Application and Specification (Thin, Flexible, Natural Stone) Multicolor | Stone Veneers SKIN 122 x 61 cm
Stone veneers SKIN are an innovative product for interior and exterior wall cladding.
They are a suitable solution for achieving a real stone surface and texture in applications where the use of heavy, massive stone is impractical.
Their use includes exterior and interior wall cladding, ceiling cladding, furniture, doors, fireplaces, kitchen backsplashes, and wet rooms.
They are not suitable for flooring in commercial premises or high-traffic areas.
They can be installed on cement, plasterboard, plywood, MDF, bricks, melamine, acrylic, or other plastic boards.
The stone surface of SKIN veneers has UV protection and can withstand intense sunlight for years.
They tolerate the thermal expansion/contraction of most common construction materials onto which they are glued.
The impregnated stone wallpapers withstand high temperatures and repeated freezing.
Since stone wallpapers are a creation of nature, variations in color and texture are a natural and intrinsic part of their beauty — each sheet is unique.
Where can they be seen?
You are welcome to visit our showroom and consultation center in Sofia to view the thin stone live and make your selection.
Don't forget to bring samples of the materials you want to match for a perfect combination.
Our Sofia location serves only as a showroom (purchases and payments cannot be made there).
We continue to ship orders directly from our base in Kresna.
Composition:
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100% natural stone
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Adhesive
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Fiberglass
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PVC backing
Dimensions of a single sheet: 122 x 61 cm
Thickness: 2–3 mm
Weight: 2–3 kg per 1 sq.m
Flexibility:
Adaptable for shaping, SKIN can bend to a minimum radius of 20.32 cm, depending on the color and type of stone.
With heating, even tighter curves can be achieved.
Thanks to the PVC backing, the material has excellent strength and flexibility, allowing inward and outward bending according to the desired visual effect or architectural design.
Key Steps in Installation:
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Preparing the necessary equipment and materials for installation.
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Preparing the surface and the stone wallpapers before application.
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Installing, fixing, and grouting.
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Impregnating.
See detailed information for each stage and carefully follow the steps to achieve unique interior or exterior spaces with SKIN stone wallpapers:
Safety Precautions:
When handling SKIN stone veneers, it is mandatory to wear protective equipment: gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask.
Cutting releases fiberglass dust, so always protect your eyes and skin.
Equipment Needed:
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Angle grinder or circular saw with a thin cutting disc
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Notched trowel, size B3 (3 mm triangular teeth)
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Rubber roller
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Tape measure, fine sandpaper, and masking tape
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Protective equipment: gloves, goggles, dust mask
Preparation:
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Store wallpapers horizontally and protect the surface from scratches.
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Clean surfaces from dust, moisture, or dirt, as wet spots can compromise adhesion.
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Prime the walls.
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Dry-fit the stone wallpapers without adhesive to preview the layout and organize sheets by texture and shade.
It’s helpful to number the sheets according to your layout plan.
Adhesive:
We recommend using Soudal Fix ALL – an elastic polymer-based mounting adhesive.
Since SKIN stone wallpapers are veneer, they must expand and contract along with the substrate.
For exterior applications, always consider thermal expansion.
Also, note that adhesives might not bond properly between non-porous materials.
For bathroom and wet area installations, increase the adhesive amount, and waterproofing and surface impregnation are crucial.
Application and Fixing:
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Measure the surface to calculate the number of full wallpaper sheets needed and how many cuts are necessary.
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Create and transfer paper templates onto the stone wallpaper using masking tape for precise cutting, especially for curved surfaces.
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Always cut from the back side to avoid damaging the stone surface.
Exterior and Wet Area Adhesive:
Use FLOR & WALL Polymer White Adhesive SOUDAL FIX ALL (bucket) 4 kg.
Apply adhesive to the back of the sheet with a notched 3mm trowel.
Consumption is about 1 kg of adhesive per 1 sq.m.
Applying a full combed coat ensures waterproofing, as the adhesive also acts as a sealant.
Interior Adhesive:
Use polymer adhesive HI-TACK (cartridge).
Advantages include very easy application with a standard caulking gun. Apply vertical lines of adhesive every 10 cm either on the wall or on the back of the wallpaper, then press with a rubber roller to remove air pockets.
Approximate consumption is 1 cartridge per sheet.
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Fix stone sheets carefully onto the wall.
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We recommend starting from the center of the area towards the edges.
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Immediately wipe off any excess adhesive with a damp cloth.
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After placing, wait a few minutes and roll firmly to eliminate air bubbles.
At external and internal corners without joints, a 2 mm front overlap is recommended to conceal the backing.
Use double-sided masking tape to temporarily fix the sheets, and after adhesive curing, sand the joints gently with fine sandpaper for a smooth transition.
Useful for Cut-outs:
Creating openings (e.g., for sockets) is easy using standard tools like a drill bit or a diamond hole saw for dry drilling.
Grouting:
Whether to leave gaps or not between SKIN stone wallpapers depends on the client’s preference, project specifics, and the desired visual effect.
Always protect the wallpaper edges with double-sided masking tape.
Without Grout:
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Sheets are glued edge-to-edge, creating a more unified, expansive surface.
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Installation is faster and easier without sizing, cleaning, and grouting.
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Light sanding of the edges may be needed for a perfect fit at corners.
Using FLOR & WALL Polymer White Adhesive SOUDAL FIX ALL ensures waterproofing when the wall is fully combed with adhesive.
With Grout:
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Joints offer aesthetic diversity and a visually richer look.
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2-3 to 5 mm joints create the appearance of separate stone tiles.
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Installation requires more time and skill, masking the edges before grouting, applying grout in a matching color, and final cleaning.
Impregnation:
For easy maintenance and protection from dirt and freeze cycles, SKIN stone wallpapers must be impregnated.
We recommend professional products from the British manufacturer LTP or German manufacturer AKEMI.
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Impregnate after installation, taking care to avoid contamination with adhesive or grout.
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In interiors, apply one coat of impregnator; for exteriors and wet areas, apply at least two coats.
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1 liter of impregnator covers approximately 30 sq.m with a single coat.
For periodic cleaning, use a lint-free damp cloth and pH-neutral cleaners.
