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How to Cut FRP Paneling

C.L. Rease

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) paneling is a durable wall covering. During the FRP installation process, the panels must be cut to fit on the wall. The composition of FRP panels requires the use of special carbide tipped saw blades to perform the cut.

Proper safety equipment is essential to guard against flying debris, cuts and inhaling the FRP dust.

  1. Put on your safety glasses, particulate respirator and leather gloves.

  2. Stretch the tape measure along the FRP sheet and place a mark along one edge of the FRP panel with the carpenter’s pencil at the length you need to cut. Repeat the process to place a corresponding mark on the opposite edge of the FRP sheet.

  3. Lay the FRP panel flat on a table that is large enough to support the entire length of the FRP panel.

  4. Snap a line between the two pencil marks with the chalk line.

  5. Secure the carbide circular saw blade to the circular saw.

  6. Pull the marked line over the edge of the table.

  7. Align the carbide circular saw blade with the chalk line that you snapped in the previous step, depress the trigger of the circular saw and slowly push the blade into the FRP panel.

  8. Slowly push the carbide blade across the FRP panel, while keeping the blade aligned with the chalk line.

  9. Place the sharp edge of the utility against the cut edge of the FRP, tilt the blade on a 15-degree angle and drag the knife along the cut to remove any burr remaining from the cutting process. Do not push the blade along the cut--this will damage the FRP panel.

The Drip Cap

  • Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) paneling is a durable wall covering.
  • Proper safety equipment is essential to guard against flying debris, cuts and inhaling the FRP dust.
  • Snap a line between the two pencil marks with the chalk line.
  • Align the carbide circular saw blade with the chalk line that you snapped in the previous step, depress the trigger of the circular saw and slowly push the blade into the FRP panel.