TECH SHEET 40 - FLEX SOLV To: Vinyl, Leather, and Recolor Specialists Subject: Flex Solv Solves Major Problems A Product has been developed that solves several critical problems for the trade. Vinyl Repairs started failing all over the country. Irrespective of the compound used, the repair technique or the supplier, re-do occurrences increased tremendously. They were about to put some folks out of business. The problem was most noticeable in the large, affluent restaurant chains with newer upholstery. Of course it was the new Naugahyde. This is what was happening: the newer upholstery is coated with a very thin, very tough clear that could be called a Thermoset rather than a traditional Thermoplastic. The problem is compounded by introduction of slip additives right in the coating. Traditional plastisols won't bond and vinyl repairs fail. FLEX SOLV FOR VINYL REPAIRS The solution is to remove the thin clear topcoat before the repair is made. Usually that would dictate using a harsh solvent. But you can't do that in most restaurant work, right where the problem is most serious. That's where our work on Uniroyal's field test comes in because we came up with Flex Solv. It's a slow-dry specialty solvent that rapidly strips the new clear coating. Furthermore, it doesn't smell. To use Flex Solv in this application start with a clean rag to wet the area over and around the repair. Rub as required until the underlying colored basecoat begins to appear on the rag. At this point you've broken through. Immediately use another clean rag to wipe up the Flex Solv and proceed with the repair. FLEX SOLV FOR LEATHER WORK Flex Solv is an effective stripper on standard automotive leather including those coated with the tough crosslinked topcoats. However, the leather industry is changing rapidly and new synthetic tanning processes are making inroads. Flex Solv can stiffen some leathers tanned in this manner. It is imperative to test first, especially when working furniture or apparel, in order to avoid ruining the leather. Proper use in stripping applications depends on testing and experience. If you are trying to remove some of the tough crosslinked coatings, such as on newer Jaguars, apply a wet film and allow the coating to tackify. Then finish stripping with a traditional solvent. For easier coatings such as Mercedes leather, 10% additional Flex Solv to your traditional Ketone based stripper improves performance. Flex Solv evaporates very slowly. It requires wipe dry or drying assist with traditional solvents. Remember, use the least amount of material to get the job done. Less is better. FLEX SOLV RETARDER Due to the extremely slow drying time and high solubility characteristics of this product it is an excellent retarder. Use very small amounts (start with a few drops per ounce) in lacquers to knock out cobwebbing, humidity blush, or to increase gloss. Do not overdo it or your coating will take forever to dry.