This guide been produced by Genie Splashbacks to act as a reference for installing panels bought from Genie Splashbacks. This guide is for information purposes only and must not be construed as full instructions. It is advisable that any persons not fully comfortable or confident in installing or amending panels seeks professional help from a trades person. Genie Splashbacks cannot accept any responsibility for damage or errors caused to panels by customers or trades persons.
Measure your wall at the widest point and select the panel size most adequate to your wall. Take into consideration window cut outs or other large features that may impose on the panel size. Don’t forget that you will need to factor in a 2mm expansion gap to all sides of the panel. If the area you require the panel for is not square, it is recommended that a template or guide is made to accurately determine the right shape for a perfect fit. The template or guide should clearly and accurately show all dimensions of cuts to be made by Genie Splashbacks within the manufacturing period.
Before any cutting or drilling of your panel takes place make sure appropriate PPE is worn. This should include eye protection and thick gloves as the sides of cut panels can be sharp.
Marking of your panel can be used with a soft felt tipped pen. Do not scratch or scribe the panel. For extra protection, cover the immediate area of the panel in masking tape and make marks on the masking tape. This will also help to protect the panel when cutting or drilling commences. Double check all measurements and markings before undertaking work. Remember, check twice, cut once.
Whenever you cut or drill a panel, make sure you wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection. The edge of the panel could be sharp, so sand the edge after cutting.
When cutting your panel only use a sharp fine toothed blade suitable for cutting plastics or aluminium. Be sure that the blade is sharp to avoid melting or chipping of your acrylic panel. Circular saws and table saws can be used to cut this product but ensure that the blade is suitable for cutting acrylic without splintering. It is recommended that any areas requiring cutting be masked for protection of the panel before cutting commences. Always cut your panel on a table or support board with the back side of the panel facing up.
When cutting power socket holes, apertures or small cut-outs or notches, ensure the corners are always made using a drill. When cutting, do not allow the blade to overheat as this will melt the acrylic. Ensure the panel is fixed firmly to a table or work platform with soft grip C clamps to minimise vibrating. Cut at a steady speed and pressure, cleaning the swarf away at frequent intervals.
Before drilling your panel ensure that you mark accurately where you wish to place your hole. When drilling your panel, only use a wood drill bit that has a steeper angle than a normal drill bit. Do not use a sharp metal drill bit, this will result in chipping or cracking of your acrylic panel. A stepped cone drill bit can also be used to bore holes.
Do not attempt to drill large holes close to the edges of your panel. This will reduce the panel’s strength and integrity and may result in cracking or damage to your panel. As a recommendation, do not drill holes any closer than 10mm from any edge of the panel.
Drill a small pilot hole to be sure of hole placement then slowly build the hole size using slightly larger drill bits until the desired hole diameter has been achieved. Always support your panel on a table or work platform using soft grip C clamps to avoid bending, breaking or cracking of your acrylic panel. Stepped drill bits and hole saws can be used to cut your panel. Ensure when drilling your panel, you use the slow to medium speed setting on your drill and apply a light pressure. Do not use screws to fix items to your acrylic panel. For securing fittings, drill a clearance hole through your acrylic panel and fix the item to the wall structure behind.
The cut or drilled edges of your panel may be sharp or rough. These edges can be sanded with a medium grit sandpaper or file and finished using a finer grit sandpaper. Be careful not to sand the front face of the panel as this will result in abrasion to the panel. For best results when sanding, use a sanding block to be sure of an even finish. A de-burrer can also be used to give a clean finish before fitting.
To clean your panel, use a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Do not use a brush, scouring pad or high strength cleaning products. Never rub the panel to clean it if the surface is dry as this may cause damage to the surface. While the hard-coated range of Genie Splashbacks panels is scratch resistant, cleaning with abrasive materials can result in light scratches and abrasions. To remove silicone or stronger substances from your panel, use a small amount of Turpentine on a soft, lint-free cloth.
3mm Natural Crystal Finish
3mm Uncoated (natural crystal 3mm) - A thinner 3mm thick alternative to our 5mm thick panels. These are much more flexible than our 5mm panels, making them perfect for slight curves or situations where ultra-light applications are needed. These do not have scratch, mould and chemical resistant properties.
5mm Natural Crystal Finish
5mm Uncoated (natural crystal) - As the 3mm Natural Crystal but 5mm thick.
6mm Toughened Glass
Highly scratch resistant, toughened glass. Our glass is low-Iron…meaning that it is as crystal clear as possible. This stops the green tint that you see on most glass, meaning the colour will be unaltered and seen as it was intended. Tough and heavyweight items. Bespoke, unique, classy look. Our glass is heat resistant so can be used behind direct heat sources. You can have any colour or design…just as all of our acrylics.