PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION.
These guidelines are given in good faith to help prevent installation problems caused by the most common errors.  Arcoplast, Inc. bears no responsibility for installation actions taken or not taken.  There are many nuances of installation not covered in these instructions that Arcoplast, Inc. assumes are general construction knowledge to an experienced installer.  Selection of an experienced wall liner installer is the sole responsibility of the project owner, if needed a certified applicator can be recommended.  These installation guidelines are strictly recommendations and are not intended to be a step-by-step, foolproof installation checklist.  Deviations from the guidelines are taken at the risk of the installer and owner.  If you have any questions about installation techniques for your particular project, please call 1-888-736-2726 or 636-978-7781.

ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GARMENTS WHEN HANDLING AND INSTALLING ARCOPLAST ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOSITE PANELS.  PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR AND FACE MASKS ARE NECESSARY WHEN CUTTING, DRILLING AND FASTENING PANELS.  Any itching due to glass fibers can be avoided through the use of barrier creams on areas of exposed skin.

HANDLING / STORAGE: All panels should be handled using 8” pump vacuum cups. Remove the protective plastic sheeting on the Arcoplast panel surface prior to installing the vacuum cups.  To avoid scratches, do not slide panels on top of one another.  Panels should be elevated for storage on a dry, solid and flat surface with the finish side facing up.  Place a film protector between all panels.  Do not stack on a fresh concrete floor or any other surface that emits moisture.  Lay panels flat; do not store them on edge.  Store all Arcoplast Antimicrobial products indoors.

INSPECTION: Inspect panels for shipping damage immediately.  Do not install panels that have been damaged.  Arcoplast, Inc. will not be responsible for the installation or removal costs of damaged panels.

BEFORE INSTALLATION: Prior to installing Arcoplast Antimicrobial wall liner panels, any banding should be removed and the panels should be allowed to acclimate to room temperature and humidity for 24 hours.  Ideally, the room temperature and humidity during acclimation and installation should be the same as the final operating conditions.

TOOLS NEEDED: Arcoplast Antimicrobial wall liner panels can be cut with a circular saw (diamond blade) or jigsaw (diamond-coated fine tooth saw blade).  For drilling holes in wall panels, use a diamond coated or carbide drill bit. For Arcoplast Antimicrobial composite panels with plywood construction, carbide blades are recommended.

WALL PREPARATION: The wall substrate must be DRY and FREE FROM DIRT, DUST and GREASE.  Walls should be flat and even.  Remove high spots and fill low spots.  Remove wallpaper, soluble or loose paint and other foreign matter that would interfere with an adhesive bond.

STEEL STUDS: Spacing requirements for metal studs and furring strips vary with thickness and type of panel substrate (consult Arcoplast, Inc. for recommended spacing).  Fastening should be done with a stainless steel grabber-type screw along the perimeter of the panels.  Screws should be spaced at no more than 16” c/c.  All screws should be countersunk and 1/2” from the outer edge of the panel. This will allow fiberglass and stainless steel moldings to cover the screw heads. Before applying the panel, make sure all metal studs, metal furring strips and the back side of the panel are cleaned. For best adhesion, Isopropyl Alcohol is recommended to remove oils from metal studs, furring strips and wax residue found on the back side of panels.  Apply adhesive in a 3/8” continuous, vertical bead or with double-sided 3M VHB tape directly to the steel studs or metal furring strips. There is no need for screws in the field of the panels.  If for any reason there seems to be a void created by irregular surfaces, brace the panel temporarily for 24 hours.  This procedure will allow the adhesive to set up properly.

CONCRETE BLOCK and BRICK: Insure that concrete walls are well cured and completely dry.  If concrete or block walls are below grade, or where moisture can penetrate and interfere with an adhesive bond, use galvanized furring strips.  Fastening should be done with a masonry screw at the perimeter of the panels.  Screws should be spaced at no more than 16” c/c.  All screws should be countersunk and 1/2” from the outer edge of the panel this will allow fiberglass and stainless steel moldings to cover the screw heads.  Before applying the panel, make sure the back side is properly cleaned.  Apply adhesive directly to the wall in a 3/8” continuous vertical bead every 4” c/c.  Apply pressure throughout the surface of the panel to insure contact with the adhesive and to create a vacuum with the continuous adhesive bead. There is no need for screws in the field of the panels.  If for any reason there is a void created by irregular surfaces, brace the panel temporarily for 24 hours.  This procedure will allow the adhesive to set up properly.

PAINTED SURFACES: For best adhesion, all loose paint must be removed by proper means. 

NON-POROUS SURFACES: Ceramic tile, glazed block, metal panels, etc. do not provide a good surface for an adhesive bond. These non-porous surfaces must be well cleaned and free of residual matter. If necessary, a countersunk screw can be installed in the center of the panel, as well as adhesive.  The countersunk screw should be covered with a gel coat paste.  (Ref. General Installation Guide - Arcoplast Antimicrobial Gel Coat Putty)

UNEVEN SURFACES: Installation over uneven surfaces will result in less than 100% adhesion to the wall substrate, therefore creating the potential for air pockets to form behind the panel.  However, this will not compromise the Arcoplast wall system installation if recommended spacing and sealing procedures have been properly followed.

ADHESIVES: The judicious choice of a bonding adhesive needs to be chosen with consideration to existing substrates, project conditions, limitations and expected performances. Please consult an Arcoplast representative.  Caution: Follow manufacturer’s strict recommendation when using solvent-based adhesives.

NEAR HEAT SOURCE - ARCOPLAST ANTIMICROBIAL PANEL PRODUCTS MAY DISCOLOR WHEN INSTALLED BEHIND OR NEAR A HEAT SOURCE WHICH RADIATES TEMPERATURES EXCEEDING 130 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT (55 DEGREES CELSIUS) SUCH AS COOKERS, OVENS AND DEEP FRYERS.

WALL LINER INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATION: In order to allow for expansion and contraction, Arcoplast Antimicrobial panels larger than 10’-0” in width should have a 1/4” joint between each panel.  This joint should be filled with a bead of silicone (DOW 999A) before being covered with an Arcoplast Batten.

SEALANTS: Dow 999A (silicone sealant) should be applied to all moldings and around all panel edges, fasteners, and fixtures to provide a moisture-proof installation.   In applications where the sealant will remain exposed, a polyurethane-based sealant such as Vulkem 921 should be used. Sealant residue will stain and collect dirt more easily, therefore, thoroughly clean prior to leaving the job site.
 
FINISHING COMPOUND: For wall and ceiling systems requiring a smooth finish at panel joints, and a radius-interior corner finish at wall and ceiling junctions, apply the two-component, epoxy-based Arcoplast finishing compound. Consult the product information sheet on the Arcoplast finishing compound for wall preparation and application.