What size nails should I use for string art?

Hi Deanna, they look around 2 inches long to me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4dpibii6Ng

Thanks!!

If you are a complete beginner, you may want to use a nail color that matches your board or your thread. The most common choice is using silver nails with white threads because this minimalist color is quite versatile and can make every beginner project look instantly chic.

Then, there’s a matter of head style. You will want to use nails with a round, flat head to prevent the threads from slipping off while you work. However, the head shouldn’t be too big so that it wouldn’t take the attention away from the thread.

You should select nails with a smooth shank because that will allow the thread to be wrapped and adjusted more easily while you work. A smooth shank will also sink more easily into wood, so you won’t have any problems nailing them in place during the first step of string art

More intricate designs that require wrapping the thread around the nail numerous times will require longer nails with bigger heads to hold the thread in place.

Nails for string art usually range from 0.5” to 1” in length.

For smaller projects, you don’t really need to buy long, industrial nails that will end up looking awkward when you finish your design. On the other hand, if you plan on making a bigger artwork, buying nails that are 1” or 1.25” in length will give you space to wrap the thread several times.

Flathead nails that have a head diameter of 0.05” to 0.1” will also be enough to hold the threads in place and create a structure for your design. If the head is any bigger, it can look obstructive on your final design.

Keep in mind that the bigger your nail, the more space that you should allow between the nails so that the final result won’t look too cramped.

Depending on the size of your project and the size of your thread, you should allow a 0.2” to 0.4” space between the nails to achieve the best result. If the nails are too close together, your final artwork will look quite busy and tight. .

I would say it depends on how big you want it. Try with a medium size and see if you want to go up or down

The best nails to use for string art are sturdy hardware or crafting nails with a round, flat head and smooth shank. Nails for string art are typically silver, have a head diameter of 0.05 to 0.1″ and are 0.5 to 1″ long, depending on the intricacy and design of the project

As small as possible so they will hold the amount of wraps of string...

thin nails with wide nail heads that will hold numerous layers of string!

This DIY string art tutorial has a link to the size and type nails she used: https://feelslikehomeblog.com/2018/04/step-by-step-string-art-tutorial-for-beginners/

Hello Deanna,

What ever size you like! If you use different length or size nails it will give a different effect! It rather depends on what you are actually trying to do.

Hi Deanna, The best nails to use for string art are sturdy hardware or crafting nails with a round, flat head and smooth shank. Nails for string art are typically silver, have a head diameter of 0.05 to 0.1″ and are 0.5 to 1″ long, depending on the intricacy and design of the project.