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This is the method MetalX supplies with every order of self-adhesive tactile studs and self-adhesive tactile strips. Follow it and the 3M acrylic foam tape will give a permanent bond on suitable floors.
MetalX fibreboard template (50 mm grid for studs, 75 mm slots for strips), isopropyl alcohol, lint-free cloths, chalk line, tape measure, straight edge, rubber or nylon mallet, marker or low-tack tape, gloves.
Mark the field: 600 mm deep across the full width of the hazard, starting about 300 mm back from the stair nosing or platform edge (check the governing standard). Snap chalk lines on all four edges.
Snap the centreline of the path. Keep at least 30 mm from walls and 600 mm from obstacles where possible. Mark where the path turns or ends; each of these needs a warning field.
Wipe the whole area with isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth and let it flash off (about a minute). Do not use household cleaners, soap or citrus products at this stage; they leave residues. Do not touch the cleaned surface.
Pieces can be lifted and repositioned within about a minute of placing. After that, remove with heat and fit a new piece.
Foot traffic is allowed immediately. No wet cleaning, mopping or scrubbing for 24 hours. Full bond strength develops in 72 hours. Do not drag heavy loads across the indicators during this period.
After 72 hours, check a sample of pieces by hand; none should move. Check alignment with a straight edge and spacing with the template. Photograph the finished field for the handover file.
Normal floor cleaning is fine. Avoid abrasive pads on PVD finishes. If a piece is damaged, warm it with a heat gun, lift it, clean residue with isopropyl alcohol and fit a replacement.
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Piece lifts within days | Dust, residue or moisture on floor | Remove, clean with IPA, fit new piece |
| Piece rocks | Placed across a grout joint or lippage | Shift layout slightly; use stem-fixed piece |
| Weak bond on cold day | Floor below 10 °C | Warm the area; install later in the day |
| Rows not straight | Template moved between rows | Re-align to chalk line each row |
| Bond fails on stone | Porous or waxed stone | Seal or strip, then re-install |
Two people typically install 400–600 studs or 150–200 strips per hour on prepared tile, including setting out.
Isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth. Avoid soaps, detergents and citrus cleaners, which leave residues that weaken the bond.
The floor can be walked on immediately. Avoid wet cleaning for 24 hours; full bond strength is reached after about 72 hours.
Not below 10 °C; the adhesive will not wet out properly. Warm the area or install when the floor is warmer.
Lift and reposition within the first minute. After that, warm it with a heat gun, remove it and fit a fresh stud with new tape.
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