Installing Stow Dots is simply a matter of removing them from the packaging, peeling off the adhesive backing, and sticking them to a wall. However, Stow Dots use a removable adhesive that has weight, temperature and humidity limitations. This warrants precautions before they are mounted to your wall, and serious consideration where to install the Stow Dots so they are convenient, have a long service life, and do not pose a danger.
Be aware that safety is your responsibility.
Precautions
Here are some precautions to consider when using and installing Stow Dots.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets. Stow Dots are small and can be swallowed or pose a choking hazard if compromised.
- Indoor use only. Stow Dots are designed to operate from 0 - 105° F (-18 - 41° C). Extreme temperatures and humidity may weaken the adhesive.
- Do not use with irreplaceable items. Do not use for antiques, heirlooms, alien artifacts, or other valuable or irreplaceable items. These things are best kept in display cases guarded by KillBots or feral lab minions.
- Do not install over head. Never hang above bed or in other places that may cause bodily harm if the Stow Dots were to fail.
Using
To use a Stow Dot simply hang your object on the dot. (PIC 2-1)
Size Limitations
The Stow Dot extends 0.36 inches (9.2 mm) from the wall and has an 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) lip to hold your goodies. Objects should fit between the lip and the wall. (PIC 2-2) Larger objects may not be reliably supported. (PIC 2-3)
Weight Limitations
The Stow Dot has been tested to hold up to 1/2 lb (0.23 kgs) continuously with a symmetrically, balanced object. Heavier or odd shaped objects may not be held as reliably. You can determine this by looking at the dot from the side. If the foam adhesive backing is sharply angled, then the object is trying to pull the dot off the wall. (PIC 2-4) This may lead to premature failure.
Temperature and Humidity Limitations
Stow Dots are designed to operate indoors, from 0 - 105º F (-18 - 41º C). Temperatures outside this range, or extreme humidity may weaken the adhesive.
Cleaning
Clean Stow Dots with a clean, soft cloth (microfiber, terry, etc). If necessary, dampen cloth with a little water. Never use Isopropyl Alcohol, or other cleaners unless specifically designed to clean acrylic.
(PIC 2-1)
(PIC 2-2)
(PIC 2-3)
(PIC 2-4)
Installation
Though installation of the Stow Dot is simple, we highly recommend spending a little time planning and cleaning your surface to help give your Stow Dots a long service life.
(1) Get Parts, Tools, and Materials
- Stow Dots
- 1, roll masking tape
- 1, pen
- wall cleaning supplies
(2) Choose your surface:
Review the precautions and pick your install surface. The Stow Dot’s adhesive backing is a rubber-based, non-permanent adhesive that can bond and removed cleanly from all sorts of surfaces including wood, plastics, metal, powder coated materials, and painted materials. Surfaces may be slightly textured or uneven since the foam will mold to the surface with firm pressure. Painted surfaces should be in good condition and not show signs of flaking. Weakening paint means the adhesive may tear away the painted surface when removed. We don’t recommend installing on wallpaper since the adhesive may tear away the surface when removed. Also, glass that allows the adhesive to be exposed to sunlight will, over time, diminish the dot's holding power.
(3) Plan your layout:
It’s a good idea to roughly plan how you want to position your dots. On a table arrange the objects you want to hang as desired. If possible, leave room for future expansion. (PIC 3-2)
(4) Prepare the surface and work area:
Dust, dirt, and low/high temperatures on the surface will reduce the holding power of the adhesive. You should clean the surface according to the surface manufacturer’s instructions. On most surfaces a 50/50 mixture of Isopropyl Alcohol and water will clean the surface nicely (test on a small, inconspicuous area first). (PIC 3-3) Dry the surface with a lint-free cloth before application. (PIC 3-4) For an optimal bond, the temperature of the surface should be between 65º and 100º F.
(5) Apply a Stow Dot:
Mark the location you want to place your Stow Dot with a piece of masking tape with an arrow drawn on it. (PIC 3-5) Remove a Stow Dot from the packaging. Peel off the protective sheet on the adhesive. (PIC 3-6) Press the Stow Dot onto the surface. Apply firm pressure while rocking your finger back and forth for at least 10 seconds to bond the adhesive with the surface properly. (PIC 3-7)
(6) Clean, test, repeat:
Clean the Stow Dot face with a clean, soft cloth (microfiber, terry, etc) to remove any oils deposited by your fingers. Moistening the cloth with a little warm water helps. Do not use paper towels or tissue since they will scratch the acrylic. (PIC 3-8) Carefully place your object on the Stow Dot to test the hold strength and position. (PIC 3-9) Make sure your object isn't too heavy for the Stow Dot to hold it properly as noted in the Using Section. Move the masking tape marker to the next location. (PIC 3-10) Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until you have finished your layout.
(PIC 3-1)
(PIC 3-2)
(PIC 3-3)
(PIC 3-4)
(PIC 3-5)
(PIC 3-6)
(PIC 3-7)
(PIC 3-8)
(PIC 3-9)
(PIC 3-10)
