Lustrolite Installation Guide

Lustrolite® is the superior high gloss acrylic panel featuring a high performance hard-coated surface. Ideal for heavy-duty vertical applications, it is especially suited for shower walls and bathroom partitions in residential or commercial environments. Lustrolite is completely inert. It will not release  any emissions to the environment. The non-stick outer surfacedoes not harbour mould or calcium build-up. The material is ultra hygienic and does not promote bacterial growth or transmission.

Below is a guide to installing lustrolite, but for further information You can download the full Lustrolite installation guide as a PDF here.

Before You Start

We strongly recommend the use of the dedicated installation kit in order to achieve a professional finish

If the dedicated installation kit is not used then it is important that a neutral cure silicone is used for the installation to avoid cracking and poor adhesion. Do not use a standard acetic curing silicone

When used as a kitchen splashback Lustrolite is not suitable for use behind a gas hob; only ceramic or induction hobs. Also additional protection is recommended directly behind hobs to avoid damage to the panels caused by direct contact with hot pans.

Lustrolite is not to be used directly behind or adjacent to a heat source above 70 deg C. When used behind electric, ceramic or induction hobs a clearance of at least 50mm is required between the edge of the hob and the Lustrolite panel

Lustrolite will expand and contract with temperature at the rate of 0.7 mm / 1000 mm / 10 deg C so its very important to allow a 3-4mm expansion gap at the perimeter of each panel

When using Lustrolite for renovation over existing tiles or other wall finishes, it may be necessary to reposition the taps and outlets to align with the finished surface of the Lustrolite panel

Do not store or transport Lustrolite sheet outdoors or in direct sunlight or in extreme heat

Sheets must be stored inside, and stacked horizontally to avoid any bowing of the sheet

We strongly recommend that Lustrolite should only be cut or shaped at room temperature (approx.19OC)

Lustrolite may have sharp edges, so always wear gloves and other appropriate clothing and footwear for your protection during the installation process Always wear eye protection during the installation of Lustrolite and other safety equipment relative to the installation tools being used

The surface of Lustrolite is very hard and scratch resistant. If severe damage does occur and the surface coating is compromised, the panel cannot be refinished and should be replaced

Before installation check the sheet to ensure no damage has occurred during transport

Always sand the edges of Lustrolite after every cut and drill hole using 240 grit sanding pad

We recommend the use of a silicone spatula in order to create a Professional silicone joint

Area Preparation

Ensure the walls are smooth, clean and dry

All existing substrate wall panel fixings must be set flush or recessed

For wall lining, use waterproof panelling or plasterboard only in accordance with local building regulations for shower or bath areas

All substrate wall linings must be sealed at the joints with a generous silicone or waterproofing compound

For best results, mark out where the joints are going to be placed and paint the wall surface with a colour similar to the Lustrolite colour you intend to install, to ensure consistent colour at the joints which will show beneath the clear silicone

Lustrolite On Tiled Walls

Lustrolite panels can be easily installed over existing tiled walls as long as the tiles are securely attached and thoroughly cleaned before installation.

Ensure the tiles are free of soap or other build up. Conduct a final clean using a degreaser such as “Sugar Soap” and rinse well with clean water and allow to dry.

Check the walls carefully for high spots and remove any tiles or fittings that may interfere with Lustrolite panel or may create a wavy result when panel is installed.

Exposed edges can be sealed with silicone. A finishing trim can also be used to create a neat appearance covering both the tile and Lustrolite panel edge.

Cutting Lustrolite

When cutting or drilling Lustrolite, always wear appropriate personal protection equipment relevant to the tool being used. We recommend the use of safety glasses at all times

Appropriate clamping and support is essential to avoid vibration and potential chipping of the edges.

Always protect the panel using a non-abrasive material between the clamp and the sheet surface being careful not to damage the surface.

 Using a circular saw will deliver a straight and accurate cuts. Best results will be achieved by cutting through the Lustrolite and into the sacrificial support timber board

To reduce the risk of chipping, when using a portable circular saw, cut with the colour side of the Lustrolite sheet facing UPWARDS. If using a fixed table circular saw, cut with the colour side of the Lustrolite sheet facing DOWNWARDS

Jigsaws can be used for cutting short distances such as power point openings. You must only use Jigsaw blades that are suitable for aluminium or plastics. Cut with the colour side of the Lustrolite sheet facing UPWARDS with a jigsaw

Do not use Jigsaws to make long cuts. The blade may overheat and melt the sheet at the edge resulting in a poor finish

Clean swarf away frequently after cutting to avoid damage to the protective film

A carpenter square is recommended for marking out square cuts in the panels

Best Blades To Cut Lustrolite

We strongly recommend that Lustrolite should only be cut or shaped at room temperature (approx.19OC)

Fine tooth laminate saw

Jigsaw - Use a fine cut blade that is suitable for plastic or aluminium cutting

Circular Saw / Plunge Saw - Use a fine tooth carbide tip blade with 60-80 Teeth

Multi Tool - with fine cutting blade

Drill Bits - Use a high speed steel tipped drill bit. Do not allow the drill bit to overheat, work at a moderate speed and pressure

Drilling Lustrolite

The edge of any drilled holes should be no closer than 10mm to the edge of the panel sheet

Do not create long openings close to the edge of the sheet, as the sheet will be difficult to handle during the install

Always drill a hole at the corner of any cut-out or notch. Avoid cutting square inside corners

Drill from the SHOW FACE side (clear side) of the Lustrolite sheet to reduce the risk of chipping. Best results will be achieved with a slow to medium drill speed, use only light pressure.

Fine toothed hole saws can be used for larger holes. Cut from the SHOW FACE side (clear side)

Step drills are ideal for mid size holes and also making smaller holes into larger ones

When attaching screws or other fittings, drill a hole in the panel with a minimum of 1mm clearance between the fixing and the Lustrolite panel. Fix directly into the substrate behind the panel - DO NOT SCREW INTO THE LUSTROLITE PANEL ITSELF AS THIS WILL CAUSE IT TO CRACK.

Profiles , Trims & Accessories

Aluminium Splash Protectors are available for use behind electric, ceramic or induction hobs. These can either be installed on the surface of the Lustrolite panel using the neutral cure silicone or they can be installed flush with the panel as they are the same thickness (4mm)

Profiles are also available in matt Aluminium finish as shown below in either 2500mm or 1250mm length as an alternative option for silicon joints

If using the optional edge profiles for the Lustrolite panels,  please refer to the individual profile fitting instructions supplied with the profiles

Installation Guide:

STEP 1 - Remove the protective film from the REAR FACE (i.e. colour side). DO NOT remove the protective film on the front (clear side) of the panel at this time

STEP 2 - Scuff the REAR FACE (colour side) with coarse scouring pad or 120 grit emery paper  in order to create a strong adherence to the substrate & remove sanding dust with clean cloth

STEP 3 - After scuffing, ensure the REAR FACE (colour side) is clean and free of dust or any other substance before applying the tape and silicone adhesive

STEP 4 - Apply the 15mm x 1.5mm thick double-coated polyethylene foam tape with synthetic rubber adhesive on the rear surface of each Lustrolite panel. Firmly secure the tape to the panel. Note: The silicone and tape are applied to the COLOUR SIDE i.e. the REAR FACE . The clear side “show face” must face outwards

STEP 5 - Trial fit each panel with tape applied to ensure trim size and expansion gaps are correct (3-4mm)

STEP 6 - Apply a 6mm wide bead of translucent neutral cure silicone in a wavy pattern between each tape strip as shown. Near the edges of the panel, increase the wavy pattern as show in the figure. Run a bead of silicone on the rear of the panel around any holes or cut outs. NOTE: Always use a neutral cure silicone

STEP 7 - Remove the self-adhesive tape liner & Install the panel by resting on removable spacers or wedges at the bottom and use 3-4mm spacers between the panels

STEP 8 - Firmly rub down panel to ensure tape bonds and adhesive contacts the wall. Allow to cure for 24 hours

STEP 9 - Remove the spacers and seal the joints, including all edges of the panel/s such as the floor, the top of the panel/s and all vertical edges with your neutral cure wet area silicone. If the outer protective film of the panel is damaged or not adhered well, peel approximately 40mm of the protective film from panel edges and carefully apply 20mm masking tape either side of the joint. Once gap is filled, remove excess silicone using a soft flexible plastic spatula.

STEP 10 - Immediately after the silicone is applied, carefully remove the outer protective film or masking tape in one continuous movement to achieve the best finish

You can download the full installation guide as a PDF here.

You can purchase Lustrolite Panels here.