Customizing your living or working spaces can have a bigger impact on mental well-being, productivity and tone than many people realize. However, there are many more options than wallpaper or paint to choose from.
Acrylic wall panels are decorative pieces that add texture and visual appeal to spaces without the need to redo significant portions of wall area. Installing acrylic panels is simple, but you’ll need to be sure that you approach the process the right way.
Here’s what you need to know to install acrylic wall panels correctly so they last for a long time and look beautiful.
What Are Acrylic Wall Panels?
Acrylic wall panels are a type of decorative installation that cover the exterior of a wall. They can come in small sizes to function more like artwork, or they can occupy your entire wall space, depending on your needs.
They are adhered to the backing wall, which means that you will not need to dramatically redo your existing walls, such as by scraping paint or installing complicated rigging. In order to install acrylic wall panels, spend some time preparing the surface, and make sure that the measurements line up before you begin.
Prepare the Surface
The first step in installing acrylic panels is to prepare both the panels themselves and the surface they will adhere to. The process is the same regardless of whether the panels are small or large.
Wash the underlying surface where the acrylic will hang so that it’s smooth and free of dust or debris, which could impact how well the acrylic holds to the wall. Next, if there is a film that is protecting the wall-side surface of the acrylic panel, remove it and clean the area with rubbing alcohol. This will help to ensure a firm hold.
Check Load-Bearing Capacity
Next, be sure that you have properly calculated the weight of your acrylic panels and the load-bearing capacity of your walls. Some acrylic installations are fairly light, but acrylic itself can be heavy when it is used in large quantities. Many people choose to temporarily affix their acrylic to the wall with temporary hangers to ensure that the wall does not bend or distort.
If everything looks correct, proceed to bonding. You may also be able to check the details of your property’s history, such as architectural and building documents, to determine how much of a load the wall in question can handle.
Bond the Sheet to the Wall
Once you are ready to place the acrylic on the wall, you can bond the piece in place. Your options here vary widely depending on your intended usage and can include silicone, adhesives made specifically for acrylic and more.
One of the easiest solutions is double-sided foam tape, because it doesn’t dry out—giving you plenty of time to line up the acrylic and gently place it properly. This type of tape is quite strong, so be sure that your acrylic panel is placed appropriately before you fully fasten it.
The best way to do this is to hold the acrylic at a 45 degree angle, line it up, and then slowly reduce the gradient until the acrylic is flush with the wall. You can use a spirit leveler to assist.
Wait and Finish
Once the acrylic is pressed against the bonding agent of your choice, it will need time to set. If you’ve used silicone or other wet-based bonding agents, read the manufacturer instructions carefully and follow their guidelines for cure time.
In the case of tape, the foam bonding agent will spread gradually, encompassing more of the surface on the back of the acrylic over time.This can take a few hours to achieve maximum surface area coverage, which improves its hold.
Once you are confident that the bonding is complete, you can remove any protective films or coverings that came with the front of the acrylic wall panel. Most acrylic panels are glossy, and this sheet is meant to protect from fingerprints, smudges and scratches while the item is being installed.
Get Custom Acrylic Wall Panels and Installation Tips from the Experts
Properly placing and installing an acrylic wall panel does not have to be complicated. If you need custom art or interior installations to breathe new life into your space, acrylic wall panels are robust against damage and can bring a saturated, vibrant visual presence into your home or office.
The experts at Tree Towns are happy to help you create the perfect customized acrylic panels to suit your space, and we can offer installation help to make sure that everything is safe and secure. Reach out to learn more or to share your personalized vision.