Fasade Wall Panels

wall panel installation

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

Wall Panel Preparation

  • Clean wall surfaces. Before starting make sure all surfaces are clean, dry, smooth, and free from dust, grease, wax, etc.
  • 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.

Wall Panel Helpful Tips

  • Leave the protective film on until installation. The protective film can serve several helpful uses. Use the film surface to place cut marks or notes using a fine tip marker. The film adds additional protection to the panel finish while handling it during preparation. Remove the protective film prior to applying adhesive.
  • 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. Simply bend back the panel and snap it like a sheet of glass.
  • Finishing the top and bottom edge of the wall panels: You can use Edge J-Trim to finish the top and bottom edge of the panels if you wish. You can also use your own decorative wood trim. If you prefer to use the J-trim, please be sure to follow the instructions in step 1 under “Installation” and install your trims along the bottom edge before installing your wall panels.
  • Cutting for outlets and light switches: Measure and mark the border of where the opening has to be with a marker on the protective film. 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.

  • 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.

Wall Panel Installation

  • Install the 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 a piece of matching Edge J-Trim. Also, if you have an inside or outside corner, it is recommended you use a piece of matching corner trim. You will want to install the trim strips before beginning your wall panel installation. Secure each trim strip using 1” drywall screws. See trim drawing below. Use caution when securing your trim strips. Securing the trims too tightly may cause the trim strips to buckle and become “wavy”.

  • Install your first decorative panel. If your panels have a protective film on the decorative side, it must be removed now, prior to applying the adhesive and adding additional panels so the adhesive will bond properly at the overlaps. The recommended method for securing your wall panels is to use a ¼” notched trowel and a good construction-grade wallboard adhesive. Stay about ½” in from the outside edges to prevent too much adhesive from squeezing out when pressing the panel to the wall. The adhesive will go on white. Let the panel sit until the adhesive becomes yellow and feels “tacky”. Using your starting point as determined in step 3 under “Preparation,” install your first panel. *Please consult the individual adhesive instructions on the container prior to beginning your installation.

  • Squeeze out trapped air: Once your wall panel is placed, press against substrate using a soft cloth to apply pressure evenly across the panel to squeeze out excess air. Repeat this step for each installed panel.
  • 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. When overlapping be sure to leave 1/16” space for expansion.
    • 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: With a damp sponge or cloth, clean off any adhesive residue that is visible while it is still wet. Do not allow the residue to dry as it will be very hard to clean up when dry and may harm the finish on the panels. If necessary you can use mineral spirits to remove excess adhesive.
  • 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.