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Stick-on Clavos: Enhance Your Décor in a Few Simple Steps
Posted on 11 Apr 2022
“Clavo” is the Spanish word for “nail.” When this item is added to your home décor, it’s useful for gates, cabinets, doors, and other wooden property assets.
Clavos add a decorative element that delivers a handmade appearance without the time or cost to create that result from scratch.
It’s crucial to recognize the difference between decorative furniture tacks and clavos. The former uses a thin nail that serves an aesthetic purpose, but delivers minimal durability. They’re used on gates and doors with sturdier materials for the latter.
You can find clavos made of several metals and materials, including steel, cast iron, zinc alloys, hand-forged iron, and copper. Each material provides different uses and décor options to consider.
How to Install Stick-on Clavos to Create a Beautiful Look
The typical installation process for clavos involves drilling a pilot hole into your door, gate, or another asset. Once the placement is correct, you’d hammer the nail with a rubber mallet. If you don’t have that tool, you could cover the head with a thick cloth to prevent chipping or scratching.
Some installers recommend placing epoxy into the pilot hole before hammering the clavo into place to create a stronger hold.
When you use stick-on clavos, you can avoid making a permanent alteration to one of your home’s assets. If you decide that the look isn’t what you want, you can switch your décor by removing them.
Where to Place Clavos
Most clavos are centered between two vertical lines. You can see them made by stiles, v-grooves, or planks. It helps to use a tape measure to find the center of each placement, marking where you want to put the decorative item.
After marking the installation spot, place the adhesive component of the stick-on clavos on top of it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for pressure and time to dry to ensure you receive a solid foundation to use.
Although this option doesn’t allow you to use hinge straps, you can still install matching hardware for gates and doors that provide a similar result while sticking to your budget. That includes indoor options, such as a wardrobe or a cabinet.
How Many Stick-on Clavos Do I Need to Install?
When using stick-on clavos to enhance your home’s décor, you might wonder how many are needed to complete the look you want.
It depends on how many vertical lines are on the door or gate and the finished look you want to achieve. Some installations look great when a clavo is on each corner, while others place one at the top and bottom of each board.
If you choose the latter option, a door with ten boards would require 20 stick-on clavos to complete the look you want. Shopping for a matching look with coordinating handles, doorknobs, and other resources can add lots of curb appeal.
Why damage property that potentially costs thousands of dollars to replace? With a stick-on clavo, you can achieve a similar look without drilling while sticking to your budget.
