DIY AMK Wall Cladding Guide
Featuring Alik the AMK professional installer and his cat Valik.
Why Choose AMK for Your DIY Project?
Ease of Installation
AMK cladding is designed for straightforward installation, perfect for DIY enthusiasts.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle
At only 1.9 kg per m², AMK is easy to transport and install.
Professional Finish
Achieve a high-quality look with minimal effort.
Tools and materials needed
Alik and Valik's Recommended Tools
Joint Knife
Blade width 10-15 cm
Notched Trowel
Notch size 6x6 mm
Measuring tape
Utility knife
Wall priming tools
Mixing tools
To prepare tile glue
Leveling tools
Masonry string line
For marking walls outdoors
Foam grout float
Materials
AMK Decorative Covering
Tile adhesive
Protective gears
Deep penetrating primer
Step-by-Step Installation Instructions with Alik and Valik
Prepare the surface
Correctly preparing the surface before installing AMK is crucial for several reasons:
- Adhesion: A clean, dry, and smooth surface ensures the adhesive bonds properly with the substrate, providing a secure attachment for the AMK sheets.
- Durability: Proper surface preparation prevents issues like peeling, cracking, or detachment over time, ensuring the longevity of the installation.
- Aesthetic Quality: A well-prepared surface ensures an even and professional finish, preventing visible imperfections and ensuring that the decorative elements of AMK look their best.
- Efficiency: Proper preparation reduces the likelihood of installation errors and rework, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.
Repair the walls
Fill the cracks and holes using wall putty
Clean the surface
Make sure the surface is flat and even
Prime the wall
Use acrylic based deep penetrating primer
Plan the layout of AMK sheets
Planning the layout of AMK sheets is essential for a smooth and aesthetically pleasing installation.
- Measure the Wall Area: Measure the height and width of the wall. Calculate the total area by subtracting the combined area of windows and doors from the overall area in square meters to determine the number of AMK sheets required (each sheet covers 0.9 m²).
- Determine AMK Sheet Placement: Plan for horizontal and vertical alignment of the AMK sheets. Identify where sheets will need to be cut to fit around windows, doors, and edges. Dry fit the sheets on the wall before applying adhesive.
- Mark Reference Lines: Use a masonry string line or laser level to mark horizontal and vertical reference lines on the wall. These lines will guide the placement of the sheets to ensure they are level and aligned.
AMK is super handy because you can start installing it anywhere on the wall, but we suggest starting from the edge.
Choose starting point
You can start laying AMK from the bottom, top, or middle of the wall.
Trim excess parts
Trim away any parts of the material that extend beyond the edges of the installation wall.
Keep AMK sheets overlap
Ensure that each AMK sheet overlaps the mesh of the previous one for a secure bond.
Prepare the adhesive
For the perfect results use the right glue.
Useful tips.
Mix glue with water
Follow the instructions provided by the glue manufacturer on the packaging.
Blend it up
Stir the compound thoroughly until it becomes a homogeneous substance.
Get the right consistency
The adhesive consistency should be soft but not slip off the joint knife.
Apply adhesive to the wall
Caution.
Get everything ready for the installation ahead of time before you apply the adhesive to the wall. Once the glue is applied, make sure to stick the AMK sheet on right away. If you wait too long, especially when it’s sunny or windy, the adhesive might get weathered and lose its strength.
Start with flat trowel
First, spread a thin layer of adhesive on the wall with a flat trowel that will cover 1 sheet of AMK at a time.
Use a Notched Trowel
Use a notched trowel (6 mm teeth) to spread the glue evenly in one direction. This creates grooves that enhance adhesion.
Install AMK Sheet
Caution.
Ensure that the wall is evenly coated with glue that forms a bond with the marble chips used in AMK, securing them to the wall.
Improper glue application can weaken the bond between the AMK and the wall, which may cause the marble crumbs to come off when removing the protective film.
Apply AMK
Apply the AMK and press it against the wall to fix it in place with glue.
Smooth out
Start smoothing out and embedding AMK sheet from the centre using taping knife.
Clean the edges
Remove excess glue from the edges so the mesh is clearly visible to provide seamless overlapping with the next sheet.
Fill the seams
Use the same glue to fill the seams of AMK. Hold flat trowel or foam grout float at 45-degree to create accurate grout lines. You may try making glue thinner for that purpose.
Remove the protective film
Wait until the adhesive completely dries out and only then remove the protective film.
Depending on the type of substrate and environmental conditions, the adhesive may require 3-4 days to fully cure and achieve optimal bond strength. Proper curing is essential to ensure durability and a long-lasting finish.
Spray water
Moistening the adhesive after it has dried can make it easier to locate and lift the edge of the protective film for removal. This simple step helps streamline the process and ensures a clean, flawless finish.
Remove the protective film
Use any sharp tool to lift the film's edge and peel it away, unveiling the stunning AMK finish.
Caution.
If you notice marble particles coming off with the protective film, stop immediately, as the glue may not be fully set yet.
Additionally, avoid removing the protective film during hot weather under direct sunlight to ensure the best results.