frequently asked questions

 

what are muros wall panels?

Muros is a flexible and high quality decorative wall paneling product. It is made up of fibreglass-based panels in a variety of styles and designs (e.g. wood wall panels). Each panel accurately presents the look, colour and texture of natural materials. Panels have been designed for easy installation and create a deep character and enduring finish for any desired environment.

what styles and designs are available?

Muros offers a wide range of panel designs including stone, rock, brick, wood, concrete and contemporary styles. Panels are shaped for walls and ceilings, arches, beams, pillars, corbels and doors and more. Most popular designs include decorative stone walls, decorative brick walls and decorative concrete walls.

how heavy are panels?

Muros Wall Panels are manufactured using a fibreglass base. The resulting product is light and easy to handle and install. Average panel weight (according to design) is approximately 6kg - 8kg per m², or approximately 33kgs per 4.3m² panel. The lightweight construction means no building engineering reports or work are required for structural compliance.

how thick are panels?

Average panel thickness is 4mm - 25mm (depending upon design). The thin panel design means you can achieve the desired look and feel without taking up valuable space (as would using natural materials).

is there a panel specification guide?

Yes. Click here to open or download a one-page Panel Specification Guide (in PDF).

how durable are the panels?

Muros Wall Panels have been successfully installed and used around the world for over 15 years. Panels are strong and durable with resistance to water, erosion, fire and ultraviolet rays.

what quality assurance is available?

All panels carry a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty for internal use*. External use carries a 5-year manufacturer's warranty*. Panel design and manufacture processes have been operating successfully for over 15 years and are accredited with ISO9001 (Quality).

* Warranty applies when panels are used for their intended purpose and installed by a Muros Trained Installer

are panels fire rated?

All Muros panels are available in either M1 or M3 categories*. M1 certification means products are practically inflammable (i.e. they do not give off flammable gases and have very low flame spread with minimum size and persistence according to formal tests carried out). M3 products contain material with medium flammability. From 2013 certification is being conducted for the new Euroclass fire rating system. From 2015 Muros expects to provide panels constructed to M0 (non-combustible) certification level. M3 panels are pre-made, M1 panels made-to-order.

* Ratings based on European accreditation by Laboratoire National D’Essais (LNE) – Australasian certification is currently being sought

how accurate are the colours presented?

The colours closely match those represented, although lighting, photography and computer screens can alter panel panel colours viewed. Please also note though that due to the individual nature of the batch manufacturing process, panel colours may differ slightly from those presented in samples, installed examples and promotional material.

will the colour fade?

The authentic colour of each panel is created using a combination of mineral pigments within the panel and paint. Both combine to create an enduring colour which has seen Muros Wall Panels used successfully for over 15 years in both internal and external environments. In the event of panel colour fading over an extended period of time panels can simply be repainted.

how are wall panels applied?

Panel installation can be completed using Muros Installers, builders, shop-fitters or those undertaking a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Panels are supplied ready for installation.

Panels are applied to any structurally sound surface (e.g. a wall). The surface may already be in place or constructed by our installation team. Due to their lightweight and flexible construction, fitting is completed with little mess and in minimal time. Panels are installed by screwing into place. A combination of mastic (like soft putty) and paint is used to seal and finish the area. For correct installation and finish, we recommend that installation be carried out by a Muros Installer or by first viewing the one-page Muros installation guide and 3 1/2 minute installation video. Please contact us to discuss your job and receive indicative pricing or a free no obligation quote.

where can panels be used?

An extensive range of panel shapes and designs is available for walls and ceilings, arches, beams, pillars, corbels and doors and more. Panels can also be be used in both internal and external* environments. Used together, panels convey a consistent and stylish indoor-outdoor theme and ambience.

* While panels have been designed and used extensively in external environments around the world for over 15 years, Muros International is consulting BRANZ and local councils regarding approval for use in NZ

can panels be used around of near fireplaces?

Muros Wall Panels are currently available in two categories of fire rating (European certification): M3 (fire resistant) and M1 (non-combustible). M3 panels are supplied, unless M1 panels are specifically requested.

Muros Wall Panels are often used in and around fireplace settings - this is a popular application. Unfortunately, due to the inability of Muros International to control the installation layout, technique, quality and materials used around fireplaces, the company takes a cautious position on this installation type and DOES NOT RECOMMEND use of Muros Wall Panels around fireplaces.

Should clients choose to use Muros Wall Panels in a fireplace setting it is their responsibility and the following advice is offered:

- Muros Wall Panels should not be exposed to direct, strong or constant heat. This is due to the possibility that over (long periods of) time there may be some deterioration in the panel quality and/ or colour.

- An appropriate distance should be observed between panels installed and the source of heat (particularly relevant for free-standing fireplaces).

- To ensure heat is not transfered directly onto Muros Wall Panels appropriate fire box insulation and surrounds/ flange, and certified fire retardant materials should be applied prior to panel installation.

what is the price of panels?

Prices are supplied on a m² basis and vary between panel shapes, design and specification. Panels can be provided three ways - 1) 'panel only'; or 2) 'panel + installation' (installed by Muros); or 3) 'panel + installation materials' (self-install). Because installation can vary significantly from project to project, so too does the total price. Please contact us to discuss your job and receive indicative pricing or a free no obligation quote.

how does the price compare with original products?

Muros Wall Panels have many benefits including convenience, range, flexibility, space-saving, light weight - and price. Depending upon the type of installation type design selected, Muros Wall Panels can save money compared with the cost of using original products. The ability to repaint and in some circumstances remove panels for resale or reuse also extends the life of the panel - meaning added value and panels more suitable for the environment.

* Figure is representative only and dependant upon selected panel design compared with original materials and installation type, location and access

what environmental accreditation do the panels have?

All Muros panels are designed and manufactured to standards specified by ISO14001 (Environment).

what voc levels exist?

Muros panels contain Estireno (Polystyrene) as the only Volatile Organic Compound (VOC). The quantity of residual Estireno changes according to time passed from production*.

-    Residual Estireno from manufacture to one week (4.5%)*
-    Residual Estireno from manufacture to 3 months (4.0%)
-    Residual Estireno from manufacture to 6 months (3.5%)

* Figures stated represent approximate data

can wall panels be reused?

In some circumstances, yes. If panels are installed on an independent structure (wall) then the wall (with panels) can often be removed and relocated for reuse – meaning extended panel life adding value and being more suitable for the environment.

are panels green star certified?

Not yet. We have investigated the Green Star certification process and requirements and an application for Muros paneling is planned for next year. Muros International will be seeking for one Green Star Credit in the Office Interiors - Mat-3 category.

where can i purchase Muros panels?

Muros Wall Panels are available in New Zealand (NZ), Australia, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Panels can also be supplied to other countries including those in the Middle East and North America - please contact us to discuss.

where can i view the panel options available?

Firstly, we recommend you view the website’s range pages. A product catalogue, brochure and sample panels are available by contacting us. Some installed Muros Wall Panels are open to the public. They include locations in Auckland, Melbourne, Wellington, Christchurch and regional centres, such as Palmerston North and Queenstown. Please contact us for more details. Next year we expect to open our first showroom in Auckland, New Zealand and an office in Sydney, Australia.

how can panels be purchased?

Panels can be purchased in three ways:

1) Panel + Installation
Panels are supplied and professionally installed to the purchaser’s requirements.

2) Panel + Installation Materials
Panels and associated installation materials (mastic, catalyst and paint) are purchased directly - without installation. The purchaser is responsible for any packaging, collection, delivery or freight costs.

3) Panel Only
Panels are purchased directly - without installation. The purchaser is responsible for any packaging, collection, delivery or freight costs.

For correct installation and finish it is recommended that work be carried out by a Muros Installer. If required, installation training may be provided at the purchaser’s expense. For builders, shop-fitters and those undertaking do-it-yourself (DIY) projects an installation guide and video are also available.

when can i expect to receive my panel order?

Panels available immediately are indicated by STOCK written beside the product name in the Muros website. Panels are packed and distributed once payment has been received in full. Due to the extensive product range, the majority of Muros panels are available upon receipt of a confirmed order and deposit. Delivery from the time of order is approximately 65 days or within 20 days delivered to door by air freight. Please also note that some products may be available by ‘indent’ order only.

can panels be used in bathrooms?

Yes. In areas of moisture such as bathrooms it is recommended that Resene Multishield Flat is applied to help protect the panels and assist cleaning.

how do I repair damaged panels?

Because Muros Wall Panels are strong and durable, any damage is rare. They have been used successfully in environments of all type for over 15 years. Should any panels sustain damage they are easily repaired using mastic and paint.

can panels be painted?

Yes. Painting Muros Wall Panels can help achieve a specific look and feel, highlight a design feature or to refresh an existing setting. Muros provides a Panel Painting Guide (PDF) with tested coating recommendations from Resene paints. All recommendations are for interior use only of Muros panels.

what maintenance is required?

Muros panelling is virtually maintenance free. To remove any surface dirt and dust use occasional dusting, wiping with a damp cloth or washing (using a weak soapy solution). DO NOT use solvents. In areas of moisture such as bathrooms it is recommended that Resene Multishield Flat is applied to help protect the panels and assist cleaning.

 

Click on the following links to view panels walls and ceilings, stone and brick arches, wooden beams, brick and stone pillars, stone and wooden corbels and doors and more. Or click here for an introduction and overview of Muros Wall Panels.