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This guide is a brief introduction to Flex Proof products. It is intended as a quick reference to tooling, supplies, and further information.
Restoration of man-made materials is a high skill trade. Success depends on in-depth knowledge and training that cannot be imparted to a few brief pages.
New users are encouraged to use this guide when questions arise about product use as a reference to information in Flex Proof Tech Sheets, before calling for consultation, and when ordering.
Flex Proof is a team built to serve your needs. Our customers are very successful, busy people. Please help us help you by using this guide and the tech sheets. If you have questions or need more information, email us or call the technical support line. If you require technical training, we can provide names of proven professionals that will provide up to date comprehensive training.
B-2 COMPOUND The mainstay among plastisol repair compounds. Fast curing paste consistency for direct curing with gun or iron. Easily textured with gun. Excellent strength and long term moderate temperature aging. This fast curing compound is based on very low plasticizer levels for good slip and low soiling. Store cool and dry.
LFP COMPOUND The lowest temperature curing compound in the industry. Used for curing by the heat-transfer method when direct application of heat from a heat gun or iron would be detrimental to leather or expanded vinyl. Requires proper pre-sealing of edges for adhesion to leather. LFP has a very low viscosity (thin) and will set up with heat. Do not keep in a hot vehicle’s interior. Take small amounts to the job.
Reference: Tech Sheet 20: LFP Low Fusing Plastisol Leather Fill Compound. Also See Flex Magic below.
F COMPOUND Dash filling compound used to lay a flexible compound foundation in dash cracks. It is also used to fill wide cracks in door panels, armrests, and other repairs. This compound will not shrink under heat and eliminates show-through of the crack when mesh is applied.
Reference: Tech Sheet 43: F-Compound.
COLORED & CLEAR TOPCOAT COMPOUNDS Offered for the professional who does restaurant repairing with colored compounds. Colored and clear topcoat compounds add strength, soil resistance, and abrasion resistance when used as a very thin finish coating. Enhances grain with a heat gun repair and results in a silky feel. Repairs won't preferentially soil (darken) as with all other colored compound repairs. Apply one very thin coat of Topcoat Compound over repairs. Colored Topcoat Compounds are offered in the following colors: Black, White, Red Oxide, Yellow Oxide, Orange, Blue, Ultra-Marine Blue, Green, Brite Red, Brite Yellow, Violet.
LEVELER FOR COMPOUNDS A drop or two of Leveler wiped around the edges of an uncured repair will eliminate the edge for a smooth unnoticeable margin.
THINNER FOR COMPOUNDS A blend of plasticizers which exhibit low-staining and low migration into lacquer topcoats. (Caution: heat cure compounds, especially the low temperature ones, thicken quickly when carried in a hot vehicle interior. Excessive thinning lowers strength and can result in preferential soiling of repairs).
FLEX MAGIC This additive for LFP Compound is used for repairs on leather and very sensitive vinyl. Flex Magic dramatically reduces LFP's gel point, improves adhesion to leather, and speeds curing. It converts low viscosity LFP to a higher viscosity paste similar to B-2 for work in difficult areas.
Use syringes to accurately dispense 1 part Flex Magic and 3.5 to 4 parts LFP on a mixing surface. You'll have about 15 minutes pot life to make the repair before the blend becomes too stiff to handle. Cure and texture with careful heat or use the reverse heat transfer hot graining method. Heat curing is still mandatory even though the blend will gel without heat.
PROFLEX COLOR SYSTEM Our new water-based color system for use on leather and plastic. These materials are non-flammable for safer handling and storage. This product line is 6 times more concentrated than previous lacquer-based systems for maximum efficiency. In contrast to the Aqua Flex and Lacquer/VCC systems, there are 11 color intermixes to work with instead of 10. They are: Black, White, Blue, Green, Brite Red, Brite Yellow, Red Oxide, Yellow Oxide, Violet, Orange, and Brown. They may be used as-is or mixed for specific color matching. No cross linking is necessary. The products in this line are: COLOR INTERMIX in eleven colors; HIBASE for topcoating and mixing with FLAT to reduce gloss, FLOW to help prevent "orange peeling", and SLIP to improve feel; and BARTEX a Barriercoat replacement to aid graining and prevent plasticizer migration. The ProFlex Color Starter System comes with everything necessary to get started including 1 quart of each color (2 quarts black and white) as well as detailed Tech Sheets on method and applications.
PROFLEX TIE PREP A safer alternative to eliminate the use of harsh solvents. Apply ProFlex Tie Prep prior to dyeing. Promotes excellent adhesion on most hard pliable plastics and various metal surfaces. It will withstand heavy use due to its superior resiliency against normal wear and tear.
GLISTER PEARL A universal pearlescent powder. For use in solvent or water-borne systems for pearlescence (sometimes referred to as metallic - not a true metallic). Pre-wet Glister Pearl to a paste consistency with your water-borne clear. Then mix the paste into your spray body. Do not try to cross over from water-borne to solvent base systems.
Mix the Glister Pearl paste with colors only when using the most transparent pigments. Otherwise mix it in a light topcoat using clear only. A hint of black color in clear with Glister Pearl produces a very good silver. Add Glister Pearl directly to dominant hue and thin accordingly with distilled water to avoid coating from becoming too stiff. Transparency is the key to a natural finish. If you've had trouble with Cadillac tops or Porsche’s new pearlescent leather try this product.
GLISTER GOLD Similar to Glister Pearl in form and use. Smaller particle size and very golden in color.
ALUMINUM CONCENTRATE Used to make metallic/silver vinyl and leather colors in solvent-borne systems. This non-leafing grade aluminum concentrate will give the professional improved dry-film properties and enhance the appearance of metallic/silver coatings.
SPECIALTIES AND ADHESIVES
R COMPOUND For making texture mats. This white rapid curing moisture sensitive material is used with a few drops of R Catalyst and spread on a vinyl or leather substrate to obtain a matched impression of the texture. After curing it is removed and used with a iron or heat gun to re-emboss the matched texture into the repair. Use a palette knife to rapidly mix the R Compound and R Catalyst on a ceramic tile, in a shot glass or on the edge of a Bondo spreader. Then apply to the substrate to make a plaque. R Compound is best dispensed from a 30cc syringe.
Reference: Tech Sheet 23: Texture Mats.
R CATALYST For activating R Compound. Use 3 to 5 drops for each 8cc of R Compound. Catalyst is sensitive to air exposure, becoming less potent. Sold in stoppered syringes to exclude air bubbles. A 3cc syringe of R Catalyst is sufficient to cure over 1/2 pint of R Compound. Contains heavy metal. Wash well after use.
Reference: Tech Sheet 23: Texture Mats.
W-2 SPRAY GRAIN White water-borne emulsion blow-on grain. Use with a mouth atomizer to spray on a slight texture to hide grain bands and secondary rings. Dilute as required with water. Vary texture by changing dilution, pressure, and distance from substrate. Reported as a filler for very thin hair-line cracks.
W-3 SPRAY GRAIN Transparent, amber water-borne emulsion blow-on similar to W-2. Produces finer pattern. Best for use as spray grain on hard plastic dashes.
RUBOUT SPRAY A safe and effective ink graffiti and stain remover. Apply RubOut Spray to remove offensive graffiti and unsightly stains from vinyl and leather upholstery and other soft and hard manmade surfaces. RubOut Spray is supplied as a spray and wipe single component system with a formula that acts quickly to extract and destroy most ink and many other stubborn stains. It can be diluted with water to avoid damaging sensitive material.
PROFLEX LEATHER FILL Applied to repair leather without overexposing it to excessive heat. Sandable once dried, this compound will ultimately take on the feel and look of leather while providing a permanent repair.
PROFLEX LEATHER GRAIN AND PRIMER This product has two purposes and is essential to achieve professional leather repairs. Used as a primer, it will promote excellent adhesion for most leather surfaces. It is also used to reduplicate the leather’s natural or unnatural grain when used with the Iron Repair Method.
PROFLEX LEATHER SKIN Used to help blend in repair or fill superficial to moderate leather surface damage. Apply light even coats, drying each coat individually, then light sand to achieve a leather-like finish. Ideal for cat scratches.
PROFLEX HIDE WELD A water base adhesive to repair small holes and slits in leather. Permanently affixes leather on leather. It maintains the natural flexibility and feel of leather. Mix thoroughly with ProFlex Leather Additive to make a sandable filling repair compound.
PROFLEX LEATHER ADDITIVE Mix one part additive to seven parts ProFlex Hide Weld to achieve a highly sandable leather repair compound.
VYNA FLEX Vinyl softener restores pliability to most de-plasticized vinyl. For professional use only. Apply undiluted with care. Penetrates quickly with warmth. Rubbing can attack the print coat on some vinyls. If the vinyl is obviously in very bad shape, do not use Vyna Flex. Vyna Flex is also used to soften hard dashes to ease the melt-in of Super Mesh.
References: Tech Sheets 30: Iron Repair Method and 44: Multi Clean.
LUXTURE LEMON Polish and mild cleaner for vinyl and domestic leather. Do not use on nitrocellulose lacquered leather (European). Contains no silicone or petroleum distillate. Formulated for low sheen, not a greasy gloss. Luxture Lemon may be mixed with Vyna Flex for a conditioner.
MULTI CLEAN CONCENTRATE High performance, multi-function super concentrate for degreasing and general cleaning before repair work and dying vinyl, leather, plastic, and fabric. Available in quarts. One quart makes 10 gallons of general purpose degreaser, all non-flammable.
Reference: Tech Sheet 44: Multi Clean
REINFORCING MESH AND MATERIALS
Fiberglass Reinforcing Mesh was introduced in 1978 to save half the time and produce stronger repairs than subordinate patch methods. A mainstay of the highly skilled professional, mesh forces the beginner to heat repairs sufficiently until the material melts into the substrate, flush with the top surface. These materials are sold in yardage: 1/2 yard equals nine inches by six feet and one yard equals nine inches by 12 feet.
Reference: Tech Sheet 22: Iron-in Mesh.
FINE MESH (Yellow tie) The thinnest and only mesh that does not require the Flex Proof Heat Iron to submerge. Users find the Fine Mesh can be layered and concealed using the LFP or B-2 Compounds. Especially useful for delicate repairs on seats or door panels.
MEDIUM MESH (Red tie) Slightly thicker, stronger mesh especially useful for Iron specialists. Will not deform to show repair read-through on thin vinyls.
SUPER MESH (Blue-tie) Double the thickness and double the strength of the Fine Mesh. Preferred for dash repairs. Should be cut on the bias (diagonally) to allow for expansion and contraction on dashes.
NON-STICK MATS Coated Non-Stick Mats were introduced in 1968. Use as a tool for ironing compounds. Place a piece of Non-Stick mat between the iron and compound or texture mat. Sold in yardage: 1/2 yard equals nine inches by six feet and one yard equals nine inches by 12 feet.
HEATING AND CURING PRODUCTS
FLEX PROOF HEAT IRON The most unsuccessfully copied industry standard yet. Properly engineered for curing compounds, ironing in reinforcing mesh, and impressing texture patterns into repairs. Included are a Weller W100PG constant output 100 watt iron and your choice of one Jacobs' Shoe (the business end of a curing iron).
The iron uses a magnetically controlled switch to provide constant temperature output. Three different temperature shoes are available. Please specify a No. 5 Shoe (maintains 500 degrees F for delicate vinyl and non-vegetable tanned leather), a No. 6 Shoe (maintains 600 degrees F for first time users and general use), or a No. 7 Shoe (maintains 650 degrees F for heavy transportation upholstery, dash boards, and the fastest possible work).
This is not a bag sealer or budget soldering iron with an aluminum block or disk cobbled on. If you are considering one of these, give us a call and we'll put you in touch with a bag sealer company or a source for a nice hobby iron at a reasonable price.
WELLER W100PG IRON The electrical portion or the Flex Proof Heat Iron as above. It is wise to keep a back-up iron in case yours is run over or walks away. Excludes the Jacobs' Shoe. Note: The W100PG replaces the old W100 and uses different replacement parts. The new W100PG was introduced in late 1984 and may best be identified by the number of Phillips head screws attaching the heater element barrel to the handle. The new W100PG uses two screws. The old W100 uses four.
JACOBS' SHOE The screw-on front end of the Flex casting actually in contact with the workpiece as you cure compound, texture, or bury reinforcing mesh. The casting has five faceted working surfaces and a large and small flange for curing under and around welts and folds.
Of the three temperature shoes available, most professionals use at least two. To change shoes just twist off the shoe from the Weller Iron and screw on another. It is sometimes necessary to use some penetrating oil between the barrel and shoe if the shoe has not been changed in a long time.
The Jacobs' Shoe has no moving parts. It consists of the polished casting machined to surround the heater element, a precision press fit tip machined to contact the interior of the element, and a magnastat control pellet pressed into the tip. This design provides for efficient, homogeneous, and controlled heat transfer from the element to the casting. It eliminates hot and cold spots and wild fluctuations in the heating cycle, the major deficiencies of kit market irons.
FLEX PROOF HEAT PEN Improving upon an already good idea, the Heat Pen puts the versatility of the Heat Iron in an even smaller tool. Fueled by butane (available in grocery stores), the Heat Pen allows access to areas too small for a Heat Iron. This is the ultimate tool for detail work. It comes with Micro Heat Blower Tip for concentrated hot-air application.
CHILL BAR The second most unsuccessfully copied industry standard. This is the fourth generation of a 1971 innovation - a cast aluminum block used as a heat sink to cool repairs before removing mats. The bar has a flat side and a crowned surface for pressing in texture patterns. The flanged edge is used for work around welts and folds. Year in and year out people continue to tell us how much faster their work is with the Chill Bar.
STEINEL 1502 HEAT GUN The new three-stage switch allows the user to easily adjust the heat of the gun. The first stage is 120 degrees F, the second is 800 degees F, and the third is 1050 degrees F. This is the least expensive of the two Steinel guns with excellent performance.
STEINEL 1800 HEAT GUN (Variable) Our most expensive gun but well worth it. The 212 degrees F to 1100 degrees F temperature range is regulated with a unique temperature dial. Industrial grade construction and slim design has made this gun very popular. Includes one year factory warranty.
FACTORY WARRANTY FOR ALL HEAT GUNS: Each gun carries a warranty from 90 days to one year as specified. The factory warranty is voided if obvious misuse has occurred. Replacement parts are available by calling the following toll-free number:
Steinel America Inc. 1 800 852-4343
FLEX PROOF HEAT CONCENTRATOR Fits the Steinel & Gar Tec heat guns. Engineered with proper aerodynamics for efficient heat delivery to the workpiece.
STANDARD EXTENSION TUBE Fits the Flex Proof Heat Concentrator and extends the tip for getting to those hard to reach areas. There is a five inch screw on the extension tube that you can shorten or bend to suit. Machined from solid stock.
PALETTE KNIFE Artists' palette knife with three inch offset steel blade. Useful for spreading compound, mixing adhesives, and making texture mats.
TOPCOAT BRUSHES Used for applying very thin coats of Topcoat Compound. These have 3/8 inches wide white boar bristles.
SHEARS We offer industrial quality shears with inlaid edges, the best available.
SPEED CUTTER Best design we've seen in a snap-off blade cutter. Combines a ratchet forward slide action and a fast thumb-action back-slip safety lock. Comes with one 9mm segmented blade. Extra blades are shipped in 10 packs.
BACK-UP CARDBOARD Use pieces of this material under repairs to support compound during the repair process. The cardboard will soften rapidly and is intended to be left under the repair.
SYRINGES Disposable bulk pack, 30cc non sterile Becton-Dickinson graduated syringes for industrial use only. Useful for measuring and dispensing a wide variety of liquids and compounds including catalysts, Cross Linker, adhesives, or R Compound. Available reamed with an air tight aluminum eyelet stopper to preserve sensitive materials and prevent leakage.
SHOT GLASS Used primarily for spot color matching and is easily cleaned.
FLEX SOLV Odorless solvent for stripping water-borne topcoats on vinyl coated fabrics and leather goods. A must for restoration on the new Naugahyde vinyls (the topcoat must be removed for repairs to bond). Combustible liquid.
Reference: Tech Sheet 40: Flex Solv.
CONTAINERS AND ENCLOSURES
We try to supply the tools needed by repair and restoration specialists. Containers and closures are definitely tools when professionals are making up their trap for work in the field. We offer a variety, however we are not very good at supplying large volume orders for bottles and cans. If you need several dozen pint polyethylene bottles, we can and will perform the request. But if you need 500 units by second day air, it puts us through some changes. In the latter case you would be much better served by a local bottle supply house if you remember to order lids at the same time. We include enclosures on all orders we supply.
Remember, restoration systems are becoming more sophisticated. Unfortunately they are often incompatible. Furthermore a system designed specifically for vinyl upholstery may be a disaster on fabric or leather. It is important to segregate products and systems so they are not inadvertently mixed or misapplied. Since labels have a habit of disappearing in this business, use different size or shape bottles or cans for different systems. You are less apt to recolor someone's $25,000 leather Chesterfield sofa with Vinyl Lacquer if you segregate products by bottle shape.
HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE CYLINDER ROUNDS The most common cylindrical shape. You've seen our Pigment Concentrates, Spray Grains, and Luxture Lemon packaged in these. These bottles include a polyethylene flip cap closure with an orifice large enough to fit the feed tube of the mouth atomizer. This style closure is best for solvent base systems (not recommended for the very high solids water borne systems). Available capacities and approximate heights (including caps) are as follows: 2 oz-4 1/8"; 6 oz-5 7/8"; 8 oz-6 5/8"; 16 oz-8 1/4"; and 32 oz-9 3/4". The flip cap for the 1 quart cylinder round is too large for the smaller size bottles. Others use the smaller 24/410 closure.
POLYPROPYLENE JARS Used most commonly to contain compounds and powders, these polypropylene jars have wide mouth pulp/polyethylene lined metal lids. If you buy compound in larger economical sizes, it's a good idea to transfer small quantities to smaller jars. Carry only the smaller jars where there is no danger of heat so you risk only a small amount of compound to premature cures. Sizes: 1oz, 2 oz, and 4 oz.
ROUND PACKERS We started to carry these high density polyethylene widemouth jars to fit the PRE - VAL. Jars include a metal lid. Sizes: 7 oz.
GLASS VIALS These vials are used a great deal for small quantities. They have a polyseal cap. Volumes are strictly nominal. Sizes: 2oz.
SOLVENT CANS These are the same cans most of our solvent based products come in. The gallon container has a 1 3/4" lid, the others are 1 1/4". Sizes: 16 oz, 32 oz, and one gallon.
VELOUR JARS Clear polystyrene jars for saving and storing velour colors. Sizes: 1 oz and 6 oz.
HIGH PERFORMANCE VELOUR COLORS With the introduction of the Auto-Match and the Committee Colors our color selection is impressive. Color matching has almost become a lost art. Often, the colors out of the jar require very little blending.
Reference: Tech Sheet 37: Velour Repair Instructions
ESA3 For the professional who is serious about quality, this small cylindrical hand-held tool converts nine volt battery input to high voltage direct current (DC). The dispensing end electrically charges and disperses the fibers onto the wet grounded adhesive. Overhead work and body interior side panels require less effort for invisible, professional-quality repairs.
SPRAY VELOUR ADHESIVE (SVA) This water borne adhesive will out perform any other adhesive available. It eliminates the need for topcoating while promoting natural slip for maximum wear resistance. Beware of inferior, two-part adhesives.
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