Wolf Gordon Rampart Wall Protection Installation Guide

RAMPART® Wall Protection
Installation and Maintenance Guidelines

Rampart Wall Protection

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Examine the material carefully to ensure that the material, color, and quality are satisfactory and as ordered. Check that the quantity and dimensions match the required specifications, prior to cutting. In the event that any discrepancies are found, STOP and contact Wolf-Gordon customer service at 800-347-0550, before proceeding. It is very important that RAMPART wall protection is not transported at a temperature exceeding 90ºF. Note: The inside of a trailer parked in the sun can reach temperatures up to 170ºF, resulting in many types of defects. When storing, the temperature should be maintained between 50º–90ºF. It is recommended that the wall protection material be acclimated in the installation area for at least six days prior to and after installing at 70º–90ºF, with relative humidity at 50% or less. Nothing should be stacked on top of the vinyl rolls to prevent flat areas or dents that can be permanently embedded into the material. RAMPART should not be hung at a temperature less than 70ºF. Verify that the wall moisture content does not exceed 4% using a suitable moisture meter, and that active moisture infiltration, condensation, and/or accumulation—particularly in warm, humid climates—is not present. If walls show mold, mildew or visible moisture damage, or if moisture content exceeds recommendations, do not proceed with installation until the condition has been fully corrected under the direction of a qualified professional. Wolf-Gordon will not be responsible for any performance or quality issues if moisture problems are not addressed before or following installation.

SURFACE PREPARATION

All surfaces must be clean, dry, structurally sound, and free of grease and mildew. Stains such as ink, grease, crayon, or other foreign matter should be spot treated with a stain-killing primer to prevent bleeding through the new material. With all surfaces—once properly prepared—apply a good quality, acrylic or latex wallcovering primer/sealer. If an oilbased primer was used, apply an acrylic or latex primer over it before hanging, to avoid trapping moisture or adhesion problems. If the surface does not have a uniform color, use a pigmented primer.
New drywall
should be finished to a Level 4 as per the Gypsum Association guidelines ( www.gypsum.org ), although a Level 5 is preferred. Follow with an appropriate primer.
Newly plastered walls
should completely cure for 60–90 days, and not have excessive quantities of lime or alkali. Follow with an adhesion-promoting primer. An adhesion test should be performed to ensure compatibility of the primer with the adhesive.
Painted surfaces
should be tested for moisture resilience. Hold a wet sponge or cloth to the paint surface for 15 seconds, rub the surface vigorously with a cloth, and if little or no paint is removed, the surface should be sound. If a large amount comes off, sand or wash the surface with ammonia and water to remove the paint. Once dry, apply a pigmented, adhesion-promoting primer. Painted walls should also be tested for adhesion. Existing walls present varied conditions, but essentially, glossy surfaces should be sanded, and mildew should be cleaned from the surface with a solution of two cups household bleach per gallon of water. Unless firmly bonded to the wall, old wallcovering should be scraped and removed. Nicks, gouges, and other surface blemishes must be filled and sanded smooth. Follow with a pigmented, adhesion-promoting primer.
If installing RAMPART Stronghold® prior to applying RAMPART, no primer is needed. For a permanent, non-strippable bond, Roman PRO-555 wallcovering adhesive can be used. Roman™ PRO-774 is recommended if stripping off the RAMPART is planned for the future. If a primer is desired, Roman PRO-935 R-35 or Rx-35 can be used. If Stronghold has been skimmed, allow for a 24 hour dry time (per coat) prior to hanging RAMPART.
HANGING GUIDELINES
RAMPART rolls are numbered consecutively and should be cut and installed in reverse sequence, starting with the highest numbered roll. Cut the material into full width strips as they will be hung, and lay them flat on the floor in a heated room the day before installation to remove any flat spots that may have occurred when storing. Reverse hang alternate strips of the material in sequence, as they are cut from the roll. RAMPART patterns can also be railroaded.
If any defect, color variation, or unacceptable pattern effect is noticeable after three panels are cut and hung, STOP and contact Wolf-Gordon immediately. Wolf-Gordon cannot accept any claims on labor or material after more than three lengths have been installed. Upon approval, returns will be subject to a 35% handling and restocking charge. Requests for return authorization must be made within 30 days of ship date.
ADHESIVE APPLICATION
Brush or roll a uniform coat of a heavy duty, clay-based vinyl wallcovering adhesive with exceptional wet tack to the wall or corner, and allow it to dry to the touch. Then, apply a layer of adhesive to the back of the material with a heavy duty paint roller or trowel (do not use a pasting machine). Fold each sheet over carefully and allow 10–15 minutes booking time for the adhesive to penetrate the material. A mildew-inhibiting adhesive, such as Roman PRO-774, is recommended. Too much or uneven application of the adhesive can result in an uneven surface with lumps and bumps.

INSTALLATION

After booking, and within 15 minutes of paste application, hang the first strip of RAMPART on the dried wall using a plumb line or laser level, overlapping the ceiling and baseboard. Using a brush or flat blade (do not use sharp-edged tools), press from the middle to the outside edges in a vertical motion. Work out any air bubbles or wrinkles by applying heat and using a plastic spatula. Trim at the ceiling and baseboard with a sharp razor blade. When applying the second strip, most RAMPART embossed patterns make the best seams when butted. The installer should determine whether table cutting is necessary. With grooved patterns, make sure edges are trimmed at the bottom of a groove. If it’s determined that double cutting yields better results, be careful not to cut through to the drywall, and change blades often. In either case, smooth the strip out firmly, as done with the first strip. Flatten seams by exerting light pressure with a seam roller. Before applying the next strip, trim the top and bottom as with the first panel, and proceed in the same manner around the room. Avoid cutting narrow widths of RAMPART for placement above doors and below windows. For inside or outside corners, trim the wall protection material to a width of 16–20 inches instead of using the full width, and wrap the material so that a minimum of 6 inches extends in each direction. A hair dryer can be used to soften the material when wrapping corners. When trimming around chair rails and ceilings, always use a broad- knife rather than a straightedge. Take extra care in keeping the adhesive off the face of RAMPART. Remove excess adhesive immediately with a natural sponge, frequently rinsed in clear, warm water, and dry with a soft, lint free cloth. After installation, the walls and wall protection material should be monitored for potential moisture or vapor infiltration, which must be promptly eliminated.

MAINTENANCE

RAMPART wall protection is finished with Surcoat, a clear coating that provides protection against staining, abrasion, and scuffing. This finish also offers resistance to commonly used cleaning agents and disinfectants. RAMPART can be cleaned using clear, warm water and a mild soap with a natural sponge. Other cleaning agents that are  afe to use* include: ammonia, diluted bleach, Fantastik®, hydrogen peroxide, and Lysol®. For disinfecting, commercial grade quarternary disinfectants such as EcoLab®,  xivir® TB, and Virex® Tb; or phenols such as Citrace® and Wex-Cide can be used. Products that contain alcohol should not be used. To clean spots and stains, follow these methods:
Method 1 (Common stains—e.g., coffee, ketchup, red wine, tea, baby oil, blood, or betadine): When cleaning a spot, first attempt to remove the stain with a mild soap and water solution and a soft towel or sponge. Rinse with clean, warm water to remove all residue, then wipe with a dry cloth or towel. If stain persists, proceed to Method 2.
Method 2 (More difficult stains—e.g., ballpoint pen, vegetable oil, lipstick, or persistent stains from Method 1): Remove any excess staining material with a wet cloth. Follow with a wet natural sponge or Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser † , squeezing out any excess  water, andgently scrub. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. If stain persists, proceed to
Method 3. Method 3 (Persistent stains—e.g., crayon, permanent marker, shoe polish, or persistent stains from Method 2): Spray a cleaner such as Fantastik® or Formula 409® on a towel or sponge. Rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.
Diluted or full strength bleach can also be used. If stain remains after 6+ rubs, it is most likely permanent.
*CAUTION: Some cleaning agents are highly flammable. Excercise proper caution when handling products and use gloves when recommended.
Aggressive rubbing with a Magic Eraser may cause color to rub off.
Note: The above is intended only as a guideline. RAMPART installations must conform to current hanging instructions included with each shipment. The installer has final responsibility for proper installation and evaluation of jobsite conditions.

References

• Gypsum Association – A not-for-profit trade association founded in 1930, promoting the use of gypsum while advancing the development, growth, and general welfare of the gypsum industry in the United States and Canada on behalf of its member companies

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