Displate has taken the art world by storm, offering a unique and modern way to display stunning designs on high-quality metal. These vibrant posters are a fantastic addition to any indoor space, but a common question arises for those looking to decorate patios, balconies, or garden walls: can displates go outside? It’s a valid query, as the durability of metal suggests it might withstand the elements.
This comprehensive guide will answer that question definitively. We’ll explore what Displates are made of, the risks of outdoor exposure, and the proper way to ensure your collection lasts a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just putting together your first displate review, this article has the information you need.
Table of Contents
- What Exactly Is a Displate Made Of?
- The Official Answer: Can You Hang a Displate Outside?
- The Elements vs. Your Art: Why Outdoor Hanging Is a Bad Idea
- What About "Almost Outside"? Patios, Porches, and Bathrooms
- The Right Way to Display Your Art: Indoor Mounting 101
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Exactly Is a Displate Made Of?
Before we can discuss outdoor placement, it’s essential to understand the materials involved. So, what is displate made of? Each displate is a gallery-quality print on a thick sheet of steel. The image is printed directly onto the metal, which is then coated with a matte finish to protect the artwork and reduce glare.
This steel construction is what gives displates their signature weight, durability, and premium feel. However, it’s also the primary reason they are not suited for outdoor environments. Steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, is susceptible to oxidation—more commonly known as rust—when exposed to moisture and oxygen.
The Official Answer: Can You Hang a Displate Outside?
The short and official answer from Displate is no. Displate metal posters are designed and manufactured exclusively for indoor use. Placing them outside exposes them to conditions they were never intended to endure, which can lead to rapid deterioration.
Furthermore, any damage resulting from outdoor placement would not be covered by the displate warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, not damage caused by improper use or exposure to harsh environmental conditions. If you’re wondering are displates worth it, the answer is a resounding yes—but only when they are cared for and displayed as intended.
The Elements vs. Your Art: Why Outdoor Hanging Is a Bad Idea
Hanging your art outside introduces several destructive factors that can ruin your investment. Here’s a breakdown of the primary risks.
- Moisture and Rust: This is the biggest enemy. Rain, humidity, morning dew, and even fog will introduce moisture. This directly answers the question, will displate rust? Yes, over time, the steel will inevitably begin to rust, especially around the edges where the metal might be more exposed. This can cause discoloration and degradation of the poster itself.
- Sunlight and Fading: Direct sunlight contains powerful UV rays that are notorious for causing colors to fade. The vibrant artwork on your poster will become dull and washed out over weeks and months of sun exposure. This significantly impacts the visual appeal and answers the question of how long do displates last when placed outdoors: not very long.
- Temperature Fluctuations: The adhesive on the mounting magnet is designed for stable, indoor temperatures. Extreme heat can weaken the glue, while cold can make it brittle. This constant expansion and contraction can compromise the bond to the wall, increasing the risk that your art will fall.
- Wind and Debris: A strong gust of wind can potentially dislodge a displate metal posters from its magnet, causing it to fall and get scratched, dented, or bent. Dust, dirt, and pollen can also settle on the surface, and cleaning it can be difficult without causing micro-scratches on the matte finish.
What About "Almost Outside"? Patios, Porches, and Bathrooms
Some owners wonder about semi-protected areas. Can you hang a Displate on a covered porch, a screened-in patio, or in a steamy bathroom? The question can displate go in bathroom is a very common one.
While these locations offer more protection than a completely exposed wall, they are still not recommended. Humidity is the key issue. A covered porch still experiences high humidity during rainy or foggy weather. A bathroom, especially one with a shower, is one of the most humid rooms in a house. This persistent moisture will still promote rust and can weaken the adhesive of the displate mounting magnet over time. For the best displate location, always choose a dry, climate-controlled indoor space.
The Right Way to Display Your Art: Indoor Mounting 101
To get the most out of your collection, it’s crucial to understand the proper displate how to hang procedure. The ingenious magnetic system is one of the product’s main selling points.
So, how do displates work? The process is simple and designed to be damage-free. When you ask do displates come with magnets, the answer is yes. Each standard Displate comes with a self-adhesive magnet sticker and a protective paper leaf.
Here are the basic displate mounting instructions:
- Clean the Wall: Wipe the chosen spot with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or oils.
- Apply the Protective Leaf: Peel the backing off the paper displate protective leaf and stick it firmly to the wall.
- Stick the Magnet: Peel the backing from the magnet and press it onto the center of the protective leaf. Press firmly for several seconds.
- Hang the Displate: Simply place your poster onto the magnet. It will snap securely into place.
This process answers the common search query "how to hang displaye" and shows how simple displate hanging is. For those concerned about wall integrity, one of the biggest questions is do displates damage walls? When the included protective leaf is used and removed carefully (by gently peeling from a corner), it typically leaves no residue or damage, making it a great option for renters. Because of this, most users find that are displates easy to remove.
For uneven surfaces, learning how to hang displate on textured wall can be a challenge, as the adhesive needs a flat surface. In these cases, a displate alternative mounting solution like 3M Command Strips or even a small nail to hang the magnet from might be necessary. Some users even opt for a displate stand to display their art on a shelf or desk instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Displate legit?
Absolutely. Displate is a well-established and legitimate company based in Poland, known for its high-quality metal posters and for supporting thousands of artists worldwide. A quick search for a displate metal posters review will show a largely positive consensus on product quality and customer service, confirming that this is a reputable brand.
How long do displates last?
When kept indoors and away from direct sunlight and moisture, a Displate can last for many years, if not a lifetime. The print quality is excellent, and the steel plate is incredibly durable under the right conditions.
do displates fall off?
While it’s not a common issue, do displates fall off is a valid concern. This usually happens only if the wall surface was not cleaned properly before application, if the wall is heavily textured, or if the poster is placed in a high-humidity environment that weakens the adhesive. Following the mounting instructions carefully is the best way to prevent this.
What is the displate mounting system?
The displate mounting system is its signature feature. It consists of a self-adhesive paper leaf that protects your wall and a self-adhesive magnet that sticks to the leaf. You then simply place the steel Displate poster onto the magnet. It allows for a drill-free, damage-free installation and makes it easy to swap out your art. Many guides on how to hang a displate poster highlight the simplicity of this system.
Can I use Displate Command Strips?
While Displate provides its own magnetic mounting kit, some users opt to use displate command strips as an alternative, particularly on textured walls or for extra security with larger posters. It’s a viable option, but be sure to use strips that can support the weight of the metal poster.
Can metal prints be hung outside?
This is a broader question. While Displates cannot, some can metal prints be hung outside. These are typically made from aluminum and are specially coated and treated with UV-resistant inks to withstand moisture, rust, and sun-fading. If you want outdoor metal art, you must seek out products specifically advertised for that purpose. Just because something is a "metal poster" does not mean it is suitable for your patio—and this is certainly true for both displates and the misspelled but common search term dispates.
