Flexible stone veneers have been used in a number of unique and distinct applications.

Architectural uses include building facades, interior walls, flooring, columns, shower walls and much more. It is an attractive addition to many decors due to the products ease of installation and the ability to apply the product in areas where stone or masonry previously would not have been considered.

Natural Stone veneers have also been used for the manufacturing of indoor/outdoor planters, custom residential/commercial water features, and automotive, marine and RV paneling.

Benefits

For millions of years, layer upon layer of earth’s materials have formed various metamorphic rock layers we now call slate, mica, and sandstone. We also know them as durable stones used for floors and patios cut only with diamond saws then mortared into place and usually grouted along the edges. Generally easy to work with, but quite heavy and improbable in many applications, these solid stones have been the only practical means of creating that real stone look. Until now…

Veneer is a lightweight, flexible, colorful and unique stone veneer with unlimited application possibilities. The introduction of this exciting new material addresses a large need for a flexible, adaptable, durable and weather resistant stone veneer.

Green & Sustainable

Design Green with Veneer. Transportation cost, fuel and space are saved in normal shipping and handling compared to standard stone or tile products because of its extreme lightweight. Additional savings in packaging materials are an added benefit when compared with stone or tile products.

Veneer is also a Sustainable Product by utilizing only what is needed from the stone quarry. Because of the unique manufacturing process, each sheet represents just a thin layer of the natural stone.

Flexibility :

Stone Veneer can be used the same way thin laminate type products are used. It will bend to a minimum radius depending on the stone color or type before cracking. With the assist of heat smaller radii can be achieved. Testing should always be done prior to any natural stone veneer installation. It can be arched or bent inward or outward to meet a given look or architecture. Fiberglass strand are used in the makeup of Stone Veneer which gives it strength and flexibility.

Installation can be easily done using many of the basic tools used in most tile work.

Preparation :

Prior to application it is best to clean, brush, and degrease any surface of dust or oils. Depending on the adhesive used, it may be necessary to prep the back of the Stone Veneer by sanding or scuffing the back to expose the fiberglass. Some adhesives may require the use of solvents or recommended primer by the adhesive manufacturer.

Layout & Patterns :

Time spent preparing the work area will pay off in a job well done. Preparation of the area to be covered and the layout of the veneer sheets is the same as for natural stones or tiles. A preliminary dry fit of veneers allows for arrangements and orientation of individual sheets, patterns, textures, and colors before final placement. It is recommended that each sheet be dry fit exactly where it will be placed on all surfaces. Numbering the sheets to track relocation before cutting and trimming will save you time.

Tiling, Grouting & Joining :

Veneer can be also be used to create a tiled effect by leaving a grout joint between cut pieces. Sheets may also be butt joined for a minimal seam look. Due to the thin nature of the sheets a narrower grout joint will produce better results.

Test show the use of water based epoxy grouts work well to fill between the cut veneers. These epoxy grouts are also available in several colors to match the desired décor. On final clean up with a sponge, the epoxy will also seal and fill the Veneer surface. If desired a deeper grout joint can be achieved by removing material just under the grout joint area.

Sealers :

Stone Veneer can be sealed with the same sealers used for slate, stone tiles, and wood. There are many sealers on the market with various recommended applications. Please test any sealer for the desired luster and penetration required prior to installation.

Cutting :

Veneer can be cut with tin snips, a metal shear, wet saw, or table saw with carbide blade. Cutting curves is best done using long nosed tin snips.

Safety & Precautions :

Precautions must be taken when working with Veneer due to the fiberglass composition of the backing materials. ALWAYS use the proper type gloves, goggles, and dust mask when cutting. When using a saw ALWAYS be sure to take proper precautions to cover skin, eyes and lungs from fiberglass dust. When cutting, properly filter equipment exhausts when cutting with saws, grinders, or sanders.

AVOID BREATHING SILICA DUST. This product when cut, drilled, or abraded produces dust containing Free Silica which may cause cancer or delayed lung injury (Silicosis) if inhaled. Work outdoors, in a well ventilated area, or use mechanical ventilation.

Adhesives :

Know your adhesives; by understanding the specifics of any adhesives, much time and cost can be saved. All adhesives should be tested prior to any installation including consideration of moisture and temperature in the planned environment. If the application is outdoors, consideration to thermal expansion should be taken into account. Since the sheets is only a veneer it must expand and contract the same as the substrate or delamination may occur. Where adhesive primers are recommended the bond should be test by the installer before final installation.

Recommended Adhesives :

• Premixed grout and tile adhesive
• Acrylic copolymer based tile adhesive
• Polyurethane wood glues and PU construction grade adhesives
• Wood, parquet, and outdoor carpet adhesives
• Thick latex or acrylic latex type tile adhesive (use only where air drying can take place)
• Epoxy
• Silicone (with primer only)
• Construction grade multi-purpose adhesive, Liquid Nails type.
• Polyester based gap filler putty (Bondo type products)

The back of veneers may require a filler type adhesive for some applications. The polyurethane wood glues work quite well for most applications to board materials by foaming slightly to fill gaps. These materials are not recommended for high moisture or wet application. For wet environments epoxies would be the best candidate. Contact adhesives are not recommended due to the uneven backing or Veneers.

Hand Rollers :

A hand roller is recommended to remove air between sheet and substrate. To properly roll out trapped air start in the middle of a sheet while firmly rolling out towards the edge. Do not press too hard while rolling as this may cause too much adhesive to push out. Proper back-filling and good rolling techniques will result in a solid hard surface. Do not use non-catalyzing (water vapor type) cure adhesives where the substrate is a moisture barrier. Non-catalyzing adhesive will not cure properly if applied between non-porous materials.

Types of Installation

Stone Veneer can be applied over: oncrete, ceramic, wood, metal, plywood, fiberglass, backer board, tile, dry wall, painted surfaces, MDF, Masonite, door skins, cabinetry and many other substrates as well. Arvicon International. has helped to develop a lightweight flexible stone veneer that is poised to revolutionize the aesthetic stone surfacing market. This new veneer can be used in many applications with different purposes.

Houses Indoors and Outdoors :

Restaurants and Bars :

Office Buildings :

Doors, Cabinets and Others :

Kitchen :

Bathroom :