and securely attached to the wall.
This creates a narrow angle between the top of the cleat and the wall.
(3) After the glue from step one is dry, fit the panel onto the wall. The top panel cleat will fit neatly above the wall cleat for a secure hang.