Laminex Metaline User manual

Metaline®
Splashbacks & Panels
Fabrication Manual

Table of Contents
Section 1: Key Information
Key Points About Laminex®Metaline Splashbacks and
Panel Systems
1.1 Important Information
1.2 General Information
Section 2: Product Introduction
Introduction to Laminex Metaline Splashbacks and Panel Systems
2.1 Product Characteristics
2.2 Product Applications
2.3 Sheet Sizes
2.4 Adhesives
2.5 Warranty
2.6 Product Technical Specification
2.7 Product Tolerances
Section 3: Planning Your Installation
Important Design Considerations – Types Of Fabrication
3.1 Folded Internal Corners, Rolled Edges
3.1.1 Fabrication Type – Folded Internal Corners
3.1.2 Fabrication Type – Folded External Corners
3.1.3 Fabrication Type – Folded Rolled Edges
3.1.4 Fabrication Type – Finished Corner Details
3.2 Fabrication Type – Butt Joined Sheets
3.2.1 Butt Joined Corners, Straight Cut Edges
3.3 Other Installations
3.4 Important Design Considerations – Expansion and Orientation
3.4.1 Thermal Expansion
3.5 Direction of Coil Coating
3.6 Health and Safety
3.6.1 Occupational Health and Safety
3.7 Safety Data Sheet

Section 4: Cutting Of Panels
Tools and Equipment
4.1 Cutting Equipment
4.2 Additional Tools Required
4.3 Transport, Handling and Storage
4.4 Sheet Inspection
4.5 Cutting Metaline Sheets
4.5.1 Table Saw/Panel Saw
4.5.2 Handheld Circular Saw
4.5.3 Handheld Router
4.5.4 CNC or Milling Machine
4.5.5 Jigsaw
4.5.6 Handsaw
4.5.7 Hole Saw and Drills
Section 5: Kitchen Splashbacks Installations
5.1 Items Required for Installation of Laminex Metaline Splashbacks
5.2 Surface Preparation
5.3 Wall Flatness and Squareness
5.4 Dimensional Measurement
5.5 Taping
5.6 Dry Fit
5.7 Final Fitting
5.7.1 Silicone Adhesive Application
5.7.2 Double-Sided Tape Protective Strip Removal
5.7.3 Fitting
5.8 Sealing with Silicone
5.9 Clean-up
5.10 Care and Maintenance
5.10.1 Routine Care and Maintenance
5.10.2 Gas Cook Tops – General Comments

Section 1: Key Information
Key Points About Laminex®Metaline Splashbacks and
Panel Systems
1.1 Important Information
1. Laminex Metaline splashback and panel systems must be installed as per
Section 5 - “Kitchen Splashbacks Installations” contained in this manual to
deliver optimum product performance and compliance with the warranty.
2. The minimum set back distance between the installed Laminex Metaline
splashback panel and any cook top (gas or electric) is 30mm. This is to ensure
compliance with the building codes, as well as to prevent impact and thermal
damage caused by oversized pots being used on the rear burner or element.
Installations that are closer than 30mm will not be warranted. Laminex Metaline
splashbacks and panels are not suitable for installations behind gas or electric
cooktops where the benchtop is less than 600mm.
3. The Laminex Metaline splashback and panel systems has a proprietary coating that
allows it to be cleaned easily. Cleaning of Metaline splashbacks and panels should
follow the “Care and Maintenance” section, which is contained later in this manual
and also on the consumer warranty card. Deep gouges caused by abrasive cleaners
or scouring pads will not be warranted.
4. Laminex Metaline splashbacks have been assessed for re safety properties.
Laminex Metaline splashbacks are classied as Group 2 (under specication
A2.4 of the BCA) and have the typical re indices of 0 (Ignitability index), 0
(Spread of ame index), 0 (Heat evolved index) and 1(Smoke developed index).
5. ALWAYS follow the installation instructions as described in Section 5 of this
document. Failure to follow the installation instructions may create a potential
re hazard to the consumer and will void any warranty.
6. All installations must be installed from the same batch and the same sheet
orientation (information on spotstick) to avoid any colour variation.
1.2 General Information
7. Safety – always wear appropriate PPE when handling or cutting Laminex
Metaline splashback panels.

8. Lifting – Laminex Metaline splashback panels are heavy and require a 2 man lift
or mechanical assistance. Always lift panels in a vertical orientation to avoid
buckling the panel.
9. Transport – always transport Laminex Metaline splashback panels horizontally
on a solid pallet that supports the entire length of panel. Ensure that panels are
carefully strapped and protected with top and bottom coversheets to prevent
damage. Multiple sheets should be transported with the decorative faces
together (protective lm).
10. Inspection – any sheets that show visible damage (dents, impact damage,
deep scratches through the protective lm, etc.)should be rejected unless the
damaged section is outside of the required usable area. Installation of damaged
sheets is not warranted.
11. Cutting – always use a dedicated aluminium-cutting blade for all straight cuts.
The use of vacuum extraction is recommended to prevent build-up of swarf on
the work piece or cutting equipment.
12. Folding – Laminex Metaline splashbacks and panels can be folded around or into
corners to give a continuous corner without any joins. Laminex recommends
folding edges and corners to give the installation a premium look and feel.
Ensure ambient temperature is not less than 16ºC before folding occurs, for
optimum edge apearance.
13. Roll bending – Laminex Metaline splashbacks and panels can be roll formed to a
minimum radius of 120mm using mandrel rolling.
14. Butt joining – Laminex Metaline splashbacks and panels can be butt joined
together or into corners to give a simpler installation. Allowance for a 3mm gap
for silicone sealing and thermal expansion is required. If butt join occurs outside
corner, suggest folding both edges to ensure best colour consistency at 3mm
expansion joint.
15. Penetrations – Laminex Metaline splashbacks and panels can be cut for
plumbing and electrical installations. Cutting can be performed using hole
saws or a jigsaw. Allowance for a 3mm expansion gap around joins is required.
Laminex Metaline splashbacks and panels are electrically conductive, so all
electrical work must be performed by a licenced electrician. All plumbing work
must be performed by a licenced plumber or gas tter.
16. Laminex Metaline splashbacks and panels are produced with a thick protective
lm on the decorated side of the panel. This protective lm includes installation
instructions, cleaning instructions and orientation guide arrows for reference
during installation. DO NOT REMOVE the protective lm either before or during
fabrication. Protective lm should only be removed as directed in Section 5:
Kitchen Splashbacks Installation instructions.

Section 2: Product Introduction
Introduction to Laminex Metaline Splashbacks and Panel Systems
2.1 Product Characteristics
Laminex Metaline splashbacks and panels are an aluminium composite panel
consisting of two coil-coated
aluminium sheets bonded onto
both sides of a Flame Retardant
(FR) core. Bonding of the
aluminium and FR core is achieved
by both chemical and mechanical
action, which gives excellent bond
integrity. An exceptionally at,
corrosion-resistant panel, Laminex
Metaline is simple to install and
produces a premium nish.
The coated aluminium sheets are
0.5mm thick, sandwiched onto
a 3mm FR core to give a total
thickness of 4mm and density
of 7.5 kg/m2. The high gloss
decorated surface is a proprietary formulation that is easy to clean, mark and stain
resistant and re resistant. It has a minimum gloss measurement of 80 gloss units.
Printed onto the back surface are the product name, product colour, ASW code
and manufacturing batch code.
2.2 Product Applications
Laminex Metaline splashback panels are suitable for installation in all domestic
applications and most commercial installations. They are not suitable behind
commercial gas cooker installations, nor domestic or commercial BBQs. Metaline
can be installed where an NCC group 2 material is permitted.
Other applications suited to Metaline include:
• Wall panels for wet areas (laundry, bathroom, toilets)
• Wall panels for dry areas (commercial and domestic applications)
• Wall linings for commercial applications (lifts, displays, caravans, etc.)
• Decorative vertical panels
• Curved vertical installations
a) High gloss coil coated aluminium
sheet (0.5mm)
b) Fire Resistant (FR) core
(3mm)
c) Aluminium sheet (0.5mm)

2.3 Sheet Sizes
Laminex Metaline comes in two main sheet sizes:
• 3600mm x 800mm x 4mm
• 3600mm x 1500mm x 4mm
All sheets have a protective lm on the decorated surface to prevent physical
damage during storage, handling and fabrication.
Do not remove this protective lm until instructed to during installation.
2.4 Adhesives
Laminex Metaline Splashbacks require the use of neutral cure silicone adhesive. The
use of acid cure silicone is not warranted.
Laminex Metaline double-sided tape has been developed for the installation.
Double-sided tape is available in rolls from your local Laminex sales branch.
2.5 Warranty
Laminex Metaline splashbacks have a 7-year limited warranty, when installed
according to this Installation Guide.
2.6 Product Technical Specification
Refer to the Metaline technical data sheet found at www.laminex.com.au.
2.7 Product Tolerances
Refer to the Metaline technical data sheet found at www.laminex.com.au.

Section 3:
Planning Your Installation
Important Design Considerations – Types Of Fabrication
Laminex Metaline splashbacks and panels can be fabricated in two main styles:
1) Folded corners and edges
2) Butt joined corners and edges
3.1 Folded Internal Corners, Rolled Edges
Preferred Method:
• This method gives a premium nish with no exposed cut edges and more
professional corner detail.
• Utilises Metaline’s unique forming characteristics to produce an internal or
external folded corner.
• No joins and seamless nish.
• No joins directly behind cooktop.
• Panel temperature needs to be above 16ºC, to ensure optimum edge
appearance.
External folded corner Internal folded corner Rolled edge

X
Y
X
Y
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
X - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Double Sided Tape
Front Face
X
Y
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Double Sided Tape
X
Y
X
Y
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
X - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Double Sided Tape
Front Face
X
Y
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Double Sided Tape
Some core must remail in routered
channel (maximum 1mm)
3.1.1 Fabrication Type – Folded Internal Corners
Preferred Method:
For fabrications where the Metaline is folded into the corner of the kitchen with a
90° seamless fold (as opposed to the traditional glass method of 2 sheets being
butted together), the following sequence is observed:
X
Y
X
Y
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
X - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Double Sided Tape
Front Face
X
Y
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Double Sided Tape
Some core must remail in routered
channel (maximum 1mm)
X
Y
X
Y
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
X - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Double Sided Tape
Front Face
X
Y
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Double Sided Tape
1. Measure the internal dimensions
of the corner:
2. Allowance is made for the panel
fold in the measurement as per
below:
3. Panels are routed using a 90° V
bit behind the section to be fold
to allow for the panel to be bent,
giving the following nished fold:
4. The installed section will look like:

3.1.2 Fabrication Type – Folded External Corners
Preferred Method:
For fabrications where the Metaline is folded outwards to give a 270° seamless fold
around the outside corner of a kitchen, the following sequence is observed:
X
Y
X
Y
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
X - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Double Sided Tape
Front Face
X
Y
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Double Sided Tape
X
Y
X
Y
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
X - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Double Sided Tape
Front Face
X
Y
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Double Sided Tape
Some core must remail in
routered channel (maximum
1mm)
X
Y
X
Y
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
X - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Double Sided Tape
Front Face
X
Y
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Double Sided Tape
Some core must remail in routered
channel (maximum 1mm)
X
Y
X
Y
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
X - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Double Sided Tape
Front Face
X
Y
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Double Sided Tape
Some core must remail in routered channel
(maximum 1mm)
1. Measure the external dimensions
of the corner:
2. Allowance is made for the panel
fold in the measurement as per
below:
3. Panels are routed using a 135°
V bit behind the section to be
folded to allow for the panel to be
bent, giving the following nished
fold:
4. The installed section will look like:

3.1.3 Fabrication Type – Folded Rolled Edges
Preferred Method:
Folded rolled edges give a completely encapsulated nish to the sheet, which hides
the core of the panel from view.
3.1.4 Fabrication Type – Finished Corner Details
Where the sheet requires two rolled edges to meet on corners, the following
method is used to allow for the edge folds to encapsulate the core:
X
Y
X
Y
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
X - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Double Sided Tape
Front Face
X
Y
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Double Sided Tape
Some core must remail in routered channel
(maximum 1mm)
X
Y
X
Y
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
X - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
X - 6mm
Y - 6mm
Back Face
Double Sided Tape
Front Face
X
Y
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Back Face
Front Face
X + 6mm
Y + 6mm
Back Face
Front Face
Double Sided Tape
Some core must remail in routered channel (maximum 1mm)
1. Router the back of the sheet as per
previous detail for rolled edges allowing
the two passes to criss-cross over the
corner edge.
2. Remove the section of material as shown
in red using a sharp chisel.
3. Roll the two sections over and the corner
should meet without any overlap.
1. Allowance is made for the edge fold in
the measurement as per below:
2. Panels are rebated behind the edge fold
section to allow for the panel to be rolled
over, giving the following nished edge
detail:
3. The slight overlap of the fold is
retained to allow for the thickness of
the double sided tape and silicone
fastening to the wall.
4. This method is ideally suited to
installations where more than one
sheet is required to span the wall. It
gives a premium join appearance by
concealing the cut edge of the sheet.

3.3 Other Installations
Decorative roll bending – Laminex Metaline splashbacks and panels can be roll
formed to a minimum radius of 120mm using mandrel rolling.
Wet areas – Laminex Metaline splashbacks and panels can be installed in all wet
areas such as bathrooms, saunas, pool surrounds and other areas of constant high
humidity and dampness.
Lifts – Either concealed, prole or screw through xing.
Door skins – panels
Decorative applications – desk fronts, panels, foyers, etc.
3.2 Fabrication Type – Butt Joined Sheets
Alternative Method:
Butt joining sheets as at panels without any folding is a simpler method of
fabrication. This method does not allow for external folded corners around walls
or seamless joins in corners. Ensure that all gaps are maintained at 3mm (with
packers) to allow for silicone sealing and product expansion. The method of
installation is explained in Section 5.
3.2.1 Butt Joined Corners, Straight Cut Edges
Alternative Method:
• This method is the same as glass splashback installation and oers a less
sophisticated installation, without sacricing the benets of Metaline
splashback panels
• Joins will be visible and edges will be exposed
• It is a simpler installation method
• It requires only straight cuts; no routing
• Provides a clean join in corner; straight joins in panels
• No joining directly behind the cooktop
Figure 1: Butt joined sheets
prior to application of sealant. Figure 2: Metaline splashback
butted against a wall showing
use of sealant in the expansion
gap.
Figure 3: Metaline splashback
showing butt join with sealant.

3.4 Important Design Considerations – Expansion and Orientation
3.4.1 Thermal Expansion
Laminex Metaline splashback is an aluminium based composite material and will
therefore exhibit minor expansion and contraction behaviours during heating and
cooling. Thermal expansion must be considered when calculating dimensions and
allowances for joins between sheets and around edges.
Laminex Metaline splashbacks has a coecient of expansion of 2.36 x 10-5m/°C
(0.0236mm/m/°C). Allow a gap of 3mm between sheets when butt joining
them, and allow an edge gap of 3mm around all panels for caulking and
sealing.
3.5 Direction of Coil Coating
Metallic coatings have a reective or pearlescent nish, which is oriented in
the longitudinal direction during the coil coating process. This gives the panel
“active colour” behaviour, dependent on the angle from which it is viewed.
Directional arrows are printed onto protective lm and should be used to maintain
orientation correctness and avoid shading dierences between adjacent panels.
This orientation must be taken into account when making panel optimisation
calculations.
Always use Laminex Metaline splashbacks panels from the same batch code for
a job, rather than mix panels. This will avoid any minor colour variations caused
by the coil coating process.
3.6 Health and Safety
3.6.1 Occupational Health and Safety
Laminex Metaline panels are heavy, with a 3600mm x 800mm sheet weighing
approximately 22kgs and a 3600mm x 1500mm sheetweighing approximately
41kgs. Both sheet sizes require assisted handling.
Manual handling
• Two person lift
• Lift on edge to avoid exure bending
• Lift vertically orientated
Mechanical devices
• Vacuum lifting on at side
• Transport on suitable at trolley

3.6 Health and Safety (continued)
Personal protective equipment
Cutting Metaline splashback systems will generate noise, ying hot swarf and
sharp edges. Ensure that appropriate PPE is worn at all times during this operation.
Eye protection, hearing protection and gloves should be worn at all times during
cutting operations. As a general precaution, safety boots are also recommended.
3.7 Safety Data Sheet
A SDS for Metaline is available from
Laminex – laminex.com.au
Section 4: Cutting Of Panels
Tools and Equipment
4.1 Cutting Equipment
Laminex Metaline panels can be cut with traditional tools tted with a suitable
aluminium cutting blade – either tungsten carbide or high speed steel.
The following cutting equipment can be used for cutting Metaline panels:
• Panel or table saw (using aluminium cutting blade – e.g. Leitz 68800)
• Circular saw (using aluminium cutting blade)
• Hand router (high speed TC blade)
• Milling machine or CNC (high speed TC blade)
• Jigsaw (using aluminium blade only)
• Handsaw (metal cutting blade)
• Holesaw or drill (using HSS drill bits)
Recommendation - always use vacuum swarf extraction to prevent build up on
panel or cutting equipment.
4.2 Additional Tools Required
• Glazier’s suction cup x 2
• Straight edge
• Builders angle
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Metal le
• Laminex Metaline metal roller for
rolled over edge nish
• 3mm packers
• Spirit level

4.3 Transport, Handling and Storage
Store the panels at in an environment of approximately 20-25°C for at least 24
hours before commencing any installation or cutting operations to allow them to
reach a constant temperature. This will ensure that dimensions remain constant
during any cutting and installation process. Always allow Metaline panels to reach
constant temperature after transport (particularly in very hot or cold weather).
Temporary storage of Laminex Metaline splashbacks on-site should be at with a
sheet of cardboard, polystyrene or foam between the panels. Do not remove the
protective lm until directed.
Handling of Laminex Metaline splashbacks requires care. It is recommended that
panels be supported at several points along their length (the number of support
points depending on the length of the panel). Panels should be manually lifted
vertically, mechanically lifted horizontally.
4.4 Sheet Inspection
Always inspect sheets of Laminex Metaline splashbacks for obvious signs of
damage during transport or handling. Do not fabricate damaged sheets unless
the damaged section can be removed. Always check that the protective lm on
the decorated surface is free from any drag marks or deep scratches that may
penetrate into the coated surface.
Check that all sheets of the same colour are from the same batch code (printed
onto the back of the sheet) to ensure that colour dierences are minimised.
Remember to note down the product batch code for completion of the warranty
and installation checklist.
4.5 Cutting Metaline Sheets
Laminex Metaline splashback sheets are best fabricated on a solid work platform
(bench or stable board that fully supports the length of the sheet). Avoid cutting
where the panel is only supported by trestles or bearers. Movement of the panel
during the cutting process must be avoided to ensure accurate dimensional nish
and prevent damage.
Laminex Metaline splashback sheets must be cut with a downward cutting stroke
on the decorated surface. Always ensure that the workplace is kept free of swarf
and other hard objects that may damage the Laminex Metaline splashback
surface.
4.5.1 Table Saw/Panel Saw
A table saw (eg Altendorf) cuts with a downward direction of the blade, thus
the decorated surface must be upwards. This ensures that the cut edge of the
sheet is not burred by the exit stroke of the blade. It also eliminates chipping of
the decorated coating. A at metal le can be used to clean up any ne burrs on
the cut edge. Care must be taken to ensure that no swarf or other hard objects
become jammed between the saw and the decorated surface, as they can
potentially scratch the surface.

4.5.2 Handheld Circular Saw
A circular saw cuts with an upward
direction of the blade, thus the
decorated surface must be downwards.
Take care in all cutting situations where
the decorated face is downwards as
you are unable to check for swarf and
other debris between the sheet and the
supporting table.
4.5.3 Handheld Router
A handheld router cuts with a sideways
action, however because of the high
level of dragging during operation, the
decorated side should be downwards.
Always use a vacuum extraction on a
router to prevent swarf build-up around
the collet. If vacuum is not available,
stop regularly and clear the swarf.
4.5.4 CNC or Milling Machine
Same as hand held router.
4.5.5 Jigsaw
A jigsaw cuts with an upward action,
so the panel should be cut with the
decorated face down. Note that a ne
metal cutting blade must be used to
prevent chipping and burring of the cut
edge. Clean up with a le.
4.5.6 Handsaw
A handsaw can be used for cutting
Metaline but must have a dedicated
metal cutting blade (eg hacksaw or ne
tenon saw). These saws typically cut in
one direction – set the blade direction (if
possible) to the push stroke. Cut with the
decorated face upwards.
4.5.7 Hole Saw and Drills
Cut with the decorated face upwards.
Regularly remove the saw to allow the
swarf to be ejected.

Section 5: Kitchen Splashbacks
Installations
5.1 Items Required for Installation of Laminex Metaline Splashbacks
Sheet Inspection
• Double-sided tape – 3M VHB 4991 tape
or 3M Scotchtape 4008 (or equivalent)
in minimum 12.5mm width
• Neutral Cure silicone
• Silicone application gun
• Glazier’s suction cup x 2
• Straight edge/spirit level
• Builders angle
Important Note: Minimum installation distance for gas and electric cooktops is
30mm
For all inbuilt gas and electric cooktops – Laminex Metaline splashbacks must
be installed with a minimum of 30mm set back from the edge of the appliance
(base plate). This applies to all gas, electric and induction cooktops. The minimum
benchtop width, for a cooktop installation, suitable for Laminex splashbacks is
600mm.
Important Note: Laminex Metaline Panels are not suitable as a splashback
for commercial gas cookers, domestic or commercial BBQ installations, or
freestanding cookers/ranges with rear vents.
30mm 30mm
150mm
150mm
200mm
200mm
590-610mm
490-510mm
85-
105mm
Figure 4: Gas Hotplate clearances Figure 5: Electric Hotplate clearances
• Measuring tape
• Scraper or similar
• Utility knife
• 3mm packers
• Laminex Metaline splashback
panels
• Laminex Metaline metal edge
roller

5.2 Surface Preparation
Plaster Board and Cement Sheet
The wall area must be a dry and clean surface, free from any crumbling plasterwork,
grease or major surface damage. Crumbling plasterwork should be removed with
a scraper blade or sanded o, or if severe, it must be repaired with plaster ller
or patched with a suitable piece of plasterboard. Grease should be removed with
isopropanol (IPO) or thinners and wiped dry. All nail heads must be punched in.
Residual glue or plaster ller should be sanded or scraped o.
Bricks or Cement Blocks, Grey Coat Render or White Coat Plaster
The wall area must be a dry and clean surface, free from any crumbling plaster,
mortar, sand, grease or major surface damage. Crumbling plaster should be
removed with a scraper blade or sanded o, or if severe, it must be repaired with
plaster ller. Grease should be removed with isopropanol (IPO) or thinners and
wiped dry. Residual mortar or plaster ller should be sanded or scraped o. Sandy
or loose render on brickwork or cement blockwork must be sealed with appropriate
sealer/primer. (Laminex recommends ArdexP51 Porous Substrate Primer. Follow
manufacturer’s application instructions.)
Installation over ceramic tiles is not recommended. The atness of the wall and
condition of the tile adhesive cannot be controlled. It is recommended that the tiles
are removed and the wall is relined for atness.
Any holes larger than 100mm across must patched or lled. Electrical or plumbing
penetrations should be cut to
slightly oversized for ease of
installation, however they should
not be excessively oversized to
ensure wall integrity.
Figure 8 should be used as a
reference for the recommended
repair method for any damage
to the wall.
Installations where these minimum distances are not observed creates a risk of
impact damage and blistering of the panel and surface from the use of oversized
cooking pots and will void the Laminex Metaline splashbacks limited warranty.
Figure 6: Larger Gas Hotplate clearances Figure 7: Larger Electric Hotplate clearances
30mm
30mm
30mm
30mm
85-
105mm
30mm
30mm
30mm
30mm
85-
105mm
>100mm
Needs patching
Large hole
75-100mm
✓
Hole
✓
Cracked
plaster
✓
Paper
tear
✓Power
point
Figure 8: Wall damage and recommended repair
requirements

5.3 Wall Flatness and Squareness
The wall area should be checked for atness and squareness before any splashback
dimensions are taken. Areas requiring packing out should be identied and
corrected. It is recommended to use double-sided tape as the method for packing
out low sections of the wall. Tolerance for wall atness is +/- 2mm/m vertically and
horizontally. Wall squareness is +/- 5º from a right angle (90°).
5.4 Dimensional Measurement
Wall dimensions should be taken after wall preparation and/or corrections are
complete. Measurements are to be to the nearest 1mm, with allowance for
diagonal variations. Check all measurements before transferring to the Laminex
Metaline splashbacks surface. (Refer to Fabrication section for the most suitable
method of cutting to size).
Dimensions will depend on the selected method of installation (viz. folded vs butt
joined method).
5.5 Taping
Double-sided tape must be used to provide initial adhesion during the installation
process. Laminex recommends the use of 12.5mm minimum width, 3M VHB 4991 or
3M Scotchtape 4008 tape to assist in the installation process.
The double-sided tape performs 2 key functions:
• Provides initial adhesion of panel to the wall during silicone cure.
• Allows adjustment of the wall atness to pack the panel out for plumb t.
Double-sided tape should be applied vertically, spaced every 450mm across the
width of the panel, and down the full length of the wall. Do not remove the
protective strip from the tape until after the dry t of the panel. Figure 9
outlines the correct double-sided tape installation method.
Figure 9: Application of double-sided tape to the wall
450mm450mm
Work away
from corner
7
8
5
6
1
23
49
10
Work away
from corner
Fit corner
first
Work away
from corner
5
6
3
4
1
27
89
10
Work away
from corner
3mm gap
in corner

Figure 10: Gap allowance for dry t sheet –
butt join method
1. Butt joins to allow 3mm corner gap
2. *Folded corner has no gap
5.7 Final Fitting
5.7.1 Silicone Adhesive Application
A 5mm bead of Laminex Metaline neutral cure silicone adhesive should be applied
to the wall using a zigzag pattern between the strips of double-sided tape. Figure
11 shows the recommended application pattern.
Ensure an even coverage of
the silicone to ensure wall
atness. DO NOT use dollops
of adhesive as they can create
an uneven wall nish. The
use of zigzag type patterns
ensures an even bond of the
Metaline splashback panel to
the wall.
5.6 Dry Fit
Laminex Metaline Splashbacks should be dry tted to the wall to check dimensional
accuracy. The use of glazier’s suction cups will assist in the handling of the Metaline
panels. Once a satisfactory t is achieved, the panel should be removed to allow for
silicone application.
Once the dry t is deemed satisfactory, remove the protective lm to check for
surface defects before nal installation. Extreme care must be taken from this point
to ensure the decorative surface is not damaged in the nal stages of installation.
Figure 10 shows the
recommended dry
t gaps.
450mm450mm
Work away
from corner
7
8
5
6
1
23
49
10
Work away
from corner
Fit corner
first
Work away
from corner
5
6
3
4
1
27
89
10
Work away
from corner
3mm gap
in corner
Figure 11: Application pattern for silicone
3mm
3mm
3mm
3mm
3mm
5.7.2 Double-Sided Tape Protective Strip Removal
Remove all of the protective strips from the double-sided tape, ready for panel
installation. Make sure all the protective strips are removed, as there will not be an
opportunity to remove once the panel is pressed onto the wall.
*