FAQs & SDS

A high-quality construction adhesive should be used to install DPI panels. Solvent-based and low VOC (water cleanup) are best and widely available.

• Loctite® Power Grab® all-purpose adhesive is recommended and has been tested with DPI products.
• Liquid Nails® products LN601, LN603, LN901, and LN903 are widely distributed. The toll-free number for Liquid Nails is 1-800-634-0015.
• DAP® manufacturers a trowel-grade construction adhesive. The toll-free number for DAP is 1-800-543-3840.

For Aqua Tile panels, a trowel-on construction adhesive is recommended. A gallon can usually cover 2-3 panels.

Solvent-based trowel-able adhesive requires a 3/16” V-notched trowel.

Low-VOC (water cleanup) trowel-able adhesive requires a 1/8” V-notched trowel.

The finish on this product is paintable or can be left as is. There is no prep work required.

The surface is designed to accept latex, acrylic, or alkyd (solvent-based) paints. The best quality alkyd paints usually flow better and leave a smoother surface. We also recommend the best quality 2-1/2″ or 3″ brush for application, as opposed to a roller. Follow all paint manufacturers’ safety directions, especially for ventilation.

Wood grains: Where panel’s edges meet, we recommend a dime’s width gap. Prior to installing panels, on the wall where this gap will be, a thin stripe can be painted to match the color of the panel edge. Once installed, it helps blend the seams.

Designer: Painting the wall a similar color to the panel where the seam occurs will help blend it in.

Smooth: Matching silicone caulk can be used in seams. Extruded trim moldings can be used with a small bead of silicone caulk in the molding channel, before inserting the panel.

Aqua Tile: Matching silicone caulk is recommended. First, painting any cut or exposed edges a color to match the panel will help. Allow paint to thoroughly dry before applying caulk.

Earth Stone: Matching silicone caulk is recommended. Painting the wall a similar color to the panel where the seam occurs will help blend it in.

Our panels come in 4′x8′ sheets and some are available in wainscot. We are unable to provide custom sizes.

With our Aqua Tile there is a thickness variance between the grout area and the face of the tiles. 

When using molding with this variance, it allows for moisture to build up under the molding, causing faster delamination of the panels. You get a much better seal with 100% silicone caulk.

For a one-piece kitchen stove/oven, there is usually a 3-4″ high lip on the side that is against the wall. This would protect the wall sufficiently.

For an open drop-in range with a large pan on the back burner (worst case), there may be more heat directed against the wall, though drop-in ranges are usually spaced 2-3 inches out from the back wall. Our panels are not any less fire-resistant than wallpaper, which many people use in these areas. Even regular drywall sheets have a layer of paper on both sides. DPI-paneled backsplash is resistant to normal kitchen heat; it would have to reach a temperature over 350 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended time to be in danger of igniting.

If you need further assurance, you may try attaching a kitchen thermometer to the back wall directly behind your largest burner to determine the reading when cooking on high.

Our panels are intended for interior use only. We do not recommend using for exterior applications. If you choose to use our panels for an exterior application, the warranty will be void.

Our products are not intended for use as a ceiling, and we do not recommend or carry the warranty for that type of installation.

Your local building code inspector or fire marshal can determine whether or not the material will pass code for special installation situations. Building codes vary among different states, cities, etc. Your own local officials can better answer the specific requirements for your area after you provide class and rating information to them.

Generally speaking, the hardboard should be installed two feet from a fireplace or freestanding fireplace. You should always follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the fireplace or wood-burning stove. The hardboard is combustible material and is not heat-resistant or fireproof.

In order to tell you where you can find our products, we would need to know the specific panels you are interested in. Please complete our online contact form here and provide the panel name and item number for the panels in which you may be interested. 

Once we have the panels you are interested in, we can perform a product search for your area.

Each retailer chooses which panels they will stock. This means that not all stores carry all of our panels. If you are having trouble finding a panel, please contact us.

Our products are made of S2S Hardboard.

DPI’s Green Core S2S Hardboard is a remarkable product – drawing on the strength of wood while eliminating many of wood’s weaknesses. Fibers are extracted from raw wood, rewoven and bound under heat and pressure by lignin, a natural adhesive found in wood. The result is a durable, tough, board that’s completely uniform with exceptional strength. DPI hardboard is a true wood product – wood has simply been re-engineered to form a more versatile material with predictable properties. The absence of grain makes it equally strong in all directions, and can be easily sawn, routed, drilled, or shaped.

Class III Flame Spread Rating. Flame spread 200 or less in accordance with ANSI/AHA A 135.5. Determined by ASTM E-84-91A.

1/8″ pegboard: Holes are 3/16″ in diameter and 1″ on center

1/4″ & 3/16″ pegboard: Holes are 9/32″ in diameter and 1″ on center

Mild soap and water are recommended. You can use normal liquid or spray cleaning products that contain no abrasive powders.

Do not use products like Comet®, Bar Keeper’s Friend®, or Ajax®, which may contain abrasive powders, or steel wool pads, like Brillo®.

White enamel appliance paint is recommended to protect the panels from moisture. If the scratch is down to the brown board, wood filler may need to be used first. You may also brush on clear polyurethane over small scratches.

Try obtaining some acrylic artist colors in the same color range (white or off-white) from a craft store.

Put some of the paint on a plastic lid, such as from a coffee can. Add a couple drops of water to thin it out. Mix it well.

On a scrap piece of wall board panel, experiment with a small brush, paper towel, or rag that was dipped in the paint mixture.

Try using a “dry brush” method, whereby you dip your brush or rag. Then dab that on a paper towel to get rid of most of the paint.

Once applied to the panel, you may have to wipe the paint off even more to get the effect, and it may need 2 or 3 passes.

To get the exact color of paint, we recommend taking a scrap of panel to the paint store. Buy the 3 shades closest to that color. Mix as needed.