Command Strips vs Double-Sided Mounting Tape?
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
DIYPicks is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate of home-improvement retailers, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site — at no extra cost to you. This never affects our recommendations.
3M Command Large Picture Hanging Strips (16 lb)
Interlocking foam hanging strips that hold frames up to 24x36 inches (16 lb per four pairs) on smooth painted walls, tile, glass, or metal without nails. They stretch-release for damage-free removal, ideal for renters. The limits: they fail on textured, dusty, or unpainted walls, the weight rating is optimistic, and they are indoor-only.
| Type | Interlocking foam hanging strips (Velcro-style) |
|---|---|
| Weight rating | Up to 16 lb per 4 pairs |
| Removable | Yes, damage-free stretch-release |
| Surfaces | Painted walls, tile, glass, metal, finished wood |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor |
| Best for | Hanging frames up to 24x36 in without nails |
Gorilla Heavy Duty Double-Sided Mounting Tape (1 in x 60 in)
A double-sided foam mounting tape whose conformable foam and weatherproof acrylic adhesive form a strong permanent hold, indoors or out, for mirrors, decor, and trim up to 30 lb. It bonds to smooth and slightly rough surfaces. Keep in mind the bond is effectively permanent, so removal usually damages paint, and it needs a clean, dry surface.
| Type | Double-sided foam mounting tape |
|---|---|
| Width | 1 in |
| Length | 60 in |
| Weight rating | Up to 30 lb |
| Adhesive | Weatherproof acrylic |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Both |
| Best for | Permanent mounting of decor, mirrors & trim |
Our verdict
Choose based on whether you ever want it back off the wall. 3M Command strips are the pick for frames and decor up to about 16 lb on smooth painted walls, because they stretch-release with zero damage, ideal for renters. Gorilla Heavy Duty Mounting Tape holds up to 30 lb and works outdoors, but its acrylic bond is effectively permanent and removal usually wrecks paint or the item. Use Command for temporary, damage-free hanging; use the mounting tape for heavy or permanent installs like mirrors and signage. Neither works on textured or dusty surfaces without prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Command Strips just double-sided tape?
- No. Command Picture Hanging Strips are interlocking foam strips that work like Velcro — one half on the wall, one on the frame — and release by stretching a tab. Double-sided mounting tape is a single continuous adhesive layer with no release mechanism. That difference is the whole decision.
- Which one comes off without damaging the wall?
- Command, by design. The stretch-release tab lets it come off cleanly with no holes. Gorilla Heavy Duty mounting tape is effectively permanent — removal usually takes paint or damages the item you mounted.
- How much weight can each hold?
- Command Large strips are rated up to 16 lb using four pairs; the Gorilla tape roll is rated up to 30 lb. Treat both as optimistic: heavier frames slide if you skimp on strips, and tape needs full surface contact to reach its rating.
- Can either be used in a bathroom or outdoors?
- Only the tape. Gorilla's weatherproof acrylic adhesive works indoors and out, including damp areas. Command strips are indoor-only and are not rated for bathrooms or high-humidity walls.
- Why did my Command Strip fall off?
- Almost always the surface. They fail on textured, dusty or unpainted walls, and on paint that has not cured for a full 7 days. Clean with isopropyl alcohol, not a household cleaner, and let fresh paint cure before mounting anything.