The application of Suede-Tex is a simple process used in junior high school woodshops. Its simplicity is one of the beauties of the finish. DonJer Suede-Tex finish allows you to create a professional looking suede-like texture with no previous experience. 

Important points to remember:
• do not skimp on the adhesive
• do not skimp on the fibers
• resist the temptation to touch the surface before the finish has dried

If you are concerned—find a junior high school student to help you!

Clean the surface removing excess dirt and grime. Seal cracks, sand rough surfaces so that they are relatively smooth. The surface does not have to be perfectly smooth, but the finish will show bumps and cracks. If applying to plastic use a "paint primer" to assure the finish will adhere permanently.

If the surface is porous, it is essential that it be sealed. The purpose of sealing is to prevent the absorption of the undercoat adhesive. If the adhesive is absorbed, the fibers will have nothing to adhere to and the finish will have thin spots. Even surfaces that appear solid can be porous (e.g. Masonite) and will absorb the adhesive. 

Sealing may be done with lacquer, shellac, sanding sealer, polyurethane, etc.—anything that will prevent the surface from soaking up the adhesive. If the surface is very porous (i.e., soft woods, open grains, foams etc) be sure you have sealed it sufficiently – it may require more than one coating of sealant. If the sealer leaves a very slick finish, rough it up slightly with sandpaper.

Metal, glass, and plastics do not require sealing, but may need a sanding to roughen up the surface. The solvents in the adhesive may affect certain plastics and foam. It may be necessary to put a protective coat of a rubber-based primer (e.g., latex paint) on these surfaces, and then it will be okay to apply the Suede-Tex undercoat adhesive and continue with the coating process. Because it is difficult to achieve a permanent bond on plastics it is advisable to first use a paint primer on the surface.

The Suede-Tex undercoat adhesive dries stiff and, therefore, is not meant for flexible surfaces such as fabric, cushions, soft foam, etc.

If you want to get the most coverage with the Suede-Tex fibers it will be necessary to set up a special spray area so that you can reclaim the excess fibers to reuse. To create a spraying area, line the inside of a cardboard box or a large trash can with a large plastic bag. Alternatively, using a large (refrigerator size) container create a booth that allows you to contain your fibers. If the object is too large for a booth line the floor with newspaper or plastic and take care not to contaminate the fibers.

Fill the applicator (Mini Flocker, Air-Assisted Spray Gun, or Electrostatic Applicator) with Suede-Tex fiber and set aside. Links to applicators

DonJer Suede-Tex undercoat adhesive can be brushed, sprayed or rolled onto the area to be coated. 

If spraying, it may be necessary to thin the adhesive slightly with mineral spirits (no more than 1 tablespoon per pint) in order to spray it through your gun. The adhesive does tend to thicken when kept in a cool area under 60 degrees. If it appears too thick, allow it to warm up before adding mineral spirits.

Apply a generous coat of adhesive—that is, enough for the fibers to dig into when applied. This coat should appear liquidy. The undercoat adhesive remains open to the fibers for 10 to 15 minutes—this is your working time. If you are working on a larger object use a larger brush, apply the adhesive with a paint roller or spray it on.

CAUTION: If you are working on one continuous piece, DO NOT work in sections as the lines between the sections will show. 

If you are working on a project that has many small sections (compartments), requiring a more detailed application, finish a few at a time. If you cover the uncoated section(s) with a piece of cardboard and then move the cardboard as needed you will not have to wait for each compartment to dry before applying the fibers to the next area.

To apply the fibers place the adhesive coated project in the lined cardboard box. Using the applicator of your choice apply a very generous coating of fibers to the surface. Only so much will stick; the rest will fall off and can be reclaimed to be reused.

Hint: When coating boxes, after you have applied the adhesive, it is best to first spray the fibers on the bottom and then spray the sides. If you tilt the box on its side you can aim at 90 degrees to the bottom first; then place the box flat and finish applying the fibers to the sides.

Hint: To ensure the fibers continue to hit the project on the same angle, hold the applicator at the same angle to the piece you are coating (as much as possible) and raise and lower the applicator. Do not tilt it when possible.

Once you have applied sufficient fibers set aside your project to dry for approximately 10 to 15 hours before you remove excess fibers. If you need to reclaim some of the fibers before this drying process is completed you may turn the project upside down to allow the excess to fall off. 

Do not tap or shake the project at this time as this may dislodge fibers that are sitting in wet adhesive. It is possible to speed up the initial drying time with a heat lamp. It will now take approx. 7 hours depending on your environment. 

TAKE CARE TO KEEP THE HEAT LAMP AT LEAST 18" AWAY FROM THE FIBERS. DO NOT USE A HEAT LAMP WITH A BLOWER.

IMPORTANT—While the adhesive is dried at this point (10 to 15 hours) it will take 72 hours to 1 week for it to cure completely. Care should be taken in handling during this time.

To remove the excess fibers from your project after it has dried shake the item over a lined cardboard box—remember these fibers are still usable. Or, using a dry, clean, soft brush, remove the excess fibers. Compressed air may be used, but take care during the initial 48 hours. Vacuuming may be used after the project has cured completely.

To remove the excess fibers from the applicator take the lid off and empty the unused fibers into the original plastic bag. A gentle tap will remove the rest of the fibers or you may blow them away with compressed air. If there is a tiny amount of fiber left inside the applicator, it will blend into the next color used and not be noticed (with the exception of white).