Installation Guide

3
IF INSTALLING OVER …
PREPARE
VINYL FLOORING
Must be noncushioned-backed and firmly
bonded.
 Utility knife to remove loose vinyl
Check for loose vinyl, gapped seams, cuts,
tears, rips, or other damage.
 Use Armstrong New Beginning® Floor Stripper &
Cleaner to remove dirt and wax buildup
 Armstrong S-194 Patch, Underlayment and
Embossing Leveler mixed with the Armstrong S-195
Underlayment Additive
 Use smooth edge trowel for applying S-194 and
S-195 mixture
 Use medium grit sandpaper or sanding block for
smoothing rough areas of the Embossing Leveler
PLYWOOD
If installing a new plywood subfloor, use APA
Underlayment Grade.
 Armstrong S-194 Patch, Underlayment and
Embossing Leveler mixed with the Armstrong S-195
Underlayment Additive
For new or existing plywood subfloors, check
for loose panels, gapped joints, knots, nail
holes, or other damage.
 Use smooth edge trowel for applying S-194 and
S-195 mixture
 Use medium grit sandpaper or sanding block for
smoothing rough areas of the Embossing Leveler
CONCRETE/CERAMIC
Must be clean, dry, and dust-free.
 Armstrong S-194 Patch, Underlayment and
Embossing Leveler mixed with the Armstrong S-195
Underlayment Additive
Check for cracks, scaling, levelness, and
other damage.
 Use Armstrong New Beginning® Floor Stripper &
Cleaner to remove dirt and wax buildup
If installing over ceramic tile, terrazzo, or
marble, ensure that the tiles are firmly
bonded.
 Use smooth edge trowel for applying S-194 and
S-195 mixture
 Use medium grit sandpaper or sanding block for
smoothing rough areas of the underlayment
3. Room Preparation and Procedure
 The flooring must be cut 3/16” to 1/4" away from all vertical surfaces such as walls, cabinets,
pipes, etc. to allow an expansion zone for seasonal movement. (This gap will be covered with
moldings or wall base.)
 Door trim, where the expansion zone cannot be covered with wall base, must be undercut to
allow for free movement of the flooring underneath.
 Moldings and wall base covering the expansion zone must be raised slightly to allow for free
movement of the flooring. The wall base should be nailed into the wall surface, not the floor
surface.
 Plan the layout for a minimum number of seams.
 Do not install over particleboard subfloors, single layer STURD-I floor panels, existing residential
tile that is below grade, any cushioned vinyl, wafer board, carpet, strip or wood or plank flooring.
 Always keep the flooring rolled face-out until ready to install.