Installing EZ-Stik

About Installing EZ-Stik

Please read all of the following instructions prior to installing your EZ-Stik build surface.

EZ-Stik build surfaces consist of a thin polymer film with our proprietary coating technology applied to the top and an adhesive backing. The adhesive backing is meant to attach the EZ-Stik sheet to your stock metal or glass build platform. Once properly applied, EZ-Stik sheets are 0.018" +/-0.001"(0.457mm +/-.025mm) thick.

EZ-Stik surfaces are very durable and work with the vast majority of the common 3D printing materials. So most customers apply the EZ-Stik sheet directly to their build platform as their primary build surface. Once bonded to your build platform, EZ-Stik sheets are not meant to be removed until they have reached the end of their service life. Many like to have the option to change the surface frequently between prints or have a removable build surface. In order to have this option, we recommend applying EZ-Stik to a spare build surface.

Applying EZ-Stik

Installing EZ-Stik is easy when you follow the instructions below. Both EZ-Stik Hot and EZ-Stik Cold have the same installation procedure.

Platform Preparation

Thoroughly clean the surface you intend to apply EZ-Stik to. Make sure it is free of dust, oils, previous adhesive residue, cleaning agents and solvents.

It is important for 3D printing build surfaces to be very flat. EZ-Stik sheets will conform to the contour of the surface that they are applied to. If you suspect that your platform is not flat, consider replacing it prior to installation of EZ-Stik.

If your build platform is removable, you may want to remove it from the 3D printer in order to make the installation easier.

Trim EZ-Stik to size

Line your EZ-Stik sheet up with your build platform and use standard scissors to trim it to fit. It is a good idea for the sheet to be a few millimeters big on each side. The extra can be trimmed off once the sheet is installed. Be sure to cut out any areas where screws or clips protrude above the platform. It is generally desirable to cover the whole platform, although EZ-Stik only needs to cover the actual build area.

Applying the Surface

Decide what edge you would like to start the application from. Typically this is the shorter side, or the easiest to get access to. Starting from the corresponding edge on the EZ-Stik sheet, peel back half of the adhesive backing. Holding the sheet by the half of the sheet still covered with the backing, line up the starting edge. Using your index finger, gently wipe back and forth across the sheet. Slowly move up the sheet, being careful to avoid trapping air bubbles, until you reach the halfway point. Hold the free edge of the sheet up and remove the remaining backing. Continue to use your finger to smooth out the remaining sheet.

Note** Once the adhesive makes contact with your platform, do not try to remove it. EZ-Stik sheets have a very aggressive adhesive in order to make sure the sheet stays in place during printing. If you have air trapped beneath the surface, see the section below on removing bubbles.

Applying with Windex

If you have a large platform or it is difficult to access your build platform, there is another method using window cleaner for applying EZ-Stik that can help avoid trapping bubbles under the surface.

Apply a small amount of the window cleaner (i.e. Windex) to your build platform. If using a spray bottle, it is easier and makes less of a mess to apply a generous amount to a paper towel or microfiber cloth and wipe evenly onto the entire platform. With the platform soaked, follow the instructions in Applying the Surface above. The cleaner will prevent the adhesive from permanently bonding to the platform, allowing you time to reposition the sheet and smooth out any air bubbles for a few minutes until it evaporates. Be aware that excessive pressure can cause the adhesive to bond to the platform even before the window cleaner evaporates.

Note** Once the surface is positioned to your liking, allow 24 hours for the cleaner to evaporate before using your printer. Even if the adhesive seems to be dry it will not reach full strength for 24 hours. Do not turn on your bed heater to speed up the drying process, as this will cause air bubbles to form under the surface.

Before Printing

Once the EZ-Stik sheet is applied, allow at least 1 hour for the adhesive to set and bond to the platform. Full bond strength is reached in about 8 hours. Using scissors or a sharp blade, trim any EZ-Stik sheet that is hanging off your platform.

Before your first print, always follow your 3D printer's recommended leveling instructions. It is recommended to start with a slightly larger Z-offset than normal. EZ-Stik works the best with an accurate first layer height. Do not 'squish' the first layer in the surface.

Clean any fingerprints or oils off the surface (see Maintenance and Cleaning). You're ready to get back to 3D Printing like a boss!

Using Multiple EZ-Stik Sheets Together

For 3D printers with build areas larger than 400 x 400mm, multiple EZ-Stik can be applied together to cover the entire printer bed. For a video demo of this method, click here.

The seams between the sheets will not affect the performance of the surface, but may leave slightly visible lines in the bottom of the part. Select a size of EZ-Stik that is the best fit for your printer. With the backing still attached, line it up on the printer to be sure there will be no gaps between tiles, and trim the edges of the pieces to fit.

When you are ready, follow the Applying the Surface instructions above to install the sheets one at a time starting with a corner sheet. It's recommended to use the Applying with Windex method above to allow you time to reposition the sheets and make sure all the seams are straight and aligned.

Removing Bubbles

Sometimes things happen and bubbles can get under the sheet. Don't worry! There is a quick and simple way to remove bubble after the sheet has been applied.

First, try to gently push the air towards the closest edge. If the sheet is freshly applied, you may be able to push out the bubble.

If the bubbles won't go out the side, then try to push them together to form as few bubbles as possible. Then take a nice, sharp razor blade with a nice handle and make a very small slit at one end of the bubble. Use multiple, light strokes to make the cut. Excessive pressure can damage the platform beneath. Gently push the bubble towards the slit. If the bubble doesn't disappear, the slit may not be deep enough. Repeat as necessary until all bubbles are released.