Step 1

→ | Plan the location of your system elements and mark the path between the elements that the wire will follow.

Step 2

2A | Connect the FlatWire to your system components. The FlatWire clicks into the white wall boxes. The side of the black terminator printed TOP should face away from the eventual mounting surface.

2B | The RJ45 patch cord plugs into the white wall box and your component or the wall jack.

2C | Test the components to ensure that the FlatWire is functioning properly.

2D | Attach one of the white wall boxes to the mounting surface with 4 of the provided pan head (Phillips) screws.

2E | Attach the wall box backplate to the mounting surface with 2 of the provided screws. This backplates fits into the open end of the wall box, and ensures that the FlatWire is held snugly to the surface.

2F | Disconect the patch cords and the remaining non-mounted wall box.

2.1 | The terminator piece printed with "TOP" (A) must face away from the existing terminator (C), and sit below the wire. Place the 2nd terminator piece (B) above the wire with tab pointing along the wire towards the existing terminator (C).

2.2 | Click (A) top and (B) bottom of terminator gently together. Do NOT penetrate the wire.

2.3 | Check that the FlatWire pattern is aligned so that a complete segment of the same shape can be viewed through the window of the terminator tab.

2.4 | Clamp the terminator together with pliers. Make sure to penetrate the wire completely, and check that the connector is tightly snapped on all sides.

2.5 | Use the pliers to break away the terminator tab. This is easy to do with a slow rocking motion to tear the living hinge.

2.6 | Trim away the excess FlatWire, revealing the new, customized length!

Step 3

3A | Adhere the FlatWire to the wall.

*Read and follow all directions on the spray adhesive, including the cautionary information provided in the instructions*

When mudding, shake the adhesive thoroughly, and spray directly onto the path you've drawn on the surface. Hold the can six to eight inches from the surface and apply with long sweeping motions, coating evenly. For ease of installation, spray in sections of eight feet or less. Wait 60 seconds for tack to develop.

When painting only, shake the adhesive thoroughly, and lay the wire onto a surface that can be discarded, such as spare paper or cardboard. Hold the can six to eight inches from the wire and apply with long sweeping motions, coating evenly. For ease of installation, spray in sections of three feet or less. Wait 60 seconds for tack to develop.

3B | Press the FlatWire to the path with a non-metallic object such as a wallpaper smoother. Be careful not to press so hard that you cut through the plastic film that protects the copper. Repeat step 3B as you proceed.

3C | Apply sweeping pressure to the FlatWire with a plastic smoother. This will ensure complete contact, and avoid air bubbles. Do not use your hand, as this creates uneven pressure.

3D | Reconnect the other end of the FlatWire to the 2nd wall box, and attach the wall box to the mounting surface with 4 of the provided pan head (Phillips) screws. Attach the wall box backplate to the mounting surface with 2 of the provided screws. This backplates fits into the open end of the wall box, and ensures that the FlatWire is held snugly to the surface.

3E | Connect the RJ45 patch cords to both ends and your component and the wall jack. Test for signal transfer.

3F | Disconnect and remove the system elements, then cover the wall boxes with painter's tape.

Step 4

4A | Apply the mesh tape over the FlatWire. Do not overlap the mesh as this creates unnecessary thickness. Leave about 1/4" gap between pieces of mesh. Proceed to step 4F if painting only.

4B | Use a wide putty knife to apply thin coats of concelaing compound. You want to use as little as possible to conceal the wire, and start with a knife that is about 10 inches wide. Place a thin skim coat on each side of the wire run that starts at the center of the wire. Allow to dry. Wash the knife off between coats, as the compound can damage the blade if allowed to set.

*Keep in mind that concealing compound comes in a variety of drying times. The shorter the drying time, the less time in between steps, but the less flexibility you have while applying the compound.*

4C | Sand off the lumpy or uneven areas, high areas can usually be scraped even with the putty knife.

4D | Apply additional layers of compound as necessary. These coats can be applied with a narrower blade or just a narrower path over the first coat. The desired effect is a tapering of compound, thickest over the wire, and thinner at the edges. Apply only as much as is needed to cover the mesh threads or to create a smooth profile. Allow to dry and repeat as desired, sanding between coats.

4E | Sand the final coat of compound to produce a smooth surface. Change grit as desired, and use a wide, flat compound sander with the metal grid.

4F-4G | Paint and allow to dry, then reconnect your system and enjoy!

Please browse the site for additional tips & tricks as well as FAQs about product installation.

Contact FlatWire regarding the splicing of our products: 1.888.FLATWIRE