Thank you for your choosing in PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX Stone Veneer. Please visit www.pietralite.com for the best installation and application results. There you can discover installation videos as well as detailed instructions for effectively installing PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX. The natural stone veneer PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX has inherent variances. Each sheet will be unique because each piece is made up of a thin layer of actual stone, and no two stones are exactly the same.
Safety: PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX contains impregnated fiberglass. Most cuts can be made without using a saw. Most cuts can be simply made using tin snips
Application: When used in conjunction with PU Adhesive, PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX Stone Veneer can be applied to a variety of substrates including concrete, ceramic, wood, metal, plywood, fiberglass, backer board, cement board, tile, dry wall, painted surfaces, MDF, Masonite®, door skins, and many more. Due to the flexible quality of the stone, PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX is not suitable for commercial flooring installations.
Preparation: Before applying, clean, brush, and/or degrease all surfaces to remove any dust or oils. When using any solvent, make sure to follow all manufacturer-recommended safety precautions. When installing over existing shower walls or flooring, it is recommended that the stone veneer be scuffed or sanded back to reveal the fiberglass and allow the glue to establish better contact.
Patterns & Layout: The preparation of the area to be covered and the placement of the PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX Stone Veneer sheets are the same as for genuine stones or tiles. Time invested prepping the work space will pay off in a job well done. A preliminary dry fit of PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX Stone Veneer allows for patterning and alignment of individual sheets, textures, and colors before final placement. It is recommended that each sheet be dry fitted exactly where it will be placed on horizontal or vertical surfaces. Prior to cutting and trimming, number the sheets to track relocation.
Sealers: All stone veneer sheets should be sealed before cutting and installing. This will save time and make cleanup easier. Pre-sealing allows excess glue or grout to be removed from the surface without it entering the stone. Use only color enhancer sealers for the best effects; avoid penetrant or water repellent sealers. Please review our website or call our office for a list of suggested sealers. There are numerous sealers on the market, each with its own set of recommended applications. Prior to installation, always test sealer for optimum gloss and penetration
Adhesive: Prior to any installation, always test the adhesive in a less visible place, taking into account moisture and temperature in the expected environment. PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX stone veneer must expand and contract with the substrate, and for outdoor applications, thermal expansion must constantly be considered. Furthermore, if adhesive is used between non-porous surfaces, it may not adhere adequately. We recommend a polymer-based elastic adhesive.
Hand Rollers: To remove air between the PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX stone veneer and the substrate, a hand roller is advised. To correctly roll out trapped air, begin in the center of the sheet and roll firmly to the edge. When rolling, avoid pressing too hard as this may cause back-filled areas to force out adhesive and leave an air void.
Trowels: To ensure the best application of adhesive to PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX stone veneer, use a 3/16" to 1/4" v-notch trowel. Back-filling spaces should be done using a straight trowel. Before backfilling, any big lumps on the back surface should be sanded flat.
Tile, Grouting & Jointing: PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX can be butted or grouted. A test board is advised for the best results in determining what size grout joint works best in your project. The best results will be obtained with a grout junction of 1/8" to 1/4". This thin, premixed acrylic or sanded grout works well with grout joints. Premixed grouts are available in a variety of common colors and clean up with water.
Cutting: Long-nosed tin snips are ideal for cutting straight lines and curves. Metal shears, wet saws, and electric sheet metal shears can also be used to cut PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX.
Safety & Precautions: Working with PIETRALITE SUPERFLEX requires caution due to the fiberglass composition of the backing. Always wear suitable gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.When operating a saw, always take the necessary precautions to protect your skin and eyes from fiberglass dust. When sanding, grinding, or cutting with a machine, make sure to properly exhaust and/or vent the machine.
