Flexshield

• Mechanically prepare substrate to ensure the optimal performance of the adhesive material  used to bond the fabric; follow the resin/mortar coating manufacturers recommendations  regarding substrate moisture content & temperature, minimum & maximum ambient  application temperatures, atmospheric humidity and dew point consideration.  

• Ensure floors are vacuumed to remove any debris which can cause the fabric to “tent” and  that walls are sufficiently flat to ensure the material will sit within the thickness of the resin  or mortar coating.  

• Assess the substrate porosity. Porous substrates may require the application of an initial coat  of primer to seal the substrate prior to applying a second priming/encapsulating coat. This will  ensure sufficient primer remains on the surface to provide adequate material to bond the  fabric. This is particularly relevant when applying material more porous sand/cement screeds  but may be necessary on other mineral or timber substrates.

Application methods are dependent on the products use and method of application, such as two  component resins or cementitious mortars. 

Fabrik 200 should be cut to length using shears. Once cut, roll up or stack and store where the  membrane will not be trafficked. 

Substrate Remediation: Bonding with Two Component Resins  

• Having sealed/primed the substrate, the chosen resin adhesive, mixed as per the  manufacturer’s instructions, should be applied to the floor at a rate of 250-400g/m2 using a  caulking blade, squeegee, or roller exceeding the width of the Fabrik 200 by 100mm. Excessive  surface texture or low temperatures may increase the resin quantity. 

• Roll the fabric out into the wet resin and press into place with a trowel or star roller if  necessary, overlapping each run by a minimum of 50mm. Continue across the room rolling  out and embedding as you proceed. Thought should be given to the time required to complete  each width to ensure the next length can me embedded within the open time of the adhesive  material already applied.  

• When applying subsequent cementitious mortars, or when resin finishes cannot be applied  within the manufacturer’s maximum overcoating time, it may be necessary to create a  physical key for the next layer to adhere. This may be done, having embedded the mesh, by  broadcasting the wet resin with the appropriate size quartz aggregate. Remove excess sand  when the adhesive is cured using a broom and vacuum.

Bonding with Cementitious Adhesive Mortars, Horizontal or Vertical Application 

• Having sealed/primed the substrate, trowel apply a layer of mortar paste to just over one  metre width of floor or wall using a minimum 3mm notched trowel, exceeding the width of  the Fabrik 200 by approximately 100mm.  

• Roll out Fabrik 200 into the mortar and press into place with a trowel, overlapping each run  by at least 50mm. Continue across the area rolling out and embedding as you proceed.  Thought should be given to the time required to complete each width to ensure the next  length can be embedded within the open time of the adhesive material already applied.  

Encapsulation in smoothing screed  

When reinforcing smoothing screeds, loose lay the Fabrik 200 on the floor and pour or pump apply  the smoothing screed over the top. Note: a minimum application thickness of 8mm of smoothing  screed is recommended to fully encapsulate the fabric.

It may be easier on occasions to mechanically adhere fabrics on undulating timber substrates using  staples around the perimeter, and periodically to some low or high points. If necessary, hammer  staples down to ensure they will not protrude through the finish.

Alternatively, longer staples may be  used to allow the fabric to be suspended within the body of the mortar which can be useful in thicker  repairs and when applying smoothing screeds.  

On mineral substrates, hot glue can be used to spot adhere fabrics to the perimeter to ease pulling  taught if necessary.

Allow to cure sufficiently if applying intermediate or topcoats over the fabric layer. If the surface of  the system is to be polished or burnished, it is important to provide sufficient mortar coverage to  ensure the fabric patten does not show through in the finish.  

Allow the priming/bonding material to cure sufficiently prior to applying subsequent applications,  such as a final topping or intermediate smoothing screed.

All movement joints in the substrate should be brought through the finished surface. Re-form once  fully cured using a diamond saw and seal using a suitable joint sealant.

Store on ends, on pallets, in dry conditions out of sunlight in original unopened packaging.

Gloves should be worn when using this fabric. It is of primary importance that the health and safety  precautions recommended by the manufacturer of the adhesive material are observed, specifically  with regard to the required PPE for skin, eye and lung protection.