ModularArts creates sculptural interior features using modular, interlocking components. The panels, constructed from Glass Reinforced Gypsum (GRG), are designed for easy handling and installation, creating continuous wall surfaces. This article details the installation process based on available documentation, intended for finish carpenters, millworkers, drywall professionals, and technically inclined users.
Panel Characteristics and Materials
ModularArts panels are designed with self-aligning mechanisms to ensure seamless patterns. They are handled and cut similarly to wood products, allowing for the use of standard woodworking tools for trimming and fitting. Mount points are precast into the panels, or can be added using a countersink drill bit. The panels are not intended to substitute for code requirements regarding fire-rated drywall in new construction; they must be installed over existing drywall where fire walls are required by local code.
Installation Procedure
The installation process involves several key steps, requiring both carpentry and drywall skills. A recommended workflow involves a finish carpenter or millworker handling the mounting and edge-gluing, while a drywall tradesperson addresses the seams. The documentation suggests allowing approximately one man-hour per panel to bring the installation to a paint-ready state, excluding adhesive drying time. Adhesive requires 24 hours to fully dry, though experience may reduce labor time.
The installation process can be broken down into the following stages:
- Mounting: Panels must be screw-mounted through the face directly to the substrate, typically drywall. It is specified that panels are not attached to studs.
- Edge Gluing: All panel-to-panel edges are glued with an approved adhesive during mounting. The backs of the panels are not glued; only the edges receive adhesive.
- Seam Filling: Once the adhesive has dried, seams are filled with an approved spackling compound.
- Sanding: The filled seams are then sanded to create a smooth, even surface.
- Priming: The surface is sealed with an approved low-VOC primer.
- Painting: Finally, the surface is painted with any interior paint. Flat paint is recommended for the finish coat to optimize seam blending, and airless spraying is suggested for best results. Whites and lighter colors may accentuate shadow and highlight contrasts.
Substrate Considerations
The primary substrate for ModularArts panels is typically drywall. However, the panels can be attached to various types of walls and substrates. The documentation emphasizes that in new construction, the panels must be installed over existing drywall in areas where fire walls are mandated by local building codes. This is because, while the InterlockingRock panels provide a degree of fire resistance, they are not a substitute for the fire-resistant properties of drywall as required by code.
Finishing Details
Achieving a seamless appearance requires careful attention to finishing. The use of flat paint is specifically recommended as the finish coat, as it minimizes the visibility of seams. Spray application, particularly airless spraying, is suggested for optimal results. The documentation notes that lighter colors will emphasize any slight variations in plane created by the panel joints, due to shadow and highlight.
Tools and Materials
The documentation does not provide a comprehensive list of tools. However, based on the installation procedure, the following tools and materials are likely required:
- Standard woodworking tools for cutting and trimming panels.
- Countersink drill bit (if adding mount points).
- Screws appropriate for drywall attachment.
- Approved adhesive for edge gluing.
- Approved spackling compound for seam filling.
- Sandpaper for smoothing seams.
- Low-VOC primer/sealer.
- Interior paint (flat finish recommended).
- Spray equipment (airless sprayer recommended).
Additional Information and Support
For further installation details, users are directed to contact modularArts directly. Contact information is provided as a phone number (206.788.4210) and email address ([email protected]). A detailed Instruction Booklet is also provided with the panels themselves.
Conclusion
ModularArts interlocking panels offer a method for creating sculptural wall surfaces. Successful installation requires a combination of carpentry and drywall skills, with attention paid to proper mounting, edge gluing, seam treatment, and finishing. Adherence to the recommended procedures, including the use of approved materials and the consideration of substrate requirements, is crucial for achieving a high-quality, seamless result. Users should consult the provided Instruction Booklet and contact modularArts directly for any further clarification or support.