Use and Care Guide

6
• For latest information and updates: Technical Service Hotline [phone] or www.gpgypsum.com
CAUTION: For product fire, safety and use information, go to gp.com/safetyinfo.
DensShield
®
Tile Backer
Tub/Shower Walls or Ceilings
E
C
B
A
A
D
F
G
E
E
DS001 Walls or Ceilings
DensShield
®
Tile Backer can be used as a tile substrate in residential and commercial wall applications. Attach DensShield
Tile Backer with grey side facing the interior. Tiles should always be applied to grey side. Cut panel to required size and make
cutouts. Fit ends and edges closely. Do not leave gaps between panels.
DensShield Tile Backer may be cut by using a utility knife to score, then snap, working from the grey face side.
For walls, when used as a tile substrate, 20-gauge (33 mils) steel or wood framing should be spaced no greater than 16” (406 mm)
o.c. or 24” (610 mm) with blocking at all joints for 1/2” (12.7 mm) DensShield Tile Backer and 24” (610 mm) o.c. for 5/8” (15.9 mm)
DensShield Tile Backer. Board can be applied horizontally or vertically.
For ceilings, framing should be spaced no greater than 12” (305 mm) o.c. for 1/2” (12.7 mm) or 16” (406 mm) o.c. for
5/8” (15.9 mm) thickness. Board should be applied perpendicular to framing.
Fasteners shall be spaced 6” (152 mm) o.c. for walls and ceilings for wood and metal framing. Do not countersink. Drive
fasteners flush with grey coated surface. See Fastener Guide for proper selection.
Do not use DensShield panels as a base for nailing and mechanical fastening.
In all corners, apply self-adhesive 2” (51 mm) wide fiberglass mesh tape and imbed with a bead of flexible sealant. Bed tape on
all joints and corners with material used to set tiles.
Caulk or seal fixture/plumbing penetrations and abutments to dissimilar materials.
Do not use all-purpose joint compound or paper tape in wet areas.
In areas outside the shower where DensShield Tile Backer meets gypsum board: (1) If the tiles fall over the DensShield Tile
Backer-to-gypsum board joint, apply 2” (51 mm) wide fiberglass mesh tape and skim with tile setting material (Type I mastic
ANSI 136.1 or latex modified thin-set ANSI A118.4). (2) If the tiles stop before the DensShield Tile Backer-to-gypsum board
joint, apply 2” (51 mm) wide fiberglass mesh tape and skim with setting type joint compound to achieve a smooth and paintable
surface. (3) For areas that will not be exposed directly to moisture, all-purpose joint compound may be used.
Do not install vapor barriers directly behind DensShield panels. DensShield has a built-in moisture barrier; a #15 felt behind the
DensShield is permissible if required by local code jurisdiction.
Do not use DensShield as a radiant barrier behind fireplaces.
Not for exterior use.
Do not apply DensShield directly to concrete or masonry block.
Framing or furring of the wall is necessary.
A. DensShield Tile Backer
B. Tile adhesive
C. Tiles
D. Wood or min. 20-gauge (33 mils) metal framing
E. Flexible sealant into min. 1/8” (3 mm) gap
F. Bathtub
G. Fiberglass mesh tape