Crown Performance Panels need to be stored flat, on a dry, well drained, level platform, under shelter and otherwise protected.  Steel straps should be cut and the forming surface on the top panel covered.  Avoid exposure of the panel surface to direct sunlight and rain, to minimize surface degradation.  Ensure panels are properly cleaned prior to stacking or storage.

Crown Performance Panels can be readily worked, with good quality hand or power tools (carbide tipped saw blades are recommended).  Panels should be fixed to forming members with screws.  If concrete appearance is a factor, screws should be countersunk and filled.  Panel joint leakage or details can be reduced by filling joints with a suitable sealant between panel edges (please consult your sealant supplier for the proper product for your application).  While panels are edged sealed at the factory, any field cuts or holes that expose wood need to be resealed with a minimum of two coats of high quality polyurethane varnish to reduce moisture absorption.

Crown 43, Crown 44 and Crown 48 are factory coated with Nox-Crete water based chemically active release agent. For safety and transportation reasons, Crown HDO and Crown Alkamax are not factory coated with Nox-Crete release agent. The use of Nox-Crete or equivalent release agents is highly recommended, and with high alkaline concrete mixes, your release agent supplier can suggest a proper range of release agents for improved panel life span. Before first use, and after each pour, Nox-Crete or an equivalent chemically active release agent must be applied to all Crown concrete form panels. Do not use any form release agents that contain diesel fuel, solvents or engine oil. These will degrade the overlay surface and will negatively affect performance. Special caution must be taken with Melamine HDO panels such as our Crown Alkamax series, as they become slippery when wet.

Crown Performance Panels are resistant to abrasion and impact. However, as with any surface, it can be damaged through improper use. The rate of pour and slump factor of the concrete must be limited to that assumed in the design of the form. To minimize form damage, rubber tipped vibrators are recommended and should be used for consolidation only. Vibrators should never be used for moving concrete horizontally in the forms. Avoid aiming the concrete directly at formwork panels when pumping. This can cause abrasion and damage to the overlay surface.

With proper release treatment, stripping forms is easy.  Do not force panels with metal pry bars, or allow panels to be dropped and mis-handled.  The use of wooden wedges is recommended to loosen panels.  Clean panels right after stripping prior to the hardening of residue.  Use non-scratching tools such as stiff non-metallic brushes and plastic or wood scrapers.  Once cleaned, remove all nails and screws, re-oil panels, and stack face to face to prevent rapid drying of the wood and overlay surface.