The Complete Display Kit

Linda Cahan -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 3/1/2001

Many of us grew up thinking that Scotch tape and rubber bands could hold the immediate world together. As we matured we added nails, glue, and staples. Then we watched Martha and added glue guns. Today, there are many hi-tech materials that add tremendously to our store displays and that are easy to keep on hand.

The first step to making display work easier is to look into your display kit. You don't have one? Well, a kit or toolbox helps in organizing the tools you need to redo your window and in-store displays every two weeks (hopefully).

Display 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 important tools of the display trade and should also be kept readily on hand. Here are the ingredients necessary for The Complete Display Kit.

Tapes and Glues

• Hot glue begins as a solid wax tube that passes through a "heat gun" that liquefies it. Plan your gluing projects in advance since the process must be executed within a few seconds. Hot glue is very effective for attaching items, but can damage some surfaces when it is removed.

• Other types of glue include white (Elmer's) glue, fabric glue, rubber cement, and epoxy. Each has its purpose and should be considered a basic for your toolbox.

• Masking tape comes in many widths. Use it for temporary attachments since it's sensitive to temperature changes and can easily lose its adhesion.

• Clear packing tape works for a variety of projects. When it is pulled up it leaves a sticky residue, which can be removed with "Goo Gone," a citrus-based solvent that is less toxic than others.

• There are many different types of double-stick tape on the market. White foam tape is most often used in displays. The plus is that it has strong holding power; the minus is that it is difficult to remove.

• Duct tape is a long-time favorite for hidden attachments; it's as ugly as sin, but highly effective.

Other Fasteners

• Ceiling clips clamp onto the metal struts of a suspended ceiling, enabling you to hang lightweight items or signage.

• A selection of nuts and bolts (and screws and nails) is a must for any toolbox. To keep them organized, store them in plastic containers with separators.

• T-pins and regular steel straight pins are essential for pinning clothing and fabrics.

• The industrial variety of Velcro is very strong and can hold up all sorts of props and materials. The wider the tape is, the better the hold will be.

• Wire, monofilament (fishing line), ribbon, and rope have their various uses. Monofilament is great for hanging things that you want to appear to be floating. Wire is good for heavier objects; twisted wire (picture-hanging wire) is stronger and more flexible. Ribbon and rope are more decorative and can become part of the overall display.

Tools

• The mat knife is best for straight cuts. The safest kind has a retractable blade. Be sure to have extra blades because they dull quickly.

• An X-acto knife is a pleasure to work with when cutting curves and circles. (When disposing of the blades, stick them into the edge of discarded cardboard so that the person emptying the garbage doesn't get cut.)

• Ruler, tape measure, yardstick, and T-square: Each is invaluable.

• Regular and needle-nosed pliers are used to open and close metal chain links and fasteners. Pliers often include wire cutters, which are also a necessity.

• A handsaw is great for small projects that don't require an electric saw. An electric saber saw or jigsaw with a reciprocating blade can cut curved lines to create a vast variety of designs out of wood or paperboard.

• Use different types of scissors to cut fabric, paper, or metal. Keep one of each type in your toolbox with a colored ribbon tied to the handle to identify for what purpose the scissors are used. Unless you use each scissor for its intended purpose, it will dull quickly and lose its effectiveness.

• Besides a regular flat head screwdriver, also include one with a Phillips head and a cordless electric screwdriver. Buy quality screwdrivers to do quality work.

• A staple gun is a necessity to cover pads, create interesting backdrops, and to attach items to the floor or walls.

• A hammer is necessary for driving nails and tacks.

Paper and Plastic Boards

• Poster board, Upson board, Homasote, and mat board are all wonderful display materials. Homasote is made of compressed cardboard and can be cut with an electric saw. It is excellent for pads behind shelves, on walls or in cases. It's ideal for pinning things to. The other boards, poster and Upson, are used for color and show as they are very thin and can't be covered or pinned. Upson board can be painted.

• Foamcore and Gatorboard are basic materials ideal for creating lightweight, rigid displays. Both can be painted. Foamcore can be cut with a knife while Gatorboard requires an electric saw. Gatorboard is more expensive but it can be used in so many ways it becomes worth the additional cost.

• Sintraboard is a compressed, somewhat heavy plastic that comes in about six colors. It is rigid, doesn't fade, and can be cut with an electric saw. It isn't cheap, but its durability makes it worth the extra money. Cellox is a plastic rigid board (much like cardboard) that comes in bright colors. It is lightweight and often used for outdoor signs. Another well known plastic, Lucite, also comes in a vast variety of colors and textures.

Your local art supply store or sign shop may have remnant pieces of these materials that you can use to experiment with or on smaller projects.

While having the proper tools and materials on hand is important, they aren't going to do the work for you. You will still have to apply your own creativity and imagination. But remember: If things are going according to Murphy's Law, take a break. Call a friend, wait on a customer, get away from the project. When you've calmed down, go back to whatever was driving you crazy and give it another, calmer shot. Good luck!

Linda Cahan is the principal of Cahan & Company, a retail visual design company in Redding, Connecticut. She is a member of the Society of Visual Merchandisers and the Institute of Store Planners.

Finally Getting It Straight

In the January and February issues, Gifts & Dec ran an "On Trend" item about Crazy Mountain's Heartstrings Crackle Santa Votive with Handle that contained the wrong contact information. Following is the corrected version.

Heartstrings Crackle ceramic Santa Votive With Handle is 4" tall. $10 retail. Crazy Mountain, 1 Mountain Drive, Imlay City, MI 48444. (810) 724-5741.