Record Display Shelf (Command Strip Mount)

This is a simple but strong shelf that can be used to display a vinyl album with no visible mounting hardware and without needing to drill holes in your wall.

This shelf is designed to use 3x poster size 3M Command Strips to mount securely to a wall, while allowing for easy removal without damaging paint or drywall. The strips are oriented vertically, i.e. in their strongest direction, with the non-adhesive tabs pointing upwards.

This model has a small slot next to each indentation so that the non-adhesive tab of the command strip can be tucked over and into the slot, hiding it from sight but retaining the ability to easily remove the strips by untucking them.

Two strips are rated for hanging ~1lb. By using three, we ensure there is enough adhesion to hold heavier LPs like gatefold 2x180g albums. Please note that the indentations on the wall-side of the model are sized specifically for these poster strips, and larger/thicker strips may not work as well. 

Recommended Print Settings

• 0.4mm nozzle
• 0.20mm layer height
• 3 perimeters
• Gyroid infill, 10-15%
• 5mm brim (to help combat warping)
• No supports needed
• PLA or PETG

I personally used the 0.20mm SPEED setting for the Prusa mk4 0.4mm nozzle with input shaping to get the print time down to about 1.5 hours. The STRUCTURAL preset will work just as well if not better. I noticed that the finish of my parts is more matte when I used this versus the non-input-shaping QUALITY setting, which took over 3 hours and resulted in a much glossier part. Settings are all default except for those I listed above. I printed 2 at a time on my build plate.

How to Use

1. Print the model with the bottom, slightly angled face flat against the build plate - by doing this we ensure that any warpage doesn't affect the flatness of the side that mounts against the wall, and the texture of the layer lines on the wall-facing side gives the command strips something to adhere a bit better to.
2. Wait for the part and build plate to cool completely before removing to decrease the risk of warping as much as possible. Trim off your brim however you like.
3. Use some isopropyl alcohol to clean the indentations on the wall-facing side of the shelf so that the surface is clean for the command strips to stick to.
4. Apply the command strips to the shelf, with the round non-adhesive tabs pointed up towards the top of the shelf. Be sure to stick the side of the command strip that is not labeled “wall side” on the shelf.
5. Tuck each rounded tab into the corresponding slot on the top of the shelf. 
6. Decide where you want your shelf and give the wall a light cleaning to make sure there isn't any dirt or grease that will affect the command strip adhesion.
7. If you're making a grid of shelves like I did, it helps to use a laser level to get them all aligned straight and level. A bubble level works too but might take a bit longer.
8. Peel off the wall-side covers on the command strips and apply the shelf to the wall. Press and hold it firmly (but not too hard) for 15-20 seconds.
9. Important: wait at least one hour before putting any records on the shelves - the adhesive needs time to bond. 
10. Choose some records to display and enjoy your new shelves!

To Remove

1. Carefully pull each of the three rounded tabs up and out of their slots. I use tweezers to help grab them. Careful to not rip the tabs off, this makes removal much harder.
2. Hold the shelf firmly with one hand and gently press it into the wall.
3. Use your other hand to pull the tab straight up, parallel to the wall. Don't pull it outwards as it may break or damage your wall. Continue pulling until the strip releases and snaps out from behind the shelf.
4. Repeat this for the other two strips.

Note: If the tabs rip off and you're unable to use the above method, some people advise that you can carefully use dental floss to “saw” the strips off from behind the shelf. I haven't tried this myself.

I am not responsible for any damage you cause to your walls by using command strips or this model - review the instructions from 3M on how to correctly apply and remove command strips to avoid damaging your wall.