Adhesives

Adhesive plays a major factor in the success of laying/hanging a floor or wall covering. The adhesive must, therefore, be chosen with care, taking into account the climatic conditions, the nature of the substrate and the backing of the covering.

• Type of adhesives
• Storage of adhesives
• Application of the adhesive
• Open time
• Drying time
• Coverage
• Rolling

• The type of adhesives vary according to:
  Climatic conditions:
  - Emulsion adhesive must be protected from frost
  - Adhesives in solvents are inflammable
  - The area where the adhesive is to be applied should be well ventilated
  - The application of an adhesive may only be carried out in moderate temperatures (minimum +18°C or as recommended
  by the manufacturer)
  
  The nature of the backing of the covering:
  - For vinyl floorcoverings with PVC backing, use an emulsion or dispersion acrylic adhesive
  - For floorcoverings with woven, action back or non-woven synthetic (BL backing) backing, use an emulsion or dispersion acrylic adhesive
  - For conductive vinyl floor coverings, use a conductive adhesive
  - For textile wallcoverings with paper backing, use a vinyl or acrylic adhesive
  - For vinyl wallcoverings, use an acrylic adhesive

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• Storage of adhesives:
  Adhesives with a dispersion base must be stored in a frost-free environment at a temperature below 30°C.
  

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• Application of the adhesive:
  Temperature of use:
  Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for temperature of use.
  
  Preparation of the adhesive prior to application:
  The adhesive must be thoroughly mixed prior to use.
  
  Applying the adhesive:
  The adhesive must be applied evenly, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, observing the manufacturer’s rate of coverage.
  The adhesive is normally applied with a suitably toothed trowel (check regularly for wear).
  Other methods of application require appropriate technical equipment (rollers, compressed air pistol etc).
• 
  
  If the recommended quantity of adhesive is not applied, the adhesive will be incapable of holding the material in
  place.
  If insufficient time is allowed for water or solvent to evaporate, there is a risk of trapping water or solvent, which may
  lead to blistering and de-bonding.
  

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  Tarkett floor and wall products are regularly subjected to testing by adhesive manufacturers to ensure their compatibility. Any subsequent adhesive recommendations are the sole responsibility of the adhesive manufacturers.

• Open time:
  The open time covers two phases:
  - The evaporation time: The period of time taken for the water or solvents to largely evaporate, allowing the adhesive to become sufficiently cohesive to hold the covering. This evaporation time varies depending on the porosity of the substrate and the local climatic conditions (temperature, humidity).
  
  - The working time: The period of time when the adhesive is still active enough to allow the covering to bond to the substrate when rolled.
  

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• Drying time:
  
  The covering may only be put into normal use and furniture installed after the adhesive has set completely. The setting/ drying time varies between 24 and 48 hours, depending on the type of adhesive used.
  If the covering is put into normal use before the adhesive is completely set, a load bearing weight on the covering can lead to an irreversible imprint.
  

  
  
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• Coverage:
  For acrylic emulsions or dispersions and for alcoholic solutions, the coverage varies between 250 and 350 g/m2 (some adhesive manufactures quote coverage in m2 only), depending on the type of covering, trowel used and the condition of the substrate.
  

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• Rolling:
  Rolling presses the backing of the covering into the adhesive and also ensures that no air pockets are present which would cause blistering at a later stage.
  The covering should be rolled from the centre of the sheets installed, working to the edges.
  After cutting the joins, the covering should be given a final roll over the entire surface using an appropriate roller for compact vinyl floorcoverings and linoleum (68 kg).

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