Aspect Wood Frequently Asked Questions

Aspect Wood Frequently Asked Questions

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how do I fit the wall outlets and switch plates over the wood tiles after installation?

Make sure whenever you are working around electrical outlets to turn off the corresponding fuse at your electrical service fuse box.

The wood thickness (1/2 inch) will increase wall depth leaving your outlet/switch box recessed deeper than the wood surface.

You have two options:

Option 1 is leave the outlets recessed in the wall and cut the Aspect Wood around your switch plates or outlet covers.
Option 2 is to purchase outlet box extenders that allow you to relocate the receptacle or outlet box flush to the surface of the wood. Once mounted flush the receptacle can be covered with the decorative switch plate.

Outlet box extender options:
Amazon
Home Depot
Lowes
Menards

How do I need to prepare the wall before I install Aspect Wood?

It depends on whether you intend to use the peel and stick adhesive on properly prepared wall surfaces (Method 1) or if you do not want to prepare your wall surface. If you are using installation Method 1, proper wall preparation is required. Aspect tiles can be installed over most structurally sound substrates if they are clean, flat, smooth, dry, and free of dust, wax, soap scum and grease. Acceptable substrates are drywall, plaster or clean, smooth tile (glazed, porcelain type tile; not porous or textured). The substrate to which you are applying Aspect tiles must be primed with a fresh coat of latex primer such as Zinsser® or KILZ® (or similar products). OR you can use an additional adhesive, such as PL Premium® construction adhesive.

Any damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched, leveled and primed. Fill cracks and irregularities with wallboard compound or spackling, then sand smooth with fine grade sandpaper.

If installing Aspect over existing ceramic tile, be sure to thoroughly clean old tiles, but priming ceramic tiles is not required. Use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol two-cloth cleaning method as surface preparation when applying tiles to a nonporous substrate, such as ceramic tile or metal. Failure to properly prepare the substrate may invalidate the warranty. The substrate to which you are applying Aspect tiles must be primed with a fresh coat of latex primer such as Zinsser® or KILZ® (or similar products). Ingredients in “paint & primer in one” products can cause adhesion failure; as such, be sure to use a stand-alone primer. If you do not intend to prepare the wall surface, you can use an additional adhesive as seen in our Installation Guide.

Do you recommend a certain primer?

We recommend high-quality sealing primers, latex based, such as Zinsser® or KILZ® (or similar products).

Can Aspect Wood be exposed to humidity and/or water?

Indoor use as a backsplash is fine, but as with all natural wood products, there is some inherent risk of staining and rot. Wood sealers and varnish can provide protection against this. They will both provide protection, but can alter the appearance of the wood tiles. There are two main types of stone protectants: sealers and varnish. Varnish penetrates the wood and protects from within by filling all pores and cavities with a protectant. Sealers retain the natural appearance of the wood as much as possible. Sealers, such as Thompson’s® Water Seal® Waterproofer Plus Clear Wood Protector or Cabot® Waterproofing Silicone Sealer (and similar products), offer moderate protection. Follow manufacturer’s directions. Wood varnish is a durable coating that bonds to the wood surface. These products slightly darken the wood color and have a semi-gloss finish. Wood varnishes, such as Minwax®Polycrylic® Protective Finish or Cabot® Spar Varnish Semi-Gloss (and similar products), provide a high level of stain protection. Follow manufacturer’s directions.

What do I do if my substrate is bumpy or uneven and a tile pops off?

Apply construction adhesive to the tile if wall imperfections cause it to release.

How do I install the tiles with an uneven countertop?

While slightly more difficult, this can be accomplished by following the steps outlined in our uneven tile installation guide.

Do you recommend a certain adhesive?

We recommend a product such as PL Premium® construction adhesive.

What causes a tile to fall off?

Some causes include poor surface preparation, uneven texture or an unprimed surface prior to installation. Some paints contain releasing agents called surfactants which can also interfere with adhesion.

Can Aspect Wood be exposed to UV rays and outside elements?

No. Aspect Peel and Stick backsplash tiles are manufactured for indoor use only.

Can Aspect Wood be exposed to heat?

Aspect tiles can withstand heat up to 140°F without causing any damage to the product. We recommend a minimum 6-inch space between the heat source or burner and the installed tiles. You may also refer to your stove’s (or other heat source) manufacturer for specific information.

How should the tiles be cut if a full tile is not needed?

You can cut the tiles with the standard woodworking tools listed on our installation guide.

What should be used to clean the tiles?

Simply wipe the tiles with a damp cloth.

What should be used as a trim or an edge treatment?

You can use pre-manufactured wood trims found in the retailer’s millwork section or create your own trim pieces.

Should I seal Aspect Wood so it can easily be cleaned? What type of sealants do you recommend?

To seal your tiles, use a good wood sealer or polyurethane finish to protect the wood. Follow the manufacturer’s directions. Sealers and polyurethane finishes can deepen and darken the color of the wood. Choose from finishes that can leave a high sheen or glossy appearance, or satin finishes, much like paints.

When starting a project, would I work from one side to the other, or from the center out?

Starting in a corner and working left to right on your longest run produces the best results for accent walls. For backsplash, it’s easiest to work from right to left..

How do I remove tile(s)?

If a tile needs to be removed, apply heat with a hair dryer to soften the adhesive. Use a putty knife on the backside and slowly apply outward pressure to release the tile from the wall. The adhesive is engineered not to be removed so caution should be taken so as to not damage the wall. Any removed tiles may be unusable. ACP is not responsible or liable if you damage your walls. If the adhesive is destroyed but the tile face is fine, you can try using PL Premium® adhesive to reapply the tile.

Can I paint Aspect Wood tiles, and if so with what kind of paint?

No, we do not recommend painting the wood tiles.

Do you offer matching outlet and switch plate covers?

Not at this time.

Do you sell larger sheets than 5.9″x 23.6″ for a seamless look or accent wall?

Yes, we offer planking measuring 4.5” x 4’ in an optional non peel and stick format.

What is the warranty on Aspect Wood?

ACP, the manufacturer of Aspect wood tiles, guarantees Aspect wood tiles will be free from manufacturing defects for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover problems caused by improper installation methods. It covers only installations done in accordance with the installation and handling instructions contained within each box of tile. This warranty does not cover damage caused by improper maintenance or by use contrary to our recommendations. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or finish color changes due to exposure to smoke, fumes, leaks or abuse. This warranty is not transferable and applies to the original purchaser only.

What type of wood is the tile made from?

The tiles are made from pine, teak and eucalyptus.

What do I do if a tile edge is coming loose or lifting off the wall?

The adhesive on Aspect Wood tiles is engineered to aggressively stick to a properly prepared surface. ACP fully warranties that the product will not fall off of your wall.

To get corner or seam to lay down, PL Premium® adhesive can be carefully applied where there is a release (try a toothpick). Wipe off any adhesive from the tile surface before it dries. To hold down a corner or seam, try using a thumbtack in the seam until the adhesive sets.

Another method for getting an edge or corner to lay down is to use Loctite Super Glue® or similar product. Be careful not to get glue on the tile surface. Hold down seam or corner with your finger after glue application until the glue sets

I noticed an odor when I unwrapped my wood product. Should I be concerned?

No. Any odor you notice is a byproduct of the adhesive on the back of the tile and will dissipate shortly, much like a freshly painted room. The tiles have passed California EPA VOC testing limits for architectural coatings.

Can I use Aspect products in my camper or RV?

Yes, you can use on the interior of your camper and we recommend using method 2 of our installation guide which states to use supplemental adhesive due to road vibrations and temperature swings.

Do your products have a California Proposition 65 warning?

You may see a warning on this product regarding California’s Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. It is intended to help Californians make informed decisions about protecting themselves from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The Proposition requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.

Proposition 65 is designed to inform consumers. This is not the same as a regulatory decision that a product is “safe” or “unsafe”. Our products emit no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and are in no way harmful if the product is used for its intended purpose. At Acoustic Ceiling Products, customer satisfaction is our number one priority and we will be happy to provide any additional information, technical specs or data you may need on any of our products.