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Our Installation Guide is based on decades of experience in installing wall cladding in

a variety of challenging healthcare, industrial and commercial environments.

THE ADVICE GIVEN IS FOR GUIDANCE ONLY AND SPS CLEANTECH AND

AM-CLAD LTD CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FAULTS ARISING

FROM INCORRECT INTERPRETATION OR APPLICATION OF THE GUIDANCE

SET OUT IN THIS DOCUMENT.

When fitted correctly, AM-Clad PVCu panels can be used to create and maintain

hygienic environments in the most demanding conditions. It is suitable for hygiene-

critical areas such as pharmaceutical cleanrooms and compounding facilities in

hospitals. It can also be used in non-critical high traffic areas where the panels can

be subjected to impact and scuff damage.

1. Safety Advice

When cutting or drilling wall cladding panels, always wear protective glasses or

goggles, safety gloves and a face mask which covers the face and mouth. Hearing

protection is also recommended when using power tools.

2. Required tools for installation

• Tape measure

• Plunge saw (fine toothed blade)

• Jigsaw

• Hole saw (fine toothed blade)

• Level

• Straight edge

• Carpenter’s square

• 1.5mm to 2mm spacer

• Block plane

• 10ft Thermoformer (if not using

preformed corners)

• Drill with paddle attachment

• V-notched trowel

(3/16”x1/4”x5/16”)

• Wall roller (6” to 9”)

• Jigsaw

• Weldrod Heat Welder Gun (Leister

Model Hot Jet S or TriacAT or

equivalent)

• Trim knives

3. Environmental Conditions

• The AM-Clad panels should be stored horizontally in crates or containers. Do

not store panels vertically. The panels should be stored off the ground to

prevent condensation and distortion.

• The AM-Clad panels and 2-part adhesive should stored indoors and be

acclimated at a temperature between 65°F (18.3°C) and 85°F (29.4°C) for a

minimum of 24 hours prior to the start of installation.

• Take care to protect the 2-part adhesive from frost and temperatures below

40°F (4.4°C) and not exceeding 85°F (29.4°C).

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• During the entire process of installation, the temperature of the install area

and the AM-Clad panels themselves should be at least 65°F (18.3°C) and

should not exceed 85°F (29.4°C).

• During the entire process of installation, the relative humidity should be

between 35% and 55%.

• The AM-Clad panels should not be exposed to prolonged direct sunlight

during or after installation work as this could result in warping and/or

discoloration.

• The AM-Clad panels have an operating temperature range of 4°F (-16°C) to

140°F (60°C). The temperature of the ambient air or any fluids used to clean

the panels shall not exceed this range or permanent distortion or damage to

the panels could occur.

• Ensure that any device that generates extreme levels of heat be located a

minimum of 12” from the panels or permanent distortion or damage to the

panels could occur.

• Installation should not begin until building is enclosed (windows and doors are

installed), permanent heating and cooling equipment is in operation, and

residual moisture from plaster, concrete, or terrazzo work has dissipated.

4. Acceptable Substrates

Panels should only be applied to wall surfaces made of non-combustible

materials, like the following:

• Gypsum Board or Drywall (grey, pink, green, blue etc.) greater than ½” thick. New drywall should not be painted

• Plywood or MDF with minimum 1/3” thickness, minimum ½” thickness where

shelves or cupboards are going to be fixed. Joints should all be level.

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• Tiles that are securely bonded to the substrate and are level, free from grease

and well cleaned.

• Trowel finished sand and cement render

• Brick and blockwork are naturally uneven and do not allow complete adhesion

of the panels. It is recommended to install drywall, cement board or another

appropriate substrate before installing AM-Clad panels.

• Poured acrylic floors with built-in cove should be in place prior to wall

installation.

5. Preparing the Substrate surface

• AM-Clad panels should be fitted to a plumb surface. The substrate must be

straight to within +/- 0.12” (3mm) over 6.5ft (2 meters) length.

• Rendering works – use a 1 to 3 part mix ratio (sand to cement) with a

troweled finish.

• Ceramic tiles must be thoroughly deep cleaned and allowed to dry out before

affixing any cladding.

• Ensure the plumb substrate is clean, dry, smooth and free from dust, grease,

flaking paint or any substance that may inhibit the bonding strength of the 2-

part adhesive. If the substrate surface is not adequately prepared it could

result in a failure of the panel to not properly adhere to the substrate.

• New plaster surfaces should be brushed and sealed with diluted PVA primer

(1 part PVA to 10 parts water ratio).

• Painted surfaces will not allow adhesives to achieve full bond strength.

Painted surfaces must be perforated with a wallpaper removal tool to rough

up the wall. All loose paint, dirt and residue must be removed prior to

installation.

6. Services and Fittings

• Plumbing and Electrical work should always be carried out by qualified

professionals and the following recommendations should be carried out.

• Where feasible, pipework should be removed to create a ‘first fix state’ and

‘tails’ should be left which can penetrate the holes drilled in the panels when it

is fitted to the wall.

• Holes in the panels should be drilled 0.12” (3mm) oversize to allow for

expansion around pipes, fixings and bolts. These should be sealed using a

high quality sealant (AM-Clad or similar approved) which will accommodate

normal levels of expansion.

• Steam and hot water pipes should be insulated and a 0.12” to 0.2” (3mm to

5mm) expansion gap is required.

• Electrical equipment must be moved or altered by a qualified electrician and

electrical switches, cables and power points should be in a ‘first fix state’

when possible.

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7. Thermoforming AM-Clad panels

One major advantage of AM-Clad panels is the ability to perform a seamless

installation on internal and external corners using a thermoformer to bend the panel

into corners.

Note: If preformed corners and 3-way corner transition pieces are desired see

Section 13 before continuing.

Prior to performing any thermoforming it is highly recommended to practice on scrap

material to become familiar with the forming process and bending equipment.

Measure the distance on the wall of the area which you are going to be covering.

You should take and record measurements at the bottom, middle and top of wall

section.

• Once you have measured the wall, cut the AM-Clad panel to the appropriate

length for the height of the wall.

• Being certain not to end the panel seam in a corner (seams should occur a

minimum 12” from any corner), mark the AM-Clad panel with the distance

measurement at the top and bottom of the panel. For inside corners you need

to subtract the thickness of the panels (e.g. 2.5mm) from the measurements

to account for the thickness of the AM-Clad panel. For outside corners you

need to add the thickness (e.g. 2.5mm) to the measurements.

• Make sure that the thermoformer is at least as long as the bend you are

performing and that the top surface of the thermoformer is flush with the

surface of the table supporting the AM-Clad panel. Place the backside of the

AM-Clad panel on the thermoformer. Place the marks made on the top and

bottom edges of the panel at the centerline of the thermoformer.

• After 30-45 seconds (depends on temperature of the thermoformer) you will

see a line form on the AM-Clad panel where the thermoformer is heating the

surface of the AM-Clad panel. Once this line appears, it’s time to remove the

panel from the thermoformer.

• With two people, one at each end, remove the panel and place it on a large

flat work area. Bend the panel completely in half back onto itself in the

direction you want the bend to go. Then quickly stand the thermoformed

portion back up to a 90 degree angle (or the desired angle of the wall you are

covering) and hold it there until the panel cools (approximately 90 seconds).

The panel should now stay bent on its own and be ready to place on the wall.

8. AM-Clad Sheet Installation

• Prior to starting installation check that all substrates and surface conditions

meet the requirements described in Section 5.

• Keep the protective film on the wall cladding panels until all the trades have

completed the installation.

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• Inspect the AM-Clad panels to ensure there is no damage from shipment. If

damage is found check to see if the damage is in an area of the panel that

can be cut out and the panel salvaged.

• In a safe manner set up your working area, work bench, tools, and preheat

the thermoformer to be ready for forming.

• The room layout should minimize the total number of seams and avoid having

seams within 12” of a corner.

• If using preformed corners and 3-way corner transitions pieces they must be

installed first. See Section 13 for details.

• Draw the datum line on the walls where the AM-Clad panel will be positioned

using a laser or water level at a convenient and memorable height.

• Ensure you leave a 1.5mm to 2mm gap (approximately the thickness of a

quarter) between adjoining panels for the weldrod.

• On the wall from the datum line down to the finished level, then mark this

same measurement on the protective film of the panel, measured from the

bottom of the sheet up. This will be the datum line. All your measurements for

cuts will be taken from this point.

• Measure from the wall datum line to the ceiling and any other cuts / cut outs

and mark these on your sheet whether marking front or back.

• Use protective eyeglasses and gloves before making any cuts to the panels.

• When cutting with a plunge saw, jigsaw or hole saw be certain to use a

carbide tipped blade with >140 teeth.

• The inside corners of all cut-outs must have a radius of at least 1/8” (3.2 mm).

Failure to radius corners may result in stress cracking. For pilot holes, a 1/4”

(6.36 mm) diameter drill bit may be used. Use a jigsaw to complete the radius

cut-out. Allow 1/8” (3.2 mm) clearance around all fixtures, electric boxes,

piping, etc

• Cut the panel using a plunge saw for long cuts, a jigsaw for socket cut outs

and a hole saw for pipe work pass throughs.

• Cut panels ¼” short of base molding.

• Ensure all edges of the cut panels are clean and free from burrs. For those

edges that will be welded use a small block plane to get a true edge.

• If thermoforming corners see Section 7 for instructions.

• Hold the panel up against the wall to test fit.

• Return the panel back to the work bench, trim and alter if required.

• If using a welded joint refer to Section 10. It is best to use a spacer to ensure

you leave a consistent 1.5mm to 2mm gap (e.g. thickness of a quarter)

between the two adjoining panels (and preformed corners and 3-way corner

transition pieces if used). A 1.5mm to 2mm gap should also be used between

a panel and any abutments with ceilings, door frames and pipework to allow

for the sealant caulk seam.

• For hot welded joints, the double faced tape must be applied to the substrate

along the center point between two panels before the panels are installed.

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Remove the protective film from one side of the tape and apply to the

substrate. Leave the outer protective film on for now.

• If using trimmed joints using edge/divider trim refer to Section 11.

9. Preparing Adhesive

• Pour the part B contents into the 1 gallon part A container

• Grip the 1 gallon container firmly between your feet and mix the two parts

together using a drill and paddle for 2-5 minutes. Move the paddle around the

entire container to ensure complete mixing. The color should be uniform.

• If preformed corner and 3-way corner transition pieces are used, they must be

installed first. Refer to Section 13 for instructions.

• Clean the back of the AM-Clad panel using a soft cloth to remove any dust

particulates.

• Apply the mixed adhesive to the rear of the panel using a V-notched Trowel

3/16” x 1/4” x 5/16”

• Keep adhesive 1.5” to 2” away from the vertical edges of the panel when hot

welding and 0.75” to 1” away from the edges when using trimmed joints.

• Lift the panel back onto the wall and line up the panel and wall datum lines.

• Carefully pull the edge of the adjoining panels out to facilitate removing the

outer protective film from the double-faced tape placed in the center of the

seam. Firmly press the panels onto the entire length of double-faced tape.

• Using a 6”to 9” Wall Roller, roll the entire outside surface of the panels to

spread the adhesive on the inside of the panel for maximum coverage against

the substrate.

• Install floor transition trims and any other finishing trims as required.

• Repeat the process throughout the required areas.

10. Welded Joints

All panels should be installed prior to hot welding any seams. It is recommended to

practice hot air welding on panel scraps if not experienced in this procedure. It will

also allow for proper temperature settings of the welding gun.

• Hot welding should only be used between 2 panels or a panel and preformed

corners/3-way corner transition pieces (if used). Sealant caulk should be

used between a panel and door frame, window frame or other abutments.

• Ensure there is no 2-part adhesive in the panel seam. The weldrod will not

adhere to the adhesive. Use a tool to scrape away any visible adhesive.

• Prior to welding, peel back the outer protective film on the panel

approximately 2” from the edge as the weldrod will not adhere to the

protective film.

• Clean all joints using anti-static wipes. This will prevent dust burning into the

joints when welding

• It is recommended to use the Leister Hot Jet S, Leister TriacAT or similar

approved welder with a 5mm nozzle. Select an airflow setting of 4

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(maximum), heater setting of 4 as a guideline and welder compression of 1 to

2 kg (2 to 4lb).

• Remove any spacers used in between panels.

• Once the welder is at the proper temperature, feed the weldrod

into the nozzle of the welding gun. See image to right.

• The typical angle is shown in the photo to the right. Smaller

angles cause accelerated melting of the rod, while larger angles

result in suppressed melting. Make adjustments depending on

the degree of melting.

• Apply 80% of the compression to the wall surface and 20% to

the direction of the welding rod advancement. Take care to

avoid forced advancement.

• Begin welding by lightly advancing the welding rod through the

barrel. After melting becomes stabilized additional manual advancement

is no longer required.

• Completely fill the gap with a slight excess protruding above the adjacent

panels. If the seam exceeds the recommended 2mm width, additional

welding rod beads may be necessary.

• In the event the panel surfaces are not even, additional weld beads should

be applied.

• When welding the joints, be extremely careful not to burn the panels.

• Before the welded joints completely cool and solidify, remove the bulk of the

excess weld rod with a Trim Plate Knife on a first pass. The use a Slim Trim

Knife to make the final cut taking care not to scratch the panel surface.

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WELDED JOINT DETAIL

11. Trimmed Joints

• If welded joints are not required AM-Clad offers trimmed joint pieces that

hold the panels in place. Once the first panel of AM-Clad is installed cut

down and tuck the back of the joint trim behind the sheet leaving a 1mm

gap between the edge of the sheet and the clip channel of the back trim.

• Following the installation of all the sheets and back trims, loosely install

the front part of the joint trim by hand.

• Cut down the front trim and final fit using a rubber mallet.

TRIMMED JOINT DETAIL

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EDGE STRIP DETAIL

12. Floor Transition

There are several methods to do a wall to floor joint.

• The panel can be mounted to the substrate and cut such that the bottom

of the panel is 2mm to 3mm above the coving. This gap between the

panel and the floor coving cannot be hot welded with the weldrod. The

gap must be sealed properly with a high quality silicone sealant or

site/owner approved caulking.

• The panel can be positioned so that it overlaps the floor coving. This

allows any liquid used in cleaning the walls to roll down to the floor without

getting into any joints. The gap between the overlapping panel and the

floor coving must be sealed properly with a high quality silicone sealant or

site/owner approved caulking.

• Use the AM-Clad 2-part H Divider (see image below). Install an AM-

Clad/Guard joint strip back, tucking it behind the sheet. The vinyl floor

covering then overlaps the bottom section of the joint strip back. The joint

strip cover is then placed over both the sheet and floor vinyl completing

the junction and ensuring the system allows for no water ingress

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WALL TO COVED FLOORING OPTIONS

13. Using Preformed Corners and 3-way Transition Pieces

When using preformed corners and corner transition pieces these items must be

installed prior to installing panels.

• Place and mark lines for all required for preformed corner and transition

pieces horizontally and/or vertically.

Using H-Dividers

Flush with silicone sealant gap Overlapping Method 2-piece H Dividers

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• Place double sided foam tape centrally along line, allowing half covered by

preformed corner or transition piece and other half the adjoining panel.

• There may be installations where a corner is in an area with one of the

walls having a depth less than the 3.55” width (width of the preformed

corner and 3-way transition piece). The preformed corner and transition

piece will have to be trimmed to fit to the adjacent panel. Leave a 1.5mm

to 2mm gap to allow heat welded seam.

• Apply the 2-part adhesive as describe in Section 9 and install the preformed

corner and transition pieces

• Ensure you leave a 1.5mm to 2mm gap (thickness of a quarter) between

adjoining panels and preformed corners or 3-way transition pieces for the

weldrod seam (if welding seams) or divider trims (if using divider joints).

14. Completion

Once all panels installed, all joints are heat welded or sealed with sealant

caulk, leave the panel’s outer protective film on until all trades have completed

their work. This will protect the panels from dust and prevent static build up.

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Once the room is completed peel off the panel’s outer protective film to reveal

pristine hygienic cladding. An anti-static spray can be applied to the panels

ensure that dust does not cling to panels.

15. Cleaning and maintenance

AM-Clad panels can be cleaned using most cleaning agents included Spor-

Klenz. Under normal conditions only light cleaning may be required using a

soft cloth and a mild detergent diluted in warm water. Any liquids used to

clean the panels cannot be hotter than 140°F (60°C). Do not use abrasive

pads or wire wool.

Get in touch for more information:

www.spscleantech.com

Phone 800.345.FLOW

E-mail: info@spscleantech.com

SPS CleanTech 3265 Sunset Lane, Hatboro, PA 19040

© AM-Clad Ltd – January, 2021