Applying Trumatch Veneers Products with
Contact Cement
Please read carefully before starting!
IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INSTALLER TO TEST AND DECIDE IF THE SUBSTRATES ARE SUITABLE FOR THE APPLICATION.
Adhesive
- Apply adhesive in a smooth solid coat
- Apply full wet coat over 100% of both surfaces
- Apply two coats on any porous substrates
- Honor all working times set by adhesive manufacturer
- Check with your adhesive manufacturer before using PVA adhesive with Trumatch® products
- Sand the back of Trumatch® to enhance the bond of PVA adhesives
Substrates
Do not attempt to apply Trumatch® products to the following substrates:
- Sheet rock, or drywall
- Any exterior surface
- Plastic laminate or melamine board unless correctly prepared
- Spiral wound cardboard tubes unless correctly prepared
- Apply two coats of contact adhesive to porous substrates
Application
- Always use the centerline technique to start application
- Acclimate the Trumatch® products and the substrate before application
Pressure
You must apply all possible pressure with a narrow, rigid scraper.
- Do not use J-Rollers
- Do not use hammer blocks
- Scrape twice
Wood is susceptible to expansion when exposed to moisture. As a result, weaker adhesive bonds may cause Trumatch® products to expand, leading to the formation of ridges or blisters. Trumatch International provides these application guidelines based on our extensive experience with this product. Please note that due to varying application procedures and environmental conditions, this information is offered as a suggestion and is not subject to any obligations or warranties. We strongly encourage thorough testing of the Trumatch products, along with any adhesives and finishing materials, prior to their final application. Trumatch International guarantees the quality of our products; however, we cannot oversee their use or processing. Therefore, the responsibility for application rests solely with the user. In the event of any claims, Trumatch International’s liability shall not exceed the purchase price of the Trumatch products obtained from Trumatch International or an authorized distributor.
How To Apply Trumatch Veneers Products with Contact Cement
Step 1: Tools & Supplies
Do not use J-Rollers or hammer blocks, even though you may use them with high-pressure plastic laminates
Attain a stiff- edged scraper, or the equivalent
Many readily available contact adhesives work well with Trumatch veneer products. Both solvent-based and water-based adhesives are acceptable. We recommend using a roller-grade adhesive and following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely
Have on hand a supply of bare, 1/8″ hardboard separator strips. The separators need to be long enough, and enough of them to completely cover the area coated with contact adhesive. Two separators, half the width of the substrate, may be used, but using multiple separators about 6″ wide will make it easier to slip and remove them as you make contact across the panel
Contact adhesive adheres on contact. Do not attempt to install your Trumatch products without separator strips
Step 2: Veneer & Substrate Preparation
- Acclimate substrates and Trumatch® products for 48 hours
- Determine how many coats of adhesive the substrate will require
- Porous substrates will require two coats
- Lay out Trumatch® products and allow them to relax
- Boards or panels may be used to flatten sheets showing any curl
Coat both the substrate and the back of Trumatch® products with a smooth layer of contact adhesive. We recommend rolling. If adhesive is sprayed, it must coat 100% of both surfaces. Make sure you honor the manufacturer’s instructions concerning open time
Adhesive coverage is the key element in the successful application of Trumatch® products. Example of inadequate adhesive coverage:
Some fullness or curl is normal in Trumatch® products. Fully acclimating sheets under weight will reduce this situation. Because tight grain woods such as Maple are most susceptible to curl caused by moisture, they will require close attention. When covering large panels, use the centerline method outlined below.
Step 3: Veneer Applications
Apply Trumatch® products to the substrate
Do not attempt to start on one edge of a wide panel. Use the centerline method of applying the sheet to the substrate
- Lay out separator strips on substrate
- Make initial contact down the centerline of the sheet and substrate
- Grasp the East half of the sheet and pull it taut to remove any fullness
- Lower the tightly stretched sheet and move the separator strip away from the centerline
- Using the Trumatch® tool, scrape the contacted area to harden the two adhesive surfaces
- Repeat the process for the West half
- Using your body weight and both hands to exert maximum pressure through the Trumatch® product into the adhesive, scrape the entire panel again with the Trumatch® scraper
The Trumatch® scraper is designed for joining surfaces with contact adhesive. The edges are square-cut. Do not relieve these edges by rounding them. The square edges ensure maximum pressure for the best possible bond
Step 4: Inspection & Finishing
Inspect the panel by shining a light across the grain. Ensure that any problems are corrected before proceeding
Types of bond problems:
- Ridges: Ridges occur as a result of insufficient adhesive coverage or failure to adhere to the manufacturer’s specified drying time for the adhesive. An adhesive that is not dry allows the veneer to expand across the grain to form ridges in the grain direction, and generally all across the face. Allow adhesive to fully dry. The presence of adhesive residues resembling “legs” upon removing the sheet from the substrate indicates that the adhesive was not fully cured before the bonding process
- Bubbles: Bubbles occur as a result of a lack of adhesive or insufficient pressure applied during application. Using J-rollers will generally result in bubbles. Utilize the Trumatch® scraper to establish a secure bond. Ensure that your strokes overlap for optimal results. Be aware that finishing materials or high-moisture environments may cause the veneer to expand. In instances where marginal bonding occurs, you may observe the formation of blisters. To address this, carefully slit the blister to assess the adhesive coverage beneath. It is possible to repair bubbling, so make the incision in the direction of the grain and apply heat using a warm iron to reactivate the adhesive. However, if the adhesive coverage is insufficient, the bubble will not adhere properly
- Ironing bubbles: When using an iron to repair bubbles in veneer, it is advisable to place a sheet of Kraft paper between the iron and the veneer to prevent scorching. Additionally, ensure that the iron is kept in motion during the process.
- Sanding: The face veneer on Trumatch® products is designed to be thin and typically does not require sanding. Any sanding may risk compromising the veneer’s integrity. If sanding is necessary, please refrain from using any grit coarser than 220. It is recommended to utilize only a single thickness of sandpaper, applying it gently with your fingertips
- Finishing: Most finishing materials are suitable for use on Trumatch® products. It is, however, very important that all finishing materials be tested for appropriate results. Water-based finishes can lead to the expansion of the veneer. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the bonding process is executed with precision
- Touch up: Fillers such as Star, Mohawk, and Foam wood can be utilized to address minor imperfections on the surface of Trumatch® products. For optimal results, it is recommended to thin these fillers with lacquer thinner until they achieve a syrup-like consistency and to sand them while they are still wet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Contact Cement
Contact cement is a versatile adhesive that is widely used in various applications due to its strong bonding capabilities and quick-drying nature. Below are frequently asked questions about contact cement.
Q. What is contact cement?
A. Contact cement is an adhesive that is applied to both surfaces being bonded. Once the cement is dry, the surfaces can be pressed together to create an immediate bond. It is commonly used for materials like wood, laminate, and fabric.
Q. How do you apply contact cement?
A. To apply contact cement, first ensure that the surfaces are clean and dry. Use a brush or roller to spread a thin, even layer of cement on both surfaces. Allow the cement to dry as directed on the label, usually ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, before carefully aligning and pressing the surfaces together.
Q. Can contact cement be used on any material?
A. While contact cement is excellent for bonding porous materials like wood, fabric, and paper, it may not be suitable for all applications. It may not work well on certain plastics or metals without proper surface preparation. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for compatibility.
Q. How long does contact cement take to dry?
A. Contact cement typically dries quickly, often within 15 to 30 minutes. However, full curing time can vary, and it is advisable to wait at least 24 hours for the best bond strength before subjecting the adhered surfaces to stress.
Q. Is contact cement waterproof?
A. Many brands of contact cement are water-resistant, but not all are fully waterproof. For projects exposed to significant moisture or outdoor conditions, it’s essential to choose a product specifically labeled as waterproof or to use a sealant.
Q. How do you remove contact cement?
A. To remove contact cement, mechanical methods like sanding or scraping may be necessary. For smaller areas, a solvent such as acetone can help dissolve the adhesive, but care should be taken to protect the underlying surfaces.
Q. What safety precautions should be taken when using contact cement?
A. Users should always work in a well-ventilated area when using contact cement, as the fumes can be harmful. Wearing gloves and protective eyewear is also advisable to prevent skin and eye irritation.
Q. Can you reposition materials once they’ve been bonded with contact cement?
A. Once surfaces are pressed together with contact cement, they cannot be repositioned. The adhesive sets quickly, creating a strong bond immediately upon contact. Therefore, careful alignment is crucial during application.
Q. Where can you buy contact cement?
A. Contact cement is available at most hardware stores, craft stores, and online retailers. Various brands may offer specific formulations tailored for different applications, so it’s important to choose one that suits your project needs.
By providing these FAQs, individuals can gain a better understanding of contact cement, ensuring they use the product effectively and safely for their adhesive needs.