Note that use of this product or participation in the activity of pumping is something you do entirely at your own risk. Read all the contents of this information sheet before using your seal, including the disclaimer at the bottom.
The STJ Precision Seal is made of a poly-vinyl material, and does not contain phthalates.
This material has a fluid component called a plasticizer; it is what keeps the material soft. This plasticizer will eventually be lost (3-5 years in an unused product) resulting in hardening of the seal. Pumping accelerates that process just by the application of the vacuum environment it works in. However, it can be accelerated dramatically in a seal by improper use and care.
Many lubricants contain petroleum or mineral bases which will leach the plasticizer from the seal, causing it to harden and shrink in less time. This varies with the frequency of use as well as the type of lube and cleaning used. You should use ONLY vegetable or water based lubricants- and as water-based lubes lose their lube quality quickly, they are the less practical choice. We recommend Glyde, the only lube specifically designed for pumping. Lubricants should only be used on the skin-side of the seal, not on the cylinder-contact surfaces.
TO USE THE STJ SEAL: This seal is usually placed over the pumpers'complete package, with the smooth side toward your body. Then the cylinder is slipped into the rim groove and vac applied to start pumping. The cylinder vac is relieved to end pumping, and the cylinder removed, leaving the seal in place. Then the seal is gently slipped over the pumped package to remove it.
STORAGE IS VERY IMPORTANT! Store seals closed IN THE ORIGINAL POLY SLIDE LOCK BAG, or the equivalent. Do not leave it lying on or in contact with unknown plastics, painted or varnished surface. Store at room temperature. It's important to store the seal flat- either side up, and do not allow other objects to rest on it. This plastic will take a "set" (permanent change of shape) if stored in a distorted position.
There is a dispersion of light oil (this is free plasticizer) that comes from this plastic, which quickly diminishes in volume but never fully ends. This plastic oil will react with certain other materials, and the reaction can damage the seal, the surface in contact with it, or both. Specifically- avoid contact with styrene plastics and varnished surfaces. Since most cylinders are made of acrylic, it can be used on most plastic cylinders.
Always CLEAN the seal after use; this removes the effect of lubricants during storage. You may wipe it clean with a paper towel, or wash with warm water and mild soap. Remember that the plasticizer is also a type of oil- the stronger the detergent, the more it attacks any platicizer close to the surface of the seal material.
Limit the stretching to what you need; do it smoothly and gently. Because it's soft, the material is also subject to tearing if stretched or pinched beyond it's limits.
Be careful not to nick or cut the surface of the material. A small nick will cause a "stress riser" that will later allow the seal to tear easily when stretched or stressed at that point. This is why plastic bags tear easily- once you get a rip started. Such cuts can be caused by small sharp edges on an STJ jar rim, or by fingernails that may dig in when removing a seal.
DO NOT ROTATE THE CYLINDER-SEAL JOINT!! Rotation of the seal/cylinder joint (ESPECIALLY WHILE IN USE) causes an abrasive motion- any irregularity or debris present can cause a small cut, which then becomes stress riser.
Leaks past a seal are usually caused by hair or other interference. This may be between the seal and you or between the seal and cylinder. No lubricant is needed between the cylinder and seal- but lube (Glyde) should be used between the seal and skin.
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DISCLAIMER: In selling this product to the buyer, the seller makes no warranty of it's fitness for the described use or any other use, either expressed or implied. The seller does not recommend pumping or the use of this seal, and takes no responsibility for the buyer's use of this seal for any purpose. By using this seal, the buyer personally accepts full responsibility for any risk he may encounter, and further agrees to hold the seller harmless in the event of any injury in any way related to this product, regardless of cause. Should you not agree to accept this risk, you should return the item unused for a full refund.
Should you have further questions or need of assistance with this product, please contact PumpToys at 1-866-345-3451 or by email to PumpToys Info