Crane Composites Trowels - Manual (Page 9)

Color Coordinating Caulk
(Caulk not available for purchase from Crane Composites)
1. Start in an inside corner. Mark plumb line 48” (1.2 m) from corner. The fi rst panel should be set true with a plumb line.
NOTE: If panel is supplied with a protective tack fi lm, leave fi lm on during installation.
2. Apply 100% adhesive coverage to the entire back side of the panel using a “crosshatch” type pattern. Place panel against wall and
align leading edge with plumb line. Use caution so that adhesive does not seep into the gap between the panels.*
3. 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 leading
panel edge.
(Figure 5)
4. Hammer six-penny fi nishing nails against the panel leading edge two feet on center. This will maintain proper spacing between
panels. **Leave nails in place until adhesive sets up (per manufacturer’s instructions) and then remove.
5. Prepare the joints for caulking.
• If panel has tack fi lm, leave in place.
• If panel does not have tack fi lm, place painter’s tape on each side of the seams that are to receive caulk.
6. Fill the 1/8” (3.2 mm) gap between the panels with caulk, making sure that the gap is completely fi lled. Push tube in the direction of
travel. Wet your fi nger and smooth bead if necessary.
7. After smoothing bead, allow caulk to dry before removing tack fi lm or painter’s tape.
If using a cap at the top or bottom of panel, slide it completely on to the panel. When not using a cap at the top or bottom,
leave 1/4” (3.2mm) gap for expansion. If a moisture resistant installation is required, Silicone sealant should be applied
in all moldings and around all panel edges, fasteners and fi xtures.
Fasteners
Nylon drive rivets, or corrosion resistant screws are appropriate fastener options. If rivets or
fasteners are used, panels should be predrilled using a drill bit that is 1/8” to 1/4” larger than the
fastener. During installation, holes only slightly larger than the fastener should be drilled into the
substrate through the pre-drilled holes in the panel and prior to any adhesive application
(Figure 10) .
Apply silicone sealant prior to inserting rivets or fasteners.
The recommended fastening frequency is 16” on center both horizontally and vertically. Space
perimeter holes at least 1” to 1-1/2” from panel edge when using one piece moldings and stagger
holes of abutting panels. When using two piece moldings put perimeter holes 1-1/2” to 2” away from
panel edge
(Figure 8, Figure 11) .
3/8”
1
4 “
1/4”
1/4”
1
4 “
WRONG RIGHT
WRONG: No clearance at ceiling and
floor; fastener holes are tightly fit
(same size as fastener).
RESULT: When the room is put into
operation, an increase in temperature
and/or humidity may cause normal
panel expansion. Since the panel fits
too tightly, there is no place for it to
expand. It is likely that the panel will
bulge between fasteners.
RIGHT: Adequate clearance at wall
and floor. Over-sized fastener holes.
RESULT: Panel will expand normally
and stay flat. Sealant will absorb the
movement and a proper seal will be
retained.
1/2”
Figure 8
Figure 10 Figure 11
9