Installation Instructions

Helpful Hints
m Read these instructions carefully and familiarize yourself
with the various parts of the kit.
m The variety of installations possible for this kit may require
procedures other than those shown. Ensure construction is
correctly sized, plumb, and square.
m Save the large cardboard box for protection of the shower
floor during the installation process and to use as a
template for cutting the back shower wall panel.
m Allow sufficient time for the parts in this kit to adjust to room
temperature. We do not recommend installation of this
product at temperatures below 65 degrees.
m Sawhorses with 2 x 4 cross-members or a worktable are
helpful during the installation process.
m Always transport the panels vertically. Use care when laying
the panels flat to prevent flexing, especially when panels
have a cutout in them.
m Store unused materials away from the work area to prevent
accidental damage.
m If the shower is placed over a garage or on an outside wall,
care must be taken to ensure that the shower is properly
insulated from cold temperatures.
Preparation Tips
m Measure the width of the back wall (with green board)
installed. This measurement cannot exceed the width of the
Swanstone back panel. If the wall opening is too large, other
methods or two panels will be required to cover the wall.
m Turn off the hot and cold water supply.
m Remove faucet handles, escutcheons, filler spouts, and/or
anything mounted to the wall (i.e. towel bars, soap dishes,
etc.).
m Always measure the location of the plumbing cutouts from
the back wall forward and from the ledge of the shower
base upward.
m Ensure all plumbing or electrical work inside the walls is
finished prior to installation of the wall panels.
m Prepare the area with 1/2” (13 mm) moisture-resistant
drywall, marine grade plywood, or concrete board. Never
install our products directly on any structure that is, or may
become, wet or damp.
m Trial fit the side panels before you begin. Swanstone panels
have a finished side and a nonfinished backer side. The
Swanstone panel has a sticker or stickers attached to the
nonfinished backer side and, upon installation, should be
placed against the sub-wall.
m Walls must be solid, plumb, and square within 1/8” of true.
Shim or trim the opening, as required. This kit has been
designed with some adjustability for minor alignment problems.
m The mounting surface must be free of dirt, film, waxes, or
any other residues.
m If you are installing a recessed accessory, cut the hole
after the panel is installed and fully supported by the wall.
Remember to position the accessory between the wall studs.
Caulking Tips
m Follow the instructions on the color match silicone sealant
tube
m When job is complete, inspect all caulked areas for gaps
and fill as needed.
m Clean up any excess silicone that was missed using
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
m Be very careful not to disturb caulk joints.
Installation Procedure
Swanstone panels can be installed over a variety of products.
If you intend to apply the panels to any surface other than
those described, consult with a professional contractor. Use
the following sections when installing this product over:
m SHEETROCK/GREENBOARD/CEMENTBOARD/WOOD
m PLASTER
m CEMENT/CONCRETE
m OLD TILE
m WALLPAPER
m MASONITE
Sheetrock, Greenboard, Cementboard, or Wood
m Surface must be dry, smooth, and free of any dust, soap
scum, or any other contaminants.
m To ensure proper adhesion of the Swanstone product,
the wall surface must be sealed with a water or oil-based
primer/sealer.
m After the primer/sealer is completely dry, complete the
installation following the instructions in this manual.
Plaster
Depending on the condition of the existing wall surface,
additional silicone may be required to ensure contact between
the substrate and the wall panel.
m Sand textured or swirled finishes smooth.
m Clean the wall surface with a damp cloth to remove any
dust, soap scum, or any other contaminants. The wall
surface must be dry and smooth.
m To ensure proper adhesion of the Swanstone product,
the wall surface must be sealed with a water or oil-based
primer/sealer.
m After the primer/sealer is completely dry, complete the
installation following the instructions in this manual.
Cement/Concrete
Depending on the condition (flatness) of the existing wall
surface, additional silicone may be required to ensure contact
between the substrate and the wall panel.
m To ensure proper adhesion of the Swanstone product, the
complete area must be sealed with two coats of water or
oil-based primer/sealer.
m After the primer/sealer is completely dry, complete the
installation following the instructions in this manual.
Old Tile
Depending on the condition of the existing wall surface,
additional silicone may be required to ensure contact between
the substrate and the wall panel.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Old ceramic tiles, if solidly adhered, do not need to be
removed. All plastic tiles must be removed.
800-325-7008 5 Swan
General Information Installation Procedure