Intro
On most jobs, you’ll hear it at least once: “Not on the face please.” It means don’t put nails, screws, or patches on the visible face. Use hidden fastening or another method. Why? Face holes leak, crack paint, and void warranties. In this guide, we explain what it means, where it applies, and how to do it right. You’ll see clear steps, exact measurements, and simple checks. Follow this and you prevent water, movement, and finish failures. Fewer callbacks. Cleaner finishes. Happier clients.
Quick Answer
“Not on the face please.” means don’t fasten, tape, or patch on the finished surface. Hide fasteners in joints, tongues, grooves, clips, brackets, or backs. Keep proper edge distances, use sealant where required, and follow the product’s nailing schedule. This avoids leaks, cracks, and warranty problems while giving a cleaner look.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Hidden fastening prevents leaks and finish cracks; saves 1–2 callbacks per job.
- Keep drywall screws 10–13 mm from edges and 400 mm on-centre.
- Most cladding needs 6–10 mm movement gaps; don’t face‑nail through boards.
- Deck boards gap 3–5 mm; clip screws sit 2–3 mm below surface.
- Write “Not on the face please.” in proposals and signoffs to avoid disputes.
What "Not on the Face Please" Means On Site
When a client or PM says “Not on the face please.”, they want no visible holes. No nail heads. No face screws. No tape on the finish. You must hide fixings in edges, backs, or hardware. The goal is a clean look and a longer‑lasting job.
Common Reasons
- Water: Face holes invite leaks. One missed seal can cost thousands.
- Movement: Wood, cement, and vinyl move. Face nails can split or telegraph.
- Finish: Paint or stain shows every dent. Put fasteners where eyes don’t go.
- Warranty: Many brands warn: no face fasteners except at trims or ends.
Where "Not on the Face Please" Applies
This rule shows up across trades. Here’s where it matters most.
Drywall and Ceilings
- Use screws, not nails, and keep them just below the paper, about 1–2 mm.
- Keep edge distance 10–13 mm; field screws at 400 mm (16 in) walls, 300 mm (12 in) ceilings.
- Avoid extra face patches. If you miss a stud, don’t pepper the face. Re‑layout.
Trim, Cabinets, and Millwork
- Pocket screws from the back, biscuits, or dominos for alignment.
- Brad nails only in shadow lines or where filled; 18 ga is common.
- Countersink 1–1.5 mm max. Overdriving creates big craters that flash in paint.
Siding and Cladding
- Fibre cement, engineered wood, and vinyl often forbid face nailing in field areas.
- Use blind nailing at the lap line; typical exposure 150–200 mm per course.
- Maintain 6–10 mm clearance at trims; never pin faces tight. Let boards move.
Decking and Exterior Wood
- Hidden clip systems at the groove; screw heads sit 2–3 mm below surface.
- Gap boards 3–5 mm; don’t close gaps tight. Water needs a path.
- For picture frames, screw from the side or plug with same‑species dowels.
Roofing and Flashings
- No fasteners on the exposed face of flashings. Conceal under laps.
- Sealant is not a primary fastener. Use clips or hemmed edges.
- Keep 25–50 mm laps with butyl where specified; don’t “pin” a face.
Tile, Stone, and Masonry
- No anchors through tile faces unless designed trim. Use underlayment or rails.
- For ledgers, screw into studs above the finish line, then patch paint—not tile.
How to Do It Right: Layout, Fasteners, and Clearances
When you hear “Not on the face please.”, plan before you drill. Here’s a simple workflow.
Step‑By‑Step (7 Steps)
- Confirm the rule in writing. Add the phrase to scope and drawings.
- Find structure. Use a stud finder, layout lines, or story pole every 400 mm.
- Dry fit. Check gaps: 3–5 mm decks, 6–10 mm cladding, per brand guide.
- Choose hardware. Grooved boards with clips, pocket screws, or concealed brackets.
- Pre‑drill. Stop splits. Keep 10–13 mm edge distance on sheet goods.
- Drive to depth. Fastener heads 1–2 mm below surface; never crush fibres.
- Seal and sign off. Where allowed, use butyl or exterior sealant; final photo set.
Fastener Choices That Hide Well
- Pocket screws (cabinet backs, face frames).
- Biscuit/domino joinery (edge alignment without surface holes).
- Blind nails at laps (siding); clip systems (decking).
- Z‑clips, French cleats, or keyhole plates for panels and signs.
Measurements That Prevent Callbacks
- Drywall: 400 mm on‑centre walls, 300 mm ceilings; 10–13 mm edge distance.
- Decking: 3–5 mm gaps; clip screws 2–3 mm below surface.
- Siding clearances: 6–10 mm at trims; maintain 150–200 mm exposures per course.
- Flashings: 25–50 mm laps; no exposed pins on faces.
Detailing, Patching, and Warranty Notes
Even with care, mistakes happen. Here’s how to fix them without ruining the finish.
If You Accidentally Face‑Nail
- Pull the fastener clean. Use end‑cutting pliers and a shim to protect the face.
- Fill smart. Use a tinted plug or two‑part filler; sand after 20–30 minutes set.
- Prime repairs. One coat primer, two coats finish. Let each coat dry at least 2–4 hours.
- Exterior wood: Use matching wood plugs with waterproof glue; seal edges.
Caulks, Adhesives, and Cure Times
- Construction adhesive skins in 10–15 minutes, sets in 20–30, full cure 24 hours.
- Exterior sealant often needs 24–48 hours before paint.
- Don’t rely on caulk to hold anything. It seals; it doesn’t fasten.
Warranty Watch‑Outs
- Many cladding brands say “no face fasteners except at ends or trims.”
- Using the wrong nail length (e.g., under 32 mm penetration) can void coverage.
- Overdriven heads break fibres; telegraphing shows through paint in 3–6 months.
Communicate It Clearly in Proposals and Handovers
“Not on the face please.” must be written, not just said. That prevents disputes later.
What To Put in Your Proposal
- The exact phrase: “Not on the face please.”
- Where it applies: siding field, deck boards, trim faces, tile faces.
- The method: hidden clips, blind nailing, pocket screws, Z‑clips.
- Limits: allowed face fasteners at ends, trims, or per manufacturer.
- Photos or drawings: 2–3 images do more than 200 words.
Capture these notes fast with tools like Donizo. Speak the scope, add photos, and generate a clean, branded proposal. Clients can e‑sign, and you can convert to an invoice in one click.
Site Signoff and Handover
- Do a 10‑minute walkthrough. Point at areas where the rule applies.
- Take 8–12 photos of hidden fasteners and clearances.
- Include a one‑page care sheet: “Don’t pin faces; maintain gaps 3–5 mm.”
- If you’re also looking to streamline professional proposals, our guide covers how to set expectations line by line.
- This pairs well with understanding project timelines so crews know when adhesives and coatings cure.
- For contractors dealing with billing, we recommend using clear invoice templates that match your scope language.
FAQ
What does “Not on the face please.” actually mean?
It means no visible fasteners, tape, or patches on the finished surface. Hide fixings in edges, grooves, backs, or hardware. The goal is cleaner looks, less water risk, and better durability.
Can I ever face‑nail as a last resort?
Only if the product manual allows it. Many cladding and decking systems forbid it in field areas. At ends or trims, face fasteners might be allowed. If you must do it, pre‑drill, countersink 1–2 mm, and seal properly.
How do I fix a hole I accidentally made on the face?
Remove the fastener cleanly, fill with a matching plug or two‑part filler, sand after 20–30 minutes, then prime and paint. Exterior wood needs a sealed plug and topcoat. Document the repair with photos for the client.
Does hidden fastening add time or cost?
It can add 5–10% more time on layout and tools. But it usually cuts callbacks and paint touch‑ups. Most contractors find they save 1–2 site visits later, which more than pays for the extra care upfront.
Stud finder, story pole, pocket‑hole jig, biscuit or domino joiner, clip systems, Z‑clips, end‑cutting pliers, depth‑stop drivers, and a good caulk gun. These keep fasteners off faces and control depth and placement.
Conclusion
“Not on the face please.” keeps water out, finishes clean, and warranties safe. Plan the layout, choose hidden hardware, and stick to clearances. Put the rule in your scope so no one forgets. To capture scope notes, photos, and client signoff fast, platforms such as Donizo make it simple.
Next steps:
- Add the phrase to your proposal template today.
- Stock clips, Z‑clips, and depth‑stop drivers in your kit.
- Do a 10‑minute photo signoff on every job.
Do this, and your work looks sharp and lasts longer on every site.
