4
www.transolid.com 800-766-2452 TRANSOLID
®
Helpful Hints
•
Read these instructions carefully and familiarize yourself with
the various parts of the kit.
•
The variety of installations possible for this kit may require pro-
cedures other than those shown. Ensure construction is correct-
ly sized, plumb, and square.
•
Save the large cardboard box for protection of the shower floor
during the installation process and to use as a template for cut-
ting the back shower wall panel.
•
Allow sufficient time for the parts in this kit to adjust to room
temperature. Transolid
®
does not recommend installation of this
products at temperatures below 65 degrees.
•
Sawhorses with 2 x 4 cross-members or a worktable are help-
ful during the installation process.
•
Always transport the panels vertically. Use care when laying
the panels flat to prevent flexing, especially when panels have
a cut-out in them.
•
Store unused materials away from the work area to prevent
accidental damage.
•
If the shower is placed above the garage or on an outside wall,
care must be taken to ensure the shower is properly insulated
from cold temperatures.
Preparation tips
•
Measure the width of the back wall (with green board) installed.
This measurement cannot exceed the width of the Transolid
®
Expressions back panel. If the wall opening is too large, other
methods or two panels will be required to cover the wall.
•
Turn off the hot and cold water supply.
•
Remove the faucet handles, escutcheons, filler spouts, and/or
anything mounted to the wall (i.e. towel bars, soap dishes, etc.).
•
Always measure the location of the plumbing cut-outs from the
back wall forward and from the ledge of the shower base up-
ward.
•
Ensure all plumbing or electrical work inside the walls is fin
-
ished prior to installation of the wall panels.
•
Prepare the area with 1/2” (13mm) moisture-resistant drywall,
marine grade plywood, or concrete board. Never install Tran-
solid
®
products directly on any surface that is, or may become,
wet or damp.
•
Trial fit the side panels before you begin. Transolid
®
panels
have a finished side and a non-finished backer side. The Tran
-
solid
®
panel should be placed with the non-finished side against
the sub-wall.
•
Walls must be solid, plumb, and square with 1/8” of true. Shim
or trim the opening, as required. This kit has been designed with
some adjustability for minor alignment problems.
•
The mounting surface must be free of dirt, film, waxes, or any
other residues.
•
If you are installing a recessed accessory, cut the hole after the
panel is installed and fully supported by the wall. Remember to
position the accessory between the wall studs.
caulking tips
•
Follow the instructions on the silicone sealant tube.
•
When job is complete, inspect all caulked areas for gaps and
fill as needed.
•
Clean up any excess silicone that was missed using denatured
alcohol and a clean cloth.
•
Be very careful not to disturb caulk joints.
general information
installation Procedure
installation Procedure
Transolid
®
Expressions wall panels can be installed over a vari-
ety of products. If you intend to apply the panels to any surface
other than those described, consult with a professional contrac-
tor. Use the following sections when installing this product over:
•
Sheetrock, Greenboard, Cement Board, Wood
•
Plaster
•
Cement/Concrete
•
Old Tile
•
Wallpaper
•
Masonite
sheetrock, greenboard, cement Board, or Wood
•
Surface must be dry, smooth, and free of any dust, soap scum,
or other contaminants.
•
To ensure proper adhesion of the Transolid
®
Expressions prod-
uct, the wall surface must be sealed with a water or oil-based
primer/sealer.
•
After the primer/sealer is completely dry, complete the installa-
tion following the instructions in this manual.
Plaster
Depending on the condition of the existing wall surface, addi-
tional silicone may be required to ensure contact between the
substrate and the wall panel.
•
Sand textured or swirled finishes smooth.
•
Clean the wall surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust,
soap scum, or any other contaminants. The wall surface must
be dry and smooth.
•
To ensure proper adhesion of the Transolid
®
Expressions prod-
uct, the wall surface must be sealed with a water or oil-based
primer/sealer.
•
After the primer/sealer is completely dry, complete the installa-
tion following the instructions in this manual.
cement/concrete
Depending on the condition (flatness) of the existing wall sur
-
face, additional silicone may be required to ensure contact be-
tween the substrate and the wall panel.
•
To ensure proper adhesion of the Transolid
®
Expressions prod-
uct, the complete area must be sealed with two coats of water or
oil-based primer/sealer.
•
After the primer/sealer is completely dry, complete the installa-
tion following the instructions in this manual.
old tile
Depending on the condition of the existing wall surface, addi-
tional silicone may be required to ensure contact between the
substrate and the wall panel.
iMPortant notice
Old ceramic tiles, if solidly adhered, do not need to be removed.
All plastic tiles must be removed.