The installation of our wall panels is a clean, quick and easy process using commonly available tools. Panels are installed with a High Tack grab adhesive and can be easily cut to the desired size using a fine tooth hand saw or jigsaw.
Tools you will require
– Tape measure
– Pencil or marker pen
– Fine tooth hand saw or an electrical jigsaw
– Spirit level
– Silicone gun
1. Preparation for Wall panel installation
Before you start installing your panels you will need to calculate the number of panels you need. First you need to measure your walls width and height in mm. Once you have measured your walls divide the width by 600 and the height by your chosen panel height (typically 2400 or 1200mm) which will give you the number of panels. Alternatively contact us and we will be happy to work it out for you. The wall you intend to apply the panelling should be straight, smooth, dry and a dust free surface.
Clean the wall and check its level before installation. The outer housings of sockets and fixtures should be dismantled.
For best results panels should be allowed to acclimatise to the ambient temperature in the room they are to be installed for at least 24 hours
2. How to cut wall panelling
Wall panels are incredibly easy to cut. Simply mark out your required measurements on the back of the panel, and cut along the marked line using either a sharp fine tooth hand saw or an electrical jigsaw, for a neat mess-free cut.
Please Note – panels should be cut with the front face of the panel facing down (in other words the decorative side of the panel). We offer a panel cutting service so if you prefer we can professionally cut all of your panels to size prior to delivery meaning you can skip this step.
3. Wall panels adhesive application
The panels should be installed using an instant grab adhesive,. The one we recommend is Soudal fix all High Tack grab adhesive. This adhesive will ensure an instant strong bond between the wall and the panel (the panel will not be moving around, so it will be ready for the next panel to be installed flush directly next to it). Apply adhesive to the back of the panel in an eye shape in the form or straight strips all down the back of the panel every 5cm. Tip – In order to use less adhesive and to prevent it from overflowing we recommend cutting off just the tip of the adhesives tube. You are now ready to start installing your first panel.
4. Starting your wall panel installation
The installation process is simple. Panels should be installed from left to right OR from bottom to top. Wall panels are very easy to work with – proceed to installing your first panel once cut and the adhesive has been applied to the back of the panel. After securing the first panel to your wall, check the horizontal or vertical alignment with a spirit level to ensure it is straight. Depending on the wall substrate you may require to add additional screws or nails to keep the panel in place until the adhesive has set. You are now ready to attach your next panel. Before pressing the panel onto the wall permanently you will need to make sure there is no gap between the panels and check their vertical or horizontal alignment again after each panel install.
5. Socket assembly
If you are installing wall panels over existing sockets you will need to cut out a space for sockets and fixtures alike on the wall panels using a jigsaw. You will need to get the measurement for this and transfer it over to the back of the panel ready for cutting. For the proper installation of a socket you need a correct electrical box, then install a spacer ring on an existing electrical box. This will allow for the cables to run the depth of the panel safely. The socket can then be screwed directly into the panels and wall to support the fixture.
6. Screwing into wall panelling and hanging
Shelves, cabinets, hangers, TV’s and decorative items can be screwed into a wall that has wall panelling on it. You will have to wait 24 hours after installation, before you hang anything on the panelling, this will allow for the panelling adhesive to fully set in. Fastenings must be attached to the substrate under the panel and the holes must be pre-drilled. Be sure that the hole is made in the slats (that are sticking out) and not the inner structure of the panel. When installing significant weight to wall panelling you should ensure you are screwing through the panels and into the wall behind (so that it is the solid structural wall that is supporting the weight and not the panel alone)
7. Painting
If you have chosen a product that contains bare MDF you may wish to visit this handy guide prior to painting. Hidrofugo doesn’t require the same level of effort and can often be painted without sealing or priming although we suggest you carry out a patch test somewhere inconspicuous first.