Floating Paintbrush Wall Hook/Wall Art

UPDATE: 

As requested, I have added a new print profile with screw holes to mount to the wall as opposed to using a command strip for added security and strength. When you're ready to mount to the wall, separate the bristles enough to access the countersunk holes, and then put them back in place to cover up the screws. Happy printing!

Hello Friends!
 

My girlfriend was in need of a spot to hang her apron in her art space, so I took it upon myself to come up with something more interesting than a generic hook. 

This idea has been floating around in my head for a while, with the first iteration having been printed over a year ago.  I finally got back around to it and I'm super excited to share the finished product with you.

Disclaimer: This is built for aesthetic, not strength. I do not recommend putting much weight on this. (Backpacks, etc). However, for a single coat, hat, hoodie, apron, etc, it should be just fine.
 

What You Will Need:

• 3 Inch Paint Brush 
• Smaller Paint Brush
• Paint that matches the color of filament that you're using
• Sharpie (or some kind of marker)
• Drill
• Command Strip or Screws for mounting to the wall
• 2 Small Screws 

I recommend printing with as much infill as possible if you plan on using this as a hook. I printed at 100% infill in PLA with no supports.

Assembly

Your printed part will look something like this:

The print attaches to the back of the 3 Inch brush, and is screwed into the metal casing that holds the bristles. Position the brush over the print in a spot that you're happy with, and use a sharpie to mark where your screw holes need to be. Grab a small drill bit, and drill pilot holes into the metal casing of the brush.

From there, you should be able to easily put screws through the countersunk holes and into the brush, leaving you with something like this:

I used two small wood screws I had sitting around. Whatever you have should work, as long as they're short enough to not go all the way through the brush and your pilot holes are sized accordingly.

Next, to complete the effect, grab some paint that matches the colour of the filament you used. I propped up the end of the brush so that everything would sit flat on the table, and used my smaller paint brush to paint the top of the 3 Inch Brush to give it the look that it was dipped in paint.

Let everything dry for a while, then attach to the wall. If you're using a command strip, simply attach it to the back and stick it to the wall. If you're using screws, separate the bristles enough to access the countersunk mounting holes, and put them back in place after to cover the screws. Drywall anchors recommended if you plan on putting extra weight on this!

Extra Ideas:
 

I've included a version of the file that doesn't have the dripping paint effect, and could therefore be printed in whatever color you want, as it will be hidden behind the brush. I think this one could look cool either with the same color paint as the wall, or, if you're feeling extra adventurous, paint a single brush stroke on the wall in a vibrant color that ends where you plan on mounting the hook. 


 

Happy Printing! Please share your results with me if you print this, I'd love to see it!