3M Company StrataMax - Manual (Page 4)

Use a sharp utility knife with a straightedge as a guide to double-cut through both pieces of
material. Most patterns will have a grout line where the seam should be cut. Hold the knife blade
vertical, at a 90 degree
angle to the floor when cutting the seam, to ensure a straight, clean cut.
Fold back one side of the cut seam and remove the scrap material and selvage. Mark a pencil
line on the substrate along the seam to be used as a reference for positioning the acrylic double-
face tape. Install the acrylic double-face tape centering it under the seam. Use a hand roller or
clean cloth to press it against the substrate. Peel the release layer off of the tape and begin to
carefully reposition the two sides of the seam on top of the tape. (On long seams it may be easier
to just remove a portion of the release layer at a time until you are sure the seam is falling back
into position properly.) When both sides of the seam are properly positioned on top of the tape,
use a hand roller to ensure a complete bond.
Use only acrylic double-faced tape intended for use with vinyl flooring. Ordinary carpet tapes may
"read" through and also cause vinyl discoloration.
Seams must be coated using the S-564 Low Gloss Seam Coating Kit at the completion of the
installation. Follow directions included in the kit and protect the coating from traffic until cured.
Note: Stratamax flooring can also be installed as a traditional, fully adhered floor using S-288
Residential Flooring Adhesive. Do not use fully adhered method directly over single-layer
wood subfloor systems. S-288 is applied with the fine notching of an Armstrong trowel having
notches 1/32" deep x 1/16" wide x 5/64" apart. Over nonporous surfaces such as existing
resilient flooring and embossing levelers, allow enough open time for the adhesive to dry until
tacky with no transfer to the finger (Dry-to-Touch) before placing the flooring into it. Over porous
surfaces such as concrete and wood, allow the adhesive enough time to thicken slightly but not
to become completely dry to the touch.
Finishing the Installation
Replace moldings and install vinyl wall base as needed. Leave a slight clearance between the
flooring and the bottom of the molding. Nail molding into the wall, not into the floor.
When replacing appliances, or whenever moving heavy furniture over the flooring, place a wood
panel under the object. Without moving the panel, slide or roll the object over it. Follow with
additional panels as needed. This prevents scratches, tears or buckling of the flooring material.
Care and Maintenance Instructions
Proper care and maintenance will help ensure your floor always looks its best. Simply follow our
maintenance and prevention steps outlined below.
Immediately After Installation
• For 8 hours after seam application, protect the sealed seams on your flooring.
This will ensure proper seam bond. If your seams are disturbed before they're
dry, permanent damage may result.
Proactive Protection for Your Floor