Installation

For certain applications, a filler type adhesive may be needed on the back of Classic Stone veneers. Epoxies, polyester resin, and waterproof adhesives are the ideal candidates for wet environments. Because of the irregular backing of Classic Stone, contact adhesives are not recommended. When using non-catalyzing (water vapour type) cure adhesives, do not use where the substrate is a moisture barrier. If adhesive is applied between non-porous materials, it can not bind properly.

• LAYOUT PATTERNS: The same steps apply to preparing the area to be covered and laying out the Classic Stone veneer sheets as they do for natural stone or tile. Preparing the work area ahead of time will pay off big time. Until final placement, a preliminary dry fit of Classic Stone allows for the arrangement and orientation of individual sheets, patterns, textures, and colours. Each sheet should be dry fitted exactly where it will be used on horizontal or vertical surfaces. Until cutting and trimming, it’s a good idea to number the sheets to keep track of where they’ve been moved. This will save time.

• CUTTING: Long-nosed tin snips are ideal for cutting straight lines and curves. Metal shears, wet saws, and table saws with carbide blades can also be used to cut Classic Stone.

• SEALERS: Pre-sealing Classic Stone veneer sheets before installation is recommended. During installation and handling, this shields and seals the face from adhesives and grout. The same sealers that are used on slate, stone tiles, and wood can be used on Classic Stone. There are a variety of sealers on the market, each with its own set of applications. Before applying any sealer, make sure it has the desired luster and penetration.

• ADHESIVES: Know your adhesives; knowing the details of the adhesive will save you a lot of time and money. Before any installation, all adhesives should be checked, taking into account moisture and temperature in the intended setting. If the application is going to be used outside, it’s important to think about thermal expansion. Classic Stone is a veneer, which means it must expand and contract with the substrate to avoid delaminating. Where adhesive primers are recommended, the installer should test the bond before proceeding with the final installation..

• RECOMMENDED ADHESIVES:

1. Heavy-duty construction adhesive.
2. SOLVENT FREE FRP adhesive.

• PREMIXED GROUT AND TILE ADHESIVE.

1. Acrylic copolymer-based tile adhesive.
2. Thick latex or acrylic latex type tile adhesive. Use only where air drying can take place. Not recommended for exterior applications.
3. Epoxy or Silicone (with primer only).

• DOUBLE-SIDED FOAM ADHESIVE (PEEL & STICK).
• CONSTRUCTION GRADE MULTI-PURPOSE ADHESIVE OR POLYESTER RESIN WITH FILLER.

• HAND ROLLERS: To extract air between the Classic Stone veneer and the substrate, use a hand roller. Starting in the middle of a sheet and rolling securely to the edge is the best way to release the trapped air. When rolling, do not apply too much pressure, as this can cause back-filled areas to force adhesive out and create an air gap. A solid, hard surface can be achieved by using proper pre-back-filling and rolling techniques.

• TROWELS: A 3/16” notched trowel is recommended for the best adhesive to substrate effects. Back-filling voids can be done with a straight trowel. Before back-filling, any bumps in the back surface should be sanded flat. Backfilling or leveling out voids in the natural stone on the back of Classic Stone can necessitate the use of a filler-type adhesive. Back-filling or back-buttering voids or depressions in the material before applying it to a substrate is often a good idea.

• TILING, GROUTING & JOINING: By leaving a grout joint between cut bits, Classic Stone can be used to create a tiled effect. Sheets may also be butt-jointed for a narrower seam appearance. Since Classic Stone is small, a 1/8” to 14” grout joint can yield better results. Water-based epoxy and acrylic premixed grout perform well to fill the gaps between the cut veneers, according to tests. The epoxy will also seal the surface of the Classic Stone during the sponge-off operation. These grouts come in a variety of colours to fit your existing decor. Using a scraper tool, remove material just underneath the grout joint area if a deeper grout joint is required. Modified grout and caulking grout can also be used.

• SUBSTRATE: To avoid delimitation, expansion and contraction must be equal in some indoor and most outdoor applications. In this situation, a flexible adhesive may be a good option. Substrates made of concrete and masonry must be at least 28 days old. Using a calcium chloride measure, hydrostatic pressure and vapour transfer cannot exceed 3 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. (1.36 kg per 92.9 m2) per 24 hours and retained moisture must be less than 2.5 percent.

• COMPOSITION & VARIATIONS: Natural stone veneer is laminated to a fiberglass and polyester resin base to create Classic Stone. Color and texture variations are not flaws in Classic Stone because it is a natural stone veneer; they are intrinsic to it and part of the natural charm of quarried materials. Since Classic Stone cannot guarantee that dye lots will match, it is advised that orders be placed with a potential repair or re-fit possibilities in mind.

• TUV & TEMPERATURE: Classic Stone’s stone surface, like most stone components, works as a UV inhibitor and can last for years in direct sunlight. Classic Stone can withstand the thermal contraction and or expansion of most regular building materials when adhered to a substrate. Classic Stone can withstand both high and low temperatures without cracking.

• ADD MDF & HDF AND VENEER IN BATH & SHOWER (TAKEN FROM PAN CREATIONS) :
• STONE VENEER ON MDF & HDF
  Stone veneer on MDF/HDF must be heat pressed for 2-5 minutes under 10 Tons of pressure and 120 degrees centigrade heat to activate the glue and achieve good industrial results. Glues recommended are PU hot melt glue, and white water-based Polymer Emulsion called Ethylene Vinyl acetate copolymer Glue. The glue can be found in the local market.

• BATH & SHOWER APPLICATION OR SUCH APPLICATION
  Flexible Slate Stone Veneer can be used to create a tiled effect by leaving a grout joint between cut pieces of material. Test results have shown the use of water-based epoxy grouts works well to fill between the cut veneers. By removing the material just under the grout joint, a deeper grout can be achieved if desired. Epoxy grouts are available in many colors to match or coordinate with the different colors of Slate Stone Veneer. On final clean up of the epoxy with a sponge, the epoxy can also be used to seal and fill the Flexible Thin Slate Stone surface. It is recommended in this installation that the entire surface of the Flexible Thin Slate Stone be sealed with epoxy as a final step to ensure complete satisfaction.
• ALSO ADD CLEANING AND HANDLING FROM THE GIVEN LINK: (http://naturalstonecreation.com/normal-veneer-stone-installation-guide/)