Understanding Insta Medal Mounting Cards
Insta Medal Mounting Cards simplify the process of displaying honors, offering a user-friendly alternative to traditional methods. These cards provide a structured
foundation for arranging and securing medals, ribbons, and associated insignia, streamlining the mounting process for both beginners and experienced collectors.
Utilizing these cards often involves pre-defined layouts and secure fastening systems, minimizing the need for extensive sewing or specialized tools. Online tutorials
and guides demonstrate how to effectively use these cards, ensuring a neat and professional presentation of military awards.
Military medal mounting kits often include these cards alongside essential components like backing material, measurement guides, and mounting pins.
What are Insta Medal Mounting Cards?
Insta Medal Mounting Cards represent a modern approach to displaying military decorations, offering a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional methods. These cards are specifically designed backing boards, often constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid material, providing a stable base for arranging and securing medals and ribbons.
Unlike older techniques requiring extensive sewing, these cards typically utilize mounting pins or clips to hold the medals in place, simplifying the process significantly. They often come with pre-printed guides or templates to aid in accurate spacing and alignment, ensuring a professional finish.
Many kits include these cards, alongside necessary components for a complete medal mounting solution. Tutorials available online demonstrate their ease of use, making them accessible to individuals with varying levels of experience.
Benefits of Using Insta Medal Mounting Cards
Insta Medal Mounting Cards offer numerous advantages for displaying military honors. Primarily, they drastically reduce the time and skill required for mounting, eliminating the need for complex sewing techniques. This makes them ideal for both novice collectors and those seeking a quick, reliable solution.
The cards promote precise alignment and consistent spacing, resulting in a professional and aesthetically pleasing presentation. Their structured design minimizes the risk of medals slipping or becoming loose, ensuring long-term security.
Furthermore, these cards are often more affordable than traditional mounting services. Online tutorials and readily available kits empower individuals to create museum-quality displays independently, preserving and honoring service records with pride.
Materials Needed for Mounting
Essential materials include the Insta Medal Mounting Card, the medals themselves, and appropriate mounting pins or clips for secure attachment. Ribbon bars are also needed if applicable.
Insta Medal Mounting Card Itself
The Insta Medal Mounting Card serves as the foundational element for displaying your awards. Typically constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid board, it provides a stable base for arranging medals and ribbons. These cards often feature pre-marked guidelines or designated spaces to aid in precise alignment and consistent spacing between each medal.
Different cards cater to varying numbers of medals and mounting styles – court mounting or bar mounting. Some kits include templates to further enhance accuracy. The card’s backing material is designed to securely hold mounting pins or clips, ensuring the medals remain firmly in place. Selecting the correct card size and type is crucial for achieving a professional and aesthetically pleasing display.
Consider the overall presentation you desire when choosing a card, as it directly impacts the final look of your mounted medals.
Medals to be Mounted
The medals themselves are, of course, the focal point of the display. Before mounting, ensure each medal is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust or debris, preserving their luster and appearance. Full-size and miniature medals can both be accommodated, depending on the chosen mounting card and desired presentation.
Carefully inspect each medal for any loose components or damaged ribbons. Address these issues before proceeding to prevent further deterioration during the mounting process. Consider the order of precedence when arranging medals, adhering to military regulations for proper display.
Gather all medals intended for mounting, organizing them according to their designated sequence. This preparatory step streamlines the mounting process and ensures a polished final result.
Mounting Pins or Clips
Mounting pins or clips are crucial for securely attaching medals to the Insta Medal Mounting Card. These come standard in most military medal mounting kits, offering a reliable alternative to sewing. Pins typically feature a sharp point for easy insertion into the card’s backing material, while clips provide a non-invasive fastening method.
Select pins or clips appropriate for the thickness of your medals and the card’s material. Ensure they are long enough to firmly grip the medal and card without being overly visible. When using pins, insert them at an angle for maximum hold.
Properly applied pins or clips prevent medals from slipping or loosening over time, maintaining a neat and professional display.
Ribbon Bars (if applicable)
Ribbon bars, representing awarded medals, are often incorporated alongside full-size medals on Insta Medal Mounting Cards. When utilizing ribbon bars, ensure they are correctly positioned according to military regulations and precedence. Prepare ribbons by measuring and cutting them to the appropriate length, allowing for attachment to the card and folding on the reverse side.
Secure ribbon bars using mounting pins or clips, similar to the process for full-size medals. Precise alignment is key; templates can aid in achieving a professional appearance. Consider the overall aesthetic, balancing the visual weight of medals and ribbon bars.
Properly mounted ribbon bars enhance the presentation and provide a concise overview of earned decorations.
Preparing Your Medals and Ribbons
Before mounting, ensure medals are clean and ribbons are free of fraying. Proper preparation guarantees a secure and visually appealing display on the Insta Medal Mounting Card.
Ensuring Medals are Clean
Prior to mounting your medals onto the Insta Medal Mounting Card, meticulous cleaning is crucial for preserving their appearance and ensuring optimal adhesion. Dust, grime, and oxidation can compromise the visual impact and long-term integrity of your display.
Begin by gently wiping each medal with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove loose debris. For more stubborn dirt, a mild soap solution – diluted with distilled water – can be carefully applied using a cotton swab. Avoid abrasive cleaners or polishing compounds, as these can scratch or damage the medal’s surface.
Thoroughly dry each medal with a clean cloth before proceeding. Addressing tarnish may require specialized metal polishes, but always test in an inconspicuous area first. A clean medal not only looks better but also ensures a stronger bond with the mounting card’s adhesive or pins.
Preparing Ribbon Bars for Attachment
Ribbon bars require careful preparation before attachment to the Insta Medal Mounting Card to guarantee a professional and secure display. Begin by inspecting each ribbon for fraying or damage; trim any loose threads with sharp scissors to maintain a neat appearance.
Ensure ribbons are of sufficient length to wrap around the mounting pins or clips provided with the card, allowing for a secure hold without excessive tension. Some kits suggest preparing ribbons long enough to start at the top of the board, go through the medal, and be folded over.
If ribbons are wrinkled, a low-heat iron (with a protective cloth) can gently smooth them. Properly prepared ribbons contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and durability of your medal display.
Measuring Ribbon Length
Accurate ribbon length measurement is crucial for a clean and professional medal mount using an Insta Medal Mounting Card. Begin by laying the ribbon bar alongside the designated mounting area on the card to visualize the required length.
Generally, ribbons need enough length to pass through the medal’s mounting holes, wrap around the mounting pins or clips on the card’s reverse, and allow for a neat fold or secure fastening. Some guides recommend starting at the top of the board, going through the medal, and folding over.
Add approximately one inch to your initial measurement to account for these folds and secure attachment. Precise measurement prevents ribbons from appearing too short or excessively long, ensuring a polished final presentation.
Step-by-Step Mounting Instructions
Begin by positioning your first medal onto the Insta Medal Mounting Card, aligning it with the card’s markings. Secure it using mounting pins or clips, ensuring a firm hold.
Positioning the First Medal
Carefully place your initial medal onto the Insta Medal Mounting Card, referencing any pre-printed guidelines or templates provided with the card. These markings are crucial for maintaining consistent spacing and alignment throughout the mounting process.
Ensure the medal is centered and oriented correctly, paying attention to the ribbon’s direction and any specific positioning requirements dictated by military regulations. Consider the overall aesthetic and desired arrangement of subsequent medals.
Before permanently securing the medal, briefly assess its placement to confirm it aligns with your vision. Slight adjustments can be made at this stage to achieve optimal visual balance. Remember to consult online tutorials for visual guidance on proper medal placement techniques.
Securing the Medal with Pins/Clips
Once the first medal is positioned correctly on the Insta Medal Mounting Card, utilize the provided mounting pins or clips to secure it firmly in place. Gently insert the pins through the designated slots in the card and through the medal’s ribbon, ensuring a snug but not overly tight fit.
Avoid excessive force, as this could damage the ribbon or the card itself. Double-check that the pins are fully inserted and lie flat against the card’s surface. Clips offer an alternative securing method, providing a similar level of stability.
Refer to tutorials for proper pin/clip insertion techniques, guaranteeing a secure and professional finish.
Adding Subsequent Medals
With the first medal securely fastened, begin adding subsequent awards, adhering to the established order of precedence. Position each medal adjacent to the previous one, maintaining consistent spacing as guided by the Insta Medal Mounting Card’s layout.
Repeat the securing process using mounting pins or clips, ensuring each medal is firmly attached to the card. Pay close attention to ribbon alignment, striving for a neat and uniform appearance.
Online guides often demonstrate optimal medal placement and spacing techniques. Remember to leave sufficient space between medals to prevent overcrowding and maintain a visually appealing display.
Maintaining Consistent Spacing
Achieving a professional appearance hinges on consistent spacing between medals. Insta Medal Mounting Cards often feature pre-marked guides to assist with this crucial step. Utilize these markings to ensure uniform gaps between each award, creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
If your card lacks pre-defined guides, employ a ruler or measuring tool to maintain equal distances. A common practice involves leaving approximately ¼ inch between each medal’s suspension ribbon.
Refer to online tutorials for visual demonstrations of proper spacing techniques. Consistent spacing enhances the overall presentation and reflects attention to detail, vital when displaying honors.
Advanced Techniques
Insta Medal Mounting Cards allow for both court and bar mounting styles. Templates ensure precise alignment, while adapting to varying medal sizes requires careful planning and secure fastening.
Court Mounting vs. Bar Mounting
Court mounting, traditionally favored for dress uniforms, involves individually attaching each medal and ribbon to the Insta Medal Mounting Card, creating a spaced, distinguished appearance. This method demands precision and often utilizes pins or clips for secure placement.
Conversely, bar mounting, common for everyday wear, groups medals onto a single ribbon bar affixed to the card. This streamlined approach offers a more compact presentation. Utilizing the card’s pre-defined guides is crucial for consistent spacing in both techniques.
The choice depends on the desired aesthetic and uniform regulations. Tutorials demonstrate how to adapt the Insta Medal Mounting Card for either style, ensuring a professional finish. Careful consideration of ribbon lengths and medal positioning is key to achieving a polished look.
Using Templates for Precise Alignment
Insta Medal Mounting Cards frequently include integrated templates or compatible guides to ensure impeccable medal alignment. These templates delineate the correct spacing and positioning for each award, simplifying the mounting process significantly.
Begin by referencing the card’s layout to determine the appropriate placement for each medal and ribbon. Utilize a ruler or measuring tool alongside the template to verify accuracy, especially when dealing with varying medal sizes.
Online tutorials often showcase how to effectively utilize these templates, demonstrating techniques for securing medals within the designated areas. Consistent use of the template guarantees a uniform and professional appearance, eliminating guesswork and minimizing errors.
Dealing with Different Medal Sizes
Insta Medal Mounting Cards accommodate varying medal dimensions through adaptable layouts and adjustable mounting systems. Some cards feature multiple pin positions or flexible clips, allowing for customization based on medal width and height.
When mounting medals of differing sizes, prioritize maintaining consistent spacing between each award. Utilize the card’s template as a guide, adjusting pin placement as needed to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
Online tutorials demonstrate techniques for handling oversized or miniature medals, often suggesting strategic placement to minimize visual discrepancies. Careful attention to detail and precise adjustments are key to achieving a professional finish, regardless of medal size variations.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Insta Medal Mounting Cards can experience issues like medal slippage or ribbon fraying; secure pins firmly and address fraying with fabric adhesive for lasting presentation.
Medals Slipping or Loosening
Medals slipping or loosening on an Insta Medal Mounting Card is a common frustration, but easily remedied. First, ensure the mounting pins or clips are fully engaged through both the medal’s suspension ring and the card’s designated slots.
If slippage persists, gently tighten the pins; avoid excessive force, which could damage the medal or card. Inspect the pins themselves for any bending or wear, replacing them if necessary. Consider adding a tiny drop of clear craft adhesive beneath the medal’s suspension point for extra security – allow it to dry completely before handling.
Verify the card material isn’t compromised, as a weakened board can contribute to loosening. Finally, double-check that the medal’s weight isn’t exceeding the card’s capacity, especially with heavier awards.
Ribbon Fraying
Ribbon fraying is a frequent concern when using Insta Medal Mounting Cards, impacting the presentation of your honors. To mitigate this, carefully inspect ribbons for existing fraying before mounting and gently trim loose threads with sharp scissors. Applying a small amount of fray-check solution along the ribbon edges can prevent further unraveling – allow it to dry fully.
When securing ribbons to the card, avoid overly tight pinning or clipping, which can exacerbate fraying. Ensure the ribbon isn’t rubbing against abrasive surfaces within the mounting card. Consider using a protective backing material behind the ribbon to minimize friction.
Regularly inspect mounted ribbons and address any new fraying promptly to maintain a polished appearance.
Incorrect Medal Order
Incorrect medal order diminishes the significance of your awards, so adherence to established precedence is crucial when using Insta Medal Mounting Cards. Military regulations dictate a specific hierarchy based on award type and date of award. Consult official resources – online tutorials and military guidelines – to determine the correct sequence.
Before mounting, lay out your medals in the prescribed order on the card to visually confirm accuracy. Utilize the card’s layout features, if available, to aid in proper spacing and alignment. Double-check against a reliable order of precedence chart.
Incorrect placement can be rectified by carefully removing and repositioning medals on the card, ensuring secure re-attachment.
Resources and Further Learning
Online tutorials and videos, like those found on platforms such as YouTube, offer visual guides for medal mounting. Military regulations provide detailed precedence rules for proper display.
Online Tutorials and Videos
Numerous online resources demonstrate the use of Insta Medal Mounting Cards, catering to various skill levels. Platforms like YouTube host comprehensive tutorials, including JesterRlP5’s guide on court mounting miniature medals, offering a visual step-by-step approach.
Dustin Schuitt’s USMC Medal Mounting series provides detailed instructions for full-size and mini medal mounting techniques. These videos often cover securing medals with pins or clips, maintaining consistent spacing, and addressing common issues like ribbon fraying.
Searching for “medal mounting tutorial” or “Insta Medal Mounting Card instructions” yields a wealth of content. These resources frequently showcase different mounting methods, from basic to advanced, and can help you achieve a professional, regulation-compliant display of your honors.
Military Regulations Regarding Medal Mounting
Adhering to military regulations is crucial when mounting medals, even when utilizing convenient systems like Insta Medal Mounting Cards. Regulations dictate proper order of precedence, ribbon bar construction, and acceptable mounting techniques.
While Insta Medal Mounting Cards simplify the process, they don’t supersede official guidelines. Understanding these rules ensures your display is compliant and respectful. Resources detailing these regulations are often linked within online tutorials and forums dedicated to military awards.
Proper spacing, secure attachment, and accurate ribbon representation are key considerations. Consulting official publications and seeking guidance from veteran organizations can help ensure your medal display meets all required standards, regardless of the mounting method employed.
