Fasade waves ceiling tiles in white

ceiling installation for glue-up and lay-in applications

Glue-Up Ceiling Installation

 

Here is a video showing a glue-up installation.

Please read these installation instructions in their entirety before beginning your installation.


  • Clean Surfaces. Previously painted surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, grease, etc., using a solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate) or other degreaser. Remove any loose paint and thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water. Glossy surfaces must be sanded to remove any gloss and thoroughly cleaned.
  • Determine the room layout. . To ensure the room looks balanced, the panels should be centered in the room. Map your ceiling on graph paper before beginning installation. Locate and draw any light fixtures, heating vents, intersecting hallways, closets, and doorways. Occasionally these features can influence starting points, tile placement, and finished ceiling design. If there are no obstructing elements, then simply place a chalk line on the ceiling from the center of each opposite wall, forming a cross in the ceiling’s center. Place your first ceiling tile in the corner created by your two chalk lines. Then continue installing your tiles from the center to the outer edges of your ceiling. Please keep in mind that ceilings are often not perfectly square and chalk lines may need to be adjusted before you begin installing your tiles. To ensure professional looking results, the room layout should be balanced with equal size border panels used on opposite sides of the room, as shown below.

 

  • Put chalk lines where your border tiles will be that work best with the above variables. These lines should be parallel with the walls, and will help you align the first tile edges.

  • The large indentations in the styles, Traditional 3, Art Deco, Rosette, Coffer and Dome, prevent them from being cut in the middle and resting properly at the border areas. Accordingly, these styles look best when the Border Fill style panels are used on the perimeter of the room. The remaining Fasade panel styles look best when full-size panels are cut for the border. If the existing border panel width is less than 12″, two border panels can be cut from one full-sized panel.
  • Install border panels. Using the chalk line layout and dimensions you determined above, measure and cut the border panel by scoring the finish side of the panel with a utility knife and straight edge. Bend the panel at the score mark to snap apart. Another option for cutting the panels is to use a tin snip and cut along a marked line. After cutting the panel to size and before applying glue, remove the protective film on both sides of the panel (if applicable). Clean the back surface of the panel by wiping with a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol. Refer to manufacturer’s directions. Use rubbing alcohol in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.
  • The preferred method for installing Glue-Up panels is to use a notched trowel to apply Loctite® PL Premium adhesive directly to the back of the ceiling panels. Alternately, apply a 1/4 inch bead of PL Premium in the pattern shown below. Carefully read and follow manufacturer’s directions for the adhesive. Lightly spray the adhesive with a fine mist of clean water before applying to wall. This will help adhesive cure. Place panel against the ceiling. Press firmly over entire surface working from center to edges so that entire back of panel is in full contact with backing.

  • Insert into the Edge J-Trim if applicable. Edge J-Trims are available to purchase for finishing off the wall edges. If using the Edge J-Trim, attach the trim up to the ceiling before installing the ceiling panels. The trim can be bonded to the wall using PL Premium adhesive by applying a 1/8″ bead to the back of the trim and pressing firmly into the drywall. Staples can be used to tack trim in place until adhesive is cured (24 – 48 hours). Alternatively, drywall screws can also be used to attach trim to wall. Do not over-tighten screws.

  • Overlap the first 3/8” of the subsequent border panels where the ridges and dots align. Complete one set of border panels in each of the length and width directions in the room.
  • Install full panels. Start at the corner farthest from the main entrance of the room, and working in rows across the room, install the full panels by overlapping each new row over the previous row. Complete each row by cutting and installing the remaining border panels, if applicable. See drawing below.

TIPS

Tip 1: When installing two or more panels vertically or when overlapping 4 panels, it is necessary to cut a 1/2? notch in panels 2 and 3 (the middle panels) to avoid an overlap buildup that causes a “bump.” (see drawing)

 

Tip 2: You must remove any adhesive that gets on the finished side of the panel before it dries. Using a cloth or paper towel, clean off any residue with Mineral Spirits.

Tip 3: One hour after the ceiling has been completed, firmly press on all the ceiling panels you’ve installed to ensure proper bonding and adhesive set-up.

Tip 4. Prior to ceiling tile installation, it is recommended that the entire ceiling be smooth and flat. Apply a drywall primer or paint primer.

Tip 5. Clean only with warm, soapy water. Never use abrasive cleaners such as; Scotchbrite Pads or Brillo Pads, etc. They may harm the finish on the panels. Using a high-quality auto polish can help protect the finish.

Note: If custom wood trim or other molding will be used, J-Trim will not be necessary. Install trim after the ceiling is complete.

CAUTION: Even though these decorative panels are “Class A” fire rated, they can be deformed with excessive heat. Never expose to heat over 140°F.

Lay-In Ceiling Installation

  • Determine the number of tiles required. When installing in an existing suspended ceiling, count the number of whole panels and the number and size of border panels. If installing a new grid system, perform the same count from your grid layout plan. The large indentations in the styles, Traditional 3, Art Deco, Rosette, Coffer and Dome, prevent them from being cut in the middle and resting level on the grid at the border areas. Accordingly, these styles look best when the Border Fill or Flat Panel styles are used around the perimeter of the room. The remaining styles look best when the full-size style panels are cut for the borders (not the Border Fill panels). If the existing border panel width is less than 12”, two border panels can be cut out of one full-size panel.
  • Installing the border panels. Measure the distance from the center of the T-Bar and the closest edge of the wall molding. Using a utility knife and a straight edge, score the finish side of the panel at this measurement. Bend the panel at the score mark to snap apart. Tilt on an angle and insert the new tile underneath the existing ceiling panel. When installing the panels, place small amounts of adhesive on the back side of the Fasade panel to reduce sag, if needed. See Room Layout section above to determine border tile size and placement.
  • Installing full panels. Working across the room, install the full panels using the same technique. When installing the panels, place small amounts of adhesive on the back side of the Fasade panel to reduce sag, if needed.
  • Clean-up. Once you have your ceiling installed, the decorative panels can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Never use abrasive cleaners such as; Scotchbrite Pads or Brillo Pads, etc. They may harm the finish on the panels. Using a high-quality auto polish can help protect the finish.

Tip 1. For 2’ x 4’ Fasade lay-in panels, if sag or lift is an issue, we recommend that the panels are installed underneath a mineral board ceiling tile or some other material. You can use old mineral board tiles or purchase an economical mineral board tile for this purpose. THIS IS NOT A REQUIREMENT.

Tip 2. Clean only with warm, soapy water. Never use abrasive cleaners such as; Scotchbrite Pads or Brillo Pads, etc. They may harm the finish on the panels. Using a high-quality auto polish can help protect the finish.

Tip 3. If installing Ceiling Grid Covers, install the grid covers prior to installing the ceiling panels. Consult GridMAX installation guide for the necessary steps.

CAUTION: Even though these decorative panels are “Class A” fire rated, they can be deformed with excessive heat. Never expose to heat over 140°F.