The panels can be glued to smooth surfaces such as plaster, plasterboard or even to existing tiles. Other substrates in a dry environment that will work are drywall, plywood and OSB. In a wet environment, such as a tub or shower area, existing ceramic tile walls can be covered with no additional preparation required. Otherwise, installation over a waterproof substrate is required, such as Cement Board®, Schluter Kerdi Board®, GP Densheild®, Johns Manville Go Board®, Hardiebacker®, WPBK Triton®, Fiberock® and equivalent products. Always follow manufacturer’s installation instructions to create a waterproof enclosure.
Yes, seal all edges with DAP Kwik Seal Ultra sealant at the joint to prevent water infiltration. Apply a line of silicone sealant to the tongue and groove connection between the panels to ensure a completely waterproof joint. Also apply a line of silicone sealant between the panel and the edge of the shower or bath, and on inside corners. The sealant we recommend is DAP Kwik Seal Ultra. Be sure to read the sealant or adhesive instructions before use.
No. We do not have matching paint available at this time.
Yes, as long as the substrate is in good condition.
No, Monument is not exterior-grade-UV-stable.
No. The panels are designed to be used on a vertical wall surface.
Yes, they can be nailed through. You can also try a more temporary solution like command strips, which can be used to prevent any damage or holes in the Monument panel.
Yes, as long as the recommended installation methods and adhesives are used leaving 1/4 space at the edges to allow for expansion and contraction.
No.
No, we do not recommend installing Monument panels on the ceiling.
Yes. As long as you seal all the connecting joints with a waterproof sealant you can use the Monument panels to create a niche or shelf. We recommend installing any horizontal tile at very slight angle (under 10 degrees), so the water does not rest on the panel but slides off.
Prep & Installation
If you choose to install Monument on an existing wall, clean it with a good degreaser to make sure the wall is free from any contaminates that would affect adhesion.
This is not necessary. However, if you are using this in a wet environment such as shower enclosure, we do recommend sealing all edges with a silicone sealer.
When gluing Monument products on regular surfaces such as plasterboard or wood, we recommend using one of the following adhesives: Loctite® Power Grab® Ultimate (white formula only), Titebond® Titegrab Ultimate®, Liquid Nails® Fuze It® and Manus® 75-AM HV. For Canadian customers, we recommend Lepage No More Nails® Wet Instant Grab® adhesive. For Monument to be used in wet environments, a bead of sealant must be used in each seam between panels. The sealant we recommend is SilTex® 40. For Canadian customers, we recommend Kwick Seal Plus®.
For a standard 10-oz tube of adhesive, cut the nozzle at the 1/4-inch bead mark and use a 1/4-inch bead. Each tube of adhesive covers approximately 16 sq ft. Add up the square footage of your project and divide that number by 16 to calculate how many tubes you’ll need.
Not normally, however when installing in a wet room (such as a shower, for example), apply a line of silicone sealant to the tongue and groove connection between the panels to ensure a completely waterproof joint. Also apply a line of silicone sealant between the panel and the edge of the shower or bath, and on inside corners. The sealant we recommend is SilTex 40. For Canadian customers, Kwick Seal Plus. Be sure to read the sealant or adhesive instructions before use.
No. Grouting is not necessary as Monument already has a manufactured grout line built in.
This can be accomplished and is treated like any other tongue and groove connection. Using a utility knife, cut the tongue of the panel you choose to remove. Once the tongue on both sides is removed, use a putty knife or paint scraper and slide the tool under the panel to be removed and apply outward pressure releasing the adhesive from the wall. You may need to repair the wall after removal if adhesive damages surface to prepare it for new panel.
You can trowel on the adhesive with a 1/4-inch notch trowel for more even coverage after applying adhesive to the back of the panel or trowel directly onto your wall.
Standard woodworking tools like a table saw or circular saw with a fine tooth provide the best cut edge. Use a 60-tooth blade or higher.
Monument tiles can be applied to any of these types of systems. Follow the manufacturer’s recommending installation of the membrane system. Only our approved adhesives can be used to attach our tiles to the membrane. Do not use a thin-set mortar adhesive to apply the Monument tiles to the membrane. Use only one of the following adhesives: Loctite® Power Grab® Ultimate (white formula only), Titebond® Titegrab Ultimate®, Liquid Nails® Fuze It® and Manus® 75-AM HV. For Canadian customers, we recommend Lepage No More Nails® Wet Instant Grab® adhesive.
Yes, you can use this material applied to the recommended substrates in our install guide. Follow waterproofing membrane manufacturer’s instructions.
If some of the adhesive has dried on the finish side of the panels, you can use mineral spirits to remove it. This is the only solvent that can be used that will not damage the finish on the tile. It is best to remove any excess adhesive immediately using a damp cloth. Allowing excess adhesive to dry on the finished side of the panel may harm the finish.
No, the tiles are directional and can only be connected one way by locking the tongue and groove edges together. When oriented correctly, the groove edges are on the top and left-hand side of the panel. The tongue will be on the bottom and right-hand side of the panels. See image below for details.
Performance
Excellent. The panels are 100% waterproof.
Our panels can withstand a maximum continuous temperature of 140F. This means that Monument PVC panels can be used as a shower wall panel, but cannot be used in saunas or steam rooms. Installation within 6 inches of a stove is not recommended either. Monument should be installed in temperatures between 40 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (4 and 43 degrees Celsius).
The panels can be cleaned using any typical household, non-abrasive cleaning agent. Normally, you only need a damp cloth to clean the panels thoroughly. Do not use abrasive substances or cleaning products based on chloride. We do not recommend using solvents. Adhesive residue or pen marks are best removed using isopropyl alcohol. Cleaning products that have been tested with Monument tiles and have proven to be effective and non-damaging are: Scrubbing Bubbles©, Tilex©, Kaboom©, CLR©, Iron Out© and Goo Gone©.
Yes, there is a durable, UV-cured, protective polyurethane layer on the surface of the panels. This wear-and-scratch-resistant layer will prevent moderate abuse. The tiles are intended as a wall product, however, and can be scratched by sharp objects or dented by blunt force. Monument tiles have better wear and scratch resistance than most wall treatments, such as painted drywall or paneling. Panels should be cleaned with household or mild commercial cleaners that do not contain abrasives.
Monument PVC panels have the following fire classification rate: US STANDARD ASTM E84: Flame spread (FSI) 40, Class B.
Monument panels are guaranteed for a period of 10 years.
Yes. The decorative, photo-realistic pattern repeats about every eight tiles. The location on each tile where the pattern repeats is always different, however, resulting in a unique look for each tile.
We have tested using lacquer thinner to remove spray paint and permanent marker from the panels with success. The solvent does not affect the protective coating on the panels and will remove most graffiti and serious staining. After stain removal, use a warm water and soap solution to rinse off the solvent.
Environmental
No. Our products are not harmful to your health. All our products are classified as A+ (very low emission of pollutants), which is the best rating for indoor wall cladding. This means you can use our products in your house with no harmful effect on health.
Yes. Monument panels can be recycled and be taken to any plastic recycling facility.
You may see a warning on this product regarding California’s Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. It is intended to help Californians make informed decisions about protecting themselves from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The Proposition requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
Proposition 65 is designed to inform consumers. This is not the same as a regulatory decision that a product is “safe” or “unsafe”. Our products emit no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and are in no way harmful if the product is used for its intended purpose. At Acoustic Ceiling Products, customer satisfaction is our number one priority and we will be happy to provide any additional information, technical specs or data you may need on any of our products.