By Ray Thompson, Jr.
When installing resilient sheet vinyl, there are three methods you could utilize: freehand knifing; straight or direct scribing; and pattern scribing. The method you select is dependent upon several factors, including ease of cutting, flexibility and the configuration of the room.
Freehand knifing is the most popular method for rotogravure sheet vinyl installation, mainly because of the material’s flexibility and its ease of cutting. Further, freehand knifing allows you to make a custom fit while the sheet vinyl is in place.
Of course, before beginning your work, make sure the installation area is clean and free of debris and/or dirt by sweeping or vacuuming.
Freehand knifing is used on most rotogravure materials and some other materials. With some homogeneous and heterogeneous materials, the direct scribe method or the pattern scribe method is used, which I’ll address in an upcoming issue of ProInstaller.
Let’s get started on freehand knifing!
Start by cutting the inside corner diagonally. Not only is it easier, but cutting diagonally will yield a more accurate cut than if you had started on the left or right side first.
After making the diagonal cut, cut the inside corner down so it lays flat. If you are going to cut the entire wall with a knife, you can proceed with the entire wall.
If you do not use a wall trimmer then a knife cut will do. You do not get, as uniform of a cut but, that will be hidden by a sanitary base or baseboard.
