Welcome to our comprehensive guide on installing our PE/EVA marine foam boat flooring. Whether you're looking to install a simple ruler or cooler top or a full deck, we've got you covered. We'll take you through the entire process, step by step, so that you can install your decking with confidence.
We understand that installing decking can be a daunting task, which is why we've included detailed instructions on the tools and cleaners required to ensure your deck lasts for as long as possible. Not only will we show you how to install your decking, but we'll also provide tips and tricks on how to maintain it for years to come in our other posts.
To make things even easier, we've attached a video at the end of this post that demonstrates how to install the pieces with clear instructions. With our help, you'll have a beautiful and long-lasting deck in no time!
Tools and Cleaners: Whats needed to complete a successfull Installation
When we talk to new customers about marine decking, we often hear stories of people who have had it installed in the past, only to have the pieces come loose after a short time. While this can be disheartening, there are several factors that can lead to such an issue. We will go into greater detail regarding these potential issues later on. However, we believe that the most important step in the whole process is cleaning. Without proper preparation, you can experience premature failure of the product. That's why we take the preperation so seriously. We use a variety of tools to ensure that your area receiving the foam is thoroughly cleaned and ready for installation. From specialized cleaning agents to proper steps of clean, we have everything covered you would need to get the job done right. We will provide pictures of all the tools we use so that you can see the tools and also have a video at the end of the post with all the steps.
Tools :
Boat soap and water
Acetone
75% or higher Isoprophyl Alchol (we use 99%)
Clean white lint free rags or dye free towels
Slice tool
Roller (we use a laminate ruler that can be purchased and at a home depot or lowes)
Contractors Tape
Cleaning: How to and steps to ensure your deck or area is ready for foam
Before installing foam on your boat deck, cooler top, or any other area, it's important to first wash it with soap and water to remove any heavy dirt and grime buildup. Once you've washed the area, make sure it's completely dry before moving on to the next step. Next, use acetone to strip any waxes or grease buildup on the area to ensure that the surface is clean. You can apply the acetone to a white and lint-free rag to avoid any dyes leaching out of the rag from the solvent onto your boat or item.
Be very careful not to spill any acetone on the foam or other areas. Wipe the area down thoroughly where you will be sticking the foam and let it dry completely. Once it's dry, take a new lint-free white rag and apply isopropyl alcohol to it. Wipe the area down to clean off any residue that may have been left behind from the acetone cleaning.
If you're installing foam on a full boat or a large area, it's advisable to wash the entire boat and let it dry. Then, go around with your shoes off and apply acetone to all the areas that will be receiving foam. Only use alcohol to clean the deck where the piece will be going down as you install each piece. This is your "clean area" that should be untouched to ensure that it's 100% clean as each piece or panel is installed.
Installation: How to install the foam decking
To begin the installation process, you need to ensure that the surface is clean. Once it is clean, you will need a slice tool and a roller. All of our foams come with the industry standard 3M marine-grade pressure-sensitive adhesive. Although most people start peeling from one side when installing, it is not always the best method because if you are even slightly off when you start, you can end up way off at the other end of the pad. Here's where the slice tool comes in handy. It has a micro-ceramic blade on the end. First, flip the panel over so that the paper backing faces up. Then, make a slice from top to bottom in the center of the pad with the slice tool. After that, make a second slice through the paper about 1-1.5" away from the first slice. It is crucial to keep the slices as straight as possible.
By doing so, you can align the piece and set it. Once you make the two slices, peel the paper away from that 1" strip to expose the adhesive. Be cautious not to touch the adhesive that is exposed to anything. Since it is pressure-activated, being open to the air will not cause the adhesive to start to set. Pick up the panel and flip it over while keeping it off the surface. Place the panel where it should go when ready. The 1" of exposed adhesive will not stick, allowing you to position the pad precisely where you want it. Without moving anything, start pressing in the area where you removed the paper and exposed the adhesive. Once you get it tacked in place, take your roller and roll over that area. The adhesive sets once 15lbs of pressure or more is applied.
Now that your piece is lined up and set in place with the middle strip stuck down, you can pick up either the left or right side, one at a time. Reach in and grab the cut edge of the paper backing and pull it toward you. As you do this, rub your hand back and forth on the top of the foam to make sure you don't trap air inside. Work your way to the end and repeat for the other side. Once both sides are stuck down, use your roller and start rolling with pressure over the whole pad. Then go around the edges with the roller to ensure they are pressed tight to the deck. 15lbs of pressure isn't much, but it doesn't hurt to apply more. Use your full body weight on the top surface with caution around the edges.
Bubbles can happen. It's not a problem if you get a bubble. You can use a pin or tack to pop it and then firmly press around the hole to reseal it. Sometimes bubbles will appear later, like weeks or months later due to the slightest bit of air being trapped and on a hot day the air can expand and expose itself. If that happens, you can pop it and reseal around the pinhole. Once you're done, you should be good to go. All you have to do is enjoy! Please see our other posts for cleaning and care instructions.
Pictures:
Installation Pictures and videos:
