Installation Guide

DETERMINE INSTALLATION
TECHNIQUE
The overall size, the subfloor construction and the complexity of
the job site all influence the best installation technique to use with
SoftStep Plus.
Loose Lay/ Floating (no glue)
The loose lay technique is really only practical when the work area is
less than 12’ wide and there are no seams required in the flooring. The
loose lay technique should not be used if the work area is complex
with center islands or multiple alcoves and closets. The loose lay
system can be used over many types of substrates that would not
be acceptable when the flooring product is adhered to the subfloor.
When employing the loose lay technique the flooring product must
be trimmed back approximately ¼” from all fixed vertical surfaces
(this gap will be covered with wall base or quarter round) so that it
lays completely flat with no “pinch points” or fullness.
Releasable Bond Fully Adhered (using
pressure sensitive releasable adhesive)
Thefullyadhered“ReleasableBond”optionisviableoverconcrete
and most wood panel substrates in use in climate controlled,
occupied, existing homes. (Unconditioned wood panel substrates are
not dimensionally stable and are subject to too much movement) To
achievea“ReleasableBond”theappropriateadhesiveisappliedover
the substrate with a
3
/
8
” nap paint roller and allowed to dry before
positioning SoftStep Plus into the adhesive. The flooring is then
positioned into the dry adhesive and smoothed out with the use of
aclean,softbristlepushbroom.Becauseofthethin,dryadhesive
film this method can be used with many types of substrates including
clean, lightly embossed existing resilient flooring without the use of
alevelerandoverclean,dryandsmoothOSBsubstrateswithout
extraordinary floor prep. The coverage rate of the adhesive will be
increased to approximately 300 sq. ft. per gallon when applied with a
paint roller.
Permanent Bond Fully Adhered
Thefullyadhered“PermanentBond”optionisthemostsecureandis
the best option if there is heavy foot or rolling traffic or if the layout is
cut-upandcomplicated..BecausethePermanentBondisachieved
by placing SoftStep Plus into tacky-wet adhesive applied with a
1/
16
” x
1/
32
” x
1/
32
” notched trowel the substrate must be smooth and have
sufficient porosity to receive the adhesive. In most cases this requires
the use of an appropriate underlayment over wood substrates, that
the concrete surface is smoothed using an appropriate Portland
cement patching compound Additionally, SoftStep Plus must be
rolled in both directions with a 50 lb. (or heavier) three section floor
roller.
CUTTING & FITTING
Regardless of the installation technique used SoftStep Plus must be
cut to fit the work area. This can be accomplished using free-hand
knifing, pattern scribing or direct scribing techniques. The material
is flexible and will handle easily when cutting and trimming. Avoid
creasing or kinking the material during handling and layout; always
fold the material in a wide radius.
One Piece Installation
Remove any quarter round, shoe base or wall base and undercut any
doorways.
Thoroughly clean the subfloor, sweep or vacuum to remove all dust
and debris.
When the free-hand knifing technique is used, precut the floor
covering to fit the area, allowing 2” to 4” extra length and width for
fitting. Position the sheet squarely in the room. Allowing enough
material to drop into offsets, alcoves and closets; make relief cuts on
all inside and outside corners. Using a sharp flooring knife trim the
vinyl to lay flat.
When pattern scribing a paper template is made of the work area
and then transferred to the sheet flooring product. This is the most
precise method of fitting sheet vinyl into a room.
If the loose lay technique is to be used, make certain the sheet vinyl
is positioned squarely in the room and laying flat ¼” short of any
fixed vertical surfaces. Take care to fasten the wall trim into the wall
and not into the flooring material.
If either of the fully adhered techniques are used, the material is
folded back to expose half of the subfloor. Apply the adhesive as
required and gently place the material into the adhesive. Roll or
broom as required. Gently fold back the other half of the flooring
product and apply the adhesive. Position the sheet into the adhesive
and roll or broom as required.
Replace wall base or trim.
Seamed Installation
Beforepositioningtheresilientsheetintotheroomdeterminethe
best possible placement for the seam. If at all possible position the
seam out of the main traffic flow. Position the main sheet into the
room and determine the length of the second sheet or “fill” piece by
taking into account the overall pattern match of the floor covering
design.
The pattern match is determined by measuring from one design
element to the next identical design element. The pattern match can
be found on the sample or at the point of sale. Position the second
sheet next to and slightly over top of the first sheet to align the
pattern match.
Seams in SoftStep Plus should be cut using the double cut method.
When double cutting the seam a steel straightedge is positioned over
the top grout line or prevalent design element and both sheets are cut
at the same time using a sharp utility knife. This produces a uniformly
wide “grout line” and a net seam cut without gaps or fullness. Once
the seam is cut the adhesive can be applied as required. Treat the
seam cut with the appropriate seam adhesive/ sealer.
FINISHING & MAINTENANCE
Molding and Base Installation
Protect all exposed edges of the SoftStep Plus with trim or restrictive
molding.
• Alwaysusemoldingsandtransitionstripsoverproductedges
• Nailwoodmoldingsintothewallandnotintotheooring
• Usetransitionstripswherethesheetvinylmeetsdifferenttypes
of floor coverings and at doorways
• Applyabeadofsiliconecaulkatbathtubs,showerstalls,toilets
and patio doors
Cleanup & Maintenance
Remove any adhesive smears with a clean cloth dampened with
mineral spirits.
If adhesive was used, do not flood the flooring with wash water
particularly in the first 48 hours.
Use walk off mats at doorways and entrances.
Use a mild neutral floor cleaner for cleaning.
Do not apply mop & shine type treatments.
For more information
Please see our installation video on YouTube.com for more
installation tips or contact us for further information.
(keywords: stainmaster resilient flooring).
1-877-762-4911, option 5 (sheet vinyl) • STAINMASTER.com
STAINMASTER and the STAINMASTER family of marks are registered trademarks of INVISTA used under license.
STAINMASTER
™
resilient flooring
SoftStep Plus Collection
Installation Instructions