how to use the insta medal mounting card instructions
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Preparing the Medals for Mounting
Before starting the mounting process, ensure your medals are clean and polished. This step is crucial for presentation, removing dirt and fingerprints. Use a soft cloth and appropriate cleaning solutions to prepare them for mounting.
Cleaning and Polishing Medals
Prior to mounting, meticulous cleaning and polishing of your medals are essential for a professional appearance. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently remove any surface dust or debris. For more stubborn marks, a mild cleaning solution or specialized metal polish can be used. Be careful to follow the instructions of any cleaning product to avoid damaging the medal’s finish. Ensure all residues are removed, and the medals are thoroughly dried before proceeding to the next step. A clean, shiny medal enhances the overall presentation.
Reading the Insta Medal Mounting Card Instructions
Carefully review the instructions that come with your Insta Medal Mounting Card. These instructions provide specific guidance for proper medal placement and securing methods. Understanding them is crucial.
Understanding Card Specifics
Insta Medal Mounting Cards come in variations, designed for different quantities of medals. Some cards are designed for side-by-side mounting of 3 to 4 medals, while others allow for overlapping up to 7 medals. Knowing your card’s specific capacity is essential before starting. There are also models available for specific military branches, such as USMC and Army, and models are available for Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force. Verify your card is compatible with the number and type of medals you intend to mount to ensure correct fit and presentation.
Positioning the Card on a Stable Surface
To begin, place the Insta Medal Mounting Card on a flat, stable surface. This ensures the card remains still during the mounting process, preventing errors and ensuring correct alignment.
Ensuring a Flat and Secure Base
Before adhering any medals, it’s essential to work on a completely flat surface. A wobbly table or uneven counter can lead to misaligned medals and a frustrating mounting experience. Make sure your chosen surface is solid and won’t shift during the process. This stability is key for accurately positioning the medals and applying the necessary pressure when securing them. A secure base allows for consistent adhesive application, which is crucial for proper mounting. Take a moment to clear the area and double-check for any wobbles before you start.
Aligning the Medals on the Card
Carefully align your medals on the card, considering proper spacing and overlap. Refer to the card’s guidelines for your specific medal configuration to achieve a professional look.
Proper Spacing and Overlapping
When aligning medals, precise spacing is essential for a professional appearance. Depending on the number of medals you have, you may need to overlap them slightly. Following the Instamedal mounting card instructions is crucial for achieving the correct overlap, whether you have 3, 4, 5, or even up to 7 medals. Some cards are designed for side-by-side displays, while others allow for overlapping. Remember to maintain a consistent and even spacing between each medal, as this contributes to an overall neat presentation.
Securing the Medals Using Adhesive
Apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of each medal for initial hold. This helps keep them in place while you continue with further securing steps, which may include mounting tape.
Applying Adhesive for Initial Hold
When beginning to secure your medals, use a small dot of appropriate adhesive on the back of each medal. This initial application is designed to hold the medals in place on the Insta Medal Mounting Card. It is important to use a small amount to prevent any excess from oozing out and potentially creating a mess. Ensure the adhesive is compatible with both the medal material and the card for a secure but temporary bond before applying any further reinforcement.
Using Mounting Tape for Additional Stability
To further secure your medals, apply mounting tape to the back, over the adhesive. This reinforces the bond and prevents the medals from shifting or falling off the card.
Reinforcing Medal Attachment
After the initial adhesive is applied, it’s crucial to reinforce the medal attachment for long-term stability. Using mounting tape, carefully apply strips across the back of the medals, ensuring they adhere to both the medal and the mounting card. This step prevents medals from detaching, especially with movement or temperature changes. The tape provides an extra layer of security, guaranteeing a professional and lasting mount. This method is recommended for all types of medals, ensuring a durable and reliable hold.
Attaching Velcro Strips for Easy Rearrangement
For those desiring flexibility, consider using velcro strips. Affix one side to the card and the other to the medals. This allows for easy repositioning or removal of medals if needed.
Optional for Flexible Medal Display
The use of velcro strips offers an optional approach for those who anticipate needing to rearrange their medal display. Unlike permanent adhesives, velcro allows for easy repositioning of medals on the mounting card. This flexibility is beneficial if you frequently update your collection or wish to experiment with different layouts. The velcro system is designed to securely hold medals in place yet allows for effortless removal when adjustments are needed, providing a user-friendly and customizable display solution. This method is particularly useful for collectors who like to have a dynamic presentation.
Trimming the Card for a Custom Fit
If the Insta Medal Mounting Card is too large for your display area, carefully trim it to the desired size. This allows for a more tailored and custom fit within your chosen display case.
Adjusting Card Size if Needed
After assessing your display space, if the Insta Medal Mounting Card is too large, adjustments can be made. Carefully use a sharp cutting tool, such as a utility knife or scissors, to trim the card. Ensure you are cutting along the edges to maintain a clean, professional look. It’s recommended to measure and mark the card before cutting to ensure accuracy, preventing any uneven or unwanted cuts. Take your time to adjust the card to fit your space perfectly, creating the desired display for your medals. Remember that the goal is to achieve a custom fit.
Instamedal Mounting Card Variations
Insta Medal Mounting Cards come in different models to accommodate varying numbers of medals. Some cards are designed for 3-5 medals, while others can handle up to 7, depending on your needs.
Different Card Models for Different Medal Quantities
Insta Medal Mounting Cards offer variations tailored to specific medal quantities. There are cards designed for mounting 3 to 5 medals side by side, often used by Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force personnel. For those with more awards, such as Marine Corps or Army members, larger cards are available. These larger cards can display 4 medals side by side or overlap up to 7. Choosing the correct card size ensures your medals are properly and neatly displayed, adhering to the regulations;
DIY Medal Mounting Benefits
Mounting medals yourself offers significant cost savings compared to professional services; Additionally, it provides a personal sense of satisfaction and allows for a customized display, enhancing the connection to your awards.
Saving on Mounting Fees and Personal Satisfaction
Choosing to mount your own medals using the Insta Medal Mounting Card presents a significant opportunity to save on professional mounting fees, which can be quite costly. Beyond the financial benefit, there’s a unique sense of accomplishment in completing the mounting process yourself. The ability to handle and arrange your medals personally allows for a more intimate connection with your achievements. This do-it-yourself approach not only saves money, but also provides a rewarding experience, resulting in a beautifully displayed set of medals.