DISPLAY TOOLS and MATERIALS
DISPLAY TOOLS and MATERIALS
Many of us grew up thinking that scotch tape and rubber bands could hold the immediate
world together. As me matured, we added nails, glue and stapes. Then we watched
Martha and added glue guns.
In our new world there are many high and low tech materials that are easy to keep around
that can add tremendously to our store displays.
The first step to making display easy to took into your display toolbox. Do you have one?
A toolbox, or just box, or bag, or pillowcase . . . . . helps in organizing the tools you need
every (hopefully) two weeks when you redo your windows and in-store displays.
(Monthly is more like it for most small retailers – but twice a month is much better!)
Tools can be broken down into three main categories: tools that cut, tools that join, and
tools that attach. Materials that are cut, joined and attached are also tools of the display
trade but don’t fit in the box – so we can deal with them later.
In your toolbox there should be some basics that you really shouldn’t have to do without.
1. Scissors: Different types of scissors are made to cut fabric, paper and metal. Each type
belongs in your toolbox with a ribbon tied onto the handle specifying what the scissors
are used for. Unless you use each scissors for their original purpose, they will dull
quickly and their effectiveness. When you try to cut material with the paper scissors, it
may seem dull. Needless to say, cutting anything other than metal with the metal scissors
will be a waste of time and material.
2. Wire Cutters: These are often combined with pliers and are a necessity.
2
3. Saws: a metal saw is great to have around for small projects that don’t require an
electric saw. They work best when you put your strength into the pulling part and go easy
on the push. The bite of the teeth is in the pull, not on the push.
4. Saber Saw: If you’re handy with tools, a saber saw is a great addition to your toolbox.
It can cut curved lines and can create a vast variety of props in wood, Gatorboard or
thinner boards.
5. Mat Knives: These are best for straight cuts. The safest kind have retractable blades.
Buy extra blades up front because they dull quickly and need to be changed often.
6. Exacto Knife: An Exacto is a pleasure to work with. Unlike the mat knife, it cuts best
in curves and circles. Always remember when disposing of blades, stick them far into the
edge of discarded cardboard so that the person emptying the garbage doesn’t get cut.
7. Masking tape: Masking tape comes in many varieties and is used for temporary
attachments. It’s very sensitive to changes in temperature and can loose its grip in too
much heat or cold.
8. Clear Packing Tape: This works for a variety of projects but remember it leaves a
sticky residue on the surface – whenever it’s pulled up. The best way to remove the
sticky stuff is with “Goo Gone” – a citrus based solvent that is less toxic than others on
the market.
9. Duct Tape: A long time favorite for hidden attachments. Ugly as sin but highly
effective.
10.Velcro Tape: The industrial variety is very sticky and can hold up all sorts of props
and materials. This works best for things that may need to be repositioned. The wider the
tape, the better the hold.
3
11.Double Stick Tape: There are many different types of double-stick on the market
today. The foam tape comes in white and is most often used in display. The plus is that it
holds things up very well. The minus is that it will leave the bottom half of the surface on
whatever it’s been stuck to and its top surface will stick to the other object. It rubs off
fairly easily (in a time consuming way) but it may pull up loose surfaces.
12. Hot Glue: This is most often a wax pellet that is pushed through a “gun” that is
heating unit with a cool handle. As wax is pushed through the gun’s hole, it creates a line
of hot melted wax, which cools quickly. Any gluing must be planned for and executed
within 5-10 seconds. Hot glue is very effective for attaching almost anything. While it
may pull up loose surfaces such as homasote, old plaster or sheetrock, it can be cleanly
removed from unpainted chipboard, masonite, glass and metal.
If hot glue gets on any part of your body, as difficult as it will be, resist trying to brush it
off. Spreading it will only extend the burned area and will also burn your other hand.
Somehow, let it cool and then carefully peel it off your body. Remember screaming or
cursing in your store may result in really upset customers! The real secret is to try not to
get any hot wax on you – ever. Stay conscious and alert while using this highly helpful
tool.
13. White Glue, Fabric Glue, Rubber Cement, and Epoxy: Each have its purpose and
are valuable in the moment. These are basics for your toolbox.
14. Pliers: Both regular and needle-nose pliers are used to open and close metal chain
links and metal fasteners.
15. Nuts, bolts, screws and nails: A selection of these are a must for any store (or
home). The classic glass jar filled with a large variety of these is the less organized way
to keep them on hand. The more organized version is a plastic box with separators to hold
assortments.
4
16. Screwdrivers: Each store should have a Phillips head, a flat head and a cordless
electric screwdriver. The more money spent on each item, the less time it will take to do
the job. The money is in the good grip and a strong head.
17. T-Pins, steel pins: Essential for display. These pin clothing, help to artfully arrange
fabric and generally hold things to each other.
18. Ceiling Clips: Suspended ceilings are perfect for hanging all types of displays.
Ceiling clips clamp onto the metal struts of a suspended ceiling and allow you to tie
fishing line (monofilament) or wire/ribbon, etc. to the clip to hang many (light) things
from the ceiling.
19. Monofilament, wire, ribbon, rope: Each has its place and purpose. Monofilament or
fishing tackle is great for hanging things when you want them to appear to be floating
mid-air. Wire is good for heavier objects but if they’re too heavy, the wire may snap.
Twisted wire is more flexible and lasts longer than plain wire. Ribbon is pretty and rope
has a rustic feel – both are decorative oriented and become part of the overall display.
20. Staple Gun: Make Martha happy. A staple gun is a necessity to cover pads, create
interesting backdrops and to generally attach many things to the floor or walls. They
range from heavy duty to smaller and lightweight. The lightweight stapler will work for
most jobs and will create less stress on your hands.
21. Plastics: There are many materials that are great for display that can be found at your
local art supply store or through a sign shop. Foamcore and Gatorboard are basics that
have been used for years to create excellent, lightweight rigid displays. Both can be
painted but fomecore will warp with water based paints. Fomecore can be cut with a
knife while Gator needs an electric saw. Gatorboard is more rigid and expensive but it
can be used in so many ways it becomes worth the extra cost.
5
Sintra board is a compressed somewhat heavy plastic that comes in about 6 colors. It is
rigid, doesn’t fade, cuts with an electric saw and can be screen-printed easily. It isn’t
cheap – but its durability makes it worth the extra money.
Cellox is a plastic rigid board that is made like corrugated cardboard but in bright colors.
It is lightweight and you’ll see it often on outdoor signs because of its heartiness.
Lucite comes in a vast variety of colors and textures. You can change the look of your
displays with the Lalique look of frosted plexi or “psychedelic” colors that are bright and
fun. There are endless varieties of combinations that can work for your store and
displays. Local plastic shops may have remnants that you can work with to create an
interesting look. If you drill a hole in plexi, drill through a piece of masking tape. The bit
won’t jump and scratch the surface. The tape will give it a grip.
22. Paper boards: Poster board, upson board, homasote and mat board are all used for
display. Homasote is made of compressed cardboard and cuts with an electric saw. It is
excellent for pads behind shelves, on walls or in cases. It can be pinned into easily
making it a great display board. The others are for color and show as they are very thin
and can’t be covered or pinned. Upson board is great for painting.
23. Ruler, tape measure, yardstick, T-square: Each is invaluable in it’s own way.
All these materials may seem like old news yet without them, you could be working on a
display and get stuck trying to accomplish something with the wrong tool – and the
results are never pretty.
What’s new news?
Layering fabrics – from solids in back to translucents in front looks fresh and is easy to
do. Fabric glue and a simple seam on top will keep them hanging from wooden dowels.
Consider using display hooks over ceiling clips or hanging from white 3” square grid
that’s attached to your ceiling. The fabrics can hang slightly off center to show all the
layers. Placing merchandise behind the sheerest layer can add romance – as long as the
piece is well lit!
6
Another idea is to use transparent vinyl (also used on sofas in the Bronx) cut in shapes or
hanging in sheets with merchandise pinned or tied onto the vinyl in different areas to give
depth and form to the window. Colored lights will add weird and wonderful shadows to
this presentation.
Old materials can seem new. Radiator covers – the cut out metal fronts found at hardware
stores can make great backdrops for displays. They can stay their original colors or be
painted with Krylon spray paint. If you paint them, use several light layers of paint rather
than trying to cover it all in one shot. It looks better! Shoot some colored spotlights
through the holes onto a backboard of white fabric (if you have a see-through window) or
onto the wall.
It’s an interesting effect that will highlight your merchandise.
Tools and materials are only as good as the execution of the ideas.
If things are going according to Murphy’s Law, take a break. Relax, call a friend. Wait on
a customer. Get away from the project. When you’ve calmed down, then go back to
whatever was making you crazy and give it another, calmer shot.
Good luck!
DISPLAY TOOLS and MATERIALS - To learn more about this author, visit Linda Cahan's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
DISPLAY TOOLS and MATERIALS
Many of us grew up thinking that scotch tape and rubber bands could hold the immediate
world together. As me matured, we added nails, glue and stapes. Then we watched
Martha and added glue guns.
In our new world there are many high and low tech materials that are easy to keep around
that can add tremendously to our store displays.
The first step to making display easy to took into your display toolbox. Do you have one?
A toolbox, or just box, or bag, or pillowcase . . . . . helps in organizing the tools you need
every (hopefully) two weeks when you redo your windows and in-store displays.
(Monthly is more like it for most small retailers – but twice a month is much better!)
Tools can be broken down into three main categories: tools that cut, tools that join, and
tools that attach. Materials that are cut, joined and attached are also tools of the display
trade but don’t fit in the box – so we can deal with them later.
In your toolbox there should be some basics that you really shouldn’t have to do without.
1. Scissors: Different types of scissors are made to cut fabric, paper and metal. Each type
belongs in your toolbox with a ribbon tied onto the handle specifying what the scissors
are used for. Unless you use each scissors for their original purpose, they will dull
quickly and their effectiveness. When you try to cut material with the paper scissors, it
may seem dull. Needless to say, cutting anything other than metal with the metal scissors
will be a waste of time and material.
2. Wire Cutters: These are often combined with pliers and are a necessity.
2
3. Saws: a metal saw is great to have around for small projects that don’t require an
electric saw. They work best when you put your strength into the pulling part and go easy
on the push. The bite of the teeth is in the pull, not on the push.
4. Saber Saw: If you’re handy with tools, a saber saw is a great addition to your toolbox.
It can cut curved lines and can create a vast variety of props in wood, Gatorboard or
thinner boards.
5. Mat Knives: These are best for straight cuts. The safest kind have retractable blades.
Buy extra blades up front because they dull quickly and need to be changed often.
6. Exacto Knife: An Exacto is a pleasure to work with. Unlike the mat knife, it cuts best
in curves and circles. Always remember when disposing of blades, stick them far into the
edge of discarded cardboard so that the person emptying the garbage doesn’t get cut.
7. Masking tape: Masking tape comes in many varieties and is used for temporary
attachments. It’s very sensitive to changes in temperature and can loose its grip in too
much heat or cold.
8. Clear Packing Tape: This works for a variety of projects but remember it leaves a
sticky residue on the surface – whenever it’s pulled up. The best way to remove the
sticky stuff is with “Goo Gone” – a citrus based solvent that is less toxic than others on
the market.
9. Duct Tape: A long time favorite for hidden attachments. Ugly as sin but highly
effective.
10.Velcro Tape: The industrial variety is very sticky and can hold up all sorts of props
and materials. This works best for things that may need to be repositioned. The wider the
tape, the better the hold.
3
11.Double Stick Tape: There are many different types of double-stick on the market
today. The foam tape comes in white and is most often used in display. The plus is that it
holds things up very well. The minus is that it will leave the bottom half of the surface on
whatever it’s been stuck to and its top surface will stick to the other object. It rubs off
fairly easily (in a time consuming way) but it may pull up loose surfaces.
12. Hot Glue: This is most often a wax pellet that is pushed through a “gun” that is
heating unit with a cool handle. As wax is pushed through the gun’s hole, it creates a line
of hot melted wax, which cools quickly. Any gluing must be planned for and executed
within 5-10 seconds. Hot glue is very effective for attaching almost anything. While it
may pull up loose surfaces such as homasote, old plaster or sheetrock, it can be cleanly
removed from unpainted chipboard, masonite, glass and metal.
If hot glue gets on any part of your body, as difficult as it will be, resist trying to brush it
off. Spreading it will only extend the burned area and will also burn your other hand.
Somehow, let it cool and then carefully peel it off your body. Remember screaming or
cursing in your store may result in really upset customers! The real secret is to try not to
get any hot wax on you – ever. Stay conscious and alert while using this highly helpful
tool.
13. White Glue, Fabric Glue, Rubber Cement, and Epoxy: Each have its purpose and
are valuable in the moment. These are basics for your toolbox.
14. Pliers: Both regular and needle-nose pliers are used to open and close metal chain
links and metal fasteners.
15. Nuts, bolts, screws and nails: A selection of these are a must for any store (or
home). The classic glass jar filled with a large variety of these is the less organized way
to keep them on hand. The more organized version is a plastic box with separators to hold
assortments.
4
16. Screwdrivers: Each store should have a Phillips head, a flat head and a cordless
electric screwdriver. The more money spent on each item, the less time it will take to do
the job. The money is in the good grip and a strong head.
17. T-Pins, steel pins: Essential for display. These pin clothing, help to artfully arrange
fabric and generally hold things to each other.
18. Ceiling Clips: Suspended ceilings are perfect for hanging all types of displays.
Ceiling clips clamp onto the metal struts of a suspended ceiling and allow you to tie
fishing line (monofilament) or wire/ribbon, etc. to the clip to hang many (light) things
from the ceiling.
19. Monofilament, wire, ribbon, rope: Each has its place and purpose. Monofilament or
fishing tackle is great for hanging things when you want them to appear to be floating
mid-air. Wire is good for heavier objects but if they’re too heavy, the wire may snap.
Twisted wire is more flexible and lasts longer than plain wire. Ribbon is pretty and rope
has a rustic feel – both are decorative oriented and become part of the overall display.
20. Staple Gun: Make Martha happy. A staple gun is a necessity to cover pads, create
interesting backdrops and to generally attach many things to the floor or walls. They
range from heavy duty to smaller and lightweight. The lightweight stapler will work for
most jobs and will create less stress on your hands.
21. Plastics: There are many materials that are great for display that can be found at your
local art supply store or through a sign shop. Foamcore and Gatorboard are basics that
have been used for years to create excellent, lightweight rigid displays. Both can be
painted but fomecore will warp with water based paints. Fomecore can be cut with a
knife while Gator needs an electric saw. Gatorboard is more rigid and expensive but it
can be used in so many ways it becomes worth the extra cost.
5
Sintra board is a compressed somewhat heavy plastic that comes in about 6 colors. It is
rigid, doesn’t fade, cuts with an electric saw and can be screen-printed easily. It isn’t
cheap – but its durability makes it worth the extra money.
Cellox is a plastic rigid board that is made like corrugated cardboard but in bright colors.
It is lightweight and you’ll see it often on outdoor signs because of its heartiness.
Lucite comes in a vast variety of colors and textures. You can change the look of your
displays with the Lalique look of frosted plexi or “psychedelic” colors that are bright and
fun. There are endless varieties of combinations that can work for your store and
displays. Local plastic shops may have remnants that you can work with to create an
interesting look. If you drill a hole in plexi, drill through a piece of masking tape. The bit
won’t jump and scratch the surface. The tape will give it a grip.
22. Paper boards: Poster board, upson board, homasote and mat board are all used for
display. Homasote is made of compressed cardboard and cuts with an electric saw. It is
excellent for pads behind shelves, on walls or in cases. It can be pinned into easily
making it a great display board. The others are for color and show as they are very thin
and can’t be covered or pinned. Upson board is great for painting.
23. Ruler, tape measure, yardstick, T-square: Each is invaluable in it’s own way.
All these materials may seem like old news yet without them, you could be working on a
display and get stuck trying to accomplish something with the wrong tool – and the
results are never pretty.
What’s new news?
Layering fabrics – from solids in back to translucents in front looks fresh and is easy to
do. Fabric glue and a simple seam on top will keep them hanging from wooden dowels.
Consider using display hooks over ceiling clips or hanging from white 3” square grid
that’s attached to your ceiling. The fabrics can hang slightly off center to show all the
layers. Placing merchandise behind the sheerest layer can add romance – as long as the
piece is well lit!
6
Another idea is to use transparent vinyl (also used on sofas in the Bronx) cut in shapes or
hanging in sheets with merchandise pinned or tied onto the vinyl in different areas to give
depth and form to the window. Colored lights will add weird and wonderful shadows to
this presentation.
Old materials can seem new. Radiator covers – the cut out metal fronts found at hardware
stores can make great backdrops for displays. They can stay their original colors or be
painted with Krylon spray paint. If you paint them, use several light layers of paint rather
than trying to cover it all in one shot. It looks better! Shoot some colored spotlights
through the holes onto a backboard of white fabric (if you have a see-through window) or
onto the wall.
It’s an interesting effect that will highlight your merchandise.
Tools and materials are only as good as the execution of the ideas.
If things are going according to Murphy’s Law, take a break. Relax, call a friend. Wait on
a customer. Get away from the project. When you’ve calmed down, then go back to
whatever was making you crazy and give it another, calmer shot.
Good luck!
DISPLAY TOOLS and MATERIALS - To learn more about this author, visit Linda Cahan's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
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