Cutting Slatwall Panels
Tradesmen, builders and shopfitters use a panel saw, often with a second scriber blade to minimise chipping of the surface finish.
However Slatwall Panels can be cut satisfactorily with a hand-held power saw with a sharp tungsten tipped saw blade. For best results the Slatwall Panel should be cut from the back to reduce chipping to the surface finish. Chips or imperfections can be covered with one of the aluminium and PVC angles and U-channels available through this shop.
Extra care should be taken when cutting acrylic mirror panels to avoid chipping. After cutting acrylic mirror Slatwall panels it may be necessary to file the edges or rub over them with chloroform. Test cutting of acrylic mirror on an offcut is recommended as various factors such as blade sharpness can affect the final result. The protective paper or plastic covering an acrylic mirror panel should only be removed once the job has been completed.
Installation
The patented aluminium or PVC extrusions should be cut to size (if required) and slid into the grooves before the panels are installed. If any difficulty is experienced when sliding the extrusion into the groove, flex the panel to open the groove. When using the "L" profile extrusion, ensure that the extrusion faces the correct way up (as illustrated).
Slatwall can be easily fixed to existing walls in various ways depending on the wall itself. Fixing is generally to studs using 32mm wood or particle board screws. Battening out masonry walls with battens at 600mm centres is advisable.
Screws should be fixed through the extrusion in the groove and countersunk for a flush fit. Dome head screws can also be used without interfering with most Slatwall display accessories.
NOTE: The Slatwall panels must be screwed through the extrusion to maximise the load carrying capacity of the display.
Nine fasteners are usually adequate to secure each panel, three in each of the top, middle and bottom grooves. To ensure maximum strength and support for heavy applications (such as shelves and clothing arms), more fixing points should be used (12 to 15). Maximum weight carrying capacity is achieved when aluminium extrusions are used, in conjunction with maximum fixing points.
In cases where it is necessary to install one panel above another you will notice that each panel has a 1/2 groove on one edge and a flat on the other. Install the lowest section ensuring that it is level, with the 1/2 groove at the top. In order to install the upper section, simply fix the second panel so the two 1/2 grooves butt together to form one groove - an unnoticeable join.
When using extrusions to join two panels, drop the extrusion in the hollow of the 1/2 groove of the fixed (bottom) panel. Place the next panel on top - locking the extrusion. If using an extrusion at the junction of the 1/2 groove, fastening through this extrusion is recommended.
When joining two panels side by side, once again make sure the initial panel is level and that the grooves line up perfectly. Two panels butt together to form a near invisible join.
For panel ends we also have PVC and aluminium cappings and angle trims in various finishes.
