Georgia-Pacific Decorative Wall Panel - Manual (Page 2)

Tileboard Start installation at an inside corner. Scribe (mark) and
trim panel to fit plumb (vertical). Continue to fit panels making sure
that each successive one is plumb. Note: Leave a 1/8” caulking space
between panels.
6. Adhesive Application
Adhesive application should be used to apply Hardboard and 1/4”
MDF*. 1/8” and 5/32” MDF requires both adhesive and nails.
Hardboard and MDF Adhesive should be used to apply panels
directly to studs or over existing walls as long as the surface is level,
sound and clean. Once the panel is fitted, apply beads of adhesive
with a caulking gun in a continuous strip along the top, bottom and
both sides of the panel. On intermediate studs, apply beads 3” long
and 6” apart. Over solid backing, apply adhesive in a zigzag pattern
between studs. Some supplemental nailing will be necessary to hold
the panel in place until the adhesive sets. Be sure to read the
adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully prior to installation, as
instructions may vary. Use a hammer and padded wood block (or
rubber mallet) to set the glued panel in position.
*Use only a latex water based adhesive with MDF panels. Solvent
based adhesive may cause discoloration of finishes on MDF panels.
7. Cementing — Tileboard only
First, thoroughly clean the surface—sanding if necessary—to ensure
a smooth, tight bond. Clean any dust from the back of the panels.
Do not nail panels in place.
Use a good-quality adhesive and spread according to manufacturer’s
instructions. With a 3/16” notched trowel, scrape the panel so that
you leave only ridges of adhesive covering the entire back surface of
the panel. If you are using moulding, insert prior to setting panels
permanently in place.
Now carefully set the panels in place and press them firmly against the
wall. After 15 minutes press panels again to ensure proper adhesion.
8. Tub and Shower Installation (Tileboard Only)
In addition to the recommendations in section 7, securely seal all
edges and joints with a silicone caulk to prevent water entry. Caulk
all gaps where water or moisture can enter and cause damage to the
product or structure. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Installation With a Divider Strip For tileboard installation with
divider strips, leave a 3/16” gap between panels, including 1/16”
between panel edge and the inside of the moulding.
Installation Without a Divider Strip For tileboard installation
without divider strips, seal 1/8” space between panels with a
high-quality silicone caulk. For a pleasing appearance, and a secure
seal, carefully caulk around the tub. Note: Panel adhesive must be
dry before caulking. Wet adhesive may discolor caulk.
9. Nailing Panels
Hardboard and MDF Panel grooves are usually located every 16”,
allowing nails to be placed in the grooves on standard 16” stud centers.
Panel matching colored ringshank nails are recommended. Use 1”
nails to apply paneling to studs alone, 1-1/2” nails to apply paneling
to a solid backing or plaster. Space nails 6” along panel edges and
8” on intermediate studs. Wear eye protection when nailing.
Tileboard Do not nail tileboard. See Cementing and Tub and
Shower Installation instructions.
10. Installing Paneling over Masonry
NOTE: Not all panels are approved for below-grade use or over
masonry walls. Please consult the instructions printed on the back
of each panel to determine suitability for this application. Excessive
moisture conditions and high humidity will require correction prior to
paneling installation.
NOTE: If installing panels that are less than 1/4” thick, a solid
non-combustible backing such as gypsum wallboard must be placed
over the furring strips before application of the panels.
Quarter inch (1/4”) panels can be applied direct to furring. The
construction of a lightweight wood frame system (furring strips) will
allow paneling to be applied to masonry walls (concrete, brick and
cinder block) or walls in bad repair. Furring strips are 1” x 2” lumber
or 1/2” plywood cut into strips 1-1/2” wide. Strips should run
horizontally 16” apart (based on 8’ ceiling) with vertical members
spaced 48” on center where panels meet. Allow 1/2” space at the
floor and ceiling with the horizontal strips. Check with a level to
make sure each furring strip is flush with the first strip. Use wood
shingles or wedges between the wall and strips to assure a uniformly
flat surface. Furring strips may be applied to a masonry wall with
specially hardened masonry nails. A badly damaged masonry wall may
require the construction of a 2” x 3” stud wall, with 16” stud centers,
before applying panels.
Masonry walls partially or fully below ground level (below grade)
may present a serious dampness problem. Exterior walls must be
insulated and have a 4 mil or greater vapor retarder. Holes or cracks
in masonry walls must be patched with concrete patching compound
and weeping or porous walls must be waterproofed before installing
paneling. In either case, consult the masonry product manufacturer
for specific application instructions.
11. Wainscot Application
For a unique look use wainscoting to combine panel types. An eight-
foot panel cut into thirds will wainscot a 12’ wall to a height of 32”.
Apply wainscoting along lower wall by following instructions for
panel installation. Repeat same steps with the upper wall. Hide the
horizontal seam with a chair rail moulding.
12. Panel Maintenance
Georgia-Pacific pre-finished panels are suitable for normal dry
interior use environments. Georgia-Pacific pre-finished paneling
should not be used in environments where accumulation of grease,
smoke, or other contaminants will require frequent cleaning to
remove accumulations. To remove surface accumulations such as
dust, wipe with a soft cloth dampened with a furniture polish
containing no waxes or silicones. More stubborn accumulations may
require wiping with a soft cloth dampened with a solution of
lukewarm water and a mild liquid detergent. Wipe dry immediately
following this procedure with a clean dry cloth. Tileboard is practi-
cally maintenance-free. It never needs wax and can be cleaned with
a mild soap on a damp cloth or sponge. Never use abrasive cleansers
on panels as it will scratch the finish and dull the panel gloss.
Self-adhering tapes may contain solvents in their adhesives. Applying
to panels may dissolve the protective coating and damage the panel.
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