How to Hide TV Wires Without Cutting Drywall | Complete Raceway Guide

You’ve mounted your TV and it looks great—until you step back and see cables dangling down the wall like technological spaghetti. You want them hidden, but cutting into drywall seems intimidating, expensive, or simply not an option (hello, renters).

Good news: You can achieve clean, professional-looking cable management without touching your drywall.

Cable raceways and cord covers are the non-invasive solution for hiding TV wires. When installed properly, they’re barely noticeable and can even be painted to disappear completely against your wall.

This guide covers everything you need to know about surface-mounted cable management: product options, installation techniques, and pro tips for results that look intentional, not improvised.

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Why Choose Surface Cable Management?

When Raceways Make Sense

You’re renting:

• No permanent wall modifications
• Removable when you move
• No security deposit concerns

You’re DIY-hesitant:

• No drywall cutting skills required
• No stud finding necessary
• Minimal tools needed

Your wall is challenging:

• Concrete or brick behind drywall
• Steel studs without cavity access
• Fire-rated walls you can’t penetrate

You want reversibility:

• Might rearrange room later
• Upgrading equipment in near future
• Want to maintain options

Quick installation needed:

• Completing setup today
• No time for major project
• Immediate results

The Honest Trade-Off

In-wall concealment advantages:

• Completely invisible
• Permanent, clean solution
• No surface profile

Raceway advantages:

• No wall damage
• Faster installation
• Removable and adjustable
• Works on any wall type

Raceway reality: Even the best raceway is visible upon close inspection. The goal is intentional, clean appearance—not perfect invisibility.

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Cable Raceway Types and Options

Flat Wall Raceways (Most Common)

What they are: Rectangular or D-shaped channels that mount flat against the wall

Typical dimensions:

• Width: ½” to 2”
• Depth: ¼” to ½”
• Lengths: 4 to 6 feet per section

Best for:

• Standard TV installations
• Single HDMI + power cable runs
• Straightforward vertical paths

Popular products:

• Cable Matters Raceway
• D-Line Cable Cover
• Wiremold CordMate

Large Capacity Raceways

What they are: Wider channels for multiple cables or larger wire bundles

Typical dimensions:

• Width: 2” to 4”
• Depth: ½” to 1”
• Lengths: 4 to 8 feet

Best for:

• Multiple HDMI cables
• Gaming setups with many connections
• Home theater installations

Corner and Edge Raceways

What they are: Channels designed to follow wall corners and edges

Types:

• Inside corner (where walls meet)
• Outside corner (around wall protrusions)
• Baseboard profiles (along floor line)

Best for:

• Running cables along room perimeter
• Avoiding vertical runs in visible areas
• Professional finished appearance

Decorative Raceways

What they are: Styled cord covers that become design elements

Options:

• Fabric-wrapped channels
• Metallic finishes
• Rope/cord disguise styles
• Decorative molding profiles

Best for:

• When hiding isn’t possible
• Making cables intentional
• Matching room aesthetics

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Choosing the Right Raceway

Step 1: Count Your Cables

Inventory what needs hiding:

• Power cable (thickest, least flexible)
• HDMI cable(s)
• Optical audio cable
• Ethernet cable
• Streaming device power
• Gaming console cables
• Soundbar connections

Rule of thumb: Choose a raceway that can hold double your current cables. You’ll likely add something later.

Step 2: Measure the Run

Calculate total length:

1. Measure from TV location to outlet/device location
2. Add 10% for corners and overlap
3. Round up to nearest raceway section length

Example:

• Vertical run: 36 inches
• Horizontal along baseboard: 48 inches
• Total: 84 inches + 10% = 93 inches
• Buy: Three 48” sections (144” total, with extra)

Step 3: Map the Route

Straight vertical runs:

• Simplest installation
• Most visible option
• Works when outlet is directly below TV

Baseboard routing:

• Run vertically to floor, then horizontally along baseboard
• Less visible vertical portion
• More material needed
• Requires corner pieces

Behind furniture routing:

• Use furniture to hide horizontal runs
• Raceway only for exposed vertical section
• Most concealed option

Step 4: Consider Color and Finish

White: Standard option, matches most walls

Black: For dark walls or industrial aesthetics

Paintable: Can be color-matched to any wall

Brown/wood tones: Matches wood paneling or trim

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Installation Guide: Step by Step

Tools and Materials Needed

Tools:

• Level (or smartphone level app)
• Tape measure
• Pencil for marking
• Hacksaw or miter saw (for cutting)
• Rubbing alcohol and clean cloth
• Scissors (for adhesive backing)

Materials:

• Raceway sections (measured quantity)
• Corner pieces (if routing changes direction)
• End caps (for finished appearance)
• Couplers (to join sections)
• Adhesive strips or mounting hardware (often included)

Step 1: Prepare the Wall Surface

Adhesive raceways need clean walls to stick properly:

1. Clean the mounting area with rubbing alcohol
2. Remove any dust, dirt, or residue
3. Let the surface dry completely (5-10 minutes)
4. Warm the wall if cold (adhesive works best above 60°F)

For textured walls:

• Adhesive contact is reduced
• Consider screw-mounting option
• Use extra adhesive strips

Step 2: Plan and Mark Your Route

1. Hold raceway against wall at starting position
2. Use level to ensure vertical sections are straight
3. Mark endpoints with pencil for reference
4. Test-fit corner pieces at direction changes
5. Verify route clears obstacles (outlets, switches, decor)

Step 3: Cut Raceways to Length

Most installations require cutting:

1. Measure precisely from endpoint to corner (or connection)
2. Mark cut line with pencil
3. Cut with hacksaw using smooth, even strokes
4. Sand cut edge lightly if rough
5. Test fit before applying adhesive

Cutting tips:

• Cut slightly long rather than short—you can trim more
• Use miter box for clean, straight cuts
• Support raceway during cutting to prevent cracking

Step 4: Install the Raceway Base

Most raceways have a base that mounts first, then a cover that snaps on:

For adhesive mounting:

1. Peel back adhesive covering on one end (not entire strip)
2. Position base at starting point
3. Press firmly to wall while peeling remaining backing
4. Work your way down, pressing as you go
5. Apply firm pressure along entire length
6. Repeat for additional sections

For screw mounting:

1. Hold base in position
2. Mark screw hole locations
3. Drill pilot holes if needed
4. Drive screws through mounting holes
5. Don’t overtighten (can crack plastic)

Step 5: Run Your Cables

Before snapping on covers:

1. Lay cables in raceway channel
2. Organize cables (don’t twist or bunch)
3. Leave slack at both ends for connections
4. Avoid sharp bends that stress cables
5. Position cables to sit flat in channel

Step 6: Attach Covers

1. Start at one end
2. Align cover with base
3. Press or snap into place
4. Work along length pressing at regular intervals
5. Verify full engagement (no gaps)

Step 7: Install Accessories

End caps:

• Push onto open raceway ends
• Create finished appearance
• Available for different raceway sizes

Corner pieces:

• Connect sections at direction changes
• Inside and outside corners available
• May require trimming raceway to fit

Couplers:

• Join sections in straight runs
• Hide transition between pieces
• Maintain clean continuous look

Step 8: Final Adjustments

1. Verify all covers are fully seated
2. Check that cables aren’t pinched
3. Test connected devices work properly
4. Touch up any visible joints or gaps
5. Clean any fingerprints or marks

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Painting Raceways for Invisible Results

Why Paint?

Paintable raceways can match any wall color, making them significantly less noticeable:

• White raceway on off-white wall: Visible
• Color-matched painted raceway: Nearly invisible

How to Paint Raceways

Before installation:

1. Lightly sand raceway surface
2. Wipe with tack cloth to remove dust
3. Apply thin coat of primer (paint adhesion)
4. Let dry completely
5. Apply paint in thin coats (2-3 coats typically)
6. Let cure fully before installation

After installation:

1. Mask wall edges with painter’s tape
2. Apply paint with small brush or foam roller
3. Use thin coats to avoid drips
4. Touch up any missed areas
5. Remove tape before fully dry

Paint selection tips:

• Get wall color sample or formula from original paint
• Latex/acrylic paint works well on plastic
• Eggshell or satin finish hides imperfections
• Test on small area first

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Professional Tips for Best Results

Tip 1: Use a Level Obsessively

Nothing makes a raceway look amateur like a crooked installation. Use a level for every section, even short ones.

Tip 2: Plan for Future Access

Don’t seal cables in permanently:

• Use removable covers rather than glued covers
• Leave extra cable length at both ends
• Choose raceways with accessible channel design

Tip 3: Hide the Transitions

Where sections meet:

• Use couplers to hide joints
• Stagger joints away from eye level
• Position transitions behind furniture when possible

Tip 4: Go Horizontal When Possible

Vertical runs are more visible than horizontal:

• Minimize vertical exposure
• Run along baseboards when practical
• Use furniture to hide cable paths

Tip 5: Invest in Quality

Cheap raceways:

• Yellowing over time
• Weak adhesive
• Poor fit between sections
• Obvious appearance

Quality raceways:

• Stable color
• Strong adhesive or mounting
• Precise connections
• Professional appearance

Tip 6: Don’t Overload

Stuffed raceways:

• Won’t close properly
• Stress adhesive
• Look bulky
• Risk cable damage

Use appropriately sized raceway for your cable count.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Skipping Surface Prep

Result: Raceway falls off wall within weeks

Fix: Always clean with alcohol, let dry completely

Mistake 2: Installing on Fresh Paint

Result: Adhesive pulls paint off wall when removed

Fix: Wait 30 days after painting before applying adhesive

Mistake 3: Stretching to Avoid Cuts

Result: Obvious gaps, poor appearance

Fix: Cut sections to proper length; don’t force fit

Mistake 4: Ignoring Temperature

Result: Adhesive doesn’t bond in cold conditions

Fix: Install in room temperature above 60°F; warm wall if needed

Mistake 5: Forgetting Accessories

Result: Open ends, visible transitions

Fix: Buy end caps, corners, and couplers with raceway

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Raceway Solutions by Situation

Single Cable Run (HDMI + Power)

Best option: Slim D-line style raceway (½” - ¾” wide)

Installation: Straight vertical from TV to floor outlet

Multiple HDMI Runs

Best option: 1.5” - 2” flat raceway

Installation: Size up to accommodate all cables plus future additions

TV Above Fireplace

Best option: Baseboard-style raceway running horizontally

Installation: Down from TV, along mantel or baseboard, to side outlet

TV on Brick/Stone Wall

Best option: Screw-mounted raceway (adhesive won’t stick)

Installation: Use masonry screws and anchors at intervals

Rental Apartment

Best option: Command strip-attached raceway

Installation: Use removable adhesive for damage-free removal

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When Raceways Aren’t Enough

Sometimes surface concealment doesn’t meet your needs:

Consider In-Wall Concealment If:

• You own your home
• You want permanent, invisible solution
• You’re comfortable with basic drywall work
• Your wall type allows cutting

Consider Professional Installation If:

• You want in-wall without DIY hassle
• Multiple cable runs needed
• Complex routing required
• Results matter more than cost

At Express Mounting, we offer both raceway installation and in-wall concealment:

Surface Cable Management Starting at $99

• Professional raceway installation
• Clean, level mounting
• Painted to match (optional)
• Quick installation

In-Wall Cable Concealment Starting at $199

• Complete cable invisibility
• Code-compliant installation
• Clean drywall finish
• Permanent solution

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do adhesive raceways last?

Quality adhesive holds indefinitely on properly prepared surfaces. Expect 5+ years minimum. Cheap adhesive may fail within months.

Can I paint raceways after installation?

Yes, but painting before installation gives better results. Post-installation painting requires careful masking and may show brush marks.

Will raceways damage my wall when removed?

Depends on wall condition and adhesive quality. Most peel off cleanly from painted drywall. Textured walls and fresh paint may see some damage. Command strip-style mounting removes most cleanly.

How do I hide the power cord safely?

Power cables should not run through the same enclosed raceway as low-voltage cables (HDMI, Ethernet) per electrical code. Use raceways with divided channels, or run power in separate raceway section.

Can raceways go around corners?

Yes, using corner accessories. Inside corners and outside corners require different pieces. Some raceways are flexible enough to bend around gentle curves.

What’s the maximum cable capacity?

Varies by raceway size. Don’t fill more than 50-75% of capacity for easy cover closure and cable health.

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Get Professional Results

Cable raceways are DIY-friendly, but professional installation ensures perfect results:

✅ Perfectly level installation every time

✅ Clean cuts and seamless transitions

✅ Proper cable organization within channels

✅ Color matching and painting if desired

✅ Combination with TV mounting for complete service

👉 Visit ExpressMounting.com to add cable management to your TV mounting service.

📍 Express Mounting — Clean, professional cable concealment throughout Atlanta.