Step 3 · Trim the Shield to Fit

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

Place the marked shield pieces on a stable, cut-safe surface like a piece of scrap plywood or a workbench. Using a sharp, heavy-duty utility knife, carefully cut along the lines you marked. For straight cuts, you can use a straightedge to guide the knife. For curved cutouts, make a series of small, careful cuts. It is always better to cut away less material initially; you can always trim more if needed after a test fit. Once the main cuts are made, use the utility knife, shears, or a file to smooth any sharp or rough edges. This is an important step to comply with the ADA requirement that surfaces be non-abrasive.