It is Simple! A: The panels simply fix together in a similar way to tongue and groove timber cladding.
B: Panels can be fixed chemically directly to existing sound surfaces, including tiles, using a variety of building adhesives, or can be fixed mechanically (nailed, screwed or stapled) to wooden battens on uneven surfaces.
What you have to remember:
Use the panel for indoor uses only.
The background must be sound, dry and in good condition.
When using the panels in high pressure shower areas, use silicon sealant in the groove on the back of the lip for a water-tight seal.
Before fitting panels around sources of heat, for example radiators or fire places, make sure the temperature level doesn't exceed allowed level of 140F (60C).
The panels can be cut horizontally or vertically using simple
woodworking tools. Panels can be easily cut or trimmed using a hand saw, table saw,
portable circular saw, jig saw or sharp utility knife. We recommend
using a fine-tooth saw. The finer the teeth, the neater the cut you
will achieve.
Fitting to Walls
Due to the tongue and groove nature of the
paneling, they can be fixed through the tongue, meaning that fixings
are always hidden.Depending on the type of wall or ceiling you can choose different types of fitting. Rough, uneven walls: Attach the panels to a built framework by nails, staples, screws or glue.
Smooth, even walls: simply glue the panels to the plaster or plaster board, or even to existing tiles!
Surface preparation
In the majority of the cases there is virtually no preparation needed - the panels can go straight onto brick, cement block, plaster, timber battens or stud-work and can even go over existing ceramic tiles.
If the surface is very uneven, timber battens can be used to achieve a level surface and then the panels can be attached to the battens. We would recommend you start by placing wooden battens approx. every 12 - 16 inches. In rooms with a high humidity treated wood and stainless steel fixings should be used. Extra insulation can be installed between the battens. To install the panels vertically, place the battens horizontally and vice versa.
Installation
Panels are normally fixed vertically i.e. from floor to ceiling; however panels may also be fitted horizontally if the shape of the room makes this an easier option. Similarly, ceiling panels can be run in either direction. Of course, you may have a preference as to which way you would like run the panels for visual effect.
If you are use accessories, leave about 1/16" clearance between the panel and the edge trim.
Fitting Instruction
Nailing: Apply nails evenly and level in the panel lip. Be careful not to hit the panel with the hammer. This method only applies when fixing the cladding to a wooden surface or battening. Make sure the battening is flat and level, packing out where necessary on uneven walls so that when applied the cladding does not develop curvature and follow the walls contours. In cases of damp and uneven walls we recommend the use of treated timbers for battening. Ensure that you leave sufficient ventilation behind the cladding by providing air gap.
Screw fix: Apply screws through the panel lip as shown in the diagrams below. Screw fixing can be made to wood battens. However breeze block, brick or plasterboard will require the wall to be plugged before screwing. When the first plank is fixed in place the next conceals the previous fixing see diagram below.
Stapling: You can use stainless steel staples when fixing to plaster or wood battens - this method is particularly suitable when using battens. Always make sure your battens are flat and level, packing them out where necessary on uneven walls, this will prevent the panels from developing a curvature following the wall contours.
Gluing: This is the method most preferred by many installers however you can only use adhesive when applied to a dry, even wall. The wall must be free of any greasy substances and dust. Only use specialist adhesive. A few options to consider: Fixing to plaster, brickwork or studs: use general purpose, solvent based adhesives or neutral cure low modulus silicons.
Fixing to tiling: use a moisture cure, solvent-free adhesive or silicone.
Generally, use MS (silyl modified) polymers or 2-component polyurethane foam
Each material you glue the panel on reacts differently. You should consider both factors: the PVC panel AND the surface it's glued upon.
Trims: Apart from using trims (pictured right), both internal and external corners can be neatly done by bending the panels - just carefully cut the back face of the board along where the corner will be and shape the panel into the internal or external curve.
Ceilings:Use the same installation technique when fitting panels onto the ceilings - apply adhesive to an existing ceiling or wood battens and fix the panel with staples to hold it in place.
Note: If wide temperature fluctuation exists in the area of decorative wall panel installation, over-sized holes for screws are recommended. Also, allow expansion and contraction gaps between panel ends and moldings. When fitting halogen ceiling lights there needs to be a 3/8" gap between the halogen bulb and the panel.
Once the panels are installed there might be other items that you need to fix to the walls, such as soap dishes, shower curtain rails, etc. For lightweight items you can fix directly to the panels using plaster plugs or through the panel into the wall. For larger or heavier items you it is recommended that you fix wood battens behind panels where accessories are to be fixed. Use of spacers between the wall and the surface of the fixed panels is also recommended when fitting heavy items.
Use of Liquid Nail Products: The best product for this application is Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive (LN-901). In VOC compliant states it is packaged under product number LN-903. Mechanical fasteners should also be used if possible. Mechanical fasteners and adhesive together will give you the best possible bond. You want to make sure both surfaces are clean, dull and dry before adhering them together. For more information, call Liquid Nails Aghesive at:1-800-634-0015
Watch installation video
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