The Shield Installation Protocol: Securing the Hora Retozar SP3604

The difference between a kitchen upgrade that adds value and one that looks like a temporary patch lies entirely in the installation. The Hora Retozar SP3604 is a forgiving material in terms of durability, but it is unforgiving in terms of mechanics. It is a rigid, 24-by-30-inch plane of steel. It does not bend to accommodate a wavy wall, and it does not hide a crooked drill hole.

Many homeowners approach this installation with a casual “drill and fill” mentality, only to discover that their wall isn’t flat, their drill bit skidded, or—worst of all—they trapped debris behind the panel that creates a permanent, visible bulge. Installing this backsplash is less about carpentry and more about precision alignment. You are not just hanging a picture; you are integrating a heat shield into the operational center of your home. The goal is a seamless visual integration where the metal appears to be an extension of the range hood itself.

The Reversibility Trap and Surface Audit

Before a single tool is lifted, a critical audit of the material is required. The Hora Retozar SP3604 is marketed and technically designed as “reversible.” In theory, if you scratch one side during handling, you can simply flip it over. However, user field reports indicate a discrepancy between theory and manufacturing reality.

The manufacturing process often involves heavy steel rollers that flatten and brush the metal. On some batches, these rollers leave faint but distinct “manufacturing lines” or “chatter marks” on one side of the sheet—usually the side intended to face the wall. * The Inspection Ritual: Do not assume both sides are identical. Peel back the protective film (often blue or white) just enough at the corners to inspect the finish on both sides. * The Lighting Test: Hold the panel at an oblique angle to a light source. Look for repeating transverse lines or inconsistencies in the brush grain. Mark the pristine side clearly with a piece of painters tape. * The Edge Warning: Stamped stainless steel often retains a microscopic burr along the edges—a razor-sharp remnant of the shearing process. Always handle the raw panel with gloves until it is mounted. The blood of the installer should not be part of the kitchen renovation.

The Mounting Vector: Mechanical vs. Chemical

There are two primary schools of thought for mounting the SP3604: the Mechanical Anchor (screws) and the Chemical Bond (adhesive). The panel comes pre-drilled with four corner holes, suggesting the manufacturer’s preference, but the choice depends on your substrate.

Protocol A: Mechanical Anchor (The Standard)
This method allows for easy removal if you ever remodel.
1. Dry Fit: Place the panel against the wall. Use a level to ensure it is perfectly vertical, not just aligned with the stove (which might be crooked).
2. Pilot Mapping: Mark the four holes on the wall. Remove the panel.
3. Anchor Deployment: Drill pilot holes. If you are drilling into drywall, insert the plastic anchors. If you hit a stud, you can drive the screw directly.
4. The Torque Limit: When driving the included screws, stop before the head compresses the steel. Overtightening will cause the metal sheet to “oil can” or buckle, creating a distorted reflection. The screw should just kiss the surface.

Protocol B: Chemical Bond (The Permanent Fix)
If you dislike visible screw heads or have a hard backsplash (like granite) you don’t want to drill, construction adhesive is the alternative.
1. The Pattern: Apply high-heat silicone or construction adhesive in an “S” pattern on the back. Do not apply a continuous perimeter bead; trapped air needs to escape as you press it against the wall to ensure flatness.
2. The Tape Assist: Once pressed into place, the panel will want to slide down due to gravity before the glue cures. Use aggressive painters tape or temporary wooden shims between the stove and the panel to hold it in place for 24 hours.

The Grain Direction Mandate

The final step is often the most overlooked: the cleaning protocol. The “brushed” finish of the SP3604 has a specific grain direction—horizontal or vertical. When cleaning up fingerprints after installation, you must wipe with the grain, never across it. Wiping across the grain forces debris into the microscopic valleys of the steel texture, making them impossible to remove and dulling the shine over time. Use a specialized stainless steel cleaner or a simple microfiber cloth with warm water, following the lines of the metal like a record player needle in a groove.