SURFACES OF SUBSTANCE
INSTALLATION Guide
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wallcovering panels are trimmed to 52” wide, plus a double-cut area of 0.3” on either side. All wallcoverings, including murals, will be a straight match unless otherwise specified. Each panel has 4” added to the ordered length to ensure proper pattern alignment and trimming at ceilings and baseboards.
All cuts are to be done with a sharp, new blade every time. A dull blade will result in frayed edges and poor seams.
Extra care must be taken during installation as the smooth/linen substrates are more susceptible to creasing than traditional vinyl wallcovering products.
With darker patterns or designs with heavy ink coverage, white lines or seams may be visible once the wallcovering is installed. Always consult a professional installer before application to avoid and/or fix any such issues.
All products are to be checked for accuracy by the customer to ensure that the shipment is received as ordered. If any defect is evident prior to installation, material should not be applied, and SES should be contacted IMMEDIATELY.
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 customer. Use of a permeable mold inhibiting primer product and the use of a permeable adhesive containing a mildew inhibitor is recommended.
SES products are covered under warranty for ONE YEAR from purchase date if they are installed according to our guidelines. If the customer fails to properly follow installation guidelines, the product warranty will be void.
SURFACE PREPARATION
All hanging surfaces must be clean, smooth, dry, undamaged, free of mold, mildew, grease or stains, and structurally intact. All loose paint and other wallcoverings should be removed. If moisture is present, immediately identify and eliminate the source(s) of the moisture and verify that all wall surfaces are completely dry before proceeding.
Any mold or mildew MUST be removed from walls and hanging surfaces prior to installation. Walls should not contain in excess of 4% residual moisture content. A moisture meter should be used to determine moisture content. Moisture infiltration and accumulation can lead to mold or mildew growth and must be corrected PRIOR to the installation of the wallcovering. If you are unsure if moisture problems are present, consult a qualified professional before proceeding. This product is intended for use in buildings that are properly designed and maintained to avoid moisture infiltration, condensation and or accumulation at wall cavities and wall surfaces, particularly in warm, humid climates. Walls should also be treated with bleach, Lysol and/or other approved, mildew –inhibiting products in order to inhibit further mildew growth. SES will not be responsible for any performance and/or quality issues if moisture problems are not addressed before installation, and/or if the building is not properly maintained to prevent moisture infiltration following installation.
Proper surface preparation is key to getting great results. To prepare the surface properly, we recommend that you prime all surfaces with a permeable, mold inhibiting wallcovering primer.
Use only a lead pencil for marking walls and back of wallcovering. Do not use ballpoint or marking pen, as they may bleed through the surface.
Do not install wallcovering unless a temperature above 65° Fahrenheit is maintained in both areas of installation and storage for at least 48 hours prior to installation.
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.
WALLCOVERING APPLICATION & TRIMMING
With all directional patterns, it is important to line up panels at eye level, allowing any drift in pattern alignment to run off toward ceiling and floor. If panel is lined up at the ceiling the pattern will begin misalignment sooner and the gap will be larger. Most wallcoverings will be viewed at eye level, therefore it is that area that needs to look aligned. Ensure that the first drop of wallcovering is square on wall by plumbing the wall and using a level.
Do not dilute adhesive. Brush an even coat over entire back of wallcovering using a paint roller. 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. Allow to “relax” for ten minutes. This is called “booking” and will allow the adhesive to fully penetrate the wallcovering fabric. CAUTION: Do not crease wallcovering during the booking process.
Use a wallcovering brush or a plastic scraper to smooth the wallcovering onto the wall. Avoid burnishing the face of the material.
Wallcovering panels are trimmed to 52”, plus a double-cut area of 0.3” on either side. The overlapping area is to be trimmed using the “double-cut” method unless otherwise advised by a professional installer. Double-cutting wallpaper is when you overlap wallpaper at the seams and then make a vertical cut down the middle, with a knife, through both layers of wallpaper. Once you remove the scraps and smooth the wallpaper back down on the wall, it should create a continuous image. 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. EXACT TRIMMING AND LINE UP OF THE PATTERN IS CRITICAL.
Do not allow adhesive to dry on surface as it may leave a 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. Use a soft bristle brush to wash the ceiling and the baseboard to remove any paste residue.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
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 and mildew growth.
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.
Be advised that this document and the information contained within are subject to change at any time without notice.
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