Crane Composites Trowels - Manual (Page 7)

Attaching to Wall
Generally, FRP panels can be installed using adhesive alone, fasteners alone, or a combination of adhesive and fasteners. The method
used should be determined by the room and wall conditions (see the wall conditions noted on pages 4 & 5). Check your local building
codes for any restrictions or guidelines regarding approved installation methods.
Before starting, determine which seam treatment is being used. Please refer to the appropriate instructions for the type of
seam treatment being used.
Moldings | Color Coordinating Caulk | Seam Sealant
Applying Adhesive
When adhesive is used, be sure that it is an FRP-formulated product. FRP adhesives are
widely available. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations for trowel style (e.g.,
appropriate height of adhesive bead left by trowel). It is important to apply adhesive carefully
and follow all directions to prevent problems that may result from using too little or too much
adhesive. 100% adhesive coverage applied to the entire back of the panel is recommended by
using a “crosshatch” pattern. Adhesive should extend to all edge s of the panel and should be
applied directly to the back of each individual FRP panel.
(Figure 4)
Do not apply adhesive to wall.
Spacing
All FRP panels have expansion characteristics due to changes in humidity and temperature that must be accounted for during
installation with proper spacing around panel edges and around fi xtures attached to the panel/wall. Adequate space must be allowed
for panel expansion and contraction. For a 4’ x 8’ panel, a minimum gap of 1/4” is required at the top and bottom of each panel and
1/8” between panels. More room will be required for longer panels. It is recommended that panels do not exceed 48” in width and 12’ in
length to aid in ease of installation and ensure a satisfactory fi nished installation. See the FRP panel Expansion Joint
Chart for appropriate spacing at ceiling, fl oor and between panels.
When a moisture resistant installation is required, silicone sealant
should be applied in all moldings around all panel edges, fastener, and fi xtures.
Refer to seam treat options for specifi c expansion joint chart .
Panel and Seam Treatment Sequence
Depending on your seam treatment selection, panels are either installed in sequence with the
seam treatment or panels are installed independently. Before starting, determine which seal
treatment is being used.
MOLDINGS
When using moldings, panels and molding are installed in sequenced.
COLOR COORDINATING CAULK AND SEAM SEALANT
When using caulk and sealant, all panels are installed prior to the seam treatment. Before
caulk and sealant can be applied, installed panels need to be adhered for at least 6 hours.
Panel Installation Finish
• Use a laminate roller to ensure all air pockets are removed between the panel and the
wall and to ensure a good bond between the panel and the wall. Start in the top corner of
the panel away from the leading edge. Begin rolling down and out towards the panel edge
without a molding.
(Figure 5)
• Adhesive residue may make panels appear stained and will collect dirt. Remove any
adhesive residue upon completion of the job. To remove latex-based adhesive, clean with a
non-abrasive cotton cloth and warm water. If necessary, use a mild, non-abrasive detergent.
For best results, change water and cleaning rags frequently. For
clean-up with solvent based adhesives, use mineral spirits or acetone to remove residue
(Figure 6) .
NOTE: SOLVENT-BASED OR ABRASIVE CLEANERS SHOULD NOT BE USED ON DESIGNS
PANELS OR PATTERN MATCHED MOLDINGS
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
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