Installing Mermaid panels

The Installer magazine from time to time run features on hot to install various kbb products. Here is the latest from Mermaid Panels.

Bathroom panels are fast becoming a popular alternative to tiles and other surfacing solutions thanks to their easy installation, durability and low-maintenance for the end consumer. Laminate bathroom panels can provide all the benefits of a modern solution such as a fully waterproof core and hard-wearing finish whilst perfectly emulating the intricacies of highly desirable natural materials such as woods and marbles that don’t perform as well in moist environments.

Mermaid Panels has been manufacturing shower panels for the past 30 years and has set out to create the next generation of bathroom surfaces with its premium Mermaid Elite range. This Winter, Mermaid will expand its Elite range with 28 new decors to provide its most

'Bathroom panels are fast becoming a popular alternative to tiles and other surfacing solutions thanks to their easy installation, durability and low-maintenance.'

technically advanced and most diverse range of bathroom panels to date. Enriched with patented technology, the Elite range can enable installers to create a completely seamless, premium look and finish in the shower enclosure and throughout the bathroom in a quick-fit, panel solution that oozes luxury – without the price tag.

Thanks to a completely 100% waterproof core and artistic post-formed edges that add a unique design detail and remove the need for trims or grouting, Mermaid Panels’ Elite range offer a perfect alternative to tiling. Fixing securely and directly to existing surfaces including plaster board and even existing tiling, Mermaid’s Elite range ensures no unsightly grouting, no mould, and a much quicker installation which can be easily in just three easy steps.

Here, Mermaid Panels’ Keely Greenhalgh shares a step-by-step guide on best practise for installing the brand’s most popular and advanced panels, the Elite range.

Aftercare

After completing the job, be sure to talk your customer through the correct aftercare procedures. Fortunately, with Mermaid Elite panels, maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe panels down with a non- abrasive cloth and warm water to clean, ensuring no bleach or chemical products are used.

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'Enriched with patented technology, the Elite range can enable installers to create a completely seamless, premium look.'

1.Preparation

First, thoroughly inspect your panels prior to carrying out any work and prepare the tools for the job: you will require protective goggles and gloves, spirit level and tape measure, Mermaid Complete adhesive and colour matched sealant, 2mm and 5mm spacers, suction lifters, a drill, circular saw, and a jig saw if cutting circular shapes.

Next, ensure the surface is suitably prepared for affixing the panels. Mermaid’s Elite panels can be installed directly onto plasterboard or newly plastered walls, or any sound flat wall surface including existing tiled walls. Walls should be dry, clean and damp-free and level, plumb and true.

2. Cutting and drilling – do’s and don’t’s Position the panel face up or down depending on the blade type and start all cuts into the factory-finished postformed edge. As a general rule of thumb, it is always recommended to start the installation from an inside corner with the tongue removed. Jig saws should only be used if scribing curved shapes into the panel. Spade type bits should also be avoided – standard high-speed drill bits or circular hole saw cutters are the best tools for the job. If working on cutting concealed edges, we recommend a circular saw with a sharp blade to achieve the best finish. When cutting the panels, ensure a 3mm clearance around all cut outs and holes which will be back filled with Mermaid Complete colour matched sealant.

3. Affixing the panels

Installation of the panels is quick and easy. Simply dry measure and cut the panels to the size required, removing the tongue from the panel that will be placed in the corner if working with tongue and groove panels. Allow 5mm spacing between the shower tray and or bath, and 2mm between the panel and surrounding wall surface. Apply Mermaid’s Complete adhesive to the back of the panels – you will need 1x 290ml cartridge for each 2420 x 1200mm panel. Complete colour matched sealant cartridges will be used for sealing, seaming and jointing.

Apply the panels to the wall on the correct spacers, applying the inner corner first for tongue and groove panels, and press firmly to affix to the wall. Simply apply Complete colour matched sealant to the open groove before repeating the process with the next panel, also ensuring you apply sealant to the open tongue.

Use suction lifters to slide each panel into place, squeezing out any excess sealant between the tongue and groove. Then, you will need to apply sealant between panels and again, wipe off any excess immediately with a white spirit.

Repeat the above steps before filling all areas where panels meet with Mermaid Complete colour matched sealant.

With that, the installation is complete and the panels should have a rest period of 24 hours to bond before any accessories are fitted.