Mounting Your Own Medals? This is your DIY Guide
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Medals are symbols of honour, courage, and dedication. For many Australians, these medals represent personal achievements or the bravery of loved ones. Mounting medals on your own can be a rewarding experience, ensuring they are displayed with the respect and dignity they deserve. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of DIY medal mounting in Australia, providing you with tips and techniques to achieve a professional finish.
Visualise Your DIY Medal Rack Before You Assemble
Tackling a DIY medal-mounting project requires careful precision, patience, and strict adherence to official protocols, from measuring exact ribbon lengths to sequencing awards according to the Australian Order of Precedence. Rather than leaving your layout to chance or risking costly mistakes with your ribbons, RackBuilder makes the entire planning process effortless.
This intuitive online tool empowers veterans, collectors, and families to design, arrange, and preview their exact medal setup from home before picking up a needle and thread.
Why Mount Your Own Medals?
Medal Picture Display Frame with Green Mat Board
Personal Touch - DIY mounting adds a personal touch to your medals and can make the display more meaningful, great for gifting to a loved one.
Cost-Effective - Mounting your own medals can save you money compared to hiring professional services.
Customisation - You have complete control over the arrangement and presentation of your medals.
Medal Mounting Types
Mounting medals is a cherished way to display achievements and doing it yourself can add a personal touch. There are several methods to choose from, each offering a unique way to showcase your medals.
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Swing Mounting is a traditional method where medals are hung from a bar, allowing them to swing freely. This style is often used for military medals and creates a classic, dynamic display. It's ideal for those who want their medals to have movement and a more authentic look.
Court Mounting involves fixing medals to a backing board, preventing movement. This method is preferred for a neat and orderly presentation. Medals are affixed to a rigid base, with the ribbons arranged as part of the mounting. Court mounting is perfect for a formal display, keeping medals in place for a polished appearance.
Medal Display Frame with Blue Mat Board
Framed Mounting offers a way to encase your medals in a frame, often with a felt backing and a glass cover. This method protects medals from dust and damage while providing an elegant display. It's a great choice for preserving and showcasing medals in a home or office setting.
1914 - 1915 Star Full Size Ribbon , Miniature NSW RFS Long Service Medal Ribbon,
20 Year Victorian Police Medal Dot for Ribbon Bar
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Your medal or replica medals
- Mounting bar or frame
- Ribbon (matching the medals)
- Needle and thread
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Double-sided tape or glue
- Protective backing (optional)
Read: Who Gets The Medals?
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Medal Mounting
Step 1: Plan Your Layout
Before you start mounting, decide what kind of arrangement you would like your medals to be in. Consider the order of precedence and how you want them to be displayed. Official honours and awards should be arranged according to the Australian Order of Wearing Honours and Awards.
Step 2: Cut the Ribbon
Measure the length of ribbon needed for each medal. It should be long enough to loop through the medal’s ring and secure it to the mounting bar or frame. Cut the ribbon according to mounting and military standards. For example, current Army instructions specify court-mounted medals at 95 mm overall length, with a 75 mm rigid base, and additional requirements depending on the number of medals.
Step 3: Attach the Ribbon to the Medals
Loop each piece of ribbon through the ring or slot on each medal. This can depend on the type of medal you're working on; different medal/ribbon arrangements and mounting requirements exist. Fold the ribbon back and stitch it securely, creating a loop that holds the medal firmly. Ensure the stitching is tight and neat to maintain a professional appearance.
Step 4: Secure the Medals to the Mounting Bar
Arrange the medals on the mounting bar or frame according to your planned layout. Use double-sided tape or glue to hold the ribbons in place temporarily. Then, stitch the ribbons to the mounting bar for a more secure attachment. Make sure the medals are evenly spaced and aligned.
Step 5: Add a Protective Backing
For added durability and a polished look, consider adding a protective backing to your mounted medals. Cut a piece of backing material to size and attach it to the back of the mounting bar or frame. This will protect the ribbons and stitches from wear and tear.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Once all medals are securely attached, make any final adjustments to ensure they are straight and evenly spaced. Trim any excess ribbon or thread for a clean finish.
Read: Medals FAQs
Tips for a Professional Finish
Use Quality Materials - A high-quality ribbon and mounting bars will enhance the overall look and durability of your mounted medals.
Take Your Time - Precision is key to achieving a professional finish. Make sure to take your time to get the best results.
Practice Makes Perfect - If you’re new, consider practising on a less important medal or a piece of scrap material before working on your prized medals.
Miniature Court Mounted Vietnam Group 5 & Vietnam Jarrah Medal Case and Premium Medal Display Cases
Storing Mounted Medals
Storing mounted medals in a case, box, or frame is essential for preserving their condition and ensuring their longevity. These storage methods protect medals from dust, moisture, and physical damage, which can tarnish and degrade their appearance over time. A case or box provides a secure environment that prevents scratches and dents, while a frame not only offers protection but also allows for an elegant display, keeping medals visible and honoured. Proper storage maintains the integrity of the medals, safeguarding the memories and achievements they represent for future generations.
Mounting your own military medals in Australia can be a fulfilling project that adds a personal touch to your display. By following this step-by-step guide, you can achieve a professional and respectful presentation of your hard-earned or treasured medals. Remember, patience and attention to detail are essential for a successful DIY medal mounting.
By following this guide, you'll not only save money but also ensure that your medals are displayed with the honour and respect they deserve by adding your personal touch. Whether you’re a veteran or a family member preserving a loved one's legacy, DIY military medal mounting is a rewarding way to showcase these symbols of bravery and service.
Map Out Your DIY Layout Before You Cut or Stitch
When mounting medals yourself, measuring ribbon lengths and getting the spacing perfectly even on your first try can be tricky. Taking a moment to plan your exact configuration beforehand prevents misaligned medals, wasted ribbon, and order-of-precedence errors before you pick up a pair of scissors or a needle and thread.
Whether you are preparing a swing-mounted group or assembling a court-mounted set onto a rigid backing board, you can quickly plan and preview your exact arrangement using Rack Builder.
Plan and Preview Your DIY Medal Mounting Layout Online
Read: Helping Veterans Keep Stunning Original Medals Safe
Disclaimer: These instructions are intended for individuals undertaking a DIY project. For professional results, please contact a qualified expert. Check out Military Shop, Australia for all your Military, Police, Emergency Service, Corrective Service, and Foreign Medal needs.
FAQs
Where can I buy medal mounting kits in Australia?
You can purchase medal mounting supplies, replica medals, storage solutions, and display products through specialised providers such as Military Shop.
Can I get custom medal display cases made locally?
Yes, you can find options like bespoke personalised display frames, Jarrah wood medal display cases, and custom shadow boxes or wall-mounted frames designed to showcase your collection safely.
Where can I get my medal mounted?
If you prefer not to do it yourself, you can utilize professional metal mounting services offered by specialists like Military Shop to ensure a secure and polished presentation.
How should medals be arranged on a mounting rack?
Official honours and awards should always be arranged according to the strict official sequence outlined in the Australian Order of Wearing Honours and Awards. Furthermore, for full-size medals worn on the left chest, up to five medals can be mounted side-by-side without overlapping. If you have six or more medals on a single rack, they must be overlapped (with the medal on the far left sitting over the one to its right) to stay within standard military chest width regulations.
How can I protect my mounted medals from environmental damage?
To protect your medals and ribbons from fading, tarnishing, or rusting, store or display them in a climate-controlled space with stable temperature and humidity. Always avoid direct sunlight to prevent ultraviolet (UV) light from degrading the materials, and choose display cases featuring glass or acrylic fronts.
