This is a guide only and subject to change without prior notice
Installation Guide
Acclimatisation of material before installation
Remove material from packaging, spread out and allow to
condition in room where installation is to take place at a
constant temperature of 18°-26° for a period of 24 hours prior
to installation. This temperature should be maintained during
installation, and for a 24 hour period after installation.
Sub-floors
Karndean products must only be laid on sub-floors where the
moisture level does not exceed 75%RH when tested with a
hygrometer in accordance with BS8203-4; 2001 (Installation of
resilient floor coverings). Where readings above 75%RH are
recorded it would be necessary to install a surface DPM (damp
proof membrane), this applies to both new and old floors.
Concrete/Sand Cement Screeds (New)
For new concrete floors below 75%RH, i.e. dry, clean the floor
to remove contamination (paint, plaster, etc.) prime the floor with
Neoprene or PVA primer, and apply a minimum 3mm of smoothing
underlayment. For readings above 75%RH consult Karndean
International for information relating to surface DPM requirements.
Concrete/Sand Cement Screeds (Old/Refurbishment)
With readings below 75%RH old floor covering and adhesive
residues must be removed, the surface primed with Neoprene
or PVA primer and a minimum 3mm of smoothing underlayment
applied. Readings above 75%RH consult Karndean International
for information relating to surface DPM requirements.
Power Floated Concrete
If readings with hygrometer are below 75%RH dense power
floated floors would require abrasion prior to the application of
a smoothing compound. (Abrasion can be either scarification or
light shot blasting). For readings above 75%RH the surface
would still require abrasion before applying a surface DPM.
Quarry Tile/Mosaic/Terrazzo/Ceramics
After testing for dampness, if dry de-grease, rinse and abrade
to provide key for a 3mm layer of smoothing compound.
If after testing dampness is apparent, consult Karndean
International.
Asphalt
Asphalt should be de-greased and the surface rinsed with clear
water. The surface should then be primed with neat Neoprene or
Epoxy primer, allowed to dry and a minimum 3mm smoothing
underlayment applied.
Timber Floors
Tongue and groove
Floorboards should be well secured, loose boards firmly
fastened, worn/broken boards replaced, undulations filled with
a suitable smoothing compound prior to overlaying with 6mm
ply, primed with diluted Neoprene or PVA primer.
Chipboard/MDF/Floating Floors/Weyrock
Overlay with 6mm ply fastened at 150mm centres and primed
with diluted Neoprene or PVA primer.
Wood Mosaic Panel, Woodblock, Woodstrip
Remove any of these products if laid direct to
earth/bitumen/pitch, these should not be overlaid with an
impervious vinyl.
Plywood Floors
Should be primed with diluted Neoprene or PVA primer and laid
directly onto.
Other Floors
Metal Floors
Consult Karndean International.
Painted Floors
Remove all paint back to original base and apply a smoothing
compound to a minimum thickness of 3mm.
Cork
Uplift, remove adhesive residue and apply a smoothing
compound to a minimum thickness of 3mm.
Miscellaneous floors
Including Magnecite, Granwood, Anhydrite -– consult Karndean
International.
Existing Floorcoverings (Linoleum, PVC, Thermoplastic)
Remove existing floorcovering and all traces of adhesive
residues, apply a smoothing compound to a minimum thickness
of 3mm.
Underfloor Heating
It is possible to install Karndean over floors incorporating
underfloor heating, but these must be insulated to ensure the
surface temperature does not exceed 27°C (80°F). The
underfloor heating must be switched off 48 hours before, during,
and 48 hours following the installation, and Karndean HT
adhesive must be used.
Installation Guide
Adhesives
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a two-part mix. Both components should be
mixed together with a drill and paddle to a smooth consistency
and the contents poured out within 5 minutes of mixing time. If
left within the container the resin will harden inside 15 minutes;
on the floor you have up to 2 hours working time.
Recommended for areas subject to excessive moisture.
Any areas under question consult Karndean International.
High Temperature Adhesive (HT)
A modified Acrylic adhesive with an improved service
temperature. For use in areas subject to excessive heat eg.
conservatories, shop windows, patio doors (and other areas
subject to direct sunlight), and underfloor heating. We always
recommend that you work section by section, as product must
be wet bonded when installed with this adhesive (the open time
is approximately 15 minutes, depending on atmospheric
conditions).
Special note about conservatories:
It is particularly necessary to keep the temperature in
conservatories at a constant 18°-26° prior to, during, and for 24
hours after installation. It would also be advisable to shade
windows to ensure that constant temperature conditions are
maintained.
Acrylic
Ideal for use in most normal residential and commercial
installations. We always recommend that you work section by
section, as product must be wet bonded when installed with this
adhesive (the open time is approximately 15 minutes,
depending on atmospheric conditions).
Pressure Sensitive adhesive (PS)
Ideal for use in most normal residential and commercial
installations. For best working practice a semi-dry to dry tack is
used. The open time of Karndean PS is approximately 5 hours.
Important: An A2 trowel must be used to apply PS adhesive
(available from Karndean).
IMPORTANT:
We must insist that all Karndean Flooring products are laid
using only Karndean adhesive, available in various sizes for your
convenience.
Installation
Ensure that tiles and planks laid into adhesive are done so
within the prescribed open time indicated on adhesive container.
ALL Karndean products should be rolled after installation using
a 68kg roller in larger areas, or a small hand roller in lesser
areas.
With the exception of products installed with pressure sensitive
adhesive, which can receive traffic immediately following
installation, ensure that all tiles and planks are free from general
traffic for 24 hours after installation or protect from direct contact
for that period, ie. board over.
Cleaning and Maintenance Guide
Our floor Cleaning and Maintenance Guide is designed to show
you how to get the best from your new Karndean floor.
Karndean floors are very hardwearing and like all vinyl products,
regular maintenance will enhance the beauty and durability of
your new floor.
We recommend that you order a ‘Clean Start’ pack with your
new Karndean floor. You will be able to order extra bottles of the
individual cleaning products from your retailer.
Clean Start pack contains:
750ml Basic Cleaner & Stripper
750ml Dim Glow Floor Protector
750ml Routine Cleaner
1 x Applicator
1 x Green pad (for use with Basic Cleaner)
1 x White pad (for use with Dim Glow)
1 x Set furniture protectors
Stage 1 – Karndean Basic Cleaner and Stripper
Preparation
Newly laid floors should be left for at least 24 hours before you
replace furniture or clean the floor. Before using our cleaning
and maintenance products, you should sweep the floor with a
soft brush.
Following installation, use to remove all remains of adhesive.
Subsequently, use to remove previous applications of Dim Glow
floor protector.
Dilute Basic Cleaner and Stripper approximately 1:5 with water
(4 divider lines [200ml] to one litre of water – covers approx.
10m
2
). Spread solution liberally over the floor with mop.
Leave to work for approximately 5 minutes.
Scrub the floor with the blue applicator and green pad.
Remove residue with mop, then rinse thoroughly with clean
water.
Karndean Basic Cleaner and Stripper should NOT be allowed to
dry on the floor. While applying Basic Cleaner and Stripper wear
rubber gloves. For the removal of stubborn marks, use
Karndean Basic Cleaner and Stripper undiluted.