GATHER ACOUSTICAL B704 Ella Acoustical Panel Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- GATHER ACOUSTICAL
Table of Contents
GATHER ACOUSTICAL B704 Ella Acoustical Panel
Product Information
The Ella Acoustical Panel is a specialty product designed to improve sound quality in various settings. It is made of recycled polyester, a hydrophobic thermoplastic material that provides natural stain and water resistance. The panels are precision cut and can be installed on walls and ceilings.
Installation and Maintenance Guidelines
For the installation of GATHER Acoustical panels, it is recommended to hire
a professional with extensive experience in installing wallcoverings, wall and
ceiling-hung panels, and other Division 10 Specialty items. Proper surface
preparation is essential for a successful installation.
Surface Preparation
Prior to installation, ensure that the surface where the panels will be
mounted is clean, dry, and free from any dust or debris. This will ensure
proper adhesion and longevity of the panels.
Recommended Tools and Equipment
When installing the Ella Acoustical Panels, the following tools and equipment
are recommended:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil or marker
- Level
- Adhesive or mounting hardware (as per the professional’s recommendation)
- Scissors or utility knife for trimming panels if necessary
Installation
Follow these steps for proper installation of GATHER Acoustical panels:
- Start by measuring the area where the panels will be installed. Mark the desired locations on the wall or ceiling using a pencil or marker.
- Ensure that the marked locations are level using a level tool.
- Apply the recommended adhesive or mounting hardware to the back of each panel, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Carefully press each panel onto the marked locations, ensuring they are aligned properly.
- If necessary, trim the panels using scissors or a utility knife to fit any irregular edges or corners.
Care and Maintenance
The GATHER Acoustical panels are naturally stain and water-resistant. However,
spills should be addressed quickly by blotting them with a damp cloth. Avoid
using excessive water or harsh cleaning agents, as they may damage the panels.
Regular dusting with a soft cloth or vacuuming with a brush attachment is
recommended to maintain the panels’ appearance.
Date of Manual: 04/23
Ella Acoustical Panel
Installation and Maintenance Guidelines
Precision Cutouts—Double Layer
Installation for GATHER Acoustical panels is to be provided by a professional
with extensive experience installing wallcovering, wall and ceiling-hung
panels, and other Division 10 Specialty items.
BEFORE PLACING THE ORDER
The installer should review the site measurements and existing conditions—not just the architectural drawings—and determine the wall configuration, installation sequence, number of panels required, and necessary overage.
ONSITE PREPARATION AND PANEL INSPECTION
- GATHER Acoustical panels should be acclimated in the installation area for at least 48-72 hours prior to and after installing, at 60–80º F, with relative humidity at 50% or less. Verify that active moisture infiltration, condensation, and/or accumulation—particularly in warm, humid climates—is not present. If walls show mold, mildew, or visible moisture damage, or if moisture content exceeds recommendations, do not proceed with installation until the condition has been fully corrected under the direction of a qualified professional. Wolf-Gordon will not be responsible for any performance or quality issues if moisture problems are not addressed before or following installation.
- Examine each individual panel carefully to ensure that the material, pattern design, color, and quality are satisfactory and as ordered. Check that the quantity and dimensions match the required specifications, prior to cutting. Lay out the panels in the space to ensure color, texture, and pattern consistency. In the event any discrepancies are found, STOP and contact Wolf-Gordon customer service at 800-347-0550, before proceeding.
- Wall size, panel size, and desired layout should be considered during wall configuration to determine the installation sequence and whether to start with a panel at the center line or start directionally from the corner.
- A staging area is recommended for checking the layout. Lay out the panels in the space before cutting or making adjustments to ensure pattern matching, pattern direction, and alignment are according to product information. Refer to panel drawings for direction.
- After being laid out individually for inspection, product defects and damage from transit must be reported within 24 hours.
SURFACE PREPARATION
- Inspect existing wall surfaces to ensure they are clean, dry, structurally sound, and free of dirt, grease, and mark-ings. If an oil-based primer was used, apply an acrylic or latex primer over it before hanging the panels to avoid trapping moisture or adhesion problems. If the surface does not have a uniform color, use a pigmented primer.
- Existing walls present varied conditions, but all walls should be finished to at least a Level 4 (preferably, Level 5) finish. Glossy surfaces should be sanded and mildew should be cleaned from the surface with a solution of two cups of household bleach per gallon of water.
- Check walls for conditions and obstructions where panels may have to be cut, trimmed, or adjusted.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
- Direct adhesive (Liquid Nails® LN710 or LN2000, Loctite®, or DAP® products)
- Heavy-duty utility knife
- Heavy-duty circle cutter (Olfa® or equivalent)
- 4′ non-slip straightedge with 90 degree angle
- Cross-line laser level (preferably with tripod attachment)
- 4′-6′ ladder
- X-acto® knife and blades—for detail cutting, if necessary
INSTALLATION
- Check the panel layout to ensure proper placement and pattern match.
- With confirmed wall configuration, plumb lines should be established before final installation. Install full widths of material, whenever possible.
- For conditions where corners, ceilings, or floors are not plumb, scribe the panel to fit the corner condition.
- Panels should be trimmed according to the final wall configuration. using a heavy-duty utility knife. Fine trimming and/or cuts for protrusions can be done with Xacto blades or a heavy-duty circle cutter.
- Once panels have been checked, sized, and trimmed to fit the wall area, apply a direct adhesive to the BACK SIDE of each panel. Take care to prevent the adhesive from getting on the panel face. Recommended adhesives indicated above. DO NOT USE solvent-based adhesives.
- Apply direct adhesive in either a zig-zag or diagonal pattern across the back of the panel (see illustrations above). A bead of adhesive should be approximately 1/4″, and go no closer than approx. 2” from the panel perimeter, to prevent spillage. Panels should be installed within 15-20 min of adhesive application.
- After adhesive application, panels should be applied to the wall with even and consistent pressure to ensure proper adhesion.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
GATHER Acoustical panels are composed of recycled polyester, a hydrophobic thermoplastic whose composition makes it naturally stain and water-resistant, allowing for time for spills to be blotted with a damp cloth. Spills should be addressed quickly and with care.
- All cleaning attempts should be done on an inconspicuous portion of a panel first, before being applied to stained or soiled areas.
- Using stringent or solvent-based cleaning agents can potentially damage the finish and colorfastness.
- First-step cleaning should be with a lint roller or dry brush using light consistent strokes on the affected area.
- Lightly blot stains and spills with a slightly damp towel using a press-and-release action
- If a cleaning agent must be used for mild stains, an enzyme-based cleaning agent is recommended, using a 3:1 water-to-cleaning agent ratio. Blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel until dry. Then go over the area lightly with a dry brush.
- For emergency cleaning, blot the area with a cloth lightly dampened with a solvent-based solution, dry cleaning solution, or chemical spot removal. After blotting the affected area, blot with a clean cloth until the area is dry.
Note: The information above is intended only as a guideline. The installer has the final responsibility for proper installation and evaluation of jobsite conditions.