The Invisible FlatWire

Wire Concealment

These directions are for those wishing to paint or wallpaper over their FlatWire. If your concealment plan involves putting rug or carpet over your FlatWire, there is no need to follow these directions.

*Helpful Hints*
- Do not sand before second coat of compound has been applied and is dry.
- Use 80-100 grit sandpaper if possible.
- Each additional coat of compound should extend two inches beyond the edge of the previous coat. Then sand to a smooth even surface.

1) Apply the 3” mesh tape overlapping each edge of the wire. At all bends, apply the mesh tape beyond the wire by at least 1” for maximum wire concealment. Note: Do not overlap mesh tape, as this will add thickness, making wire concealment difficult.

3) For ease of application, tools should be clean and the compound fresh. Ensure a tight bond by pressing the mesh tape firmly to the surface with your hand.

4) Start the compound process by filling your concealing compound tub evenly. Preferably with a taping knife, scoop the compound so it is dispersed evenly on the knife blade.

5) Apply the compound to the surface holding the knife at approximately a 70-degree angle, pressing it flatter as you move along the mesh. This spreads the compound evenly over the whole stroke of the knife. Repeat this process until all of the mesh is covered.

6) At an angle almost parallel to the surface, spread the existing compound quickly with long sweeping strokes to thin the compound until mesh is slightly visible. At the end of each stroke, scrape excess compound off of your knife into your compound tub.

8) Let this application dry thoroughly before applying the second coat. Note: Each coat should be allowed to dry thoroughly according to manufacturer's instructions, so that the surface does not crack and can be sanded easily.

9) Preferably using a 10” or 12” taping knife, repeat steps 5 thru 8 this time until all mesh is concealed.

10) After the concealing compound is dry, sand lightly until all edges are feathered (feathered: to blend the edges so no immediate creases or lines are evident between the compound and the surface). The mesh should be seen, but the surface should be smooth. Note: Do not sand firmly as this may result in contact with the mesh tape.

11) If necessary or desired, repeat steps 9 and 10 for maximum wire concealment.

12) Once sanded, clean the surface.

13) Paint, texture, or wallpaper your FlatWire Ready™ walls! Your wire concealment has been a success!