CARPET SEAMING AND INSTALLATION

What type of tape do you use on a plush carpet?
Yarn face type has no real bearing on type of tape. Carpet backing is what matters.

What type of tape do you use on a burlap backing?
Burlap back may refer to ActionBac^®(polypropylene) or jute backing (not used much).

What type of tape do you use on borders?
K-80 designer tape because it allows the paper backing release to be peeled off after the seam has been made.

What type tape should be used on berber?
XK-30, XK-50, K-10 Wide, XK-50 Wide (best), Super 3 Wide.

Which tapes don't have silicone treatment on the paper backing?
CT-7, CT-11 RB and Super 3N.

What type of tape should be used on a woven back?
Super 3 is the best; XK-50 is also a good choice.

What type of tape do you use for a Sisal (grass cloth) backing?
XK-50 or XK-50 Wide.

What tape is best to use on wool carpet?
Super 3 and XK-50.

What tapes of choice are recommended for softbac^® backing?
XK-30 for residential and XK-50 for commercial applications.

What tapes of choice are recommended for urethane laminated backing?
XU-90 for residential and commercial applications.

Is there a generic name for woven back?
The term woven back is generic.

What type tape is recommended for UPS™ (Ultra Performance System™)?
XU-90.

What type tape can be used on indoor/outdoor carpet?
Hot-melt seaming tape is not recommended on this type of carpet. Carpet should be glued down direct, so no tape is needed. If any tape will work, try XK-50 (be sure to test before using!)

How many yards on a standard roll of tape?
There are 22 yards per roll / 66 feet. PS-C consists of 15 feet. DS-PS is 20 yards / 60 feet. Sure Stik™ is 22-foot rolls.

What type of pad can be used under a berber carpet?
A firm pad should be used under berbers. A synthetic pad is best. High density rebound (7 or 8 pounds or more) is second best, with thickness not to exceed 7/16".

What tape would you use for commercial unitary backing?
Most unitaries are made for direct stick only. Please check with the carpet manufacture for hot melt seaming recommendations.

What size trowel should be used for glue down carpet?
Dependent on carpet backing. This call must be made by 1) the carpet manufacturer and, 2) the adhesive manufacturer.

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SEAM SEALING PRODUCTS

How do you remove Fast Lock^® from carpet when the Fast Lock^® is still wet?
When Fast Lock^® is still wet, use warm water and it will easily remove it.

How do you remove Fast Lock^® from carpet when Fast Lock^® has dried?
This depends on how much Fast Lock^® is on the yarns. Acetone will break down Fast Lock^®, but if any acetone comes in contact with the primary backing, it will destroy it.

What is the drying time of Fast Lock^® or Weld Lock^™?
Normal drying time is 15-20 minutes. Depending on temperature and humidity, it can take up to 30 minutes or more.

How many lineal feet does Fast Lock^® 8-oz bottle cover?
250 lineal feet; Fast Lock^® 32 oz covers 1,600 lineal feet.

Does Fast Lock^® have a UV tracer?
Yes, and the tracer lasts up to six years.

What are some Weld Lock^™ features?
Weld Lock^™ features include good strength, locks carpet tufts into place, and dries clear. When wet, it cleans up with water. It is designed for direct stick installations. Apply with a 1/8” continuous bead of Weld Lock^™ on one edge.

What type of glue is in ORCON glue sticks?
ORCON thermoplastic adhesive with UV tracer.

What product should be used to prevent unraveling and fraying of the carpet edges?
Use the Peak-Buster™ system, which consists of an ORCON glue gun with a Peak-Buster™ nozzle, and our UV tracer glue sticks. You can also use our Fast Lock^® seam sealer by applying a 1/8" bead along the edge of both trimmed carpet edges.

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SEAMING IRONS (KOOl TOP^® AND FEATHER LITE™)

When heating the iron, does the light go off once the iron is at the correct temperature for installing carpet?
The indicator light goes off when the temperature set on handle is reached.

Are there different temperature settings on the iron?
Yes, there are 4 settings. Temperatures for these settings are approximately the following:
1 = 190°, 2 = 280°, 3 = 360°. 4 = 420°.

Should the iron be set at certain temperature for certain tapes?
It depends on the tape, but generally the number 3 setting should work on all tapes. XU-90 needs no more than 2 1/2.

Can I add more cord to the original iron cord without shorting out the iron?
The cord length will not make an iron short out. It will however decrease the voltage and may overheat the wiring in the cord.

How wide is the Feather Lite™ iron?
There are two styles of Feather Lite™ irons: a fully grooved and a partially grooved. Both are available in a 3” base.

How long does it take for the iron to heat up?
It takes approximately 3 minutes to heat. The light on top of the handle goes out when the iron is ready to use.

Can a regular iron be used for seaming carpet?
No; it must be a carpet seaming iron specially designed for use with hot-melt seaming tape. Regular irons will not reach the correct temperature, and you run the risk of damaging both the carpet and the iron.

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