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How To Apply
DonJer SUEDE-TEX
The application
of Suede-Tex is a simple process used in junior high school
wood-shops. Its simplicity is one of the beauties of the
finish. Remember, don’t skimp on the adhesive, don’t skimp
on the fibers, and resist the temptation to touch the
surface before the finish has dried. DonJer Suede-Tex
finish allows you to create a professional looking suede-like
lining with no previous experience. If you are concerned—find
a junior high school student to help you.
First step:
SEAL THE SURFACE
TO BE COATED
The purpose
of sealing is to prevent the absorption of the undercoat
adhesive. If the adhesive is absorbed the fibers will
have nothing to adhere to and the finish will have thin
spots. Even surfaces that appear solid can be porous (e.g.
Masonite) and will absorb the adhesive. Sealing may be
done with lacquer, shellac, sanding sealer, polyurethane,
etc.—anything that will prevent the surface from soaking
up the adhesive. If the sealer leaves a very slick finish
rough it up slightly with sandpaper. (Metal and glass
do not require sealing, but may need a sanding to rough
up the surface.)
Second Step:
APPLICATION
PREPARATION
Line the inside
of a cardboard box with a large plastic bag to be used
as a spraying area.
Fill the Mini
Flocker with Suede-Tex fiber. Slide the two cardboard
tubes apart; fill the unmarked tube without the holes
approx.1/2 full. This will allow space for the air to
circulate the fibers within the Mini Flocker. Gently slide
the other tube (with the holes) over the one filled with
fiber. Set aside for later use.
Third Step:
BRUSH ON THE
UNDERCOAT ADHESIVE
It is not necessary
to mask areas of your project that will not be coated
if the surface is sealed and IF YOU BRUSH CAREFULLY. This
means using the flat side of the brush, with a drawing
motion toward the edge of the project. If you should get
a small amount of adhesive on the edge simply wipe it
off. This should be done before the fibers are applied.
(Some people prefer masking to guarantee clean lines.)
Apply a wet
coat of adhesive—that is, enough for the fibers to dig
into when applied. This coat of adhesive should be smooth
and not dripping wet. The undercoat adhesive remains open
to the fibers for 10 to 15 minutes—this is your working
time. If you are working on a larger object use a larger
brush or apply the adhesive with a paint roller. The adhesive
can also be sprayed, but it may need to be thinned slightly
using mineral spirits.
CAUTION:
If
you are working on one continuous piece, DO NOT work in
sections as the lines between the sections will show.
If you are working on a project that has many small sections
(compartments), requiring a more detailed application,
finish a few at a time. If you cover the uncoated section(s)
with a piece of cardboard and then move the cardboard
as needed you will not have to wait for each compartment
to dry before applying the fibers to the next section(s).
Fourth
Step:
SPRAY
ON THE SUEDE-TEX FIBERS
To
apply the fibers place the adhesive coated
project
in the lined cardboard box. With the
Mini
Flocker filled approx. 1/2 full, pump the unmarked cardboard
tube continuously using a twisting motion. The twisting
will help move the fibers inside the applicator while
the pumping will blow them out. Hold the Mini Flocker
8" to 10" from your project on an angle of 45 to 90 degrees
to apply the fibers. Apply more fibers than you think
you need and then some more. You cannot overcoat—only
so much will stick. Excess fibers may be reclaimed and
reused.
Hint:
When coating boxes it is best to spray the fibers on the
bottom first, and then spray the sides.
Hint:
To ensure the fibers continue to hit the project on the
same angle, hold the Mini Flocker at the same angle to
the piece you are coating (as much as possible) and raise
and lower the applicator. Do not tilt it when possible.
Fifth
step:
DRYING
Once
you have applied sufficient fibers set aside your project
to dry for approximately 10 to 15 hours before you remove
excess fibers. If you need to reclaim some of the fibers
before this drying process is completed you may turn the
project upside down to allow the excess to fall off. Do
not tap or shake the project at this time as this may
dislodge fibers that are sitting in wet adhesive. It is
possible to speed up the initial drying time with a heat
lamp. It will now take approx. 7 hours depending on your
environment. TAKE CARE TO KEEP THE HEAT LAMP AT LEAST
18" AWAY FROM THE FIBERS. DO NOT USE A HEAT LAMP WITH
A BLOWER.
IMPORTANT—While
the adhesive is dried at this point (10 to 15 hours) it
will take 72 hours to 1 week for it to cure completely.
Some care should be taken in handling during this time.
Sixth
step:
CLEAN
UP
To
remove the excess fibers from your project after it has
dried shake the item over the lined cardboard box—remember
these fibers are still usable. Using a dry, clean, soft
brush wipe out the excess fibers. Compressed air may be
used, but take care during the initial 48 hours. Vacuuming
may be used after the project has cured completely.
To
remove the excess fibers from the Mini Flocker separate
the two cardboard tubes and empty the fibers into the
original plastic bag. A gentle tap will remove the rest
of the fibers. If there is a tiny amount of fiber left
inside the applicator, it will blend into the next color
used and not be noticed (with the exception of white).
SUGGESTED
USES
SAVE
MONEY — Use inexpensive pieces of wood and cover them
with Suede-Tex.
TOYS
— Suede-Tex is non-toxic once it has dried. Coat the outside
of a bear puzzle or the mane of a horse.
GUN
CASES — Butt rest; barrel rest.
TOOL
CHEST OR MACHNIST BOXES — Protect your tools.
CUTLERY
DRAWERS — Protect silverware.
Suede-Tex will not affect silverware.
BOTTOMS
OF BOWLS OR LAMPS — Protect the tabletop surface.
DEER
ANTLER MOUNTING/GOOSE DECOYS
POOL
CUE BOXES
PICTURE
FRAME MATTING
SHOWCASES
AND DISPLAYS
AWARD
AND PLAQUES
CHRISTMAS
/ HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
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