Mounting medals helps protect them from damage and wear. Why? Because, by securing them in a display, they are less likely to get scratched, bent, or tarnished over time. But that’s not all! Mounting medals also allows you to to display achievements and honors, serving as a reminder of the recipient’s accomplishments.
Many people use display cases to show their medal collection, many of which already come with everything you need to arrange them. But what if you want to create your own custom medal display? This process might be easier than you thought. In this guide, I will share some of the products I use to display my medals – and explain a few tips to make the job faster and more efficient.
Types of Medal Mounting
Let’s start by exploring the different types of medal mountings there are.
Collectors have several types of mounting methods to display and preserve their medals. The most popular ones are court mounting and swing mounting. Due to the reduced labor involved in the swing mount method of mounting, it is somewhat less expensive compared to the court mount style. Let’s compare further.
Court Mounting
The medals are arranged on a stiff backing material, such as felt or cardboard, with each medal sewn individually onto the backing. This method creates a neat and uniform appearance, with the medals closely spaced and aligned in a straight row.
Swing Mounting
The medals are attached to a bar or brooch pin, allowing them to swing freely when worn. This method is commonly used for wearing medals on uniforms or formal attire, as it allows for easy removal.
Other types of mounting include:
- Bar mounting: The medals are affixed to a metal bar, which is then pinned onto clothing or a display board. This method is suitable for displaying multiple medals in a more compact and organized manner.
- Ribbon mounting: The medals are attached to ribbon bars or backing cards and the ribbons are arranged in the correct order and spacing to represent each medal’s corresponding colors and patterns. This method is very popular for displaying medals in cases or frames, as it allows you to easy remove and rearrange the ribbons.
- Frame mounting: The medals are mounted in a display frame or shadow box (here are some examples and where to get them) and are usually arranged on a felt or velvet backing. This method allows you to showcase your entire medal collection in a decorative and protective manner, so it’s ideal for wall-mounted displays.
Different scenarios may call for specific methods. For example, if you’re preparing for a formal event where you’ll be wearing your medals, swing mounting offers convenience and ease of attachment. On the other hand, if you’re curating a display for your home or office, frame mounting provides an elegant and protective way to exhibit your medals.
Before You Get Started:
Tips for Mounting Medals
Mounting medals is a rewarding way to display and preserve your collection, but no matter the method you choose, there are a couple of things to keep in mind before you go after the materials.
First of all, and before mounting, ensure that your medals are clean and free from any dirt or residue. You can use a soft cloth and gentle cleaning solution to remove any debris.
It’s also important to, whenever possible, opt for mounting supplies made from durable and non-reactive materials such as brass, stainless steel, or acrylic to ensure longevity and protection for your medals.
Take accurate measurements of your medals and mounting materials, too, and plan their arrangement beforehand. You should consider factors such as size, shape, and significance. A good idea is to group similar medals together and leave space for future additions if needed.
Different Materials For Mounting Medals
Some common materials used for mounting medals include brooch bars, buckram, glue, cloth, and ribbons. Let’s talk a little more about each of these and how you can you use them in your own DIY medal mounting projects.
Brooch and Medal Mounting Bars
Brooch bars are metal bars with pin clasps attached, allowing medals to be worn as badges on clothing. They provide a convenient and secure way to display medals for ceremonial or formal occasions. Here are two popular choices (the second includes several models, and are usually the preferred choice for American medals):
Medal Brooch Bars in Silver, 30 Pcs
Made of durable metal with a sleek silver finish, each brooch bar or pin measures 1.5 inches (38mm) in length, making them the perfect size for mounting projects.
Ribbon or Medal Mounting Bars, Different Styles
Made of durable metal with a sleek silver finish, each brooch bar or pin measures 1.5 inches (38mm) in length, making them the perfect size for mounting projects.
Archival Tape and Adhesive Dots
Archival tape, adhesive dots, and craft glue are all often used to attach medals to mounting boards or frames. All of these options provide a strong and durable bond, but it’s essential to use a non-acidic and archival-quality materials to prevent damage to the medals over time.
Clear Adhesive Dots 300Pcs Pack
These transparent adhesive dots feature a strong and durable adhesive backing that ensures medals stay firmly in position once applied.
Archival Mounting Strips for Medal Collecting
The Lineco See Thru Mount Strips are made from durable and archival-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting protection for your medals.
Buckram
Buckram is a stiff, woven fabric commonly used as a backing material for mounting medals. It provides stability and support, ensuring that medals remain flat and securely in place within a frame or display case.
Fusible Buckram / Heading Tape 6 Yards
With a width of 4 inches, this tape offers ample coverage, providing sufficient support for various sizes and weights of medals.
Plastic Mesh Canvas Backing Sheets 6 Pcs
Each sheet is crafted from durable plastic mesh material, providing excellent support for mounting medals of various sizes and weights.
Soft Cloth
Soft cloth materials such as felt or velvet are often used as backings or linings for medal displays. They provide a cushioned surface that protects the medals from scratches and abrasions while adding an elegant and polished look to the display.
Medal Ribbons
Ribbons are an integral part of many medals, used to suspend them from bars or to wear them around the neck. High-quality ribbons made from silk or grosgrain add a touch of sophistication to medal displays and ensure that they are presented properly.
Because there are so many medal ribbons, we recommend you visit a specialized store.
Other Products
More supplies, accessories, and products to keep your medals well-protected from dust, and humidity, as well as cleaning and keeping your collection neatly organized.
Hands Free Magnifying Glass with Light and Clamp
The Cosywarm magnifying lamp features a 5.1-inch lens with magnification of up to 1.75X. Crafted from genuine diopter glass, the lens boasts anti-scratch, anti-fog, and anti-optical distortion properties.
Cotton Gloves, 30 Pcs White
Crafted from soft and breathable cotton material, these gloves ensure that oils, dirt, and moisture from the skin do not come into contact with your medals.
Zippered Anti Tarnish Silver Storage Bags (8 Pieces)
Crafted with advanced anti-tarnish technology, these silver storage bags create a protective barrier that prevents tarnish, corrosion, and discoloration.
15 Pcs 20 Gram Transparent Silica Gel Packs
Protect your prized medals from the silent threats of moisture, mold, and corrosion with these 20 gram silica gel packs.
100 Sheets 20 x 30 Inch Acid Free Archival Tissue Paper
This high-quality tissue paper is meticulously designed to safeguard your valuable items and medals.
American Silver Cleaning Foam for Silver Polish
Discover the brilliance of the Silver Cleaning Foam, meticulously formulated to rejuvenate your silver items.
Mini Wire Brush Set and Rust Paint Metal Cleaner
Experience the power and versatility of the OriGlam 3pcs Mini Wire Brush Set, specially crafted to handle tough cleaning tasks with ease.
Set of 3 Premium Polishing Cleaning Cloths
Specifically designed for silver, gold, and platinum, these cloths are the ultimate polishing solution.
FAQs: Mounting Medals
How should I clean and prepare my medals before mounting them?
Before mounting your medals, it’s essential to clean them properly to preserve their appearance and integrity. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away any dust or fingerprints. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the medals. For stubborn dirt, a mixture of mild soap and warm water can be used with a soft brush, but be sure to dry the medals thoroughly afterward. If your medals have ribbons, ensure they are clean and pressed.
What are the different methods for mounting medals?
There are several methods for mounting medals, each suitable for different purposes and preferences. Court mounting involves attaching the medals to a rigid backing, ensuring they lie flat and do not overlap, often used for formal occasions. Swing mounting allows medals to hang freely from a brooch bar, giving them movement. This method is more traditional and can be seen in historical displays. Additionally, framing is another popular method, where medals are mounted in a shadow box or frame, providing protection and an attractive presentation for display purposes.
Can I mount my medals myself, or should I seek professional help?
While it is possible to mount your medals yourself, especially if you have some crafting skills, seeking professional help is often recommended for the best results. Professional medal mounters have the expertise and tools to ensure your medals are mounted securely and attractively. They can advise on the appropriate mounting method based on the type of medals and your display preferences. DIY mounting can be a rewarding project, but it requires precision and care to avoid damaging the medals. If in doubt, professional services can provide peace of mind and a polished final product.
