havre de luxe.

Hardware Protector Guidance

This guide will help you find the right placement and a clean fit for your protector set.

With over one million protectors sold, we are proud to help you protect what you love.

Before you begin

Make sure the hardware is clean and completely dry. Buff it with a soft, dry cloth before you begin.

Every set includes a practice protector. Do use it first. It costs nothing to try, and it is the quickest way to find the method that suits your hands and your bag.

Take your time with placement. A moment spent lining the protector up before it touches down gives you the cleanest, most invisible finish.


Applying with an Applicator Assist+

We recommend the Applicator Assist for larger or more intricate hardware. It lets you hold the protector above the hardware and check the position before anything touches down.

  1. Attach the Applicator AssistPlace the applicator assist onto the protector.
  2. Line it upUse the applicator assist to bring the protector into position over the hardware.
  3. Apply the protectorWhen you are happy with the placement, press the protector gently onto the hardware.
  4. Secure itPress down firmly so the protector attaches properly.
  5. Remove the Applicator AssistHold the protector in place while you carefully lift the applicator assist away.
  6. Smooth it outSmooth the protector down gently, working out any bubbles underneath.
  7. Leave it to settleThat is the application complete. The protectors are self-levelling, so leave them for up to seven days, during which they will become noticeably less visible.

Applying a protector using the Applicator Assist.

Applying with Placement Tabs+

We recommend Placement Tabs for hardware with raised sections, or for areas that are harder to reach such as small zips. The tabs let you get closer to the hardware for more precise placement.

  1. Attach the Placement TabsStick the placement tabs onto the protector.
  2. Line it upUse the tabs to bring the protector into position over the hardware on your handbag or accessory.
  3. Apply the protectorWhen you are happy with the placement, press the protector gently onto the hardware.
  4. Secure itPress down firmly so the protector attaches properly.
  5. Remove the tabsHold the protector in place while you carefully lift the tabs away.
  6. Smooth it outSmooth the protector down to release any bubbles trapped underneath.
  7. Leave it to settleThat is the application complete. The protectors are self-levelling, so leave them for up to seven days to settle and become less visible.

Applying a protector using Placement Tabs.

Premium Protectors: applying a new set+

Premium Protectors come as a two-layer set and are applied with the tweezers supplied, rather than with an applicator assist or tabs.

  1. Lift the set from the backingCarefully lift the new protector off the backing sheet, making sure you lift both layers together.
  2. Position itUsing the tweezers provided, hold the protector over your hardware and place it down gently.
  3. Press it downOnce you are happy with the placement, apply light pressure so it adheres fully to the hardware.
  4. Peel the top layerWhen it is secure, use the tweezers to peel away the protective top layer, leaving only the clear protector in place.

Applying a new Premium Protector using the tweezers supplied.

Premium Protectors: removing an old set+
  1. Lift the protector awayGently lift the old protector off using the tweezers supplied.
  2. Lift any residueIf there is any residue left behind, use the residue remover sticker provided to lift it away.
  3. Clean and dryBuff the area with a Cleansing Wipe if needed, then dry thoroughly with a white cloth or microfibre before applying a new protector.

Removing an old Premium Protector using the tweezers supplied.

If something does not look right+

You can still see the protector. This is normal in the first days. The protectors are self-levelling and settle over roughly seven days, becoming far less visible as they do.

There are small bubbles underneath. Smooth outwards from the centre with a fingertip. Very small bubbles often disappear on their own as the protector settles.

The placement is slightly off. If you have only pressed lightly, lift gently and reposition. If it is already pressed down firmly, use your practice protector to try again rather than forcing it.

An edge has lifted. Check the hardware underneath is clean and completely dry, then press the edge down again. Oils and residue are the usual cause.

If you are unsure at any point, send us a photo and we will happily talk you through it.

Your guidebooks cover care and protection in more detail. If you have a question about your particular handbag, please get in touch and we will be glad to help.