Wood cutting saw for cutting panels - jig saw, band saw, your preference.
Caulking gun
FauxPanels™ color-matched caulk
Directions:
he panels can be used on any flat surface, indoors or outdoors, including installing them over brick or concrete.
Before you start make sure the surface the panels will be attached to is clean. Wipe with a rag or use a wire brush on harder surfaces.
1. Apply glue to the back of the panel as close to the edge as possible. Add more glue to the center of the panel in a zigzag pattern.
2. Make sure the panel is level and fasten the panel to the wall with screws all around the perimeter at roughly one foot apart or less. Additional screws need to be in the middle of the panel at a rate of about 1 screw per square foot. Use exterior grade screws if the panels are being installed outdoors or high moisture areas. Note: the screws need to be long enough to go through the panel and into the wall that they are being installed on to make a solid connection.
Hint: Placing screws under protruding rocks or in crevices will give a cleaner/more realistic look.
3. Add glue to the lip of the panel, about 1 inch away from the stone.
4. Add caulk to where the panels will seam together. This is highly important in an exterior installation for a weather tight seal. This step will assist in maintaining the integrity of the installation by preventing any possible flexing or separation of the product due to extreme ambient temperature and humidity changes once the installation is complete. It will also insure that your newly installed panels remain water/weatherproof.
5. Repeat step 1 for the next panel to be installed. Place it onto the wall next to the first panel. Make sure to keep the panels level. You can use a chalk line (or pencil lines) on your wall to make sure the panels are staying straight. Press the panel firmly against the wall with a slight wiggle motion to help spread the glue. Install the panel very tightly against the first panel, as they may expand and contract with temperature changes. Repeat step 2-4.
7. For the next panel, repeat steps 5 & 6 and continue these steps till the first row of panels are completed.
8. Now you can start the next row. Repeat step 1-6 for the next row of panels to be installed. Note: The panels were designed to butt up to each other bottom to top. This joint should also be glued and caulked like in steps 3 & 4 to insure a weather tight seal. For a more random look, offset each row by one half sheet. This will make pattern repeats less noticeable.
9. Stand back and admire your handiwork.
Tip...
The screws you use can be for interior or exterior (depending on your application). Be sure that the tongue portion of the panel is on top of the panel, groove portion on the bottom. All joints should be butt joints on straight runs, and mitered joints in corners. All joints will need to be glued. The panels may require additional shimming and trimming for alignment.
To make a perfect seamless look, you may have to sand the ends (in the high spots) to make a tight fit.
MAKE SURE to observe and obey all safety rules and recommendations set forth by tool manufacturers
and local,
state, and federal authorities for any building project including all applicable building codes.
