Prepping the Chalkboard for Dry Erase Surface
Proper surface preparation is essential to achieving a professional looking installation of dry erase resurface film. The surface must be clean, smooth, uniform in color, structurally sound and free of imperfections. Prior to installation, remove any and all debris, including tape and glue, with a razor scraper. In the case of stubborn adhesive residue, you can remove with Goo Gone® on a clean cloth. Spackle all vertical seams and any surface indentations (cracks, chips, etc.) with drywall compound and sand the surface smooth. Remove any residual dust from the board surface with a damp cloth. Remove any pen, ink, or other stains, and, if needed, apply a stain-blocking latex primer/sealer to prevent shadowing. If the surface is not uniform in color, Roman PRO-935 R-35 primer must be applied before installing the dry erase resurface film-X. However, since dry erase resurface film-XMag offers the highest opacity, priming can be skipped in this case.
Clear the area directly in front of the board to be resurfaced. Place a drop cloth in front of your work area to protect the flooring. Remove everything affixed to the Map Rail, including Flag Holder, Hooks, etc. If there are side panels or header tack boards, you will find it easiest to mask off those areas with sheet vinyl and blue tape rather than remove them.
Wetting Solution
To assist with the removal of air bubbles/pockets, as well as increase the slip coefficient, pre-wet your chalkboard with a wetting solution. We recommend three tablespoons of a mild detergent (such as dishwashing liquid) to one gallon of water (1.5 oz of soap per gallon) to make up the wetting solution. You will want to use a pressurized hand pump sprayer to deliver this solution. It is important that your solution properly wets the chalkboard surface without beading up. Watch the surface for a few minutes until the chalkboard or old dry erase surface starts to dry out which signals no beading. If there is any beading, your solution is too soapy and you must dilute with more tap water.
Application of the dry erase resurfacing material
1. Measure the chalkboard or marker board, then add 6”-8” to the measurement, as the resurfacing material should extend 3”-4” beyond the width of the board on each side. Next, dry-cut the material with the release paper still on the back.
2. Taking care not to crease the material, re-roll the just-cut strip back and set aside for the time being.
3. Spray the entire board surface generously with the wetting solution (as described above).
4. Peel back about 10” of the release paper along the full width of the roll, from top to bottom. As one installer holds the peeled-back end of the strip, the other installer moves to the opposite side while continuing to pull off the remaining release paper. It’s important to support the weight of the strip during this process. If a three-person team is used, position the third person in the middle of the board to help hold up the strip. Ensure that the exposed adhesive side never touches the floor or itself.
5. Next, both installers should hold the strip taut at both ends, keeping it slightly above the board without making contact. Ensure the pre-cut strip extends beyond all four edges of the board before applying it.
6. Begin by affixing one end of the strip to a top corner. Then, quickly squeegee across the horizontal middle of the board, moving towards the opposite side. As one installer works, the other should keep the material taut and away from the surface.
7. While keeping an eye on the alignment, the installer on the move should push the top of the film up with one hand, while continuing to work the squeegee down with his other hand.
8. Upon reaching the other side, the installer should continue squeegeeing, but now wrap a soft cloth around the squeegee to apply more pressure. Start from the center, pushing air bubbles out to the perimeter edges, working up and down, and side to side.
9. Meanwhile, the other installer can begin trimming. Start by making a miter cut in one of the top corners to relieve pressure and ensure a tighter fit. Trim the excess selvage along the inside edge of the frame, keeping the trimming guide between the knife and the board surface.
10. At the next corner, make another miter cut to remove the selvage. Continue trimming along the inside edge of the frame until all four sides are completed.
11. Once trimming is finished, both installers should resume the squeegee process to remove any remaining air bubbles. Use the remaining soapy/water solution to thoroughly clean the surface, rinse with fresh water, and towel dry.
12. After about an hour, inspect each resurfaced board for any air bubbles that may have appeared. You can still use the cloth-wrapped squeegee to work out any bubbles at this stage.
Your installation of dry erase resurfacing material is now complete. Enjoy your new SpeakWalls™ dry erase surface!
