FittingGuide

1. 1

   Check and prepare the wall

   Walls must be sound, flat, clean and dry. Remove loose paint, wallpaper, mould and any loose or hollow tiles. Firmly fixed, flat tiles can usually be left in place and panelled over.

   Check the wall with a straight edge or spirit level. Fill or pack out any big dips, or fit timber battens, so the panels sit flat.

   Any bumps or dips in the wall can show through the finished panel, so time spent here pays off.

2. 2

   Measure and plan your layout

   Measure the height and width of every wall. Work out how many panels you need, and allow extra for cuts and waste.

   Plan where the joins will fall. Try to avoid very narrow strips at the end of a wall, and keep joins away from the main shower spray where you can.

   Measure twice, cut once. Mark cut lines clearly in pencil.

3. 3

   Let the panels settle

   Unpack the panels and leave them flat in the room they're going into, so they adjust to its temperature before fitting. Check every panel for damage or colour differences before you cut or fit it.

4. 4

   Fit your trims

   Fit the trims you need: internal and external corners, end caps for exposed edges, and H joints where panels meet edge to edge. Fix them securely and make sure they're plumb, as they guide the first panel.

5. 5

   Cut the panels to size

   Cut panels with a fine-toothed saw, jigsaw or panel saw. Support the panel fully so it doesn't flex or chip. Cut holes for pipes and fittings slightly oversized, so they can be sealed afterwards.

   Wear eye protection and a dust mask when cutting.

6. 6

   Apply adhesive

   Apply a suitable panel adhesive or silicone, such as GP200 Silicone Adhesive, to the back of the panel in vertical beads, plus a bead around the edges. Follow the adhesive manufacturer's coverage guidance.

7. 7

   Fit the first panel

   Push the first panel into the corner trim and press it firmly onto the wall. Check it's perfectly plumb with a spirit level, because every panel after it follows this one.

8. 8

   Fit the remaining panels

   For tongue and groove panels, slot each new panel firmly into the previous one so the joint closes fully, then press it onto the wall. For panels joined with trims, fit an H joint trim between panels. Wipe off any excess adhesive straight away.

   Metro composite boards need joining trims between each board.

9. 9

   Seal and leave to cure

   Run a neat bead of sanitary silicone along the bottom of the panels where they meet the bath or shower tray, and around pipes and fittings. Leave the adhesive and sealant to cure fully, following the curing time on the product, before using the shower.

   Keep the area well ventilated while it cures.

This guide is general information only. Always follow the instructions supplied with your panels, adhesives and sealants. If you're unsure, we recommend using a competent installer.