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Unit: Lay flat vinyl

LMFFL2301A: Install lay flat vinyl floor coverings

Section 3: Cutting and fitting

Pattern scribing


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Audio for slide 1 (mp3 |6|KB)
Pattern scribing is used when a shape is complicated or the area is very small.

It involves scribing the outline onto pattern paper and cutting out the template.

This allows the outline to be transferred onto the flooring material so it can be cut to shape in an open area before it's placed in position on the floor.

The process is as follows.

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Audio for slide 2 (mp3 |6|KB)
  1. Lay the paper in position and cut it roughly to shape, to within about 10 mm of all objects and protrusions.

    Around a toilet pedestal you can make relief cuts in the paper as you push it down to the floor, and then run a pencil line around the bottom of the cuts, where the pedestal meets the floor.

  2. Secure the paper firmly in position using weights, drawing pins or tape. If you use sticky tape, you should cut small triangular flaps into the template so the tape sticks to the floor through the openings.
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Audio for slide 3 (mp3 |6|KB)
  1. Use a rule and sharp pencil to trace around the object, with the rule pressed firmly against the outline of the object. Alternatively, you can use dividers or a bar scriber to get the same result.

    At architraves and other offsets, extend lines out at right angles for each change in direction.
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Audio for slide 4 (mp3 |6|KB)
  1. When all objects in the room have been extended onto the template, take it outside and lay it on top of the floor covering.

    Fasten the template to the material with tape so it can't move.

    Extend all of the lines from the template onto the material and cut the material to shape.

  2. Put the material in position and check the fitting. Then spread the adhesive and stick the material down.
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Learning activity

Audio 5 (mp3 |6|KB)

Go to the set of Armstrong Floors instruction videos at:

Armstrong vinyl installation videos

This time, select: 'Vinyl sheet installation video - Part 4'.

The video clip shows the installer demonstrating how to pattern scribe a difficult area. Watch the video, listen to the voice-over narration and then answer the following questions:

  • How does the installer draw guidelines on the pattern around the round object?

  • How does he transfer these lines from the pattern onto the vinyl sheet?

  • Once he has cut the vinyl sheet and carries it back to the area, how does he ensure that it's placed exactly in position as he starts to lay it?

  • What tool does the installer use to roll the sheet in places where the large roller would be too big?
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