Installation; Cleaning And Preparing The Mounting Surface - Acclaim Lighting Ai Flex Interior User Manual

INSTALLATION

Ai Flex Interior tapes are supplied with 3M™ VHB acrylic adhesive backing, protected by a
peel-off paper liner. To ensure that good adhesion is achieved, ensure the mounting surface
is free of grease, moisture and any contaminates.
WHEN MOUNTING ON THE SIDES OR UNDERSIDES OF SURFACES
We recommend that you add small dots of silicone sealant along
Sealant
both sides of the Flex tape (to overlap the tape edge and mounting
dots
surface) using Dow Corning® 799, 1199 or equivalent. This will
provide additional stability and help to prevent any separation of the
tape from the mounting surface over time. The silicone dots are best
applied once the tape is fixed in place; then the whole installation
should not be disturbed until it the sealant has fully cured.
• For further details about specific mounting surfaces, see page 35.

CLEANING AND PREPARING THE MOUNTING SURFACE

Most substrates are best prepared by cleaning with a 50:50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
and water* prior to applying the tape. Exceptions to this general procedure that may require
additional surface preparation include:
HEAVY OILS
A degreaser or solvent-based cleaner* (such as 3M™ Prep Solvent 70, 3M™ Citrus Base
Cleaner, mineral spirits, naphtha or similar, subject to suitability for the surface material)
may be required to remove heavy oil or grease from a surface and should be followed by
cleaning with IPA/water*.
OTHER CONTAMINATION OR OXIDATION
Abrading a surface, followed by cleaning with IPA/water*, can remove heavy dirt or
oxidation (e.g. galvanized steel) and can increase surface area to improve adhesion.
Abrasion often also helps adhesion to paints and plastics. Very small scratches in the surface,
generated with circular motion rather than straight-line motion, are most desirable.
* Note: These cleaner solutions contain greater than 250 g/l of volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Please consult your local Air Quality Regulations to be sure the cleaner is compliant. When using
solvents, be sure to follow the manufacturer' s precautions and directions for use when handling
such materials.
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