Hanging Acoustic Panels Without Damaging the Wall

The last couple of years has seen me move my office/studio location a number times. This means that the acoustic foam I use to tame reflections, has also had to move. I don’t mind re-painting, but fixing dry wall is not appealing so I needed a solution that wouldn't damage the wall. Thus yard sticks and hook and loop 3M command strips.

Step 1: Setup and Yard Stick Glue Up

I check the orientation of the foam panel and then I flip it over to begin the process. I used scrap trim that I had lying around, but you just need something with a straight edge. I start by placing the piece of yard stick that I will use as the backer in between the straight edges. Then I can spray the yard stick with glue. The straight edges take any over spray to minimize extra glue.

Step 2: Panel Glue and Assembly

I then carefully removed the yard stick piece. I was careful not to move the straight edges. Then I could apply the spray glue to the foam panel, again keeping over spray to a minimum. I flip over the yard stick and place it glue side down in the channel created by the straight edges. I pulled the straight edge guides out of the way and press the yard stick firmly into the foam.

Step 3: Attach to the Wall

After giving the glue some time to cure, you can then attach your Command Hooks following the manufacture instructions. For flat surfaces like interior doors the backers for small hooks worked just fine. However, for textured surfaces like walls, those failed within a couple of days. I ended up using the medium hook and loop ones for pictures and that has been great. I hope that gives you ideas of how to attach acoustic foam to your walls for non-destructive removal.