HzKaiCun Installation Guide

Important Safety Information

Before beginning installation, always follow all safety instructions related to the tools and chemicals used.

Receiving & Pre-Installation

  • Inspect Upon Receipt: Your HzKaiCun will arrive securely packaged in a box, with all components sealed inside a transparent plastic bag.

  • Unpack Immediately: Remove the material from the box upon delivery and lay it flat in an air-conditioned space or fully shaded area.

  • Avoid Compression: Do not leave the material boxed, as this can cause foam compression and lead to fitment issues during installation.

  • Prevent Heat Damage: Never expose the bagged HzKaiCun to direct sunlight, as excessive heat inside the bag can damage the material.

  • Storage Conditions: If storage is required before installation, ensure the location maintains a temperature of 60–80°F (15–27°C) and humidity between 40–60%. The adhesive shelf life is 18 months.

  • Parts Audit: Before installation, perform a full audit by matching each piece to the parts map included in the bag to ensure all components are present.

Tools & Installation Conditions

Required Tools & Materials:

  • Large Carpet Roller

  • Small Carpet Roller

  • 100% Terry Cloth Towels

  • Microfiber Towels

  • Chemical Bucket/Garbage Bags

  • Blue Painter's Tape

  • #11 Hobby Knife or Thumb Tack

  • Acetone or Isopropyl Alcohol (99%)

  • 3M Primer 94

  • Measuring Tape

Ideal Installation Environment:

  • Temperature should be between 60–90°F (15–32°C), with humidity below 65%.

  • Avoid installing in direct sunlight or immediately after rain, as moisture can interfere with adhesion.

  • Use portable fans to increase airflow, keep surfaces cool, and reduce humidity for better results.

Surface Preparation

Pre-Installation Cleaning (24 Hours Before):
Thoroughly wash the installation area with marine-safe soap, gel wash, or comparable products. Allow a minimum of 24 hours to dry completely, as hidden moisture will compromise adhesion.

Surface Cleaning:
Once fully dry, prepare the surface using Acetone or Isopropyl Alcohol.

  • Use Isopropyl Alcohol if: The surface is clean, smooth, and in good condition, or the area is painted. Do not use on vinyl, stainless steel, or other sensitive finishes.

  • Use Acetone if: The surface is older, chalky, heavily stained, not recently detailed, or suspected of having a ceramic coating. Acetone is essential for breaking down ceramic coatings to ensure strong adhesion. Do not use Acetone on painted areas, PVC plastics, starboard, coolers, or vinyl, as it can damage these surfaces.

Cleaning Method:
Use only 100% terry cloth towels with your chosen chemical to avoid dye residue. Soak a towel, wring it out, and wipe the surface from stern to bow.

Adhesive Residue Warning:
Any glue residue from previous flooring must be completely removed, as it will compromise adhesion and lead to product failure.

The HzKaiCun warranty will be void if product failure results from improper surface preparation or failure to remove old adhesives.

3M Primer 94 Adhesion Promoter

  • Full Coverage: Recommended for challenging surfaces like plastics, coolers, and starboard.

  • Perimeter Coverage: Recommended for aggressive non-skid textures.

  • Application: Apply a thin, even coat and allow it to dry completely per the manufacturer's instructions. Once dry, apply HzKaiCun directly. The bond is immediate and repositioning is not possible after contact.

Installation Process

  1. Organize Materials: Lay out all GatorStep pieces according to the parts map in their general positions without peeling any adhesive.

  2. Start Location: Begin installation in the area with the most pieces. On boats, start in the aft (rear) section or main body. Starting in the bow can lead to misalignment.

  3. Dry Fit & Adhere: Dry fit the first piece to verify alignment. Once satisfied, flip it over and peel back the PSA wax paper about 1/4 to 1/2 of the way. Lightly tap the exposed adhesive into place, verify the rest of the part aligns properly, then slowly peel off the remaining wax paper and press the piece down. Avoid pulling the material, as this causes stretching and fitment issues. Some stretching and manipulation is normal for ideal fitment.

  4. Secure Edges: Press around the edges firmly with your hands to temporarily set the part. Do not use a roller until all parts are installed.

  5. Maintain Gaps: Keep even gaps between parts as intended by the design. Use blue painter's tape to secure adjacent pieces during dry fitting to prevent movement and check alignment.

  6. Work Methodically: Proceed systematically from one part to the next. Do not skip around or have different people installing from opposite ends.

  7. Water Intrusion: If water appears in your work area, immediately lift the material and dry the surface completely with a clean microfiber towel.

Final Steps & Curing

  • Edge Rolling: After all pieces are installed, use the small roller to apply firm pressure along all edges, holes, and interior cut features.

  • Full Surface Rolling: Use the large roller to roll the entire surface of each part with the material's grain to ensure even compression.

  • Bubble Management: If a bubble forms, do not force it down with the roller. Instead, use a sharp #11 hobby knife or thumb tack to puncture it vertically, aligned with the grain. Gently press the air out by hand, then use the roller to reseal the area.

  • Curing Time: The adhesive requires 48–72 hours to fully bond, depending on ambient temperature. Avoid moisture and submersion until after this period.

  • Post-Installation Bubbles: Bubbles may continue to form for up to two weeks after installation. Address them promptly. For stubborn bubbles, use the "heel trick" by standing on the bubble for about one minute to apply body weight, helping the adhesive bond fully.

Care & Maintenance

  • Non-Porous Surface: Dirt and debris sit on the surface rather than soaking in. Clean spills before they dry.

  • Daily Cleaning: Use marine-safe products like Hula, Boat Juice, or Deck Sauce, or Dawn dish soap with water and a soft to medium-bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

  • Avoid Bleach: Never use bleach or bleach-based cleaners, as they can discolor the material, cause drying, and void your warranty.

  • Tough Stains: For contaminants like oil or fuel, use a marine-safe degreaser or WD-40, followed by soap and water.

  • Protective Washing: Use gel washes containing SiO2 (ceramic) to help repel dirt and UV exposure.

  • Cover When Not in Use: Protect your HzKaiCun with covers when not in use to maximize its lifespan.

Now that your HzKaiCun is expertly installed and you know how to maintain it, it's time to get out and enjoy!