Installation Guide - DIY
Stone Skin is generally used the same way wood veneer and laminate products are used. Fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) is used in the backing, giving it durability, strength, and resilience. The minimum inward or outward radius it will flex depends on product thickness and the surface texture before it starts to crack. Warming the sheets with a heat gun will help achieve a tighter radius.
Sealing
As mentioned stone skin is a natural stone product and therefore has porous surfaces. They must be sealed or enhanced prior to handling to ensure they remain clean from the oils of your hands and to help protect them from stains and spills. There are a number of natural stone sealers and enhancers in the market for a variety of applications. Test these products for the desired appearance and color prior to installation.
Tools
Skip to main content accessibility help Accessibility feedback Google The stone skin thin profile allows it to be cut with standard woodworking tools. It can be cut with long-nosed snips, a table saw with a masonry cutting disc or good quality diamond blade. The easiest way to cut curves in small applications is with long-nosed snips. Diamond blades or masonry saws are recommended for larger production runs. Additional installation tools required: Smooth Trowel or putty knife, 3/16” V-notched Trowel, Rubber Covered Veneer Roller, NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator, Eye protection.
Safety First
Ensure that proper eye protection, as well as a NIOSH/MSHA, the approved respirator, is worn when cutting these sheets. If cutting with any tool which creates dust, work outdoors if possible in a well-ventilated area or use a properly filtered ventilation system. The silica dust from this product may be harmful if inhaled.
Base Preparation
Any of the substrates mentioned above are suitable for stone veneer installation. The method of adhesion should be chosen relative to the base material and projected usage. Be sure to test any of the adhesives you intend to use and ensure that your surfaces are clean and free of a contaminant that will hinder proper adhesion. Enhancing or Pre-sealing the sheets prior to your installation will protect the sheet surface during installation. If installing over existing ceramic or similar tiles it will be necessary to prepare the smooth tile surface to give it a tooth. It may also be necessary to fill grout lines level with the surface of the tile.
Adhesives
Any adhesive that you are considering for use with stone skin should be tested prior to use. The standard choice of adhesion involves an FRP adhesive applied to the fiberglass backing. For water-resistant applications, we recommend using polyester resin or epoxy adhesives. Some recommended Adhesives:
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Porous Surfaces - Titebond GRENchoice Fast Grab FRP Adhesive LePage PL 700 M arlite Solvent Free FRP Adhesive
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Non-Porous Surfaces - Titebond Solvent-Based FRP Adhesive •
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Wet applications or Non-Porous Surfaces - Titebond GRENchoice Advanced Polymer Panel Adhesive
Applications
A 3/16” V-notched trowel is recommended for applying adhesive on the substrate. If you have a curved application, gently warming the sheet with a heat gun will help relax the FRP backing somewhat to achieve a tighter radius. Flexibility will vary depending on the texture and thickness of the stone sheet. Once your sheet has been applied to your surface it is important to remove air bubbles that may be trapped. Starting in the center of the sheet and working outward towards the edges, apply gentle even pressure on your rubber-covered veneer roller. Take care that you are not pushing your roller too heavily or you will force the adhesive out around the edges.
These sheets may be butt together or you can create a tiled look by leaving a grout joint between the sheets. A modified, non-sanded, or water-based epoxy grout works well to fill the grout lines. Remember to reseal after grouting is completed. If installing in a shower application stone veneer must be grouted and well sealed.