Soft stone wall panels are a new, flexible wall covering material that creates a realistic stone look. Unlike natural stone, this siding is lightweight and easy to install, adding depth and elegance to both indoor and outdoor spaces. However, to ensure its professional appearance endures, proper installation and maintenance are crucial.
This guide explains the installation and maintenance process for soft stone wall panels, providing inspiration and assistance for your own installation.
To ensure a smooth installation and professional results, proper tool preparation is essential. Here is a list of the tools you will need:
Measuring tape: Used to measure wall dimensions and panel sizes for accurate cutting.
Spirit level / Laser level: Ensures precise installation.
Carpenter’s Square: Assists with cutting at right angles.
Marking pen/pencil: Used to mark cutting and installation locations.
Utility knife/special knife: For cutting soft stone slabs.
Ruler/guide rail: Ensures straight cuts without deviation.
Fine-tooth saw/electric cutter: Used for batch cutting to save time and effort.
Sandpaper/angle grinder: Used for trimming panel edges to eliminate burrs.
Scraper/notched scraper: Used to evenly apply adhesive.
Pressure roller: Used to press firmly against the sheet material, expel air from the back of the panel, and ensure a flat and even fit.
Rubber mallet: Used to tap and tamp the panel to avoid surface damage.
Clamp/Leveler: Used to ensure a flat and even fit when joining panels.
Scraper: Used to remove excess glue from the edges.
Air nail gun: used to reinforce panels
Feather duster: Used to sweep away dust and debris from the panel surface.
Sponge/soft cloth: Used to clean stains and residual glue from the panel surface.
Spray bottle: Used to moisten the cloth for cleaning.
Vacuum cleaner/broom: Used to remove dust and debris from construction.
Protective gloves: Prevent cuts on your hands when cutting panels.
Dust mask: Protects your nose from inhaling dust.
Goggles: Prevents debris from entering your eyes when cutting panels.
Knee pads: Protect your knees during extended ground work.
Before installing soft stone panels, it is important to ensure the wall is clean, flat, and dry to ensure proper adhesion and prevent hollowing. Neglecting this step may result in a professionally installed panel.
Inspect the wall surface: Check the wall surface for flatness, cleanliness, and ensure it is dry.
Repair defects: If there are small cracks or dents in the wall, repair them with putty or patching paste.
Apply primer: For porous or uneven wall surfaces, use primer or adhesive to improve adhesion.
Plan the layout based on the design sketch and use a level to mark guide lines.
Since soft stone panels are typically between 3mm and 10mm thick, they can be easily cut with a utility knife or other cutting tool.
Use a ruler or other auxiliary tool to ensure a straight cut. After cutting, use sandpaper or an angle grinder to smooth the edges and eliminate burrs.
Mix the tile adhesive and glue and stir well. Use a scraper to apply the adhesive evenly on the wall or the back of the panel.
Avoid applying too much glue, which could overflow around the edges after the panels are glued together. In addition, insufficient application of glue will result in hollowing after the panels are bonded.
According to custom, it is usually started from the lower left side of the wall and pasted upwards. Use a roller or rubber hammer to tamp down and ensure that the panels are firmly bonded.
To prevent the soft stone panels from loosening or falling apart after installation, use a nail gun to evenly drive nails along the top, middle, and bottom of the panels for reinforcement.
Paint the nail heads with a matching color paint to waterproof and maintain a consistent finish with the panels.
After installation, apply sealant or touch-up paint to the seams and edges of the panels to smooth the surface and completely seal it.
Installing soft stone wall panels can quickly give your room a realistic stone look. However, as with any DIY project, some common mistakes can make installation difficult or compromise the final effect. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Before installing soft stone wall panels, it is particularly important to clean the wall. If the wall is dusty, oily, or damp, it may affect the final bonding effect.
Soft stone panels are usually installed using soft porcelain glue, structural glue, or a mixture of tile adhesive and glue. If weak adhesive glue is used, the panel may not be installed firmly.
Failure to use a spirit level or leveler as required during installation resulted in obvious gaps or misalignment when panels were spliced.
Failure to use a ruler or other auxiliary tools during cutting can result in significant deviations in the cuts.
Failure to use sandpaper or an angle grinder to smooth the edges of the panels after cutting can result in rough seams, affecting the aesthetics after installation.
Read the glue instructions carefully during installation and ensure that the temperature and humidity of the construction environment will not affect the adhesiveness of the glue. If necessary, use ventilation or heating equipment to help.
| Error Type | Questions | Workaround |
| The wall base is not cleaned | The wall is dusty, stained, or not dry | Use a feather duster to clean the wall, repair any dents, smooth it with sandpaper, and then dry the wall. |
| Improper use of adhesive | The bonding is not strong; there are hollows or glue overflows on the edge of the panel. | Use the glue recommended by the supplier. Make sure to use the right amount and apply it evenly. |
| Improper seam treatment | The stitching is not neat, or there are obvious gaps. | Use a level and leveler to assist with installation. Use sealant to repair gaps and press flat. |
| Imprecise cutting and rough edges | The cut is not straight, or the edge is rough | Use a straightedge or guide to aid cutting for precision, and sand the edges after cutting. |
| Environmental factors | A temperature and high-humidity environment will affect the adhesion of glue. | Install in an environment of 5℃~35℃, and use ventilation or heating equipment if necessary. |
Soft stone wall panels often have an uneven surface, which some homeowners may find difficult to clean, but this is not necessarily the case. You can achieve better results by following these steps:
Dusting: Use a feather duster to brush away any dust or debris stuck to the surface.
Stain Removal: Prepare some mild detergent. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with it, wring it out thoroughly, and then wipe gently to remove most everyday stains.
Avoid: Harsh chemical cleaners and abrasive pads.
Sharp Objects: Install the panel away from sharp objects to prevent them from damaging the panel surface.
Heavy Objects: Do not hang heavy objects on the panel surface to avoid compromising its structural integrity.
Surface: Regularly inspect the panel surface for scratches and stains, and promptly clean or repair them.
Joints and Edges: Regularly inspect the panel seams and edges for tightness.
The primary advantage of soft stone wall panels is that they can mimic the look of realistic stone at a very low cost, reducing project budgets without sacrificing style. However, soft stone slabs are undoubtedly less durable than natural stone.
If properly installed and maintained, they typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years.
Soft stone wall panels are easy to install and maintain, requiring no specialized skills or tools. You can even install it yourself by following the supplier's installation instructions.
While soft stone wall panels aren't as durable as natural stone, they offer an attractive and affordable alternative.
Q1: Can I install soft stone panels myself, or should I hire a professional?
A1: For flat walls and small projects, DIY installation is possible, but for curved or complex surfaces, professional installation is recommended.
Q2: How long does the installation process take?
A2: This depends on the installation area and the installation skills. Usually, a small area installation only takes a few hours to complete.
Q3: What type of adhesive is best?
A3: Tile adhesive, structural adhesive, or adhesive recommended by the supplier.
Q4: How often should I clean the panels?
A4: Dust daily. Inspect and remove surface stains weekly. Check the tightness of panel edges or seams monthly.
Q5: Are soft stone wall panels suitable for bathrooms or kitchens?
A5: They are water-resistant but not fully waterproof. Avoid installing them in areas with direct water exposure, such as showers.
