Learn how to design, place and install this on-trend hardware.
If you’re excited about using this fashionable hardware on your DIY makeovers and start-from-scratch projects, you’re in luck! The Dritz collection of campaign hardware includes some fantastic shapes and finishes for you to choose from. In addition, we have many resources for you to utilize to make sure your installation is successful. Read through the 10 tips below, then be sure to check out the links at the end of this post. You’ll find full product details, an inspirational lookbook, and lots of project and end-use ideas.
Before getting started, read through this post to learn a bit about campaign hardware.
Tip #1: When choosing your surface, you need to make sure that your surface is at least 3/8″ thick or the nails will push through to the other side.
Tip #2: Print out and use our handy template sheet for planning the placement of campaign hardware pieces. Templates help determine spacing, proportions, and quantities to purchase. Hint: make sure you print the sheet out at 100% as indicated on our FREE download.
Tip #3: Depending on your project, it might be best to use a tape measure or ruler to determine the most accurate placement of campaign hardware. This is especially true if you are decorating a large surface and symmetry is important to the overall finished look of the piece. (For example, it would be important to measure hardware placement on this shelf, but for the decorative wooden arrow shown above, you could simply estimate the placement of the campaign hardware. Make sense?)
Tip #4: Tape the actual hardware pieces in place using painter’s tape, replacing the paper pieces as you go. Be sure not to cover the holes on the hardware with tape.
Tip #5: If you can, apply a practice piece of hardware to an unused side of your project. This will help you determine if you need to make your pilot hole with an awl or a drill (see tips 6 & 7 below). It will also give you a feel for applying the hardware. Practice makes perfect!
Tip #6: In soft to medium woods, make pilot holes with a tapered awl and a rubber mallet.
Tip #7: If your surface is very hard or made of composite, it may be necessary to make a very shallow pilot hole with a 1/16″ drill bit. Wrap tape around the bit to make sure the hole is not too deep.
Tip #8: Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to hold the nail in place as you start to hammer it. To protect your surface, you can wrap the pliers’ tips with tape. This will help to prevent scratches.
Tip #9: Protect your project’s surface by using a rubber mallet to install the nails.
Tip #10: Have fun planning your design! Remember to get creative and mix and match shapes and finishes to create eclectic details that are unique.
Ready? In addition to the above tips, be sure to check out these additional resources. Combined, all of this info will give you a great base of knowledge and inspiration for planning and tackling your first project.
- See all the campaign hardware styles on our website;
- Read through this illustrated tutorial for even more installation info;
- Get the details about all of the new items in the Dritz Home collection;
- See all of our blog posts related to campaign hardware;
- Check out our DIY Makeovers lookbook.
And last but not least – have fun!
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