Method and apparatus for seaming abutting layers of planar material

A method of seaming abutting side-by-side layers of planar material, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) fitting abutting edges of the abutting layers of planar material to one another to form a line of abutment;
• b) placing a length of non-adhesive backing tape underneath the planar material along the line of abutment;
• c) providing an applicator having an ankle portion, a tape retainer portion and a rear trailing edge, the applicator tip configured to dispense liquid adhesive or thermoplastic glue through at least one orifice disposed on the ankle portion and through at least one orifice disposed on the rear trailing edge;
• d) dispensing liquid adhesive or thermoplastic glue through the ankle portion of the applicator along the abutting edge of at least one layer of planar material while simultaneously centering the tape along the line of abutment with the tape retainer portion of the applicator and dispensing adhesive onto the surface of the tape abutting the planar material through the rear trailing edge of the applicator;
• and
• e) pressing the abutting edges of the abutting layers of planar material against each other and against the tape until the adhesive has at least partially set so as to form a finished seam along the line of abutment.