It is recommended that holes be drilled with a diameter approx. 0.5mm larger than that of the screws. It is very important to ensure that the holes be drilled accurately in terms of both size and quality, so as to avoid the spread of cracks resulting from the holes themselves. There is always a risk that such cracks may arise from a slight dimensional variation of the panels, which can occur following normal changes in ambient temperature and humidity.

It is vital to cut rounded edges with great care (minimum 5 mm radius) so as to avoid chipping on both sides of the panel. Bad cutting or bad internal cuts will inevitably lead to cracking of the material.

Diafos and Opalescent can shrink or expand by up to 3 mm per meter in the longitudinal direction and up to 6 mm per meter across the panel, in accordance with varying temperature and humidity conditions. We therefore recommend that the material should always left to condition in a room at approx. 200C temperature and 50% relative humidity before applying it. It is advisable to avoid using Diafos or Metal 'Print' Opalescent near lamps or any other source of heat, which could cause a build up of heat in certain parts of the panel. The temperature on the surface should never be over 350C. In cases where a panel has a decor on both sides, it is necessary to provide good air circulation on each side of the panel.

Diafos and Opalescent can be fixed in two different ways: by framing the panel (e.g. in a frame made of aluminum / wooden section) or by fixing it with screws. In the latter case, it will be necessary to use plastic or soft rubber washers to avoid cracking of the panel due to screw pressure. Maximum fixing distance, both with frame and screws are as follows:
D1 max distance (long) = 90 cm D2 max distance (transv) = 30 cm
Note on grain direction