You can install Regency panels easily using tools found in almost everyone's toolbox. To complete your project you will at least need these basic tools:
Follow steps below to install ALL Regency faux panels, additional steps for installing River Rock panels. The panels can be installed indoors or outdoors, on any reasonably flat surface that is clean and is in structurally sound condition.
1.) Begin your faux panel® DIY installation by making sure that the surface you will attach the wall coverings to is clean. Wipe down the wall and use a wire brush on harder surfaces. Wipe clean the back of the panel as well.
Acclimatize the wall coverings to approximately the same temperature and humidity as the installation surface for about 24 hours. Do not store FauxPanels® in direct sunlight or close to heat sources prior to installation.
2.) Determine whether your panels will be installed from left to right or right to left. This is accomplished by looking at your panel and making sure the protruding lip is on the top. Then plan the layout of your panels to best suit your space.
Use a level to find the high point on your floor/ground. Measure up from the high point of the floor/ground and mark the wall to the height of the panel being installed. Draw a level line across the wall as a guide.
3.) Cut into the first panel by either ½, ⅓, or ¼ and not just cut off the tabs at the end. This reduces the amount of waste, ensures that the seams on the next rows will not line up and will make the install look more realistic.
3a.) When installing River Rock, cut into the first panel by ½, ⅓, or ¼ horizontally and vertically.
4.) Apply a bead of adhesive/glue to the perimeter of the back of the wall coverings, roughly an inch from the edge.
Add additional adhesive/glue to the rest of the panel back in a vertical straight line pattern with the beads of adhesive/glue 4 inches apart or less
5.) Apply the FauxPanel® to the wall. Use a slight twisting motion to ensure good contact between the adhesive/glue and the wall for proper panel installation. Make sure the panel is level.
6.) Begin fastening the wall covering with screws all around the perimeter at roughly one foot apart or less. Additional screws need to be in the middle of the FauxPanel® at a rate of about 1 screw per square foot. All screws should be very slightly recessed below the surface of the panel. Do not over tighten the screws. Use exterior grade screws if the panels are being installed in high moisture areas.
Hint: Placing screws in crevices, grout lines or under protruding rocks will help conceal them and create a cleaner/more realistic look.
7.) Add adhesive/glue to the lip of the FauxPanel® where the next wall covering will overlap, about 1 inch away from the textured surface of the panel.
8.) If your installation is in a bathroom, a kitchen, or any place where water can come in contact with the panels follow this step.
Add textured caulk to the seam where the wall coverings will meet. This is very important to ensure a moisture-resistant seal for your DIY installation.
Note: Textured caulk should only be added to panel seams at this point in the installation. Adding caulk onto seams after panels have been glued together can cause a less realistic appearance and won’t adequately protect from moisture.
9.) Repeat steps 4-8 for the next FauxPanel® to be installed. Place it onto the wall next to the first panel. Keep the panel level. Press the wall coverings tightly against the wall with a slight wiggle motion to help spread the glue for a tight seal.
Install the panel very tightly against the first wall covering panel, as they may expand and contract with temperature changes. Continue repeating steps 4-9 until the first row is complete.
10.) Use a damp cloth to remove any excess textured caulk before it dries. A wet finger, paint brush, or other similar tool can assist in smoothing and blending the caulk. Use the textured caulk to fill in any voids, gaps, screw heads, or spaces.
11.) If you are installing multiple rows of FauxPanels®, start on the next row above the one just completed. Repeat steps 4-10 for the next row of wall coverings to be installed.
Note: The panels are designed to butt up to each other bottom to top. This 'shiplap' joint should be glued and caulked as described in steps 7 & 8 to ensure a tight seal and seamless look.
When you come to the end of a panel run, most often you can take the piece you originally cut off to use at the start of your next run or offset each row by a half sheet. This will make pattern repeats less noticeable.
11a.) When installing the River Rock panel you will not be able to offset the panel when installing one over the other due to the nature of their interlocking patterns.
12.) Using the paint from the Touch-up Kit, paint the FauxPanels®, screw heads, and textured caulk as needed. Click here for more details on Touching Up Regency Panels.
Stand back and admire your handiwork.
To ensure that the panels are oriented properly - the tongue portion of the wall coverings is on top of the panel, and the groove portion of the panel is on the bottom. All joints, including miters, should be glued and caulked. The panels may require additional shimming and trimming for proper alignment.
Be sure to obey all safety rules and recommendations set forth by tool manufacturers.
Always follow any, and all, local, state, and federal building codes. Always comply with any specified clearances set forth by the manufactures of stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, and any other heat sources, as well.