A practical guide for contractors to avoid face fasteners, stains, and damage on visible finishes. Learn hidden fixings, safe sealants, and clear documentation.
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On most jobs, a client says it fast: "Not on the face please." They mean no screws, nails, glue, or smears on the visible surface. Keep the finish clean. It sounds simple. But it takes planning. In this guide, we explain what it means, why it matters, and how to do it right. You’ll see fastening options, sealant tips, and repair tricks. We’ll also show how to document "Not on the face please." so you avoid disputes and call-backs.
"Not on the face please." means don’t put fasteners, adhesives, or marks on any visible finished surface. Use concealed fixings, edge or backside fastening, and clean sealant work. Mask and protect faces, and document the rule in your proposal and drawings to prevent rework and claims.
Clients don’t want holes, plugs, or smears on visible surfaces. That includes wood trim, siding, tile, stone, metal panels, cabinets, and doors. On drawings, this note can sit near elevations or finish schedules. It also shows up in millwork specs.
When you hear "Not on the face please," assume:
Confirm what counts as "face." For example, a cabinet door edge might be okay, but the panel isn’t. Ask and mark it on a photo. Two minutes now saves two hours later.
Hidden fasteners keep the face clean. Here are solid options you can trust.
If a detail seems to need a face screw, pause. Say: "We have a 'Not on the face please' note here. Let’s pick a concealed option." Bring a sample if you can.
Sealant and glue on the face looks bad. It also stains porous materials.
Protection is cheaper than repair.
If you’re also looking to streamline professional proposals, our guide covers how to show protection methods right in the scope and photos.
Many contractors find the real issue is expectations. "Not on the face please." is clear in words. But drawings, photos, and sign-offs make it stick.
You can capture details fast using tools like Donizo. Speak the scope, attach photos, and send a branded proposal. Clients can e-sign, and you can convert accepted work to an invoice in one click. Clear sign-off protects you when someone forgets the rule.
If you work with change orders often, our change order process checklist pairs well with this section.
Sometimes a face screw happens. Here’s how to make it vanish.
For heavy items on masonry, switch to back anchors or track. Remember: "Not on the face please" is permanent on face brick and stone.
If you send maintenance tips after jobs, this pairs well with invoice templates that save time and standardize your close-out notes.
It means no visible fasteners or marks on finished surfaces shown in the elevation. Use hidden fixings, edge or backside screws, and clean sealant work. Confirm where the "face" starts and ends with marked photos before starting.
Use French cleats, through-bolts from the backside, or track systems. Find studs at 400 mm (16 in) centres or use proper cavity anchors. For masonry, use mechanical anchors in joints or hidden areas, not through face brick when avoidable.
Use low‑tack painter’s tape rated for 14 days. Avoid duct tape and high‑tack masking on faces. On fresh paint under 7 days old, test a small spot or wait the full cure time listed by the paint manufacturer.
Within 3–5 minutes for most sealants. For adhesives, plan beads 10–12 mm from edges and use 2–4 mm spacers to avoid squeeze‑out. If it happens, follow the product’s cleanup window. Many silicones skin at 10–20 minutes.
Yes, but use diamond bits, low pressure, and water. Aim for grout joints where possible. Tape the spot, start at a 15–20° angle, then level out. Keep holes minimal and hidden by hardware flanges.
"Not on the face please." protects the look your client pays for. Plan concealed fixings, mask before you work, and keep sealant and glue off the face. Document the rule with photos and clear methods, then get a signature. Tools like Donizo help you capture scope by voice, send a clean proposal, and lock approval fast.
Next steps:
Do this, and you’ll prevent call-backs, keep finishes spotless, and impress every client.
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