**read complete instructions before starting installation**
Once bathtub or shower base is installed and plumbed the substrate material (ie-DenShield or moisture resistant drywall) can be installed on the walls. All painting along edges should be done before any silicone is applied.
The substrate material should be installed down to the drywall flange if there is one. If there is no drywall flange on the tub or base, a gap of 1” should be left at the bottom. This is so that if there is any leakage, the water does not wick up the back of the substrate and warp the panels.
If any panels or moldings need to be cut, they can be cut using a circular saw with a masonry blade. Any holes can be cut with a normal hole saw or a jigsaw with amasonry blade (a carbide bit is not needed.) All cuts should be made from the front facing (shiny) surface and should be covered with masking tape first to prevent chipping of the clear gel coat. For minor size variations a belt sander can be used on non exposed edges with coarse grit sandpaper. Make sure to not cut/sand an exposed edge as once a cut is made it will be raw material.
Dry fit all panels before and after any cuts are made to ensure a proper fit.
Remember to measure, mark and cut all holes for fixtures/ plumbing before panels are installed.
100% mold and mildew resistant silicone should be used in either white or clear color to adhere panels to the substrate material. Apply silicone to the back ofpanels to be installed, in a circular pattern every 8-10 inches. A line of silicone should also be applied along the perimeter on the backside of the panel 2 inches.
The back wall(s) should be installed first. A gap of 1/8” to 1/4” should be left at the corners to allow for expansion with hot/ cold water and temperatures.
Once the back panel(s) is adhered, the side panels can be adhered using the same silicone pattern. Once panels are installed, they should be braced in place using a 2×4 or similar with a soft cloth on the panel side to avoid scratching.
If a corner caddy is to be installed it must be installed before the corner molding. It can be adhered into place by covering the back side with silicone and then tacking it into place using a hot glue (hobby) gun to hold it in place while the silicone cures. Cove moldings will then be installed running from the shower base/ bathtub to bottom of corner caddy, and from the top of corner caddy to the top of the panels or ceiling.
Corner (cove) moldings should be installed next. Cut moldings to the desired height to match height of panels and adhere them in place using silicone.
All seams along outside edges of panels where it meets the drywall should have a bead of silicone applied. Silicone should also be applied along the seam where the panels meet the shower base/ bathtub, along the top of the panels and along both edges of the corner (cove) moldings. The silicone will take approximately 24 hrs to cure. Once silicone has cured, the shower/ tub enclosure can be used. All installation inquiries can be directed to The Marble Factory at (403) 279 2552 or info@marblefactory.com
