Installation

Straightforward
by design.

Kaolifina is designed for installation by trained professionals. The process is systematic — substrate prep, panel placement, adhesive application, seaming, and edging — and the panels are engineered to cooperate at every step.

1
Substrate Preparation
Confirm substrate is water-resistant drywall or backer board. Surface must be flat, clean, and structurally sound. No additional waterproofing membrane required.
2
Panel Layout & Dry Fit
Panels are laid out in sequence before adhesive is applied. Standard configurations require no cutting. Valve and showerhead penetrations are drilled using a ceramic bit and standard drill — no hammer drill.
3
Adhesive Application
The proprietary Dow Corning adhesive is applied to the panel back in a specified pattern, then panels are set into position. Adhesive coverage and placement follow the certified installation protocol.
4
Seaming & Edge Finishing
Panel seams are filled with color-matched siliconized joint filler at a 1/8" gap. Schluter edge strips finish exposed panel edges. No grouting at any point in the installation.
5
Cure & Completion
No acclamation period required before installation. Once set, the system can be put into service per the adhesive cure schedule. Warranty is activated upon confirmation of certified installation.

Installer Certification

Kaolifina requires installer certification to activate the product warranty. Certification ensures the adhesive system and seaming protocol are followed precisely — the conditions under which the impervious surface claim and warranty are valid.

Compatible Substrates

Panels install directly over water-resistant drywall (green board, blue board) and standard cement backer board. No exterior plywood. No additional waterproofing layer required when proprietary adhesive and joint filler are used per protocol.

Panel Joining

Panels can be butt-jointed at 1/8" separation for larger applications. The gap is filled with color-coordinated siliconized caulk. Panels may also be stacked vertically for ceiling heights exceeding the standard panel height.

← Back to Home