Mohawks' factory installed outfitting not only saves you time and effort but it's a fantastic bargain as well. However, you may prefer to set your boat up to particular specifications. Perhaps you just need to replace a worn out part. In these and other instances following the guides on this page will make your outfitting experience less fraught with frustration and explicatives.
Gluing vinyl pads to Royalex
For this procedure you will need a pencil, paint brushes and cleaner, small paper cup or other disposable container, a heat gun, (a hiar dryer will suffice) MEK and Vyna Bond, (ACE Hardware's Vinyl Mender is a perfect substitute).
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Place the pad in the position where you will want it. Make sure you have your positioning just right as installation is permanent. When you are satisfied with your placing outline the pad with a pencil. |
Apply a coat of MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) to both the area you marked and the bottom of the pad you are installing. Allow it to evaporate completely. MEK melts PVC so don't put on any more on than is necessary. |
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Apply a thin coat of Vyna-Bond adhesive to both surfaces. Allow to dry for three to ten minutes. Apply a second thin coat of the adhesive and wait another three to ten minutes or until they are dry to the touch. |
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The next step involves using a hair dryer or a heat gun. Use a heat gun only if you think you can use it carefully without over heating the canoe. You can damage your canoe by applying to much heat. Using a heat source to reactivate the adhesive minimizes the complicating effects of humidity and air temperature. Warm both surfaces slowly with your heat source. The surfaces are ready to join when they are warm. |
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Join surfaces from the center out towards the edges so no air is trapped under the pad. Curve the pad so the center contacts the surface first. Pressing firmly will help to get a good bond. |
| Use a stiff squeegee or a roller if you have one. Roll or press from the center out. |  |
People have been prepping with alcohol for Vyna -Bond installations for years and have been satisfied with the results. We here at Mohawk have found Vyna-Bond works much better when used with MEK. It dissolves the outer layer of the vinyl allowing the glue to penetrate the surface of the vinyl for a stronger bond.
CAUTION: When using MEK as a cleaner or preparer always be sure all surfaces treated with MEK are totally dry before applying the vinyl pad.
EXTRA CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN AND ALL PRECAUTIONS PROVIDED ON THE CAN OF MEK SHOULD BE READ AND FOLLOWED
