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Have you ever stared at a blank wall wishing you could hang a poster, a lightweight frame, or a string of photos without drilling holes? Mounting putty—also called sticky tack, adhesive putty, or poster putty—is a simple, reusable solution that saves paint and sanity. Think of it as the double-sided tape of simplicity: pliable, removable, and ready to take on small tasks around your home, dorm, or office. In this guide I’ll walk you through the best stores to buy mounting putty in the US, what to look for, practical tricks, and creative uses that go beyond posters.
Mounting putty is a tacky, malleable adhesive compound that sticks to smooth surfaces by surface tension and slight stickiness rather than permanent bonding. It usually comes in small balls, strips, or sheets and stays flexible so you can press it onto paper, light frames, or crafts, then press the item to your wall. Because it doesn’t form a permanent chemical bond, it’s removable and less likely to damage paint—provided you follow the right steps and match the putty to the job.
Not all putty is created equal. There are clear adhesive dots and sheets, classic blue tack, museum-grade museum putty, and even specialized sticky dots designed for photographic prints. Clear adhesive dots are popular for posters and glass because they’re nearly invisible; blue tack is often cheaper and easy to reuse; museum putty offers stronger hold for small sculptures and frames; and adhesive sheets or dots provide neat little tabs for crafts and displays. Picking the right type depends on surface, weight, and whether you need zero-residue removal.
Clear adhesive dots bring a cleaner look—ideal when you don’t want obvious globs showing behind a poster or on a window. Traditional sticky tack, often colored, is more forgiving to handle and can be better for heavier or textured surfaces. For most poster jobs, three to six clear dots spread evenly will hold a standard poster; for heavier items, you’ll want larger or more museum-grade putty and extra anchor points.
When it comes to finding mounting putty, several national retailers stock a variety of brands and package sizes. Big-box and office supply stores provide reliable options, fast shipping, and useful product descriptions so you can choose the right tack for your need. Below I highlight popular places where Americans shop for mounting putty and what each retailer tends to offer.
Walmart carries affordable mounting putty products—from multi-sheet adhesive dot packs to multi-piece tubs of classic sticky tack. You’ll find clear adhesive dots geared toward posters and crafts, often sold in packs that cover several projects. Walmart’s wide inventory makes it easy to buy single-use packs if you’re tackling a one-off event or larger bulk packs if you’re outfitting a classroom. Prices tend to be competitive, and many listings include customer photos and reviews that help you gauge stickiness and residue performance.
On Amazon you’ll discover one of the broadest selections: clear sticky dots, reusable poster putty, museum putty, and heavy-duty options marketed for mounting small frames and hooks. The plus here is variety—if you need a particular brand, an odd package size, or overnight shipping, Amazon usually has a solution. Customer reviews and Q&A sections are handy for real-world usage tips, like exactly how many dots you’ll need to hold a 16 x 20 poster or whether a putty performs well in hot attic-like conditions.
Staples focuses on office-grade supplies, so their mounting putty selections skew toward tidy application and classroom/office use. Expect to find neat dispensers, adhesive dots intended for bulletin boards, and products that claim low-residue removal. If you’re outfitting a workspace or teaching environment, Staples is a reliable store for small to medium quantities sold in organized packages that make distribution simple.
Office Depot and OfficeMax carry similar lines to Staples, often including disposable dot sheets and reusable putty options in kits. These stores emphasize utility and value for everyday office needs—so look here if you want a balance between affordability and performance. They also sometimes stock museum putty for secure display on desks and shelves.
Target tends to stock mounting putty in the arts-and-crafts aisle as well as the office supplies section. You’ll see convenient, multipurpose packs aimed at home decorators, students, and hobbyists—think clear adhesive dots for posters and multi-piece sticky tack tubs for creative projects. Target is a good mid-range option when you want quick local pickup without hunting specialty stores.
Choosing the best putty comes down to three questions: what’s the surface, how heavy is the item, and how important is clean removal? For painted walls and wallpaper, pick a putty labeled low-residue or museum-safe and test a tiny patch first. For windows or glass, clear adhesive dots look best. For heavier items—even small frames—you’ll want museum putty or more putty per corner. If you’re hanging a 12 x 18 inch poster, you might get away with four medium dots; a 24 x 36 inch poster likely needs more anchoring points spaced evenly along the top and middle.
Mounting putty isn’t a substitute for nails or picture hooks when weight is measured in pounds. As a rule of thumb, a small dab of putty—about the size of a quarter—might hold a few ounces securely on a smooth surface. To hold items that weigh up to 1 or 2 pounds, distribute more putty across multiple points and use museum-grade formulations. If an item feels heavier than a paperback book, consider mechanical hanging hardware instead of relying on putty alone.
Want the best hold from your putty? Start by cleaning the surface with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth; oils and dust are adhesion’s enemies. Warm the putty between your palms for a few seconds—softening it improves contact. Press firmly for 10 to 15 seconds when applying to create good surface contact. If you live in a hot room or near a sunny window, bear in mind that heat can soften putty; in such cases choose a formulation rated for higher temperatures or use smaller pieces placed more often rather than big blobs that can sag.
When it’s time to remove putty, peel gently at a low angle and pull slowly—sudden tugs increase the risk of paint lifting. If residue remains, try rubbing it away with a clean eraser or roll a small piece of fresh putty over it to lift the film. For stubborn marks, dab a small amount of mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol on a cloth and test on an inconspicuous spot first. Museum-grade putties usually leave the least residue and are the safest bet on delicate finishes.
Mounting putty thrives in unexpected roles. Use it to stabilize vases on a wobbly shelf, keep rugs from slipping under light furniture, or secure cables behind your desk to prevent trips. Crafters use clear dots to hold small embellishments in place while glue dries, and photographers use putty to balance cameras on uneven surfaces for macro shots. For holiday decorating, putty can position garlands and lightweight ornaments without nails—think of it as a temporary anchoring system that behaves like a friendly magnet for small items.
If kids are involved, choose non-toxic, kid-safe putties and keep them out of small children’s reach—sticky items can be a choking hazard. For classroom projects, look for washable, low-residue varieties or adhesive dots that are pre-cut for neat and safe handling. Always supervise craft sessions and store putty in a sealed container to prevent drying out and to limit small hands from finding the whole tub irresistible.
Mounting putty is generally inexpensive, but prices vary by brand, quantity, and specialty. Expect to pay a few dollars for a small pack of clear dots and $5 to $15 for medium tubs of reusable putty. Museum-grade or heavy-duty adhesive kits can run higher, but they deliver better hold for pricier items. Buying in bulk often reduces cost per use, especially if you have ongoing decorating or classroom needs. Compare package sizes and dot counts—sometimes a larger tub is the better value if you’ll use putty regularly.
Mounting putty is a tiny product that solves lots of little problems: it’s quick, forgiving, and ideal for renters, students, and creatives. If you’re buying today, think about the surface you’ll use it on, how long you need the hold, and whether you want clear dots or reusable putty. Stores like Walmart, Amazon, Staples, Office Depot, and Target all offer reliable choices, from budget-friendly options to museum-grade solutions. With a small amount of preparation and the right product, you can hang and display with confidence—without a single hole in the wall.
Mounting putty might be among the simplest tools in your kit, but its versatility makes it indispensable. Whether you buy clear adhesive dots at Walmart, opt for a specialty pack on Amazon, or pick up a classroom-sized tub from Staples, the right putty will help you display, stabilize, and solve everyday household and office challenges. Test on a small area, match the type of putty to the task, and use smart application techniques to protect finishes and extend the life of your putty. Small, sticky, and surprisingly mighty—that’s mounting putty in a nutshell.
| Mounting Putty | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Sheets Posters Removable Adhesive Dots Adhesive Sticky Tack Clear Sticky Tack Clear Adhesive Dots | $ 2,89 |
