18. Repairs

1. Information

One of the main advantages of HIMACS is that the surfaces can be repaired in the event of an accident. Depending on the type of damage, a number of solutions can be used.

However, as due to small production variations or other circumstances it may happen that there will be some color differentiations’ by time. To avoid any risk of difference it is to recommend keeping an original piece, like cut-out or similar lefts of the origin at a place to find it back later.

To avoid any color match issue between the installation and its repair plug it is best to use a piece of the original material.

Therefore, a piece of a cutout supposed to be stored beside the kitchen or vanity or furniture.

If no spare piece is available, check color match before starting repair.

2. Repair Recommendations

Shallow and slight scratches

• For scratches, it may well be possible to sand them out with scotch brite pads, abrasive creams or even abrasive sandpapers.

• Ensure to protect and cover other areas which should be not affected by your work. Always use dust collection systems as well as vacuum cleaner.

Deep scratches and cut marks

• With deep scratches and cut marks it can be repaired by using standard sanding and polishing method.

Deep indentations and chip break out

• With deep indentations and chip break out it is possible to drill out the affected area and fill the hole with HIMACS color matched adhesive. This may best method by pattern color.

• Drill out the affected area, and, clean the part with white cloth and denatured alcohol. Fill the hole with HIMACS color matched adhesive. Be sure to over fill the hole and try to eliminate any air pockets prior to curing.

• Once cured the adhesive it can be sanded down in the normal standard way, however, the repaired area will need to be blended in with the existing work surface.

Small areas of damage (crack and hole)

For small areas of damage like crack and hole, particularly with the Granites and Sands, a plug repair is a possible solution .

Repair Procedure:

1. Using trimmer, cut the cracked part or hole. And, clean the part with white cloth and denatured alcohol.

2. Prepare proper plug using same color piece of HIMACS sheet.Plug the prepared piece, and apply HIMACS color matched adhesive.

3. Be sure to overfill the part and try to eliminate any air pockets prior to curing.

4. Once cured the adhesive it can be sanded down in the normal standard way, however, the repaired area will need to be blended in with the existing work surface.Adhesive joints must be completed prior to placing the material.

5. Silicone sealant joints can be applied with the material already in place.

6. In dry environments, seams may be positioned vertically or horizontally. In wet areas, vertical seams are recommended to facilitate water runoff.

Major damage

For major damage, regarding cracks or burn marks, a 12 mm triangular or round piece of HIMACS (same thickness as installed) will need to be fitted.

Process:

1. Make a template and clamp it to the surface around the damaged area.

2. Machine out the section using a portable hand router.

3. Using the same template, cut another section from an offcut of color-matched HIMACS piece, or preferably from the same sheet to minimize any color difference.

4. Bond the triangular spare piece with HIMACS adhesive and reinforce the underside.

5. Depending on the intensity of damage, it may be recommended to replace the section partly if necessary.

6. Repairs through a heating section, like a hob cutout or another similar heating device, will not be successful for a positive long-term result and is not recommended.

Broken seams

To repair a broken seam, first machine a ‘V’ groove down the entire length of the crack.

Recommendations:

• Make a square strip of matching LX Hausys HIMACS sheet so that when turned through 90°, it fits the groove.

• Ensure no production air bubbles may appear after finishing off.

• Apply LX Hausys HIMACS adhesive into the groove and push the square section home until sufficient adhesive is forced upwards.

• Once fully cured, sand down the new section as normal.

• Ensure that the seam has reinforcement beneath prior to completion.