Features of using PVC panels in the bathroom
PVC panels have recently begun to gain popularity. This finishing material has a rectangular shape, and it is made of polyvinyl chloride - a colorless transparent plastic. Photos of decorative panels for the bathroom can be seen below.
The chocolate shade of PVC panels makes the interior more elegant, and the installation method helps to visually expand the space
Advantages of the material
The advantages of PVC finishing include:
- Economical. The affordable price allows you to use this material even with a limited renovation budget. The cost of panels depends on the quality of workmanship and decorative elements.
- Compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards. The panels practically do not absorb odors and are easily cleaned of dust and dirt with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water.
- Moisture resistance.
- Easy to install and dismantle. The panels are fastened using a screwdriver or a construction stapler. You can install them yourself. The process of decorating a bathroom with plastic panels is demonstrated in the photo.
- Ability to hide communications. Sewage and water pipes can be hidden under the finishing. This option must be thought through at the planning stage, and then a box for the pipes must be made.
- Fire safety. A short circuit may occur in a room with high humidity levels. In such a situation, under the influence of fire, the plastic will begin to melt, but the fire will not spread to it.
- High noise and heat insulation properties.
- Large selection of colors, designs, patterns. The surface of the plastic coating can imitate natural wood, stone, tile, or photo wallpaper.
Thanks to plastic panels you can create a stylish modern interior in the bathroom at a low cost
Disadvantages of plastic finishing
The disadvantages of PVC finishing include:
- Low environmental friendliness.
- Fragility. If you press too hard on the material during installation, cracks may occur.
- Harmful effects on the human body. We are talking only about the cheapest models of panels that emit phenol into the air.
- Simple design. Ceramic tiles look more expensive and more impressive than most PVC models. Plastic design options for the bathroom can be seen in the photo.
- Reducing the usable area of the bathroom. PVC finishing is not recommended in small spaces.
PVC panels help visually make ceilings higher
Pros and cons of using plastic panels
The main advantage of plastic, in addition to its low cost, is practicality:
- The material is moisture-resistant and does not become stained if drops of water fall on it.
- High-quality plastic does not absorb or emit odors.
- The panels are undemanding in maintenance.
- Repairs in a bathroom with PVC panels are carried out literally in a day, after which the room can be used immediately.
- The installation features of plastic wall structures make it possible to hide utility lines behind them.
- Plastic has a variety of designs and looks impressive in modern-style interiors; it is suitable for the design of a small bathroom.
The disadvantages include:
- Fragility. A strong blow or impact with a sharp object threatens the appearance of cracks or through holes, and when pressed with a finger, dents are easily formed.
- PVC products can hardly be called environmentally friendly, although high-quality plastic does not emit toxins.
- Condensation is inevitable if you use plastic panels in the bathroom. Good ventilation is necessary to prevent mold from appearing on the walls.
How to choose high-quality PVC panels
The first thing you should pay attention to when buying plastic panels is their price. Products that are truly strong, durable and do not pose a health hazard cannot be cheap.
The panels must be smooth - without waves or bends, with intact, undamaged edges, otherwise a perfect joint will not work and water will seep into the cracks. It’s not hard to guess what this means in the bathroom.
Products with good strength characteristics should have a thickness of 1 cm or more, as well as the maximum number of stiffeners.
To make the bathroom decoration with plastic panels pleasing to the eye, you also need to evaluate the design of the material. The profiles must be from the same batch, otherwise some copies will differ in color or pattern.
For a small room, it is better to choose light panels without relief or texture. Glossy types of plastic are preferable to matte ones.
When decorating a spacious bathroom with PVC panels, plastic profiles with a pattern or ornament are suitable.
Three ways to install plastic panels
Plastic finishing of a bathroom can be done in three ways:
- Fastening to the sheathing. In this case, the panels are fixed to a wooden or metal frame using a stapler or ordinary nails. A convenient option that allows you to hide uneven walls and water pipes, which are sewn into a separate box. Bathroom design benefits significantly from the absence of visible communications.
- Fastening with mounting clamps. In this case, the panels are “fastened” to the sheathing of plastic slats with special “locks”, which significantly speed up installation. It is also much easier to disassemble such a structure if necessary. The use of a frame when decorating a bathroom with PVC panels is justified if the room has a large area. A few extra centimeters “eaten up” by the overhead strips will not be noticeable.
- Glue method. The panels are attached directly to the wall using liquid nails, and are additionally secured with dowels along the top and bottom edges. Other types of adhesive solutions are also used. The instructions usually indicate whether a particular mixture is suitable for plastic. The gluing method is energy-intensive, but quite justified when it comes to small spaces.
Video: Finishing bathroom walls with plastic panels in 1 day
Types and sizes of PVC finishing
The classification and requirements for PVC products for internal cladding are set out in GOST 19111–2001. From the variety of panels produced, we will highlight the main criteria by which products are classified.
By purpose:
- Wall. The thickness of the products is from 8 to 12 mm.
- Ceiling. This cladding is available in thicknesses from 5 to 8 mm.
Width:
- Rack (lining): strips with a width of 12 to 30 cm.
- Sheet cladding or wide panels: width from 30 to 50 cm.
According to invoice:
- Smooth. As a rule, these are colored products or stripes with a pattern applied using photo printing.
- Embossed or textured. This cladding imitates various textures, most often tiles or mosaics. Embossed seams allow you to imitate tile laying as accurately as possible.
All types of PVC cladding materials have grooves for interlocking the two strips. Depending on the joint formed, the material is divided into three types:
- Seamless connection.
- Lamels with a chamfer to highlight the seam.
- Relief lining, the joint in which is masked when connected.
Finishing a bathroom with PVC panels is considered a cosmetic renovation option. But that doesn't mean cheap finishes can't be attractive. Modern technologies make it possible not only to produce plastic of any shade, but also to apply almost any design or pattern, and even a three-dimensional image, onto it. Therefore, plastic finishing looks very nice, as can be seen from the photo selection of options for decorating a bathroom using PVC panels.
Types of PVC panels
If you intend to cover your bathroom with plastic sheets, you should decide on their types:
- Wall. The most common. Also suitable for ceilings, only here thinner modifications are used (density up to 5 mm). For walls we use stronger versions. Their thickness lies in the range of 7 -12 mm. These types have a huge range of colors, images, textures and imitations of other coatings, such as wood.
Their geometric shape is an elongated rectangle. In the design, two parts are connected by ribs. There are locks along the edges for fastening together.
- Tiled. Shapes: square, rectangle. There are versions with and without connecting pins; with one or many layers; flat and swollen; with and without adhesive base; with decorative components and imitation of other materials. This type has a wide choice of external texture and better strength due to smaller parameters.
- Lining. Imitates the appearance and width of real lining. The length is 6 m.
Structure: two layers that hold the lintels together; there is a locking mechanism, as in item 1.
The assortment includes products of various tones and colors. The seam is always visible.
The material is durable and versatile. I recommend it for laying long lines horizontally.
- Leafy. They have a texture that creates an imitation of tiles or mosaics. There are variations with plot and photographic images.
The material is characterized by relief, which duplicates the appearance of wood, brick and other materials. It doesn't have a docking lock. It must be mounted on a smooth base, usually with glue. The process is easy and fast.
The bathroom can be decorated with plastic panels on the walls and ceiling. Use any type you like and that is suitable, taking into account the quality, external texture and installation method.
To size
Wall models have different thicknesses, but better preserve the geometry of the version with a parameter of 7-8 mm. The optimal length is 2.5 - 3 m. Width - 25 - 37.5 cm. Sheet modifications have a length of 98 - 120 cm, width - 48 - 98 cm, density - 3-5 mm.
Tiled ones most often have a square shape, and their sides are equal. Dimensional variations range from 30 to 100 cm. In single-layer products the density is 3 mm, in structural products it is 15 mm. Lining can be purchased in the following parameters: width – 10 cm, length – up to 6 m, thickness – 8-10 mm.
Facial image strength
Before installing PVC panels in the bathroom, I recommend studying their types according to the indicated criterion:
Thermal printing. Used in 80% of products. The film is transferred thermally. And the image appears on the outside of the lamella. The print replaces the varnish, creating a smooth base. For this reason, the models do not require varnishing. They are susceptible to wear and sunlight. I recommend using them in rooms protected from the sun and in a temperate climate. Examples: utility rooms, dressing rooms, corridors. These types have a variety of painting palettes. And this is their main advantage.
- Offset printing. Here the engraving is copied with a roller and rolled along the outer plane. This creates the appearance of marble, but does not produce distinct figures.
Strengths: high wear resistance: significant texture retention period (10 years); no fading; the presence of relief and an elegant outer layer.
- Laminated models. They are distinguished by the highest strength and price. The outer area is finished as follows: a painted, textured and structural film is glued. It forms a defensive layer from external aggressive influences. And the product is endowed with increased wear resistance and is suitable for use in any room.
- Plain. They may or may not be varnished. They come in matte and semi-matte finishes. Typically used for ceilings.
The unvarnished subspecies are the least durable. They also quickly fade from the sun, nicotine and other air impurities.
Lacquered options have a decorative function and are resistant to such influences, and have a long service life.
- Products to which coloring pigments are added directly during the production process. Since the entire mass is covered with paint and there are no decorative components, they are characterized by durability. They may have a varnished finish.
Where to start repairs
It is best to decide before the renovation where the communications will go, after which they will disappear under the panels and it will be much more difficult to carry out any work. It is also necessary to take care of expanding the bathroom; the sheathing along with the panels hides part of the space. How to prepare a bathroom for finishing with plastic panels with your own hands can be seen in the training video.
Expansion of space
Where to start with DIY paneling using PVC panels for the bathroom? Before starting repairs, it is recommended to remove the old layer of plaster from the walls. This will not add extra centimeters, but will allow you to equalize the ratio of the thickness of the walls - the panels together with the sheathing will take up about the same amount of space as plaster together with the old finish.
Space savings depend on the thickness of the plaster layer. Taking into account one wall, this seems like too little of an achievement, but when moved to the entire area of the bathroom, there may be enough free space for a narrow cabinet or hanging shelf. Considering the dimensions of the premises in houses built during the Soviet period, even a few extra centimeters are important.
In Khrushchev-era buildings, the plaster is often made from sand and lime, so removing it from the walls will be quite easy. Dust will become a much bigger problem during the repair process, but you can save yourself from it by using a respirator and safety glasses during your work. In order not to stain the bathtub, it is better to cover it with film.
Pipe replacement
Before installing plastic panels in the bathroom, it is better to completely replace the old pipes. Why is this needed:
- An old, rusty pipeline can leak at any time. If the pipes are hidden behind the panels, in the event of an accident it will be more difficult to fix the problem; you will have to dismantle part of the wall, and this takes time, effort and money.
- It is better to replace the old ones with plastic or metal-plastic pipes. They don't rust.
- Since old pipes are already at least a few centimeters away from the walls, the thickness of the sheathing for plastic panels will be greater. As a result, the bathroom area will be noticeably reduced, which is unlikely to have a positive effect on comfort.
In addition, new pipes will last much longer than old ones, and modern materials are more wear-resistant.
Wiring
Modern bathrooms cannot do without sockets; they are necessary for a washing machine, shower stalls with electronic filling, hair dryer, electric razor, etc. Switches will also be required, especially if there are several levels of lighting. Therefore, even before covering the bathroom with plastic panels, you need to determine exactly where the wires will come out.
But the process of installing sockets and switches in PVC plates is no different from the same on drywall. To better understand how to install wiring under plastic panels in the bathroom and install everything you need during renovation, you can watch the video with instructions.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yKRbGKGd74c
Installation methods
Before you go to the store for finishing materials, you need to take measurements. Calculate the total surface area that will be decorated with plastic. Its width is multiplied by its height. From the resulting number, subtract the area of doorways and windows, if any in the room. The latter are certainly rare for rooms in Khrushchev-era buildings, but in a private house the bathroom may even have several of them. It is also worth removing the bathtub area from the general meaning if it is adjacent to the wall and the repair does not involve its dismantling. After the calculations are completed, they go for the material. There are two ways to install PVC panels:
Adhesive (frameless) | The panels are attached directly to the wall. |
Frame | A special sheathing is installed under the material. |
In addition to a set of tools for work, you will also need:
- Floor and ceiling skirting boards;
- Corners.
These materials perform a decorative function, but without them the interior design will seem unfinished.
Required Tools
The list of tools for finishing a bathroom with polyvinyl chloride panels includes:
- Drill, hacksaw, screwdriver;
- Construction level, tape measure, pencil, square;
- Screws and dowels;
- Construction adhesive, screws or clamps;
- Wooden bars or metal sheathing;
- Sealant for processing joints.
The list may be expanded. The set of tools depends on the method of attaching the panels to the wall surface.
Frame method
This type of installation is not suitable for small rooms. The frame will inevitably “eat up” valuable centimeters. Typically, this method is chosen for finishing the ceiling. As mentioned above, the material has a special structure (no pores), so it will not become a breeding ground for harmful organisms. But, if there are voids under the panels, then entire colonies of bacteria and mold can settle in them over time. In addition, in the presence of a frame, the risk of damage to the material increases significantly; it becomes more fragile, without having a solid surface underneath it. One of the obvious advantages is the ability of the lathing to hide obvious defects in the wall: it can mask their unevenness or curvature.
Finishing work is divided into several stages:
- Applying markings and installing the first slats. The future sheathing is constructed from wooden or metal bars. For a bathroom, it is better to choose the latter, since wood is less durable and susceptible to rotting. The main line is drawn horizontally along the entire perimeter of the room. Focusing on it, attach the first rail using dowels. A second one is installed at the bottom near the floor in a similar way. They will be used as a basis for further work.
- Fastening additional rails. The optimal distance between them is considered to be 50 cm. Before installing additional slats, check their “horizontalness” using a level.
- Fastening moldings. They are necessary for masking joints in the corners.
After work on the frame is completed, installation of plastic panels begins. The process begins with the wall that is always visible (far). The material is attached to the sheathing with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver. The panels are inserted into the corners (moldings) and screwed to the frame. There are special grooves on the sides of each that allow you to connect them together. To ensure better adhesion, they are lightly tapped with a hammer.
Adhesive cladding method
The adhesive method does not have all the disadvantages of the frame method, but is associated with additional finishing work: putty and primer of the surface. The first is carried out only if necessary, it does not belong to the mandatory preparatory stages. If the walls have obvious unevenness, chips or damage, then applying putty is indispensable. Defects are smoothed out and the surface is leveled. After the putty has dried, the wall is primed to ensure good adhesion to the glue. Panels are cut if necessary before installation.
A layer of glue is applied pointwise to the surface of the wall (so-called “liquid nails”). At the same time, try not to cover up the places where the panel seams will be located, since the substance may leak through them. As in the glue method, it is necessary to monitor how smoothly the material lies on the surface. The process is completed by installing the framing profile.
Equipment and additional elements
We will discuss how to calculate the number of panels and additional elements below, but now we will tell you what is included in the package for finishing walls with PVC panels. Select the appearance and specific dimensions taking into account the parameters of the panels.
Name | Brief description and purpose |
Universal corner | It looks like a plate bent at an angle of 90°. Used for finishing internal and external corners of the room. |
Ceiling and floor plinth | Complex profile, part is installed under the panels, the outer side hides uneven cuts or surfaces. |
Outer corner | Consists of a corner, the inner part is wider than the outer. Hides unevenness of the outer corner. |
Inner corner | Differs from the external one in the width of the sides. The wide one is installed under the slats, the outer narrow one hides the unevenness of the inner corner. |
Connecting profile | Allows you to connect lamellas without a lock, used if the length of the lamellas is insufficient for finishing the surface |
Start/finish profile | Installed first and last, sometimes can be used instead of a universal or special corner. |
F-profile | Installed at junctions, can be used as a platband. |
Sheathing mounting strip | The supporting element of the frame can be plastic or made of metal profiles. |
Klyammer | Made of metal, it presses the panel to the mounting plate. Allows you to dismantle panels without losing factory quality. |
pvc panels for bathroom
The panels are fixed with self-tapping screws with a press washer, staples using a stapler, clamps or liquid nails. The choice of method depends on the materials used to manufacture the supporting frame and the quality of the walls and ceilings.
Methods for installing PVC panels on walls
Calculation features
Decorating walls with plastic panels requires preliminary calculations. Calculations concern absolutely all stages of work. Thanks to this, it will be possible to avoid possible problems, as well as save money and time.
Frame:
- The location of the profiles must be taken into account. The location can be horizontal or vertical. This will depend on the installation of PVC panels. In any case, they will always be perpendicular to the sheathing posts.
- The distance between them should also be taken into account, which is usually from 30 to 45 cm. From all this, the required number of frame parts plus two profiles along the edges of the wall surface is calculated.
Fasteners:
- The number of clamps per square meter of surface is from 20 to 25 pieces.
- The number of dowel nails should be taken into account in increments of 35-50 cm.
Panels:
- You need to measure the size of the wall, as well as the selected panel. One indicator is divided by the other, resulting in the required amount.
- Panels in the form of tiles must be calculated based on square meters.
All other moldings and parts must also be included. For the calculation, the entire perimeter of the walls of the room is measured, the number of internal and external corners is taken into account.
It is important to note that all calculations must be made with a margin of 10%. This reserve is due to the possibility of various damage to the product or other unforeseen circumstances. It is also worth considering window and door openings.
Style selection
Marine style is considered traditional for the bathroom. It most clearly reflects the functional purpose of the room. A combination of white and blue is usually used in wall decoration. The texture of the panels can imitate sand, small pebbles or water surface. High tech prefers imitation steel, and Provence prefers aged wood. In designs with more expensive decor, special panels are purchased that are assembled in the manner of a mosaic. A drawing is applied to their surface: dolphins, starfish, skates, jellyfish and other inhabitants of the depths. For a romantic atmosphere, panels with appropriate images are used: roses, irises, tulips, orchids. Japanese style always includes pagodas and branches of cherry blossoms. For timeless classics, choose panels with floral patterns and imitation stucco around the perimeter. In minimalism, only monochromatic options in calm shades are allowed: white, gray, blue. In small bathrooms it is better to use light, modern trends, where designers choose functionality at the expense of the complexity of finishing. In spacious rooms, you can experiment by dividing them into zones (bath, toilet, washbasin) using different finishing textures.
Design options
The panels with the drawings transferred to them are coated with varnish. The result is a matte, smooth and silky or glossy surface - a wear-resistant and durable varnished canvas.
The material is laminated on top with a decorative film that imitates natural material. The design on laminated panels does not wear off.
Interesting but expensive panels with 3D photo printing: gypsum stucco, tiles, stone, natural compositions.
Neat self-adhesive mirror PVC tiles instead of glass surfaces - inexpensive and less fragile.
For the bedroom and living room, choose panels with silk-screen printing in a calm and neutral color.
More often, panels are purchased in white, beige and peach, cream or soft pink, light chocolate and caramel tones.
From the original paintings, choose the color of bronze, gold and silver with sparkles.
Ceiling methods
Installation of panels on a rough ceiling
The rough ceiling does not require special preparation. The finishing elements are laid as follows:
- Treat the surface. Antiseptic compounds are applied to the base and left until dry. It is recommended to install a waterproofing material, such as polyethylene film. The joints are taped.
- Measure the distances between walls located opposite each other. The skirting boards are cut so that when two parts are combined, an angle of 45° is formed. It is not recommended to fasten the part with self-tapping screws. When installed on an uneven surface, the additional element will sag. Liquid nails are used for fixation. At this stage, only 3 skirting boards are installed, the fourth is installed after laying the cladding.
- Panels are cut. The element fits into the plinth by 2 cm. Having measured the distance between the walls, add 1.5 cm to the resulting value. The remaining 0.5 cm makes installation easier.
- Re-measure the ceiling. If there are minor errors, they are eliminated by changing the size of the gaps between the lamellas. It is recommended to align the panels in hidden places. Open areas must have smooth joints.
- The end of the lamella is inserted into one plinth. The element is slightly bent and the second end is inserted into the opposite profile. The long side is inserted into the third plinth.
- Pressing the lamellas tightly against each other, they are fixed with staples. The more tightly the elements are installed, the stronger the connections will be. When fixing on an uneven ceiling, pieces of plastic are placed under the end of the panel. This will help prevent cracks from appearing.
- After installing the entire elements, measure the width of the uncovered part of the ceiling. Taking into account the obtained value, the material is cut using the previously selected method.
- The lamella is inserted into 2 skirting boards. One edge is connected into a lock, the second is secured separately. The element is fixed with liquid nails or self-tapping screws.
- The fourth plinth is removed from the base part. The remaining part is treated with glue and installed on the wall.
Installation of panels to the ceiling on a metal frame
This method is used when finishing an uneven ceiling yourself. The work is carried out as follows:
- Mark the installation locations of the supporting profiles. The parts are placed in increments of 0.5 m. If there are pronounced irregularities, hangers are used. They are mounted in the same way as on the walls.
- 3 skirting boards are glued using liquid nails. If there are no right angles, the cuts will have to be adjusted. The plinth is attached both to the wall and to the metal frame. After applying the plastic element, it is removed for 2-3 minutes. After reinstallation, the correct position is checked with a level. The corners are sealed with sealant.
- The ends of the lamellas are inserted into the baseboards. The finishing material is laid along the long side of the ceiling. This reduces the number of cuts and waste. The plastic sheathing is attached to the profiles with self-tapping screws. To prevent the screwdriver bit from coming off from damaging the finish, place a metal spatula on the ceiling when screwing.
- The finishing panel is cut, taking into account the dimensions of the uncovered part of the ceiling. The back side of the fourth plinth is removed. The remaining parts are lubricated with glue and pressed to the base. After the glue has dried, they proceed to placing the lighting fixtures.
Fastening plastic panels to the ceiling in the bathtub.
How to install panels when mounted on a ceiling diagonally
This idea is difficult to implement. Installing the frame and adjusting the cladding elements is a labor-intensive process. The work is carried out as follows:
- Determine the area of the base and the longest length of the lamella. To do this you need to measure the diagonal of the ceiling. The volume of waste when using this installation method increases, so the material is purchased with a reserve.
- 3 skirting boards are installed in the standard way. When the glue dries, the height of the additional elements should not change.
- The end of the panel is cut at an angle of 45°. The second end of the lamella is cut off at the same slope. The result will be a starting element with the shortest length. It is installed in the corner.
- Measure the length of most of the installed part. This is how the length of the shorter side of the second element is determined. Markings are applied to the panel and cuts are made. Use the same method to cut and fasten the remaining parts. You can see what the ceiling will look like in the photo.
Step-by-step installation instructions
- Level the wall surface;
- If necessary, prime the walls;
- Dry the walls;
- Prepare glue, liquid nails or foam;
Apply glue to the entire inner surface of the panel;
- Place the layer or slab evenly on the surface;
- Press lightly onto the surface;
- Leave to dry for 30-40 minutes;
At this time, install panels in other places on the bathtub walls;
- When the first sheets are fixed, continue gluing the rest;
- Install moldings in the corners;
- Where pipes and radiators exit, prepare slabs with specific dimensions and cuts.
Anyone can decorate bathroom walls in 1 day with plastic panels.
– you don’t need any special skills or knowledge for this. Inexpensive DIY bathroom renovations are a reality.
And it is possible thanks to inexpensive and beautiful, as well as reliable building materials - plastic panels.
Features of installing panels on the ceiling
Let's get acquainted with the specifics of installing PVC panels on the ceiling. The very first and most fundamental thing to decide is the distance between the cladding and the ceiling. When making your decision, consider the type of lighting fixtures you are going to install. If the lamps are built-in, leave at least 10-15 cm. A space will be created behind the panels where all the wiring will be hidden. The locations of spotlights should be marked with a pencil. After this, we cut out the holes and install the lamp bases.
The nuances of finishing ceiling panels
Decorative slabs 20-25 cm wide with a glossy surface are used to cover the ceiling. You can't do without a frame.
It is installed according to marks on the surface of the walls. They are easy to make using a water level. The starting point is applied to one wall, and then at the corners. The marks are connected into assembly lines.
A bathroom in light gray looks beautiful and very free
The ceiling frame is made of spruce or pine slats measuring 20x40 mm or 20x50 mm. To fasten the slats, U-shaped hangers are used, which are placed every 40-50 cm. The frame for the lamps is additionally strengthened.
Installation begins with screwing the baseboard to the frame. Then the decorative slats are inserted under the baseboard on one side, and then on the other and attached to the sheathing with screws.
Easy to install yourself, without turning to specialists for help
During installation, the electrical wires are routed outside. The installation is completed by treating the seams with silicone sealant.
It is better to install ceiling tiles diagonally and use screws with a press washer, because the bathroom atmosphere is characterized by high humidity and temperature changes.
Green plastic panels in bathroom decoration
Secrets of frameless cladding
Before frameless installation of PVC, it is necessary to level and prime the surface of the walls. For fastening, use liquid nails, taking into account the consumption of 1-2 standard cans per 5-6 sq. m. m or.
In a small bathroom, the interior in light colors visually expands your space
The adhesive is applied to the slab in dots with a distance of 5-10 cm from the edge. The dots are arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
Installation is carried out from the corner clockwise. It is applied to the surface with little force, because the panels are “afraid” of large mechanical impacts.
The advantage of plastic is elegance, reliability and durability
Almost immediately the decorative sheet is detached from the wall surface to allow the glue to dry. After 5-10 minutes the panel is finally installed in place. The upper and lower edges are additionally secured with dowels.
Compliance with this technology is mandatory so that there is no distortion of the following stripes.
Construction of a supporting frame for plastic panels
A very important step when finishing with plastic panels in the bathroom is the construction of a supporting frame - a structural unit intended for fastening materials. After all, the outcome of all finishing activities largely depends on the quality of its manufacture.
Both wooden slats and specialized metal profiles can be used as materials for the manufacture of the supporting frame. Whereas the choice in favor of the most acceptable option should be made based on the individual characteristics of the object and actual operating conditions.
Design and decoration of plastic panels video lessons
The use of wooden blocks as the starting material is a less labor-intensive undertaking, because in this case the sheathing is simply attached to the surface of the enclosing structure using dowels and self-tapping screws. However, such an arrangement can only be allowed if there are perfectly smooth walls in the bathroom. And as a building material, use exclusively dry, smooth, knot-free slats.
If the base foundations have significant deviations from vertical or horizontal planes, then a more acceptable option is to assemble the frame using metal profiles, which are attached to the enclosing structures using adjustable hangers. In addition, such a layout allows you to easily arrange all kinds of insulators and utility elements (lighting, piping, ventilation).
Plastic panels in the bathroom interesting photo design ideas
However, regardless of the type of materials used during the assembly of the supporting frame, it is advisable to follow certain recommendations:
- The frame elements should be fastened to the base bases using high-quality fasteners, ensuring high rigidity of the system (the spacing of the fastening points should vary from 30 to 50 cm);
- The spacing of the profiles should ensure the subsequent rigidity of the wall modules (the optimal range is from 40 to 60 cm);
- To strengthen the structure, additional jumpers made of profiles or wooden blocks can be used.
How to choose the right plastic panels
When choosing plastic panels, take into account the following characteristics:
Plastic panels in the bathroom.
- Strength of the material. Before purchasing, the lamella is squeezed with your fingers near the end. Expensive panels are not always durable. Quality depends on the raw materials used and manufacturing technology. You cannot buy soft panels; if damaged, it will be difficult to replace them.
- Matching pattern. The application of complex multi-colored patterns requires careful control at all stages of production. When installing low-quality panels, the pictures may not match. If ceramic tiles are adjusted to match patterns, then the same cannot be done with plastic. It will not be possible to check the material in the store. You need to warn the seller that an inspection will be carried out at the home.
- No gaps at joints. Sometimes when juxtaposing panels, gaps of uneven width remain. This deficiency becomes more pronounced in bright light.
- Thickness of elements. This parameter must be the same over the entire area. Combine the two panels and see if there are differences at the junctions. If they are present, the panels are defective. This will ruin the appearance of the wall in the future.
- Plasticity of the material. If the panels are made from recycled PVC, they will be damaged during installation.
Advantages of finishing and renovating a bathroom with plastic panels
The most important advantages of modern plastic cladding panels, which are used as bathroom finishing, include:
- high level of moisture resistance;
- the ability to act as reliable protection for wall and ceiling surfaces of the bathroom;
- increased practicality and suitability for cleaning facing materials with non-abrasive cleaning agents;
- the ability to perform independent installation without a lot of waste;
- democratic cost of finishing materials and components;
- excellent soundproofing qualities;
- a wealth of choice of colors and shades;
- possibility of making matte, glossy or textured cladding.
A fairly wide selection of products, differing not only in design, but also in size, allows you to choose the best option for cladding while minimizing waste when cutting the material.
Before purchasing, you need to take into account that plastic is characterized by relative fragility, a low level of resistance to mechanical damage, as well as insufficient environmental friendliness and the presence of toxic components in its composition.
Interesting design ideas
Every owner of an apartment or country house wants his home to have a unique design that will attract attention and surprise guests. To do this, you can familiarize yourself with design examples or seek help from a professional designer who will offer different options.
Before choosing a design, you should study its features:
Most people think that plastic panels are a cheap option that only comes in one color and looks boring. However, manufacturers offer original decorative options that are ready to diversify the interior of the room.
You can often find a bathroom lined with plastic panels in a minimalist style. This interior implies a minimum number of items along with free space. It should contain clear lines and restrained shades. To make the interior look complete, it is recommended to add metal and glass accessories.
The rustic style and country style look beautiful. The interior suggests that it will use natural elements, but plastic allows you to imitate a similar atmosphere. When using PVC panels with wood imitation, you should take a responsible approach to the choice of other elements. Designers recommend choosing simple pieces of furniture made of wood. Spotlights should be replaced with a chandelier that matches the style.
Provence is considered the spirit of simplicity and comfort. Such an interior is easily created by covering it with plastic panels. The interior should be created in light pastel colors, the furniture should be simple. You can complement your bathroom with ceramic and porcelain decor, as well as floral-themed patterns.
Many owners of houses and apartments decide to combine a variety of color options. This solution allows you to decorate the room in an unusual design. A combination of red and black, blue and pink, white and light green will look original. A Khrushchev building decorated in this style will look creative and modern.
Since the bathroom is a room in which a person takes water treatments and relaxes, decorating in a marine style will be relevant. For sale there are panels with drawings on similar topics (ocean, sea inhabitants, vegetation, etc.). It is also recommended to decorate the floors in a marine style.
Modern style involves choosing glossy white products. An interior decorated in this style makes it possible to refresh the bathroom and make it modern. Due to the shiny surface, you can visually enlarge the room and make it lighter. In a large room, you can use glossy panels of other shades. Red, blue or yellow products will look beautiful.
The panels can also be combined with different finishing materials. You can often find a bathroom where the lower part of the walls is covered with clapboard along with a plastered upper part.
You can line the walls with plastic panels with patterns, which should be combined in a certain order. Such products have an increased cost, but this is justified by the result obtained after covering. The room takes on a stylish and modern look. You can use panels with a pattern next to mirrors or in the shower. The remaining walls should have a uniform surface.
It is allowed to use panels with different textures. They should be arranged in stripes, due to which the room acquires an original play of surfaces. Such techniques are relevant for large rooms with low ceilings. Due to this kind of play, the walls become visually higher, and the proportions of the room look organic.
Some buyers purchase PVC panels with a 3D pattern
The image will attract attention and transform the room. Due to the “volumetric” panel, you can visually increase the area of the room, adding an additional dimension
However, 3D panels can only be used in spacious bathrooms, since adequate perception of the picture occurs from a certain distance.
To learn how to decorate a bathroom with plastic panels, see the following video.