Intro

Clients say it all the time: "Not on the face please." They want clean, smooth finishes. No screws. No surface conduit. No caulk smears. This guide shows you how to meet that ask without guesswork. We cover planning, hidden fasteners, clever anchors, and clear paperwork. You’ll learn simple steps, real measurements, and ways to protect your margin. Use these tips on trim, cabinets, brick, tile, and glass. Stick to the process, and “Not on the face please.” becomes a line you deliver with confidence.

Quick Answer

“Not on the face please.” means no fasteners, holes, or sealant on visible surfaces. Plan for hidden fixings, backing, or adhesive-rated mounts before finishes go in. Mark it in your scope, price the extra labour, and use proper anchors, reveals, and adhesives to keep the face clean and strong.

Table of Contents

• Why “Not on the Face Please.” Matters
• Plan First: Loads, Tolerances, and Layouts
• Carpentry and Millwork: Hidden Fasteners Done Right
• Masonry, Concrete, and Brick: No Holes on the Face
• Tile, Stone, and Glass: Clean Mounting and Seals
• Put "Not on the Face Please." in Writing

Key Takeaways

• Hidden work takes longer. Add 10–25% time for layout and fixing.
• Backing matters. Aim for 19 mm (3/4 in) plywood where loads exceed 20 kg.
• Leave reveals. A 2–3 mm shadow line hides edges and caulk.
• Use proper cures. Many adhesives need 6–8 hours initial set, 24 hours full.
• Document it. Write “Not on the face please.” into scope and sign-offs.

Why “Not on the Face Please.” Matters

This phrase protects the look of the job. It also protects you. Once you drill a face, you can’t undo it. On most jobs, clean faces mean better reviews and fewer call-backs. It also means more planning. "Not on the face please." should push you to think about loads, access, and sequence.

Common Mistakes

• Face nailing trim, then filling. The patch still telegraphs in raking light.
• Drilling brick faces. Spalls and water leaks show up later.
• Smearing sealant on tile faces. It collects dirt and looks sloppy.

Plan First: Loads, Tolerances, and Layouts

Good planning makes “Not on the face please.” easy on site.

1. Confirm the load. For anything over 10 kg, plan backing or structural anchors.
2. Place backing before drywall. Use 19 mm (3/4 in) ply at 400 mm (16 in) o.c.
3. Mark centre lines. Snap lines and mark studs within ±3 mm tolerance.
4. Choose a fixing method. Blind nails, pocket screws, brackets, or adhesives.
5. Leave working room. A 2–3 mm reveal gives space to tuck ends and seal.
6. Sequence the work. Fix hidden brackets first, then install finishes.
7. Mock up once. A 300 mm test piece saves 30 minutes of rework.

Tip: Many contractors find a 1.5× screw length-to-material thickness ratio holds well. Example: 32 mm screws for 19 mm stock (1-1/4 in into 3/4 in).

Carpentry and Millwork: Hidden Fasteners Done Right

When a client says, “Not on the face please.” for woodwork, you have options.

1) Blind Nailing and Glue

• Angle nails through the tongue or back edge at 30–45°.
• Use 38 mm (1-1/2 in) brads on 300 mm (12 in) spacing.
• Add wood glue. Clamp 20–30 minutes; avoid face clamps.

2) Pocket Screws From the Back

• Pre-drill pocket holes on backside.
• Use 32–38 mm screws for 19 mm stock.
• Keep holes 50 mm from ends to avoid splits.

3) Concealed Brackets and French Cleats

• Use a 12–18 mm thick cleat, 45° bevel.
• Hit studs at 400 mm (16 in) o.c.
• Leave a 3 mm top reveal to hide the seam.

4) Trim With Shadow Lines

• Run casing proud of the jamb by 2–3 mm.
• Back-caulk the return, not the face.
• The shadow hides tiny gaps and sealant lines.

5) Wood Plugs and Dowels (When You Must Drill)

• Drill 10–12 mm holes and use matching face-grain plugs.
• Align grain. Sand flush. Stain before clear coat for best blend.

Most contractors skip test pieces. Don’t make that mistake. One off-cut tells you if a plug shows under light.

Masonry, Concrete, and Brick: No Holes on the Face

“Not on the face please.” is critical with masonry. Holes can crack faces and invite water.

1) Mortar Joint Anchoring (Not Brick Face)

• Anchor in the mortar joint, not the brick face.
• Use 6 mm (1/4 in) anchors with stainless screws.
• Keep 25–38 mm from vertical edges to prevent spalling.

2) Through-Fastening With Sleeves

• If load is heavy (20–80 kg), run a sleeve through the wall into blocking.
• Seal penetrations with backer rod and sealant at the interior plane.

3) Surface-Mount Without Scars

• Use stand-off brackets mounted to joints.
• Keep a 5–10 mm gap from the brick face.
• Hide wires in mortar-line channels, then point the joint.

4) Architectural Concrete

• Plan tie locations. Avoid holes on A-finish faces.
• Use epoxy anchors in hidden returns or soffits.
• Drill 10–12× anchor diameter deep. Blow out dust. Respect cure times.

Pro tip: Never smear sealant on the brick face. Tool within the joint width (6–10 mm) using a small spoon or jointer.

Tile, Stone, and Glass: Clean Mounting and Seals

Tile and glass show every slip. “Not on the face please.” means think before drilling.

1) Pre-Plan Blocking and Brackets

• Install brackets before tile.
• Use stainless hardware.
• Leave a 2 mm grout joint reveal around penetrations.

2) Drill With Care (When Required)

• Tape the spot. Start with a 3 mm pilot.
• Use a diamond bit at 400–600 RPM.
• Mist water. No hammer. Increase to 6–8 mm as needed.

3) Adhesive Mounts

• For light loads (up to 2–4 kg), use construction adhesive or VHB-type tape.
• Clean with isopropyl alcohol.
• Initial set in 6–8 hours; full cure at 24 hours.

4) Caulk the Plane, Not the Face

• Use silicone at planes of change only (tile-to-tub, tile-to-counter).
• Tool from edge to edge.
• Keep beads 4–6 mm; do not smear across tile faces.

5) Glass Panels

• Use clamp kits or channel with gaskets.
• Keep 1–3 mm reveals at edges.
• Shim with 1 mm packers; remove once silicone cures.

Put "Not on the Face Please." in Writing

This phrase belongs in your paperwork, not just in conversation. It sets expectations and protects your time.

Scope Notes To Include

• “All visible faces to be free of fasteners and surface sealant.”
• “Anchors to mortar joints; no drilling on brick faces.”
• “Hidden brackets installed prior to finishes; 2–3 mm shadow lines.”
• “Adhesive mounts require 24 hours cure before loading.”

Steps

1. Capture the client’s exact words: “Not on the face please.”
2. List methods you will use (cleats, joint anchors, adhesives).
3. Add time allowances: +10–25% for layout and curing.
4. Call out exclusions, like “no surface conduit” or “no visible plugs.”
5. Get a signature before buying materials.

Tools like Donizo make this easy. Speak your site notes with Voice to Proposal, generate a branded PDF, and send it for e‑signature. Once accepted, convert to invoice in one click. If you're also looking to streamline professional proposals, our guide covers clear scopes and exclusions. This pairs well with understanding project timelines and using invoice templates that save time.

FAQ

What does “Not on the face please.” mean on plans?

It means keep visible surfaces clean. No screws, nails, holes, or smeared sealant on the finished face. Use hidden fixings, joint anchoring, or brackets installed before finishes.

Can I drill into brick faces if the load is small?

Avoid drilling brick faces. Even small holes can spall and let in water. Anchor in mortar joints or run sleeves to hidden backing instead. Seal joints, not faces.

How do I hide fasteners on exterior wood?

Use back-screwed cleats, pocket screws from the backside, or blind nails with glue. Fill only when needed, and match face-grain plugs. Leave 2–3 mm shadow lines at trims to hide movement.

What adhesive should I use on tile for face-free mounting?

Use a construction adhesive or VHB-type tape rated for the load. Clean surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. Expect 6–8 hours initial set and 24 hours full cure before loading.

How do I price the extra time for hidden fixings?

Add 10–25% for layout, concealed brackets, and adhesive cure time. Note “Not on the face please.” in your scope, and list methods so clients understand the added steps.

Conclusion

Clean faces don’t happen by luck. They come from planning, hidden fixings, and clear paperwork. Write “Not on the face please.” into your scope, choose the right method for the material, and allow proper cure times. Next steps: 1) Walk the job and mark backing; 2) Choose your fixing method; 3) Put the promise in writing and get sign‑off. For faster paperwork and fewer misses, solutions like Donizo can capture notes, create proposals, and secure e‑signatures. Deliver clean work, protect your margin, and make the finish the hero.