Installation

Install & Setup Guides

Installation and Setup Guides for Every Product

Step-by-step instructions for everything we sell, from light covers and panels to retractable banners, feather flags, canopy tents, yard signs, and car magnets. Most setups take just a few minutes and no tools.

Choose Your Guide

Find Your Product

Pick your product type and jump to the steps.

Light Covers and Panels

Steps for film and magnetic covers, fabric covers, and polycarbonate panels on LED and fluorescent ceiling fixtures.

Banners, Stands, and Flags

Steps for vinyl and mesh banners and retractable banner stands, plus feather, teardrop, and rectangle flags.

Signs, Magnets, Tents, and More

Steps for yard signs, car magnets, and window decals, plus canopy tents, table covers, and wall art.

Light Covers

Install Fluorescent and Magnetic Film Covers

No tools needed. Turn off the light and let the fixture cool first.

Fluorescent Light Cover Inserts

For standard 2x4, 2x2, and 1x4 troffers with a flat acrylic diffuser.

  1. Turn off the light and let the fixture cool.
  2. Open the fixture door. Most unlatch from one side and swing down on hinges.
  3. Lay the film cover flat on top of the diffuser with the image facing down into the room.
  4. Smooth out the corners, close the fixture door, and turn the light back on.
Have a parabolic (grid style) fixture? Watch the parabolic video below.

Magnetic Light Covers

For LED flat panels and troffers with a steel frame or a metal ceiling grid.

  1. Wipe the fixture frame clean and dry.
  2. Line up one edge of the cover with the fixture or grid.
  3. Let the magnetic strips grab the steel, then smooth the cover across to the other side.
  4. To remove, peel it off from a corner. Clean with a dry microfiber cloth only.
Magnets need steel. If a fridge magnet will not stick to your fixture frame, the cover will not either.
Fabric Covers

Install Fabric Light Covers

The quickest install we offer, and a favorite for classrooms.

Fabric Magnetic Light Covers

  1. Unfold the cover and find the magnets sewn into the edges.
  2. Hold the cover under the light and set one magnet edge on the metal ceiling grid.
  3. Work around the cover, attaching each magnet to the grid so the fabric is smooth.
  4. To move or clean it, simply pull the magnets off the grid.

Tips for Fabric Covers

  1. Leave the cover loose enough to hang smoothly, but not touching the bulbs or lens.
  2. Use them with LED or fluorescent fixtures only.
  3. Keep them clear of sprinkler heads and smoke detectors.
  4. Fabric covers are tested to NFPA 701. See our safety page for the report.
Polycarbonate Panels

Install Polycarbonate Light Panels

Three ways to install, depending on your fixture. A printable version is in our polycarbonate install guide (PDF).

Fluorescent Fixtures

  1. Open the tabs to unlock the frame, then let it swing down.
  2. Unhinge the frame from the ceiling and place it on a clean, flat surface.
  3. With a screwdriver (often a pentalobe 5 point bit), remove one short side of the frame.
  4. Slide the plastic diffuser out the open side of the frame.
  5. Peel off the protective film, then slide your polycarbonate light panel in, image side down.
  6. Screw the removed side of the frame back in.
  7. Hinge the frame back into the ceiling, raise it, and lock the tabs securely.

Aftermarket LED Install

For LED panels that sit in a drop ceiling grid.

  1. Peel off the protective film from your panel.
  2. Gently push up the LED fixture.
  3. Slide the polycarbonate panel in between the LED fixture and the ceiling grid.
  4. Lower the fixture back onto the panel so it sits flat.

Contractor Install

For LED fixtures you can open from the back.

  1. Remove all of the screws on the back of the LED fixture.
  2. Lift up the back of the fixture.
  3. Choose to leave or remove the current diffuser.
  4. Peel off the protective film and place the panel in the fixture (below the diffuser if you kept it).
  5. Replace the back of the fixture and screw it in.
  6. Install the LED fixture back in your ceiling grid.

How to Cut Your Panel

  1. Measure and mark the panel to the size you need.
  2. Using a straight edge, score the panel several times with a utility knife.
  3. Once the score line is deep, set the panel on a table with the score line on the table edge and the offcut hanging over.
  4. Apply steady pressure to snap off the offcut.
Cut panels cannot be returned. Measure twice before you cut. See our return policy.
Videos

Light Cover Installation Videos

Watch a full install before you get on the ladder.

Fluorescent Light Cover: Traditional Fixture

Fluorescent Light Cover: Parabolic Fixture

LED Magnetic Light Covers

Fabric Light Covers

Banners & Stands

Hang a Banner or Set Up a Banner Stand

Shop vinyl and mesh banners and retractable banner stands.

Vinyl and Mesh Banners

Choose grommets, pole pockets, hemming, or wind slits when you order.

  1. Lay the banner out flat and check which finishing it has.
  2. Grommets: tie each corner, and the middle grommets on long banners, to a fence, wall, or frame with zip ties, bungee cords, or rope.
  3. Pole pockets: slide a pole or rod through the top pocket (and the bottom pocket, if you have one) and mount the pole.
  4. Pull it snug and even so it does not flap. For windy spots, choose a mesh banner or wind slits.

Retractable Banner Stands

The stand, pole, and carry bag are included.

  1. Set the base on a flat floor and swing out the feet, if your stand has them.
  2. Connect the pole sections and insert the pole into the base.
  3. Hold the top rail and pull the banner straight up out of the base.
  4. Hook the top rail onto the top of the pole. To take it down, unhook the rail and guide the banner slowly back into the base.
Never let the banner snap back into the base on its own. Guide it down with your hand.
Flags

Set Up Feather, Teardrop, and Rectangle Flags

Shop advertising flags. Flags come with a pole set, and you choose the base.

Flag Setup

  1. Connect the interlocking pole sections. No tools are needed.
  2. Slide the flag sleeve over the assembled pole from the top down.
  3. Bend the pole into shape and hook or tie the bottom of the flag to the pole.
  4. Mount the pole on your base and check that it turns freely in the wind.

Pick the Right Base

  1. Ground stake: push it into grass, soil, or sand outdoors.
  2. Cross base: for indoor floors and hard surfaces. Add a water bag to hold it down outdoors.
  3. Square base: a heavier option for pavement and sidewalks.
  4. Bring flags in during strong storms to protect the pole and fabric.
Signs, Magnets & Decals

Install Yard Signs, Car Magnets, and Window Decals

Shop yard signs, car magnets, and adhesive vinyl and decals.

Yard Signs

  1. Push the 10x30 H-stake into the ground with your foot. Soft, damp soil is easiest.
  2. Slide the sign down onto the stake prongs through the flutes in the sign.
  3. Press it down until it sits firm and straight.

Car Magnets

  1. Wash and dry the door. The magnet must go on a clean, dry, flat steel surface.
  2. Hold the magnet by the top corners, let it touch the door, then smooth it flat so every edge is down.
  3. Keep it off sharp body lines and creases.
  4. Remove it before an automatic car wash, and take it off every few days to wipe the magnet and door clean.
Magnets will not stick to aluminum or plastic panels. Test the spot with a fridge magnet first.

Window Decals and Adhesive Vinyl

  1. Clean the glass or surface and let it dry completely.
  2. Peel back part of the liner and line up the top edge.
  3. Smooth the graphic on from the center out with a squeegee or credit card to push out air.
  4. Peel off the rest of the liner as you go, then press down all the edges.
Our premium window stickers have an air release backing for a bubble-free finish and can be repositioned during install.
Events & Wall Art

Set Up Canopy Tents, Table Covers, and Wall Art

Shop event tents, table covers, and wall art.

10x10 Custom Canopy Tent

A two-person, few-minute job.

  1. With one person on each side, open the aluminum frame partway.
  2. Drape the printed canopy over the top of the frame.
  3. Finish opening the frame, secure the canopy, and raise the legs to the height you want.
  4. Anchor it. On asphalt or concrete, add a sandbag to each leg (each holds 50 lbs).

Tent Full and Half Walls

  1. Full wall: wrap the sewn-in velcro loops around the top rail and the legs.
  2. Half wall: wrap the velcro loops around the upper frame rail.
  3. Thread the aluminum support pole across the bottom of the half wall to keep it flat.
  4. Lock the pole to the tent legs with the two hex clamps.

Stretch Table Covers

  1. Fold the table legs out and set the table upright.
  2. Pull the stretch cover down over the top and all four sides.
  3. Fasten the canvas loops around each leg so the cover stays tight all day.

Canvas, Posters, and NexaFrame

  1. Canvas wraps: use the hanging kit included in the box.
  2. Double White UV posters are ready to hang or mount, with no lamination needed.
  3. NexaFrame LED frames: open the snap frame edges, place your poster, snap the edges closed, and plug it in.
  4. Use the NexaFrame remote to adjust the brightness.
Quick Reference

Setup Time and Tools by Product

A quick look at what each product takes to install or set up.

Product Tools Needed Setup Style
Fluorescent Light Covers None Lays on top of the diffuser
Magnetic Light Covers None Magnetic strips on a steel frame
Fabric Light Covers None Magnets on the ceiling grid
Polycarbonate Panels Screwdriver, utility knife Replaces or sits below the diffuser
Retractable Banner Stands None Pull up and hook to the pole
Feather and Teardrop Flags None Interlocking poles on a base
Vinyl Banners Zip ties, rope, or a pole Grommets or pole pockets
Yard Signs None H-stake in the ground
Car Magnets None Clean, dry steel surface
Canopy Tents None, two people Pop-up frame plus canopy
Safety first: Turn off lights and let fixtures cool before opening them, use a sturdy ladder, and anchor tents and flags outdoors. Read more on our safety page.

Most Setups Take Just a Few Minutes

Minutes to Set Up

Mostly Tool-Free

Magnetic Options

Easy to Take Down and Reuse

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common installation and setup questions.

How do I install fluorescent light covers?

Turn off the light, open the fixture door, lay the film cover on top of the diffuser with the image facing down, and close the door. No tools are needed. Watch the traditional fixture video above.

How do I install magnetic fluorescent light covers?

Wipe the fixture frame clean, line up one edge, and let the magnetic strips grab the steel frame or ceiling grid. Smooth the cover across and you are done.

Do I need tools?

Most of our products set up without tools, including film and fabric light covers, banner stands, flags, yard signs, car magnets, and tents. Polycarbonate panels need a screwdriver to open the fixture, and banners need zip ties, rope, or a pole to hang.

Will magnetic covers work on my fixture?

Magnets need a steel surface. Hold a fridge magnet against the fixture frame or ceiling grid. If it sticks, our magnetic covers will too. Aluminum frames will not hold a magnet.

How do I cut a polycarbonate panel?

Mark the size, score it several times along a straight edge with a utility knife, put the score line on a table edge, and press down to snap off the offcut.

Can I return a cover after I cut or trim it?

No. Items that have been cut, trimmed, or altered cannot be returned. See our shipping and returns policy.

How do I set up a retractable banner stand?

Set the base on the floor, connect the pole and insert it into the base, pull the banner up by the top rail, and hook the rail onto the pole. Shop banner stands.

How do I set up a feather flag?

Connect the pole sections, slide the flag sleeve over the pole, hook the bottom of the flag, and mount the pole on a ground stake, cross base, or square base.

How do I set up a custom canopy tent?

It is a two-person, few-minute job: open the frame, drape the printed canopy over the top, finish opening the frame, and anchor it. Add sandbags on hard surfaces. Shop event tents.

How do I put a car magnet on so it stays?

Apply it to a clean, dry, flat steel surface with every edge pressed down, and keep it off body lines. Remove it before automatic car washes. Shop custom car magnets.

How do I hang a vinyl banner?

Use zip ties, bungee cords, or rope through the grommets, or slide a pole through the pole pockets. Pull it snug so it does not flap in the wind.

Get Started

Need Help With Setup?

Send us a photo of your fixture, wall, or space and we will help you choose and set up the right product.

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