What is Monofilament?

Definition: Monofilament is stronger than string and won't weather like rope. For outdoor display purposes, monofilament is great for hanging lightweight objects that you want to give the appearance of flying or floating in mid-air. It also provides a cleaner look than most ropes or chains. Monofilament is ideal for seasonal decorations, such as "floating" ghosts, witches and other objects at Halloween; ornaments hanging from outdoor trees, eaves or porches at Christmas, etc.

Monofilament is often used in museums and galleries and by designers to display objects in department store windows, again, to give the illusion of floating without any visible strings attached. By doing so, it creates a feeling of magic, fantasy and fun, and allows an object to be viewed from all sides rather than flat against a wall.

Monofilament can be found at most hardware stores and comes in spools or reels. It is available in different weights or strengths -- 10-pound will hold objects 10 pounds and under; 25 pounds will hold objects 25 pounds and under, etc. The lower the weight, the thinner and more invisible the nylon wire.

After using monofilament outdoors, please be mindful of cutting it loost from trees, fixtures, etc., and discarding it. It can be harmful to birds and other creatures.

Also Known As: Fishing wire; fish wire; invisible thread

Common Misspellings: Monafilament, monofillament