Fastmount: Complete Guide to the Invisible Panel Fixing System
Fastmount is the world's most widely used professional concealed panel mounting system: a set of clips that allow panels to be installed and removed with no visible screws, adhesives or fixings, with perfect alignment every time they are fitted. Developed in New Zealand in 2004, it is today the standard in the marine industry and has expanded into architecture, interior design and motorhomes. This guide brings together everything you need to know to understand the system and choose the right range.
The La Tienda Naval is the official Fastmount distributor for Spain and Portugal, and we have written this guide to provide a complete explanation of the system in one place.
What Fastmount is
Fastmount is a New Zealand company founded in 2004 by Gregg Kelly, a boatbuilder who was looking for a better solution than Velcro for superyacht interiors. The system he invented is based on pairs of engineering polymer clips: one is fixed to the structure (wall, ceiling or frame) and the other to the panel, so that the panel clicks into place and can be removed without tools, leaving a continuous surface with no fixings in view.
Since it was founded, Fastmount has sold more than 25 million clips and is used by approximately 90% of European shipyards building yachts and superyachts, including brands such as Sunseeker. What sets Fastmount apart from any alternative is the depth of its catalogue: 8 specialised ranges, more than 99 products and 27 installation tools, covering everything from light 1 kg panels to heavy 25 kg panels, with certified fire-rated versions for regulatory compliance.
How the Fastmount clip system works
The Fastmount system is based on a simple, robust principle: the mechanical connection of two complementary parts, the female clip and the male clip.
- The female clip is fixed to the structure: the wall, the ceiling (deckhead), the frame or the framework on which the panel is to be mounted. Depending on the model, it is installed with a thread (self-tapping into timber or composite), with screws (surface mount), or with a specific anchor (for example the PC-DC1, an anchor for walls or concrete).
- The male clip is fixed to the panel: the decorative or access part that you want to be able to fit and remove. It also comes in self-tapping and surface-mount versions.
- Push-fit connection: as the panel is brought up to the structure, the male clip enters the female clip and is held with a click. To remove it, simply pull the panel: no tools are needed and no surfaces are damaged.
This design brings three advantages that no traditional method (Velcro, magnets or screws with cover caps) achieves at the same time: invisible finish, exact, repeatable alignment every time it is refitted, and vibration resistance with no loss of retention over time. That is why it is the reference system in demanding environments such as yachts, where panels often have to be removed to reach electrical, plumbing or air-conditioning services.
The 8 Fastmount ranges
Each Fastmount range is designed for a specific scenario. Knowing them is the key to choosing well.
Standard Range (PC series)
The core and most universal range, for walls and ceilings in yachts, architecture and interior design. It includes female clips (PC-F1A self-tapping, PC-SF1 surface mount), male clips (PC-M1B up to 5 kg, PC-M2H heavy duty 10 kg) and adjustable Vario clips (PC-VMX extra heavy duty up to 15 kg). Maximum load up to 15 kg.
Low Profile (LP series)
The same principle as the Standard range but with a reduced profile, for when the panel sits very close to the structure. Ideal for thin panels, furniture and confined spaces. Loads from 5 kg (LP-M8A) to 15 kg (LP-SMX).
Very Low Profile (VL series)
The thinnest profile of all the ranges, with the key advantage of including certified fire-rated versions . Compatible with panels from 3 mm. Load up to 25 kg with the VL-M3X. The VL-PF3 recessed acoustic clip was nominated for the DAME Award 2024 for its contribution to sustainability.
Stratlock (SL series)
A system based on aluminium rails for heavy panels with 360-degree position adjustment before locking. Available in a fire-rated version. Load up to 18 kg. Ideal when alignment needs to be corrected after the panel has been fitted.
SLX Range
The most versatile range, linking the marine world with commercial architecture. Compatible with plasterboard and building surfaces, as well as marine use. Load up to 25 kg, with fire-rated versions. We have dedicated a specific guide to it because of its growing importance.
Metal Range (MC series)
Clips in stainless steel and nickel for metal substrates and high-strength applications. It includes the new MC-SSM10B and MC-SSF10B stainless steel clips with fire resistance, especially relevant for superyachts.
Textile Range (TC series)
Dedicated fixing for cushions, upholstery and carpets, where conventional rigid clips do not fit. It solves the problem of holding textiles on deck and in cabins without visible Velcro.
Panel Control (PS series)
Solutions for removable access panels: the PanelSafe system for inspection hatches with secure retention and quick release, and Seismount for seismic protection of panels.
Fastmount range comparison table
| Range | Main application | Maximum load | Fire-rated | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (PC) | Walls and ceilings, general use | Up to 15 kg | No | Standard |
| Low Profile (LP) | Tight spaces, thin panels | Up to 15 kg | No | Reduced |
| Very Low Profile (VL) | Ultra-thin panels, fire-rating requirement | Up to 25 kg | Yes | Ultra-thin |
| Stratlock (SL) | Heavy panels, 360-degree adjustment | Up to 18 kg | Yes | Rail |
| SLX | Plasterboard, marine, architecture | Up to 25 kg | Yes | Standard |
| Metal (MC) | Metal substrates, stainless steel | High | Some models | Variable |
| Textile (TC) | Cushions, upholstery, carpets | Textile | No | Low |
| Panel Control (PS) | Removable access panels | Depending on model | No | Variable |
Which Fastmount range do I need for my project
To choose the right range, answer three questions in this order:
- How much does the panel weigh? The weight is shared between all the clips, with a recommended safety margin of twice the weight. Light panels (up to 5 kg): Standard, Low Profile or VL. Medium panels (5-15 kg): Standard heavy duty, Vario or SLX. Heavy panels (15-25 kg): Stratlock, SLX or VL extra heavy duty.
- How much space is there between the panel and the structure? Plenty of space: Standard or Stratlock. Limited space: Low Profile. Minimum space: Very Low Profile.
- Do you need fire-rating certification? It is compulsory on commercial vessels and in many public buildings. If you need it, choose the Fire Rated versions of the VL, Stratlock or SLX ranges.
In addition, the type of substrate determines the female clip model: timber or composite (self-tapping), plasterboard (SLX range), melamine (surface mount with screws), metal (Metal Range), concrete or masonry (PC-DC1 anchor), textile (Textile Range). If you have any doubts, our technical team will advise you.
Fastmount sectors and applications
Marine and superyachts
The origin of the system and where it is essential: ceiling panels (deckhead) and wall linings (bulkhead) that are removed to reach services, inspection hatches with PanelSafe, and securing cushions with the Textile range. The most widely used ranges are Standard, Very Low Profile (fire-rated) and Stratlock.
Commercial architecture and interior design
Wall linings in hotels, decorative removable ceilings, acoustic panels and commercial spaces. The SLX range is the benchmark for plasterboard and building surfaces, and the VL-PF3 acoustic clip is designed for auditoriums and halls.
Motorhomes and recreational vehicles
The Low Profile and Very Low Profile ranges make the most of the space, withstand road vibration and allow quick access to the gas, water and electrical services hidden behind the panels.
Furniture making and joinery
Side and back panels of furniture, doors without visible hinges, shelving with removable panels and contract furniture for hotels and restaurants.
How much Fastmount clips cost
The price of a Fastmount clip depends on the range, the model and the quantity. Individual clips start from less than 1 euro per unit for the basic models of the Standard Range, and rise for the specialised ranges (fire-rated, metal, acoustic) and the shipyard kits (Yard Kits). As they are normally bought in quantity (a panel needs between 4 and 8 clips), there are volume discounts.
At La Tienda Naval we keep competitive prices for the Iberian market, with stock in Spain and fast shipping to mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and Portugal, avoiding the costs and lead times of importing from outside the European Union. Check the up-to-date price of each reference in our catalogue.
Frequently asked questions about Fastmount
What exactly is Fastmount?
Fastmount is a professional concealed panel mounting system developed in New Zealand in 2004. It consists of pairs of engineering polymer clips (one on the structure and one on the panel) that push-fit together, allowing panels to be installed and removed without tools and without visible fixings, with perfect alignment every time.
What is the difference between the male clip and the female clip?
The female clip is fixed to the structure (wall, ceiling or frame) and the male clip is fixed to the panel. When they are joined, the male enters the female and is held with a click. There are no adhesive female clips: depending on the substrate, a self-tapping version, a screw-fixed surface-mount version or a specific anchor is used.
How many Fastmount clips do I need per panel?
As a general rule, between 4 and 8 clips per panel depending on its size and weight. Fastmount recommends one clip every 300-400 mm around the perimeter of the panel. Heavy or large-format panels need more clips or models with a higher load capacity.
Which Fastmount range is best for a yacht?
It depends on the panel. For general use the Standard Range is used; for thin panels with a fire-rating requirement, the Very Low Profile (Fire Rated); and for heavy panels, Stratlock. The Textile range solves the securing of cushions and upholstery, and Panel Control the access hatches.
Do Fastmount clips withstand the marine environment?
Yes. They are made of an engineering polymer that is immune to salt corrosion, moisture and temperature changes, as they were designed from the outset for use on boats. The Metal Range uses stainless steel and nickel, which are also resistant to the marine environment.
Is Fastmount only for boats?
No. Although it was born in the marine sector, today it is widely used in commercial architecture (hotels, acoustic panels, removable ceilings), interior design, motorhomes and high-end furniture making. The SLX range is designed precisely to bridge marine use and construction.
Where can you buy Fastmount in Spain and Portugal?
La Tienda Naval is the official Fastmount distributor for Spain and Portugal, based in Palma de Mallorca. It carries the full range with stock in Spain, fast shipping and technical advice.
Where to buy Fastmount in Spain and Portugal
La Tienda Naval is the official Fastmount distributor for Spain and Portugal, based in Palma de Mallorca. We offer:
- The full Fastmount range: 8 ranges, more than 99 products and 27 installation tools.
- Stock in Spain: fast shipping to mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and Portugal, with no imports from outside the EU.
- Technical advice to choose the right range and clips.
- Service for professionals and private customers: shipyards, marine joiners, interior designers, architects, motorhome manufacturers and boat owners.
See the whole Fastmount catalogue at La Tienda Naval
- Phone: +34 971 253 950
- Website: latiendanaval.es
- Fastmount website: fastmount.es
- Address: Camino de Jesus 21-22, Pol. Ind. Can Valero, 07011 Palma de Mallorca