Mounting Putty

Mounting Putty Mastery: Best UK Stores, Uses, and Buying Guide

What is mounting putty and why it matters

Mounting putty is that squishy, reusable adhesive you squash onto posters, photos, or lightweight decorations to keep them put without nails or tape. Think of it as the sticky cousin of Blu-Tack: lightweight, flexible, and perfect for renters, students, or anyone who avoids drilling holes. If you’ve ever hung up a poster in a dorm using little balls of tack, you already know the basic idea — but there’s more to choose from than the generic stuff in a stationery aisle.

Common types of mounting putty

There are a few variants you’ll see on shelves: classic all-purpose putty for paper and posters, heavy-duty putty for textured walls or slightly heavier items, and putty designed for crafts with cleaner removability. Some come fragranced or coloured for craft projects, while museum-grade products focus on low-residue removal. When you’re picking, it helps to know whether you want something temporary for a party or a longer-term solution for framed photos.

Advantages of mounting putty over other adhesives

Why pick putty instead of tape, blue painters’ tape, or Command strips? For starters, putty is reusable — knead it between uses and it regains tackiness, which makes it cost-effective. It’s also gentle on paint and easy to reposition; you can test layouts without committing to holes or sticky residue. And unlike double-sided tape, putty won’t suddenly shed a poster when the temperature changes, as long as you use the right amount.

When to avoid putty

Putty is brilliant for light items like posters, postcards, and small decorations, but it isn’t a solution for heavy frames, mirrors, or anything that would put strain on the wall. For those jobs, go for hardware or specialist hanging strips rated for higher weights. Also, be cautious on very delicate wallpapers — always test a small area first to avoid surprises.

Top UK stores to buy mounting putty

If you’re hunting for mounting putty in the UK, you’ve got plenty of solid options — both in stores and online. Here’s a quick tour of reliable retailers where you can compare brands, prices, and pack sizes so you can pick the best fit for your project.

Ryman — stationery specialists

Ryman is a go-to for office and stationery supplies and usually stocks several putty brands and sizes. I like popping into Ryman when I want a quick, quality pick-up — they often carry museum-safe tack and handy multi-packs for students. The staff can help you judge how much you’ll need for a typical poster or picture.

WHSmith — convenience plus variety

WHSmith is another high street option with a good selection of general-purpose putty. It’s ideal if you need something fast while out running errands. If you’re buying for a simple display or school project, the small packs they sell usually do the trick without costing much.

Hobbycraft — for creatives and crafters

Hobbycraft is the place to go if you want coloured putty, craft-specific formulations, or larger tubs for extended projects. Crafters appreciate putty that doesn’t leave a greasy finish on cardstock and that can be shaped for miniature builds. Their range often includes eco-friendly or specialty versions designed for delicate materials.

Staples UK and Viking — office-heavy supplies

For bulk buying or office settings, Staples UK and Viking (Viking Direct) are solid choices. They stock larger tubs suitable for offices, classrooms, and event setups where multiple posters or charts need mounting. These retailers often offer economical pricing if you’re buying in volume.

Amazon UK and eBay UK — widest selection and customer reviews

Online marketplaces like Amazon UK and eBay UK are unbeatable for variety. You can compare dozens of brands, read real user reviews, and choose unusual sizes such as 1 oz mini packs or 4 oz tubs. If you like digging into product feedback before buying, these sites give you that social proof and often quicker shipping options.

B&Q, Wickes and Homebase — DIY and heavier-duty options

Although better known for DIY hardware, B&Q, Wickes, and Homebase sometimes stock heavy-duty putty variants in their adhesive sections. These are useful if you want a stronger tack for textured walls or semi-permanent displays. They’re also handy if you’re pairing putty with other hanging tools from the DIY aisle.

The Range, Poundland, Robert Dyas — budget-friendly finds

If you’re on a tight budget or need a basic pack for a one-off event, try The Range, Poundland, or Robert Dyas. You’ll usually find inexpensive tubs or sachets that work perfectly for short-term decorating. These options are great for last-minute needs, but I’d steer clear if you need long-term, residue-free performance.

How to choose the right mounting putty

Picking the right putty comes down to three things: weight of the object, surface type, and how long you want it up. Ask yourself whether you’re displaying a light poster or a heavier framed print, and whether the wall is painted, textured, or wallpapered. Those answers will steer you toward classic, heavy-duty, or low-residue options.

Estimating how much putty you need

A simple rule of thumb: small posters about 11 x 8.5 inches usually need four small pea-sized bits, while larger poster sizes or slightly heavier prints may need more or a few larger pieces. When in doubt, buy a slightly larger tub — a 3.5 oz or 4 oz tub goes a long way for multiple projects and saves you a return trip.

Step-by-step: applying mounting putty like a pro

Applying putty is easy, but doing it neatly makes a big difference. Start by wiping the wall area clean to remove dust. Break off the right amount — less is often more — and roll it between your fingers to warm it up. Press it flat onto the corner of the poster, then press the poster firmly against the wall. Hold for a few seconds and give it a gentle tug to test security.

Tips for long-term holds

For a more secure hold, use multiple small pieces spaced evenly, rather than one big lump. Spread the putty over several points to distribute weight and stress. If you’re dealing with a slightly textured surface, consider slightly larger pieces or pairing putty with a small amount of low-residue tape at the top corners.

Removing mounting putty safely

Taking putty off is almost as important as applying it. When you remove it, peel slowly at a low angle rather than yanking to reduce risk of paint lift. Warm the putty slightly with your hands first to soften it, then roll it gently off the wall. If there’s a tiny residue, rubbing with a soft eraser or a cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution usually clears it right up.

Addressing stubborn marks or paint issues

Occasionally, especially on older or delicate paint, a faint mark might remain. If that happens, use a non-abrasive cleaner or a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth and dab gently. Test on a hidden area first. If paint comes off, stop and consider using removable adhesive hooks or Command-style strips for your next project.

Creative uses for mounting putty

Mounting putty is more versatile than you think. Beyond posters, I use it to stabilize cameras on uneven surfaces for quirky photos, hold cords in place, secure table decorations at a party, and even prop up small tool parts while I work. For hobbyists, it’s brilliant for holding models during painting, and for crafters, it’s a temporary clamp for gluing tiny pieces together.

Seasonal and event ideas

Throwing a party? Use putty to secure garlands or lightweight banners without damaging the venue. Decorating for the holidays becomes easier when you can reposition decorations without leaving marks. For temporary window displays or craft fairs, small tubs of putty are a lightweight, reusable solution that keeps things tidy.

Eco and reusable considerations

If sustainability is important to you, look for brands that advertise reusable or low-chemical formulations. Many putties are inherently reusable, but some are made with greener ingredients and less added fragrance or plastics. Buying a larger tub rather than multiple small packs reduces packaging waste, and using putty long-term is greener than single-use tapes.

Storing putty to extend its life

Keep unused putty in a cool, dry place and in an airtight box if you can. That keeps dust out and helps maintain the tack. If it starts to harden after long storage, knead it with a bit of warmth from your hands and it often restores to usable condition. Proper storage can make a small tub last for many months.

Price ranges and how to get the best value

Prices vary — you can pick up tiny sachets for under a pound for one-off needs, while 3.5 oz or 4 oz tubs cost a few pounds and are better value for frequent users. Office suppliers like Staples and Viking tend to offer bulk discounts, while high street shops are handy for immediacy. Online marketplaces often have the widest price spread, so check reviews and buy what fits your usage.

When buying in bulk makes sense

If you manage an office, classroom, or events, buying in bulk saves money per ounce and ensures you never run out mid-project. Look for multi-pack deals or larger tubs if you plan to use putty regularly — it usually stays tacky for a long time if stored right, so bulk buys are rarely wasteful.

Alternatives to mounting putty

There are times when putty isn’t the perfect tool. For heavier items, adhesive strips or picture hooks are better. For temporary canvases, lightweight magnetic hanging systems or reusable adhesive hooks give a cleaner finish. If you need zero-residue, consider museum-grade mounting tape or reversible adhesive tabs designed specifically for delicate surfaces.

Mix-and-match strategies

Often, the best solution is a hybrid: putty at the bottom corners for alignment and removable adhesive strips at the top to bear more weight. That way you get the flexibility of putty and the security of a strip without permanent damage when it’s time to take things down.

Final words before you buy

Mounting putty is one of those tiny household heroes: cheap, flexible, and unexpectedly useful. Whether you buy from a high street retailer like Ryman or WHSmith, pick up craft-specific tubs from Hobbycraft, or order in bulk from Staples or Amazon UK, you’ve got lots of options in the UK market. Consider the surface, the item’s weight, and how long you want the display to last, and you’ll be hanging like a pro in no time.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mounting putty boils down to matching the product to your needs: light and removable for short-term displays, heavy-duty for textured walls, or craft-grade for delicate projects. The UK offers plenty of places to buy — from high street stores to online marketplaces — so you can compare price, pack size, and formulation to find the perfect fit. With a little practice, mounting putty becomes an indispensable tool for decorating, crafting, and organising without fuss or damage.