Greetings!
Looking back on the questions we get asked regularly, I see a lot of them are on the support items that go with our media.
What type of adhesives to use?
Do I need a backer material?
What do we recommend?
Our materials can be used in so many different ways, I often forget how confusing it can be. We have tried and seen most all the ideas out there, or it seems anyway. We do know the answers, you just have to ask. There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel. “We got you covered”!
Back Tract: is a peel and stick PVC material designed to reduce slip on free lay mat products. Best suited for tile applications, it can also be used on carpets. Applied to the bottom side of graphic it both protects the ink layer from scratching and water and increases slip resistance.
Carpet: is always a tough one. Even though Back Tract does a good job it can still allow the mat to move. On shorter nap carpets we recommend the hook side of Velcro. Small strips mounted on the bottom will dig in and grab the carpet holding the mat in place. Another option would be good old carpet tape on the bottom.
Peel and Stick: For short term applications, use an intermediate tack mounting adhesive. It’s good practice to choose an aqueous based adhesive, not rubber or solvent. Acrylic adhesive is also necessary when working with PVC. Although most are, be sure your adhesive is plasticizer resistant as well. As your term of application increases or if challenging environments are involved, increase the strength of your adhesive. Please keep in mind, sensitive finishes (like hardwood floors) need a light tack adhesive. BILD™ Print Media is heavy enough and strong enough to stay in place and last like no other.
Permanent Install: This topic on permanent install is important. If you have an install job we do recommend using a qualified sheet vinyl installer. We have a few recommendations around the country so let us know and we’ll help you source the right person for the job. For permanent installs, you must use a top-quality adhesive. If the subfloor is wood, be certain it is solid and dry. Fully cured, and dated concrete is best. Fresh poured cement must be no less than 12 weeks old. A moisture and alkaline test will be necessary as well. Here’s a good article to help describe how to test if your concrete is ready to receive resilient flooring. https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/83592-concrete-when-do-you-know-its-dry
We need to be sure to protect ink layer from excessive hydrostatic vapor pressure (water) and alkalinity from cement. A vapor barrier may be recommended in sensitive areas. BILD™ Print Media is by far the best option for long lasting permanent graphics that will handle the millions of people for years to come. If you would like to learn how to install BILD ™Print Media, we can train you as well.
Edge trims/transition strips: Many people like to add edge trim to their mats and/or floor transitions. We do offer a few selections from BLT, however we don’t recommend them very often because you can print the border in the graphic floor. Edge transitions are not used to identify trip hazards but an identifier of the edge of the mat or floor. Save the dollars, bevel cut on your Zund and you’re good to go!
Seam Tapes: For free lay multi-panel jobs we recommend our white nylon seam tape to join multiple mats. This unique tape is designed not to tear or give up on you. Waterproof, with aggressive hold, we can assure the bond will be strong and tight. With free lay multi-mat installs, we recommend carpet tape around border of the flooring.
Seam Welding: Seams can also be joined for permanent applications in two different ways. One is a chemical weld. Basically, a super glue for vinyl flooring. Simple and quick for medium term installs. The other option is a heat welded seam. The seam is grooved, and a clear filler material is melted to join the seams. This is a long-term solution but is noticeable in finished graphic.
When looking at your projects just be sure to ask yourself some basic questions. How long, where is it installed, and will it be moved? We are here to answer any of your questions and guide your way to profitable endeavors with BILD.
Cheers,
Bill
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