Flush Mounting a Sign with Z-Clips

One of the most effective fastening devices for hanging a sign flush against a wall is the Z-Clip (also called a Z-Hanger). These mounting clips not only are sturdy, but they allow for the installation of a sign so that the fastening hardware is out of sight. You can use the Z-Clips for either indoor or outdoor installations.  

Z-Clips consist of two aluminum extrusions that slip neatly together. After the clips are screwed into the wall and the sign, the signface is simply lifted into place so that the clip on the sign drops into the channel or track of the clip on the wall.

Z-Clips consist of two aluminum extrusions
that slip neatly together.

Z-Clips are available in different constructions, including lightweight extrusions, featuring a low profile, to the thicker heavyweight clips. The type and length of clip that you should use for your project will depend on the weight of the sign and the aesthetic requirements of the job. Heavyweight clips are capable of supporting hundreds of pounds. In fact, you can even use these clips for hanging cabinetry.

The heavyweight clips, however, will offset the sign from the wall by as much as 3/8”.  If this gap is objectionable, use the lightweight clips of a longer length. As a rule of thumb, the length of the lightweight clips should be approximately ¾ of the length of the sign. These light duty clips should only be used on smooth, flat surfaces, such as drywall.  Orange Aluminum is an excellent source for these extrusions:

Orange Aluminum

P.O. Box 5961

Orange, CA 92863-5961

(714) 464-2181

Toll Free:(877) 464-2181

Fax:(714) 771-1221

In affixing the clip to the sign, position it so that it is equidistant from the top edge and centered left to right. If you are screwing into wood use #8  black oxide,  pan head screws with coarse threads. The purpose of the black oxide coating is to prevent corrosion. These pan head screws (pictured below) are available in a variety of lengths. You may have difficulty finding pan head wood screws. You can order these on line from Parts Express at http://www.parts-express.com (725 Pleasant Valley Dr.,  Springboro,OH45066 800-338-0531).

If you are mounting a metal panel to a wall, you can use 3M Brand VHB tape to affix the extrusion to the sign. Just remember to clean the extrusion just prior applying the VHB tape. Aluminum oxidizes very quickly when exposed to air. You must remove any oxidation or the tape will not stick to it. Here’s how to do it. Scuff the surface of the aluminum with a Scotchbrite pad. Then wipe the extrusion down with a rag saturated in isopropyl alcohol. Dry the surface with a clean dry rag or paper toweling. The black residue on the rag is the oxidation. Then apply the tape to the metal using good pressure. 

When mounting the sign on drywall, locate the studs in the wall so that you can screw the extrusion into something solid. Holes in the Z-Clip are drilled every 4”.  Before securing the extrusion to the wall, make sure that it is level.

When installing a large sheet on a wall, you will probably want to use several Z-Clips positioned at the top, center and bottom of the panel.

If you are mounting a heavy panel on an uneven wall and using a long extrusion, you should use the heavyweight clips.  Depending on how uneven the wall is, you may need to shim out from the wall.  

Conclusion

The concealed Z-Clips eliminate unsightly fastening through the face of the sign. Not only are these fasteners an easy solution for mounting flat signage, using them can reduce installation time. That saves money, making your projects more profitable. What’s  more, as simple as installation is,  the Z-Clips disengage easily. If that’s a problem, a little dab of silicone adhesive in the track should do you, so your sign is secure.

About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.

© 2015 Jim Hingst