Kemlite® with Surfaseal® – FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Search the FAQs below for an answer to your question.
If you are unable to find a related FAQ, click here to ask your question.

General Questions:

Are FRP doors available?
Can FRP be installed over ceramic tile?
Can FRP be cleaned?
Can FRP be installed over concrete block?
Can FRP be installed over existing metal panels?
Can FRP be painted?
Can Glasbord or Matrex be used as a bathtub surround?
Can Glasbord be used in a clean room installation?
Can FRP be used behind grills and ovens in commercial kitchens?
Can Sanigrid be used in indoor swimming pool areas?
Does Crane Composite wall panels have a warranty?
Does FRP have a fire rating?
Does FRP mold?
Does FRP have any acoustical value?
Is FRP USDA and FSIS approved?
Is smooth FRP easier to clean than embossed?
What is the cost of decorative FRP vs. ceramic tile?
What is the cost of FRP?
What is the weight of a skid of FRP?
Why is FRP better than ceramic tile or other wall coverings?

Questions about Specific Products:

frpDesign Solutions – Decorative FRP Wall Panels
Glasbord – Sanitary Wall and Ceiling Panels
Kemply – Pre-Laminated Wall Panels
Sanigrid – Ceiling Grid System


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Are FRP doors available?
Our panels may be used in this application, however we do not manufacture FRP doors.

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Can FRP be installed over ceramic tile?
Yes. FRP can be installed directly over ceramic tile. Non-porous surfaces require the use of rivets unless the surface of the tile is opened by sanding or use of chemical abrasive. Adhesive should be used on porous surfaces only.
(See the technical data for more information)

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Can FRP be cleaned?
Yes. FRP can be cleaned with a mild soap and water combination.
(See the technical data for more information)

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Can FRP be installed over concrete block?
Yes. FRP can be installed over concrete block. First you need to level uneven surfaces with plaster or concrete compounds. Be sure concrete walls are well cured and completely dry. If concrete or block walls are below grade where moisture can penetrate and interfere with a good adhesive bond, use furring strips and install pre-laminated panels with mechanical fasteners.
(See the technical data for more information)

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Can FRP be installed over existing metal panels?
Yes. FRP can be installed with metal fasteners. Pre-drill holes (use 3/8″ drill bit) in Glasbord on 16″ centers. Using pre-drilled holes if frp as a pilot hole, drill metal with a bit no larger than 9/32″. Seal all joints with a silicone sealant.
(See the technical data for more information)

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Can FRP be painted?
Painting fRP is not recommended because the finish is designed to be a non-adherable surface. If painting is necessary, an epoxy or acrylic-based paint is suggested.

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Can Glasbord or Matrex be used as a bathtub surround?
Yes. FRP can be used as a tub surround, although there will be seams as the product is only available in 48″ widths. Install the seam to the far end of the tub. Silicone caulk well and leave expansion room at the joints.
(See the technical data for more information)

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Can Glasbord be used in a clean room installation?
Yes. Glasbord is commonly specified for food preparation, pharmaceutical , and medical settings where sanitary, highly cleanable walls are required.
(See a testimonial for more information)

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Can FRP be used behind grills and ovens in commercial kitchens?
FRP panels may discolor when installed behind or near a heat source, such as cookers, ovens, and deep fryers, which radiate temperatures exceeding 130ºF (55ºC).

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Can Sanigrid be used in indoor swimming pool areas?
Yes. Sanigrid is ideal for this setting. Sanigrid is known for its moisture and corrosion resistance in high humidity installation. It won’t rust, pit, dent, or peel like metal grid system.

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Does FRP mold?
No. FRP does not support mold or mildew per ASTM D3273 and D3274.

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Does FRP have any acoustical value?
No. FRP has no acoustical insulation properties. Acoustical insulation is measured in NRC (noise reduction coefficient) and STC (sound transmission coefficient).

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Is smooth FRP easier to clean than embossed?
No. Embossed panels have been tested to be as cleanable as smooth panels and maintain an acceptable appearance longer than smooth panels. Crane Composites suggests embossed panels over smooth for years of cleanability.
(See more info on Embossed vs. Smooth)

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What is the cost of decorative FRP vs. ceramic tile?
FRP is typically one-half the cost of ceramic tile and easier to keep clean. For more pricing information, please refer to your local distributor.

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What is the cost of FRP?
For pricing information, please refer to your local distributor.

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What is the weight of a skid of FRP?
Panel are packaged 50 on a skid and the panels weigh 0.65 lb per SF. The skids weigh approximately 1000 lbs each.

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Why is FRP better than ceramic tile or other wall coverings?
Cleanliness, durability, and cleanability.

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frpDesign Solutions – Decorative FRP Wall Panels

What HPL manufacturers can be used with Optimax HPL?
Approved HPL manufacturers include Formica, WilsonArt, and other popular brands.

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What do I use as seam treatments in between the panels?

We have several decorative seam treats available on our website.

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Glasbord – Sanitary Wall and Ceiling Panels

Can I get a custom color of Glasbord?
Yes. Please see our Custom color policy for more information.

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Kemply – Pre-Laminated Wall Panels

Can a Kemply panel made with OSB or plywood be used as a lay-in ceiling panel?
No. Wood based panels have a tendency to warp. For lay-in ceiling panels, gypsum or fluted polypropylene should be used.

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Sanigrid – Ceiling Grid System

Is Sanigrid II seismic rated?
At this time Sanigrid II is not seismic rated