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Installing Cork Flooring Yourself
To install cork flooring yourself you will require the following tools and supplies: Chalk Line with Chalk 25' Tape Measure
Framing Square
Utility Knife
Pack of Extra Blades for Utility Knife
Rubber Mallet
Painters Stick
Deep Dish Paint Pan
4" Utility Paint Brush
9" Paint Roller Handle
9" Wide - 3/8" (med.) Nap Foam Paint Roller
9" Shurline-style Paint Pad (for finish) It is important to let the cork tiles properly acclimate for a minimal of 72 hours
before you install tem. Therefore, open the boxes in the room or area where you
are going to install the tiles and remove them from the boxes. To prevent accidentally
cutting any tiles, carefully cut down opposite corners of the boxes, then lift out
the tiles, carefully as not to break the corners. So that you will have a more
blended look, you should shuffle or blend the tiles. If for any reason the tiles
do not look right to you or if you any concerns about them, do not install the tiles.
Once you have installed the tile, this signifies acceptance of them. Before you begin, the substrate (subfloor) must be smooth and free of dirt, waxes,
polish, old adhesives, paint, and cracks, holes, and voids as well as any bumps
and seams as these will telegraph through the tiles. Do not apply cork tiles over
gypsum-based surfaces, patches, or underlayment. Gypsum-based materials have a
low compression strength and will deteriorate under when exposure to moisture, water,
and vapor. To properly level or patch the subfloor, we recommend that you use self-leveling
cement. Your next step is to layout your pattern, using a chalk line for your guide. Then
apply the adhesive around the perimeter of the room using the 4" utility paint
brush, making sure that you brush the adhesive close to the inside corner. Don't
worry if you should hit the wall with some adhesive as you can simply wipe it off
with a moist towel or rag if it is still wet. If the adhesive is dry then simply
rub off. Never use any thinners or removers. Next using the 9" paint roller handle and 9" wide - 3/8" (med.) nap
foam paint roller, apply the adhesive to the substrate. Do not worry about covering
your chalk lines, as the adhesive will dry clear. Depending on the humidity, the adhesive will be within a half hour. The adhesive
will turn clear and be tacky to the touch. Make sure that the adhesive has reached
this state before continuing. When the adhesive has dried, carefully position the
first tile edge against the chalk line. NOTE: Once the tiles come into contact with the adhesive, the tiles will adhere
to the substrate. If you've made a mistake or positioned the tile incorrectly,
carefully and slowly peel up the cork tile. You may need the aid of a putty knife
to cut the adhesive free from the substrate and or tile. Once you have removed
the tile, you will need to reapply the adhesive to this area. After you have the first cork tile in place, align the next tile to the edges of
the first tile and firmly press the tile. It is vital that you pay close attention
to how you place the tiles as not to get your alignment off. It may be necessary
to compression fit each tile, in order to stay in alignment. As you progress, you
will have to knock the tile in place using the rubber mallet to ensure contact,
predominantly around the edges and corners of the tiles. You will also have to
'hammer' the tiles with the mallet to guarantee for positive contact with the substrate
and tile. When you get close to the edge or around corners, you can cut the tiles
using the utility knife. NOTE: Change the blades often. Never place a tile on top of another tile to cut. Do not walk on the dry adhesive as this will coat the adhesive with dirt and inhibit
it from effectively holding the tiles. Finishing: After you have installed all of the tiles, the next step is to apply the topcoat.
Carefully vacuum all of the tiles and seams, clean each tile and seam with a very
dry sponge, or mop ensuring that you remove all adhesive, which has overflowed in
the seams. The purpose of the final topcoat is to protect the underlying adhesive
from water. Apply the finish with a 3/8" foam roller. However, for the best results, you
should use a pull foam applicator, which will prevent the formation of air bubbles.
A Shureline 9" applicator pad works very well for this process. 1.Apply a thick coat of finish using a single pass motion. DO NOT apply the finish
in a back and forth motion. Always apply the finish in the same direction. 2.Allow the finish to dry for a minimal of 4 hours before walking on it WITHOUT
shoes. Allow a minimal of 24 hours before you walk on the tiles with shoes. Do
not walk on the tiles for approximately 1 week with rubber-soled shoes such as tennis
shoes as this may cause smudging. The topcoat takes approximately 8 day to achieve
final hardness depending on humidity. 3.You must wait at least 2-weeks before washing the floor.
Tips on Cork:
To minimize the effects of the cork tiles contracting, which is normal, use a water-based
stain and stain the subfloor similar to the color of the tiles. DO NOT PAINT the
subfloor and DO NOT use an oil-based stain. Because cork is a natural wood product, you will have a slight variation in shades
and pattern. Therefore, before you begin shuffle the tiles to guarantee that the
color variations are randomly placed throughout the floor. Never use an abrasive, oil, or ammonia-based cleaning product on your cork floors,
as these items will ruin your flooring. Regularly vacuum, sweep, dry or damp mop your cork floors. Never wet mop your cork
floors. If you must clean your cork floors, use a ph-balanced detergent such as Liquid Joy
or another mild soap and then damp mop only to remove stubborn dirt for the surface. Reapply a fresh coat of topcoat every 9-12 months, however, frequency depends on
the amount of traffic.
, Simply Cork Flooring.com |
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