MSI Gold Rush 6" x 24" Ledger Panel

Technical Specifications

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: NATURAL SLATE LEDGER PROTOCOL

• Vertical Wall Application ONLY: Ledger panels feature heavy, variable-depth stone pieces and are engineered exclusively for vertical wall surfaces. Do NOT install on horizontal floors.

• Substrate & Weight Capacity: Natural slate ledger panels weigh approximately 8.5 to 10 lbs per square foot. Ensure the substrate is structurally sound. Install over cement backer board (ANSI A118.9), concrete masonry units (CMU), or prepared concrete walls. Do NOT install directly over drywall or plaster.

• Thinset Mortar Selection: Set using a heavy-duty, non-sag polymer-modified Large & Heavy Tile (LFT) thinset specified for vertical natural stone installs (ANSI A118.4 or ANSI A118.15 like MAPEI® Ultraflex LFT or LATICRETE® Multimax Lite).

• No Grout Required: Ledger panels are designed to be tightly dry-stacked without grout joints between individual stones or panel seam joints.

• 100% Back-Butter Mortar Coverage: Apply thinset to the wall substrate using a notched trowel AND fully back-butter the back of every panel to guarantee solid adhesion without voids.

Professional Recommendations

• Dry Lay & Shade Blending: Natural slate has inherent shade and texture variations (V4). Unbox and dry-lay panels from multiple boxes before setting to randomize copper, gold, and grey tones evenly.

• Corner Assembly: Use matching MSI Gold Rush 6x12x6 L-shaped corner panels for outside corners to eliminate exposed raw cut edges.

Care & Maintenance

• Sealing Requirements: Apply a high-quality impregnating stone sealer (such as Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator or Miracle 511 Enhance 'N' Seal) after installation. For exterior walls or outdoor kitchens exposed to rain, sealing prevents water penetration and rust oxidation.

• Enhancer vs. Natural Sealer: Use a standard penetrating sealer to keep the raw matte split-face finish, or use an enhancing sealer to deepen the rich copper, gold, and dark rust tones.

• Routine Cleaning: Dust interior walls with a soft brush or vacuum hose attachment. For exterior installations, hose down gently or brush using a neutral pH stone cleaner. Avoid pressure washing at high settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can MSI Gold Rush Ledger Panels be installed behind a wood stove or fireplace insert?

Yes. 100% natural slate is non-combustible and fire-resistant. However, ensure proper thinset mortar rated for heat exposure is used when setting panels near high-heat sources.

Can these panels be used in a wet shower enclosure?

While natural slate is water-resistant when properly sealed, the deep split-face 3D ridges create crevices that trap water and soap scum. They are generally not recommended for direct shower water spray zones due to cleaning difficulty, though they excel on dry bathroom feature walls.

Do I need to grout between the 6x24 panels?

No. Stacked stone ledger panels are engineered as a dry-stacked system. The panels fit together tightly with interlocking ends, eliminating the need for grout.