SURFACES OF SUBSTANCE

INSTALLATION Guide

CAUTION

Extra care must be taken during installation as the smooth/linen substrates are more susceptible to creasing than traditional vinyl wallcovering products. Important guidelines for contractors and suppliers - STOP & READ BEFORE INSTALLING

CAUTION: All cuts are to be done with a sharp, new blade every time. A dull blade will result in frayed edges and poor seams!

GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. If the wallcovering is installed in a manner other than that recommended by Second Empire Surfaces (SES), it is done at the sole risk of the installer and our warranty protections do not apply. Use of a permeable mold inhibiting primer product and the use of a permeable adhesive containing a mildew inhibitor is recommended.

  2. All labels shall be checked for accuracy by the installer to insure that the shipment is received as ordered. Check all roll tickets to determine if more than one run or lot of the same pattern is to be installed. Installer should have a sample of the wallcovering pattern for comparison.

  3. If no defect is evident before installation, the material should be inspected after three (3) panels are installed. If any defect is evident at this time (or any point of the installation) no further material should be applied and SES should be contacted IMMEDIATELY.

  4. With darker patterns or designs with heavy ink coverage, white lines may be visible once the wallcovering is installed. Nearly all wallcovering is printed on a white base. These white lines may be mistaken for visible seams, but they are just the edges of wallpaper. Always consult a professional installer before application to avoid any such issues.

SURFACE PREPARATION

  1. If the wallcovering is installed in a manner other than that recommended by Second Empire Surfaces (SES), it is done at the sole risk of the installer and our warranty protections do not apply. Use of a permeable mold inhibiting primer product and the use of a permeable adhesive containing a mildew inhibitor is recommended.

  2. All labels shall be checked for accuracy by the installer to insure that the shipment is received as ordered. Check all roll tickets to determine if more than one run or lot of the same pattern is to be installed. Installer should have a sample of the wallcovering pattern for comparison.

  3. If no defect is evident before installation, the material should be inspected after three (3) panels are installed. If any defect is evident at this time (or any point of the installation) no further material should be applied and SES should be contacted IMMEDIATELY.

ADHESIVE

Our wallcoverings are highly permeable and should be installed with a heavy duty adhesive and primer with mold and mildew inhibitors. For best results, we recommend a clay-based adhesive. Manufacturers such as Roman Decorating and Zinsser offer permeable adhesives and primers with advanced mold and mildew protection. Please check with these manufacturers for their latest products. Roman Eco brand primers and adhesives are recommended for compliance with NSF-342 sustainability.

ADHESIVE APPLICATION

Do not dilute adhesive. Brush an even coat of paste over entire back of wallcovering. Gently double material together and “book” material for ten minutes. Do not fold or crease booked material.

SELECTING & CUTTING

  • Before cutting, examine goods to make certain pattern color is satisfactory and as ordered. The installer should have a sample of wallcovering pattern for comparison.

  • Check all roll tickets to determine if more than one run number (lot number) of the same pattern color is to be hung.

  • Cut rolls in sequential order starting with the highest number working down to the lowest number. Make certain that run numbers are broken at the corners only. Allow for matching of repeats and trimming at ceilings and baseboards.

  • Number panels and headers as they are cut from the roll and apply to wall in same sequence.

APPLICATION

  • When installing textured or non-matched patterns, reverse hanging of alternate panels is required to ensure color continuity from strip to strip.

  • Determine whether the pattern match is random, straight across, or drop match. Measure the wall height, allowing for pattern match, add 4 inches, and then cut the wallcovering with a sharp, new blade each time. It will overlap onto the ceiling and the base approximately 2 inches.

  • Apply the recommended adhesive to the back using a paint roller. Work the adhesive in, to cover the back completely, especially near the edges. Mate each end toward the middle, pasted sides together, aligning the edges carefully so they do not dry out. CAUTION: Do not crease wallcovering. Allow to “relax” for ten minutes (booking). This will allow the adhesive to penetrate the wallcovering fabric, which is important to a successful installation.

  • With all directional patterns, it is important to line up patterns at eye level allowing any drift in lineup to run off toward ceiling and floor. The standard allowance is one quarter of an inch up or down. If pattern is lined up at the ceiling the pattern will begin misalignment sooner and the gap will be larger. Also, most patterns will be viewed at eye level therefore it is that area that needs to look aligned. If there are any questions about pattern lineup, contact supplier. Be sure first drop of wallcovering is square on wall by plumbing the wall and using a level.

  • Goods are designed to match up to 52” wide on walls depending on the pattern. WHEN INSTALLING, EXACT TRIMMING AND LINE UP OF THE PATTERN IS CRITICAL (See installation instructions specified to each design.)

  • Avoid burnishing the face of the material. Use a wallcovering brush or a plastic scraper to smooth the wallcovering onto the wall.

  • Avoid burnishing the face of the material. Use a wallcovering brush or a plastic scraper to smooth the wallcovering onto the wall.

  • Do not rub. Do not allow vinyl adhesive to dry on surface as it may leave a white residue. Wash off excess paste from face of wallcovering as you hang it with a cellulose sponge. The cellulose sponge must be rinsed in clean water after every use. Blot dry with a clean cloth.

  • Overlap the second strip over the edge of the first strip. Tape seams underneath with a low adhesion painter’s tape before overlapping and double cutting with a sharp, new blade to avoid getting adhesive on the wallcovering. If paste does get on the vinyl, clean it off immediately with clean warm water and blot dry with a clean lint less towel. Use a soft bristle brush to wash the ceiling and the baseboard to remove any paste residue. Do not leave any overlap on the seams since product will not adhere to itself. *Seams should be vertical, have a tight fit, and be free from air and paste bubbles. Seams should not be located closer than 6” to corners.

  • After three panels are smoothed to wall surface and excess paste removed, examine the installed panels for color uniformity. Any objectionable variations in color match, pattern match, etc. should be immediately communicated to your sales representative for inspection before proceeding further with installation.

  • After installation, the walls and wallcovering should be monitored for potential moisture or vapor infiltration or accumulation. Any such infiltration/accumulation after installation must be promptly eliminated in order to reduce the risk of mold/mildew growth.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Ordinary dirt and smudges can be removed with a mild soap and warm water. Clean from bottom of wall upward. Rinse thoroughly with clean water from the top down using a sponge. Dry wallcovering with a soft lint free cloth or towel. Not recommended for cleaning are steel wool or powdered abrasive because they mark the surface leaving an unsightly appearance. DO NOT use active solvent type cleaning preparations, such as nail polish remover, etc. They will remove print, and/or finish from the wallcovering.

Care should be taken that water dripping down the wall does not run behind the floor molding. The molding can be discolored and/or permanently damaged. All stains should be attempted to be removed with soap and water first. Isopropyl alcohol may set some stains that soap and water may remove.

DREAMGUARD PROTEX 3

For added protection, we recommend applying DreamGuard Protex 3. DreamGuard Protex 3 is water based, non-hazardous liquid topcoat available in a satin finish. It is specially formulated to protect against surface scratches and abrasions. DreamGuard is easily applied with a common ¼” nap paint roller and dries to a clear finish.

Be advised that this document and the information contained within are subject to change at any time without notice. Please contact Second Empire Surfaces directly if you have any questions or concerns.