It s difficult to tap in a nail that is long enough to reach a stud without cracking the plaster off the lath.
Hanging pictures on plaster lath walls.
As mentioned earlier the wall stud is where the wooden lath attaches to the wooden frame behind the plaster.
Generally speaking it s best to hang heavy pictures on a wall stud.
With proper technique hanging pictures on a lath and plaster wall isn t a problem.
Adhesive picture hooks are the best way to prevent damage when hanging a picture but pre drilling the hole will usually prevent cracks and chips from forming as well.
All you need to do is pre drill a hole slightly narrower than your screws then use the drill to drive a screw into the hole.
Therefore it s the strongest part of the wall and the ideal place to hang pictures from.
Make sure you leave half an inch out of the wall so you have space to hang your artwork.
Hanging things on plaster walls is easy if you have a drill and screws.
Perhaps the one style wall that could present the most problems when hanging pictures is the plaster wall.
You may not notice the damage but as plaster comes loose from the lath it will eventually begin to sag and soon fall off the wall if the sagging continues unchecked.
Screws and screws with masonry anchors for heavy items are your best choice for hanging things on plaster walls without picture rail.