Broadway fiberglass panels

Primacoustic offers both Primafoam urethane based products and Broadway fiberglass based products. Because each of these is very different in nature, the mounting process is different for each type. For info on mounting Primafoam urethane panels, go to this link.

Broadway panels - Using impalers
Probably the most exciting aspect of using Broadway panels is the ease and simplicity of mounting the panels. This is due to the development of various 'impalers' that quickly mount to the wall surface on which the panels hang. Impalers are basically metal plates that have spikes that protrude. Impalers are typically mounted on drywall using Easy Anchors (combination plastic screw-in drywall anchor with screw). These work well and are quick. Hanging is done by pushing the panel into the impaler and down to secure in place. Removing a panel is simply a matter of lifting.

Most installation will employ surface mount impalers. This mounting options results in Broadway panels being flush-mounted to the wall surface. Two other impalers are also offered: A corner impaler - used to mount larger 24" x 48" panels in corners and an offset impaler - used to create an air space behind the panel to increase bass absorption. Most installation employ a mix of impalers depending on the type of room and desired outcome. Start by deciding where you want to hang the panels, follow the mounting instructions that came with your Broadway panels and have fun!

Broadway panels - Using adhesive for added security
For safety, we recommend that you add a dab of construction adhesive in between the impaler and the Broadway panel. This is a prerequisite for any installation where higher traffic may be encountered as the impalers on their one will only hold the panel in place much like a painting on a wall. It only takes a second to add a dab of glue to each impaler but the addition will save you from panels inadvertently falling on equipment, household items and people! This is of particular importance when mounting panels in public places!

Broadway panels - Mounting to concrete
For permanent installations on concrete, the best approach is to combine the use of impalers with construction adhesive. Of course you can use adhesive by itself, but this requires building T-bars to hold the panels in place while the adhesive stets and cures. A more practical approach is to affix impalers to the wall and then hang the panels with adhesive. This eliminates the need to build T-bar retainers as the panels can hang on the impalers during the curing process. To do this, space the impalers on the walls to match your design by marking the wall. Then, affix the impalers to the wall using one of various concrete mounting systems. For high traffic areas and public buildings, we then recommend that you employ a liberal amount of construction adhesive using a calking gun. You do not want to be going back to refit panels once they are up!

Broadway panels - Using Velcro, screws or nails
For those that want to temporarily mount some panels, you can try options such as using Velcro or simply using long wood screws with large washers to hold the panel in place. Nails should only be considered if the backing wall is completely surfaced in wood. We have found that buying male and female Velcro works reasonably well, but there are a few tricks! First thing you need to know is that self-adhesive Velcro does not stick very well to fabric. You are best to get Velcro without backing glue on one side and use construction adhesive to glue these Velcro strips onto the acoustic panels. This glue will embed itself into the pores for a better hold. Once set and cured, you then affix the opposite Velcro mate - this time with backing adhesive - onto the panel and mount on your wall. If the panel is not perfectly straight, you can pull off and reposition as needed. Keep in mind that these panels are not light! So do not scrimp on the Velcro!

 

Mounting options - Urethane Foam panels

Primacoustic offers both Primafoam urethane based products and Broadway fiberglass based products. Because each of these is very different in nature, the mounting process is different for each type. For info on mounting Broadway fiberglass panels, go to this link.

Primafoam panels - Using adhesive
Normally, foam panels are glued to the wall surface using a spray-on adhesive or a calking gun with construction adhesive. Both work fine. The process itself is simple: Start by marking out the place where you want the panels to go so that when you are ready to apply the glue, you are not guessing. If you want to experiment, the best approach is to use good sturdy pins to hold the panels in place while you do some listening. With spray-on adhesive, you simply spray the back of the panel. With a calking gun, run a bead around the perimeter and then do an X from corner to corner to eliminate sag. Once the glue has set (read the adhesive manufacturer's instructions) you are ready to mount the panels. Use the same pins to hold the panels in place while the adhesive cures.

Primafoam panels - Using Velcro or pins
For those that want a temporary fix, you can try options such as using Velcro or simply using pins to hold the panel in place. We have found that buying male and female Velcro works reasonably well, but there are a few tricks! First thing you need to know is that self-adhesive Velcro does not stick very well to urethane foam. You are best to get Velcro without backing glue on one side and use construction adhesive to glue these Velcro strips onto the acoustic panels. This glue will embed itself into the pores for a better hold. Once set and cured, you then affix the opposite Velcro mate - this time with backing adhesive - onto the panel and mount on your wall. If the panel is not perfectly straight, you can pull off and reposition as needed.

Primafoam panels - Using backing panels
One of the most frustrating aspects of putting up urethane acoustic panels is actually not putting them up at all, but what you do when you want to take them down! They will leave a dreadful mess that will probably require professional drywall person to come in and fix. What invariably happens is that the adhesive either pulls the wall surface off or leaves a thick residue that will not come off without scraping. A good solution is to glue your urethane acoustic panels onto a backing-board and then attach the backing board to the wall using finishing nails. We offer a corrugated plastic panel that works reasonably well. You can also use inexpensive wall paneling from your local hardware store. A nice light backing board is preferable as it is easier to mount and will require a less permanent mounting process.