How to apply First Contact ™   

First Contact ™ Polymer is a one part system that is easy to use. We recommend that you make some test runs, practicing the technique once or twice prior to a critical use.

DO NOT USE ON PLASTIC LENSES (SPECTACLES).

STANDARD APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply First Contact ™ directly with brush in the applicator bottle; for larger surfaces (2” or larger) pour or squeeze drops of First Contact ™ directly from the refill bottle. Liberally coat the surface without allowing First Contact ™ to run under retaining rings or mountings. It may be useful to apply multiple thin coats, allowing each to partially dry.

SPREAD

Spread First Contact ™ Polymer using the applicator brush or other appropriate object. (As a general precaution, always test the applicator to be used. Some applicator components or the glue holding brush bristles may dissolve in First Contact ™.) Gently spread the solution to make a thick, even coating on the surface to be cleaned. DO NOT use a scrubbing action. DO take care “cutting-in” the edges to avoid spilling over the edge of the optic. Take care to keep it out of any mounting frames when cleaning an assembled or mounted part. Toothpicks (wood is usually sifter than your substrate) can be used to get dried polymer out of corners, etc, if necessary.

CURE

Cure the polymer by allowing it to dry completely (at least 15 – 20 minutes for 1” flat optics, overnight for frosted surfaces, diffraction gratings, silver mirrors and gold mirrors while learning to use First Contact ™). Drying time depends on film thickness, temperature and humidity. The solvents must be able to evaporate for the film to dry. Film adhesion remains high until the film is completely dry; in fact the film adhesion continues to decline until all solvents are gone from the polymer film, this is why very long dry times are suggested for the most sensitive optics. When in doubt, allow more time to dry. After you have some experience and success, then shorten dry times according to your experience and needs.

REMOVE

Remove cured First Contact ™ Polymer by applying the special lint-free peel tabs at any film edge and lift the film. Lint-free peel tabs are provided with standard and deluxe kits. To use a peel tab, remove the backing, extend the peel tab over an edge, place the tab adhesive-side down onto the cured film, and press it firmly into place. Allow about 30 seconds for the tab’s adhesive to fully adhere to the polymer. Lift and pull up on the tab from the edge. Once an edge starts to lift, the entire film will come off easily. Remove all of the film. Your part should now be clean.
Take care not to touch the optical surface with the stick tabs (First Contact ™ can be used to remove peel tab adhesive). Remove residual polymer on retaining rings/mountings with a strong wooden toothpick that will not scratch your optic. If the polymer film tore during removal, it was too thin. Reapply First Contact ™ over the old film using a thicker application or multiple thin coats.

CLEAN UP

Clean up can be accomplished by simply returning the applicator brush to the original bottle. Secure the cap; return the bottle and unused peel tabs to the case. Dispose cured First Contact ™ film and used peel tabs in the trash. Other applicators can be cleaned using acetone.

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