Vinyl applied to flooring and tiles?

[RobertLambie]

Hi Charlotte

I think it greatly depends on what the vinyl is being stuck to that will determine the life of the vinyl.

For kitchen tiles and splashbacks:
I would suggest a good brand of polymeric or cast vinyl.
If the vinyl is printed, then it would need to be laminated.
You would also need to trim tight to the tile, exposing the grout. however, that just depends on how realistic a finish you want. i.e. bridging the tile grout can be done depending on the gap and if the grout is flush with the edge of the tile or recessed.
Before applying, you would need to make sure the tiles are very clean of any residue, and once cleaned, I would clean again using isopropanol alcohol.

Once applied and trimmed. warming the surface with a heat gin will help promote adhesion.

Floors in general:
The same vinyl types apply, but the actual floor surface you are adhering to will play a big part in how well it will stick and last!
i.e. a clean, smooth and hard floor are perfect. but once you move to the likes of a kitchen cushion vinyl floor you will have things like high heel marks that may cut into the vinyl, or scuff it.
old original wooden floors, but clean and varnished will take the vinyl, but again, the uneven surface and softer surface than the likes of marble or hardwood laminate will make it more temperamental.
That said, most good polymeric and cast brands of vinyl have a very durable life in the likes of a home as the footfall is extremely low!

My company has done floor vinyl work around the world for the past 20+ years for my older brother. this video only shows a few examples… my point is, some of these floors see tens of thousands of people with every type of shoe walking across them, daily! Granted, most are only down for 3-6 months at a time, but we have others that are down for many years.
As long as your customer is made aware of the limitations of the vinyl, all should be fine.
At the end of the day, common sense dictates all. do we walk across a carpeted floor with dirty boots and not expect it to get stained and discoloured?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsiPEzXvTF8

[Charlotte Wallbank]

Thank you Robert. That’s very useful.

[Charlotte Wallbank]

Robert, who would you recommend for laminate please?

[RobertLambie]

Whoever you buy your digital vinyl from, for printing, will do the equivalent in a clear laminate.
Just make sure the grade is a decent Polymeric or Cast vinyl, but the cast is probably overkill for general domestic uses.
Just make sure they are not offering you a monomeric as it will shrink and cause various issues you don’t want.
Depending on if you are installing the prints or giving them to your customer to install. It may be best you ask for an air-release version of the vinyl which will make the application much easier and bubble-free.

[Leslie Anderson]

I did a splashback for my mum. Printed and laminated and has been in place for about 18 months now. No problems at all, touch wood.

Love the floors video. ❤

[Charlotte Wallbank]

Thanks Leslie.

[Mark Johnston]

We have done a couple of things around the home for family and customers.
a fridge, couple of splash backs, a table and some kitchen units.
make sure you give the surfaces a really good clean because one of ours started to lift right after fitting it and all it was was i had missed a bit cleaning a greasy surface. 😟