Fasade Wall Panels

wall panel installation

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


Wall Panel Preparation

  • Fasade® Wall Panels must be attached with a recommended adhesive or high-bond double-sided tape to a substrate such as drywall, plywood, OSB or paneling. We do not recommend attaching the panels directly to wall studs.
  • Before starting, make sure all surfaces are clean, dry, smooth and free from dust, grease, wax, etc. Clean the back surface of the panels 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.
  • Prior to installation, it is recommended that the entire surface be prepared using a latex primer or paint. This will ensure you are installing the decorative panels over a clean surface.
  • Determine your starting point. The Traditional 1, 2, and Rib patterns are the only patterns that can be installed by overlapping the raised edge around the perimeter of the tile, or using a divider trim in between each panel. If you are going to overlap the Traditional 1, 2, or Rib style panels, you should start installing your panels in the furthest corner of the room. This will make your overlapping seams less noticeable as you enter the room. For all other patterns you should use a divider trim between each panel. If you are using a divider trim between each wall panel you can start installing the panels on either end of the wall.
  • It is recommended you perform a “dry layout” prior to applying any adhesive. Measure walls, check for level square and plumb. Depending on dimensions and room construction, you may need to trim some panels accordingly or use corner or divider trim to hide gaps.

Wall Panel Installation

1) Installing trim strips (finishing the edges). If the area to be covered ends on a flat wall, and you desire to finish the edges, you can do so by using matching edge J-trim. Also, if you have an inside or outside corner, it is recommended you use matching corner trim. You should install the J-trim and corner trims before beginning your wall panel installation. See trim drawing to the right. The Edge J-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). Drywall screws can also be used to attach trim to wall. Do not over-tighten screws. Inside corner trims don’t require attachment. Trims are available by special order. Order online at acpideas.com

2) Installing your first panel. Remove protective film and clean the back side of each panel using isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel or cloth as described in the Preparation section. Make sure the first panel you intend to install fits. Make any cuts as necessary as described below in the Tips section. Apply adhesive to the back of the first panel. The recommended adhesive is Loctite PL Premium®, Loctite PL Premium Fast Grab® or LePage PL Premium® (Canada). Carefully read and follow manufacturer’s directions for the adhesive. Apply panel adhesive according to drawing to right, using a 3/16” to 1/4″ bead. The 28 oz. adhesive tube covers approximately 1-1/2 (4’x8’) wall panel. Lightly spray the adhesive with a fine mist of clean water before applying to wall. This will help adhesive cure.

3) Squeeze out trapped air. Once your panel is placed, press against the substrate using a soft cloth to apply pressure evenly across the panel to squeeze out excess air. Repeat this step for each installed panel.

4) Wipe off excess adhesive. Use mineral spirits and a cloth. Clean off any adhesive residue that is visible while it is still wet. Do not allow this residue to dry as it will be very hard to clean up when dry and could damage the finish.

5) Install divider trim for butt-jointed panels (optional). To install the divider trim, slide back flange into place under the panel edge and push against the edge. Then slide next panel into it. The divider trim does not need to be attached if you are installing panels with adhesive as recommended.

6) Installing subsequent panels. If you are using the Traditional 1, 2, or Rib pattern and wish to install your panels using the overlap method please follow these steps:

  • After installing your first panel according to step 2 under “Installation”, be sure to overlap consecutive panels on the raised edge of the wall panel.
    Please note you can only install the Traditional 1, 2, and Rib pattern using the overlap method. For all other patterns, or to use the divider trims between the Traditional 1, 2, and Rib panels please follow these steps:
    Gently pull back the edge of the already installed wall panel and slide one edge of your divider trim onto the existing panel. Please be sure to leave a 1/16” space for expansion on each side of the trim. Secure the exposed edge of the divider trim using 1” drywall screws. Use caution when securing your trim strips. Securing trims too tightly may cause the strips to buckle and become “wavy”. Follow the instructions in step 2 under “Installation” to prepare your next panel for installation. Carefully slide the edge of the second panel into the divider trim and adhere to wall. Be sure to leave a 1/16” space for expansion. Squeeze out trapped air.
  • Wipe off excess adhesive. Use mineral spirits and a cloth. Clean off any adhesive residue that is visible while it is still wet. Do not allow this residue to dry as it will be very hard to clean up when dry and could damage the finish.
  • Installing more than one row of wall panels: For best appearance, before installing subsequent rows of decorative panels, cut the corner bumps off or about a 3/8” square off of the two already overlapping wall panels that will be covered. Working in rows across the room, install the full panels using the same technique. Complete each row by cutting and installing remaining panels. See overlapping illustration.

Wall Panel Helpful Tips

  • Cutting the panels: You can cut the panels using a straight edge as a guide and a sharp utility knife, or a by using a straight tin snip. If using a utility knife, score the face of the panel. Apply light pressure on the first pass with the blade and then gradually increase the pressure on a few more passes. There is no need to cut completely through the panel. Just bend it back and snap it off.
  • Cutting for outlets and light switches: Measure and mark the border of where the opening has to be with a marker. Score along the entire border using a sharp utility knife. Make a few passes with a bit more pressure each pass. Then, in the center of the area to be removed, cut a ½” to 1” triangle all the way through the panel. Next, using a good tin snips cut angled cuts from the edges of the cut triangle to the corners of the border scores. The final step is to then carefully bend each corner area along the scores until they break free. See illustration.
  • ACP the manufacturer of Fasade recommends using one of the following adhesives PL Premium.

  • Care and Cleaning: Clean only using a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap and water. Never use abrasive cleaners or cleaners that contain chemicals.  Never use 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 on the panel.

CAUTION: Although these panels are “Class A” fire rated, they can be deformed with excessive heat. Never expose to heat over 140°F. Keep toaster ovens, cooking ranges, etc., 2-3 inches away from the panel’s surface.