Alexei Volkov
Installing plastic handrail capping can be a tricky process. While it is possible to install it yourself, it is considered a specialist building trade, and only a few companies in the UK offer this service. Plastic handrail capping is made of PVC, a thermoplastic material whose properties depend on temperature. Before installation, the handrail cover should be heated, for example, by soaking it in hot water, to make it flexible enough to be installed on a curved flat bar. Once cooled, it will return to its original shape. The installation process involves mounting the profile in small sections, starting from the top, and trimming the excess with special scissors or a plastic saw.
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Prepare the surface
To prepare the surface for installing a plastic handrail capping, you must first ensure that the handrail's flat bar is clean and smooth. Remove any thick layers of paint, bulges, protrusions, or irregularities caused by welding. These imperfections can hinder the installation process and affect the final aesthetic.
It is important to note that the plastic handrail profile must not be stretched in length during installation. The thermoplastic material will return to its original shape and length upon cooling, so there is no need to worry about shrinkage during the installation process. However, due to this shrinkage, it is recommended to leave a longer section at the end, approximately 3 to 5 centimetres. This extra length can be trimmed to the correct size after the handrail has completely cooled.
Before applying the plastic handrail capping, you can heat the material to make it more flexible and easy to work with, especially when installing on curved surfaces. Soaking the profile in hot water or using a hairdryer to apply warm air to the inside of the profile are both effective methods. This will help you achieve a precise and secure fit.
Additionally, you can use tools like a flat rod or spatula to aid in the installation process. These tools can help you position the plastic handrail capping evenly along the flat bar, ensuring a smooth and seamless finish. Remember to work in small sections, starting from the top and gradually moving downwards. This gradual approach ensures a proper fit and makes it easier to manage the installation process.
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Heat the plastic
Heating the plastic handrail capping is a crucial step in ensuring a successful installation. The handrail profile is made of PVC, a thermoplastic material whose flexibility depends on temperature. Here are some detailed instructions on how to heat the plastic component effectively:
Firstly, it is important to understand that the handrail strip should be installed on a properly prepared flat bar. The surface must be clean and smooth, without any thick layers of paint, bulges, or irregularities that may have occurred during welding. This preparation is essential for achieving a seamless fit for the plastic capping.
For the heating process itself, you can use a hairdryer to provide a stream of warm air. Apply this warm air to the inside of the plastic capping, especially if you're installing it on a curved section of the handrail. The heat will make the plastic more elastic and flexible, allowing it to stretch and conform to the curved shape of the handrail without cracking or breaking. Focus the warm air on the inner side of the capping to ensure even heating and facilitate easier installation.
In addition to using a hairdryer, another recommended method for heating the plastic is to soak it in hot water. This technique is particularly useful if your installation involves straight sections of handrail. Simply fill a container with hot water and submerge the plastic handrail capping in it for a few minutes. The hot water will soften the plastic, making it pliable and flexible, which is ideal for installation. Ensure the water is at bath temperature for safe handling and effective results.
It is important to work in small sections when installing the heated plastic capping. Start from the top and gradually work your way down. This incremental approach ensures that you can securely attach the plastic to the handrail before it cools down and returns to its original shape. Remember, once the plastic has cooled, it will be challenging to adjust, so take your time and work in manageable sections.
By following these instructions and paying close attention to the heating process, you can effectively install plastic handrail capping. Whether you choose to use a hairdryer or hot water, always ensure that the plastic is sufficiently heated to achieve the desired flexibility for a secure and seamless fit.
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Attach the capping
Attaching the capping is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach plastic handrail capping:
- Surface Preparation: Ensure that the flat bar, onto which the handrail strip will be installed, is properly prepared. Clean the surface and make sure it is smooth, free from any thick layers of paint, protrusions, bulges, or irregularities caused by welding. A clean and smooth surface is crucial for a seamless and secure capping installation.
- Soaking and Heating: Soak the plastic handrail capping in bath-temperature water for a few minutes to make it more flexible and easier to work with. If you're installing the capping on a curved surface, additional heating may be required. Use a hairdryer to direct a stream of warm air onto the inside of the capping, softening it and making it more pliable.
- Mounting the Capping: Start from the top and work your way down in small sections. Gradually mount the capping onto the flat bar, ensuring an even and secure fit. Use a metal tool, such as a flat rod or spatula, to help position the capping smoothly and avoid any creases or air bubbles.
- Cooling and Trimming: Allow the capping to cool down completely, which usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the material will return to its original shape and length. Once cooled, use specialized scissors or a plastic saw to trim off any excess capping, leaving a longer section of about 3 to 5 cm at the end due to expected material shrinkage.
By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can successfully attach plastic handrail capping, creating a safe and aesthetically pleasing handrail. Remember to take your time and work in small sections to ensure a precise and secure fit.
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Trim the excess
When installing a plastic handrail capping, it is important to trim the excess handrail profile for a neat and precise finish. Here is a step-by-step guide to trimming the excess:
- Allow Cooling: Before trimming, it is crucial to give the plastic handrail adequate time to cool down. The cooling process typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the handrail profile will return to its original shape and length.
- Measure and Mark: Once the handrail is cooled, carefully measure and mark the section that requires trimming. Take into account any material shrinkage that may have occurred during the installation process. It is recommended to leave a longer section at the end, approximately 3 to 5 centimetres, to compensate for shrinkage.
- Use the Right Tools: For trimming the excess handrail profile, specialized tools are required. You can use either specialized scissors designed for this purpose or a plastic saw. Ensure that the scissors or saw are suitable for cutting through the plastic material of the handrail.
- Trim Gradually: Start trimming the excess handrail profile from the top, working your way down gradually. Cut in small sections to ensure a straight and even cut. Take your time and work with precision to avoid any mistakes or uneven cuts.
- Smooth the Edges: After trimming, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. Run the sandpaper gently along the cut edges to create a smooth and seamless finish. This step will help ensure that the handrail is safe to grip and free from any sharp edges.
By following these steps, you will be able to effectively trim the excess handrail profile, resulting in a professional-looking and safe plastic handrail installation. Remember to take your time, use the appropriate tools, and work with precision for the best outcome.
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Leave to cool
When installing a plastic handrail capping, it is important to remember that the material will return to its original shape and length once cooled. Therefore, it is recommended to leave a longer section at the end of the handrail—about 3 to 5 centimetres—and only trim it to the correct length after it has completely cooled down. This process typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
The handrail cover is made of PVC, a thermoplastic material whose properties depend on temperature. During installation, the PVC handrail is heated to make it flexible and easy to install, even on curved flat bars. However, once it cools down, it returns to its original shape, providing a secure and precise fit.
To ensure a smooth installation process, it is recommended to soak the PVC handrail in bath-temperature water for a few minutes before applying it to the handrail flat bar. This makes the handrail more pliable and easier to work with. After soaking, the handrail should be applied gradually in small sections, starting from the top.
It is important to note that the handrail should be installed on a properly prepared flat bar. The surface must be clean and smooth, without thick layers of paint, bulges, or irregularities that may occur during welding. Additionally, the handrail should not be stretched in length, as this may affect its final shape and length once cooled.
By following these instructions and allowing the plastic handrail capping to cool down sufficiently, you can achieve a precise and secure fit, ensuring a high-quality installation.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic handrail capping is a cover made of PVC that can be installed on handrails. It is a flexible and long-lasting material that retains its shape.
First, ensure that the handrail's surface is clean, smooth, and free of any thick layers of paint, protrusions, or irregularities caused by welding. Then, heat the plastic capping, either by soaking it in hot water or using a hairdryer, to make it flexible. Next, mount the heated capping gradually in small sections, starting from the top. Finally, trim any excess material with special scissors or a plastic saw.
Plastic handrail capping is a durable and flexible solution for handrails. Its thermoplastic material properties allow it to be easily installed on curved or flat surfaces.
Fitting plastic handrail capping is a specialist trade, and only a few companies in the UK offer this service. While it is possible to install it yourself, engaging a professional fitting service is the best way to ensure a high-quality installation that will last for many years.
