Congratulations on your new SFC Fly Line Mat. Follow these instructions to secure the SFC grommets to the deck of your paddle board or vessel. Don't worry, it's easy and you'll love the results!
NOTE: These instructions are intended to be used if you are securing grommets to a HARD surface. If the best position of the mat is on a Sea-Deck type of foam material we recommend using a cargo strap to secure the mat to your deck. Simply insert the cargo strap through the bottom holes of the mat and wrap around the board.
Before you begin, keep in mind that the adhesive requires 24 hours to cure. So, if you are planning to be on the water today, you might wait until tomorrow to install.
If you are doing this outside and there is threat of rain, be sure to cover as the adhesive needs at least 8 hours to cure before being exposed to water and 24 hours to cure to achieve initial hardness. After 24 hours go ahead and splash your board but be tender to your grommets as it take 72 hours for the adhesive to fully cure.
WHAT YOU NEED:
1. GE Supreme Silicone, Window & Door Projects (2.8 oz). We have tested many adhesives and this one clearly beats them all. If you must use an alternate product, be sure it's 100% silicone.
2. Isopropyl Alcohol or Acetone to clean the deck. In most cases, Isopropyl Alcohol or Acetone is ok on most surfaces provided you do NOT leave concentrated amounts on the surface. If you are unsure, check with the manufacturer. What is necessary is to remove all wax, dirt, grease, etc., so your grommets will stay on the deck. Poor surface preparation is the number one cause of failure.
3. Clean rags or paper towels.
4. Pencil
5. Rubber gloves & safety glasses
6. Read all instructions below before you begin!
| Step | Comments |
| 1. Safety |
Put on your rubber gloves and safety glasses. |
| 2. Surface Prep |
Apply a medium amount of alcohol or acetone to a clean rag or paper towel. Thoroughly clean (1) the bottom of each grommet and (2) the surface where each grommet is to be placed making sure all soap/wax residue, dirt, paint chalk, grease, etc., has been removed. NOTE: failure to thoroughly clean your deck surface will dramatically affect the bonding strength of the adhesive. |
| 3. Layout |
Insert the grommets in the mat then position the mat where you want it on the deck. Lift each corner of the mat and using a pencil, mark the edge of the grommet on the deck.
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| 4. Apply Adhesive to Grommet |
Goal: to achieve a 1/16" - 1/8" consistent, void-free layer of adhesive between the deck and the grommet. With gloves on, place a small bead of adhesive across the bottom of the grommet. Use a gloved finger to spread it out evenly.
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| 5. Glue Grommet to Deck |
Place the grommet on the deck and push down from the center and work your way out to the edge so you see an even amount of adhesive forming on the outer edge of the grommet.
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| 6. Smooth Silicone Bead |
Using your finger, smooth out the silicone bead around the grommet. If you choose to do this without the glove (cause it's easier) make sure your hands are clean and dip your finger in water (it will spread easier). NOTE: When you smooth out the bead around the base of the spike, it increases the barrier between the grommet and the environment creating a better seal. Ideally, you want to spread the silicone bead surrounding the grommet over the perimeter of the grommet surface to create an impenetrable seal.
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| 7. Fully Sealed |
A fully sealed grommet should look similar to the pic below. Notice how the excess silicone is spread over the perimeter of the grommet base.
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| 8. Repeat | Repeat steps 4-7 until all grommets are glued. |
| 9. Cure | Minimum cure time before exposure to water is 8 hours. Allow 24 hours of cure time before launching. Full cure occurs in 72 hours. |
Congratulations, your SFC grommets are finally installed! Now, go get your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy the view. It's gotta look beautiful! I know you're proud and we're proud of you. Please send us some pics and we'll post 'em and show the world your board and mat (mark@superflycomposites.com).
What happens if a grommet comes off? Simply repeat the steps above; however, before you apply any adhesive to the spike, abrade the base of the spike using some sand paper. For best results we recommend a 220 - 320 grit. This will remove any old adhesive and prep the surface to accept the new adhesive.
NOTE: GE Supreme Silicone does not start to cure until exposed to the environment. It is also sensitive to heat. To get the longest shelf life of this product, be sure to squeeze a small dab of adhesive out of the tub without allowing the gel to retreat back (creating a void or air pocket). Then immediately place the cap back on the tube. We also advise keeping the product indoors.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email at your convenience.
See you on the Flats!
Mark and Mason
mark@superflycomposites.com
mason@superflycomposites.com