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In this method, only one section of carpet is set down at a time on the midpoint of the Kwik-Grip tape, and is pressed tightly onto the built-in grippers. Carpet awls are not required, as the grippers provide the necessary holding action when the edges are set tightly together. Next a special tool, the Kwik-Grip trowel, which has a flanged edge that protects the face of carpet, is used to apply the latex-base adhesive, the flange also acting to remove excess adhesive at the center of the tape. Fig. 6.17.

The second section of carpet is then laid down and forced over the grippers of the tape, the pattern match having previously been established. Reapplication with adhesive is not necessary, since the excess adhesive on the first section provides ample bond for both (Fig. 6.18). For practically invisible seams on broadloom, always cut selvages and lock tufts as shown in Fig. 6.19. For 27-in. and 3-ft carpeting, seaming can be done at the job site as well as in the workroom.

Tape Seaming of Cotton Carpeting. Most types of tapes can also be used to seam either shaggy cotton or short-uncut-pile cotton carpeting. To prevent excess adhesive working up into the face, run a scrap of carpet down the center of the tape to spread the excess from the center to edge of tape (Rug-Sealz).

Cleaning and Relating of Carpet with Taped Seams.Properly made with quality materials, tape seams have all of the advantages of sewn seams without many of the latter's disadvantages. Carpets with taped seams may be cleaned after a suitable '"curing" period has elapsed, which is only a matter of weeks and is always shorter than the elapsing between original installation and first cleaning or washing. Although most tape seams will stand up under dry cleaning with satisfactory results, it is wise first to check with the manufacturer of the adhesive to determine what effect cleaning solvents may have on the product.

Additional Tape Seaming Methods. Other methods of seaming with tape are described and illustrated in Chapter 10.