PVC panels for the bathroom: advantages and disadvantages

Plastic trim is no longer a novelty. However, few people know how rich the assortment of PVC panels is, what their positive and negative sides are. In addition, they can dramatically change the interior of the bathroom.

PVC panels are a type of polymer materials for decoration. Such a panel is a sheet, the base of which is polyvinyl chloride coated with a varnish. This substance can be called truly unique, since it is used to make clothes, shoes, edging and coating for furniture, parts for household appliances, packaging, all kinds of films and sheets for decorating the ceiling and walls, as well as pipes and much more. This is possible due to its properties such as resistance to chemicals (alkalis, oils and some acids, solvents) and water, incombustibility. Such light and heat resistant material is a dielectric and lends itself well to processing.

Disputes repeatedly arise about the safety of using polyvinyl chloride. If high quality raw materials were used for its production, there is nothing to worry about. Toxins are usually released during the production of this compound, however, as well as during its disposal, therefore it is so important that the entire process takes place under close control.

As a cladding material for a bathroom, plastic in many respects can compete with all others, for example, ceramic tiles or plaster. Although it would be wrong to compare them completely, since they are still different in their physical characteristics.

Let's look at what are the advantages of PVC tiles.

• the conditions in the bathroom rarely exceed the maximum permissible, therefore, such a finish will serve for a very long time;
• the presence of an internal air gap (by the way, it can be filled with foams) allows you to improve sound and thermal insulation;
• do not allow the spread of flame (panels are non-combustible);

• a wide choice in color, type of coating and size of panels;
• safety (absence of emitted toxic substances in the presence of control at all stages of production);
• quick installation and ease of transportation (due to the low weight of the products);
• the ability to hide the imperfections of walls or ceilings, save on materials to level their surface, place mortise lamps on the surface, and hide the wiring inside;
• ease of cleaning and care;
• low price has become synonymous with affordability (compared to all the same tiles).

As we can see, the panels have a lot of advantages, which is why they are so popular.

Under the yoke of a positive impression, not every customer thinks that they also have weaknesses.

• low strength (this is due to the thinness of the fabric and low density);
• difficulties arise during installation if the plumbing is located close to the wall;
• in case of insufficient sealing of the joints and the appearance of cracks under the panel covering, condensation may accumulate, which contributes to the appearance of mold;
• a decrease in the usable area, since a special frame is needed to securely fix the panels - this finishing method is not suitable for narrow bathrooms, where the count goes by centimeters.

As already mentioned, there is a wide range of PVC panels.

All PVC panels for bathroom can be divided into:

• wall-mounted;
• ceiling.

They differ in parameters. Wall plastic panels are shorter and denser (thicker). Larger material (in the form of sheets) is more often used for wall decoration, so as not to create additional difficulties during installation.

Depending on the method of connecting the panels to each other, they can be divided into two types.

• Seamless. The connection takes place in such a way that the seams between them are almost invisible.
• Embossed. Some joining methods make the seams more visible. These include models with a chamfer, the location of which forms a kind of striped pattern.

According to the structure, the panels can be single-layer or so-called sandwich panels - they consist of two layers of polyvinyl chloride, between which a filler (expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam) is pumped. Multilayer panels, as a rule, withstand heavy loads (for this, stiffeners are inserted into them) and provide greater protection from cold and noise.

Depending on the size and shape, the panels can be divided into several types.

• Leafy - they have the most impressive dimensions. The thickness of such panels is small (3-6 mm), which makes it possible to install them in different ways, but at the same time makes them vulnerable, since even a minor blow can leave a dent or pierce it through.

• Rack - in fact, they can be called sheet, only narrower (they are even confused with lining). The dimensions of wall panels vary from 150 to 300 mm in width and up to 3000 mm in length. The thickness is about 6-10mm. Ceiling panels are thinner and longer (up to 10 meters). They are used most often because they are easier to mount than wider ones. And at the same time, their installation takes less time than smaller elements. The layout can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
• Tiled - their name speaks for itself. They can be either square or rectangular. The size on one side can be up to 1000 mm. Placing them on the wall takes more time, but gives a greater decorative effect, since you can combine products of different colors (like a mosaic). And the location can be different - straight or diagonal (relative to the floor), in even rows or with an offset.

It is impossible to give a complete dimensional grid, since domestic and foreign manufacturers have different standards. However, fitting to a certain size will not be a hassle. Having made the calculation and the corresponding marking, especially thin products can be cut even with a construction knife.

The palette of plastic panels corresponds to the world-renowned RaColor and RAL catalogs and can include both basic red, yellow, blue, black, and their various shades (more than two hundred items). Polyvinyl chloride itself is colorless, with a slight white tint. It acquires color by dyeing in production or by lamination.

Depending on the appearance, the panels can be divided into:

• plain;
• with drawing.

Elements with a picture can be:

• imitation of wood, metal, stone or any other material;
• pattern (floral, geometric);
• photo printing (they can be unrelated or make up a large panel);
• with splashes (for example, sparkles).

The surface of each element can be:

• smooth (matte, with a glossy sheen, metallic or mother-of-pearl effect);
• textured (like a tree or stone - if you run your hand over them, you can feel wood fibers, unevenness of minerals).

Separately, panels with a three-dimensional effect can be distinguished, which is achieved in two ways:

• using a graphic drawing;
• special convex parts of elements.

Despite the impression made, it is better to place them on one side so as not to overload the visual system.

Plastic can be of either low or high quality. Before purchasing, check that the seller has the necessary supporting documentation. The underestimated cost compared to the market average is a reason to think. It is important to consider the reviews and reputation of the manufacturer.

To test the strength, you need to press on the plastic or try to bend the corner. If stored improperly (for example, from exposure to sunlight), such products become fragile and may begin to crumble.

The first step is to pay attention to the surface of the panel. There should be no dents, scratches or other defects on it. The edges should be even, without chipping. Be sure to check how well the elements fit together. To do this, take samples and try to connect them.

In order for the canvas to lay down well, it must be perfectly flat. You can check this parameter by placing it on a flat surface, such as a table. If you see a gap between them, abandon the purchase. Particular attention should be paid to the drawing, if any. Check the brightness of the colors, if not on the entire package, then at least on two or three of the top ones. If a picture is to be formed from the panels, you need to make sure that all the details from it are in stock. The color must be uniform over the entire area.

When choosing a color, you need to take into account its properties such as the ability to reflect light. With the help of one color or another, you can visually change the size of the room. For a bathroom, this is very important (especially in Khrushchevs or other small apartments). Evaluate the lighting in the room. The glossy surface reflects light well, so it will be brighter in the room.

It is better to purchase additional elements in the form of baseboards and corners for them immediately, if you want their color to match. In addition, the choice is influenced by what function the panel will play. If you need to protect the walls from moisture, ordinary panels are enough. For insulation and sound insulation, it is better to give preference to the multilayer version with an intermediate filler. For a perfectly flat surface, sheets are suitable that provide for a seamless connection.

You can calculate the number of bathroom panels as follows:

• To do this, you need to calculate the area of ​​the working surface. For example, let's take a bathroom with walls 3 and 5 meters and a height of 2.5 meters.

  (3+5+3+5) *2,5=40.

• Then we calculate the area of ​​the door and subtract this value from the total area of ​​the walls.

  2,2*0,9=1,98

  40-1,98=38,02.

• As a result, we get a working area, which, in turn, needs to be divided by the area of ​​the panel. Imagine we are using panels 2500 mm high and 30 mm wide.

  2,5*0,3=0,75

  38.02 / 0.75 = 51 (rounded to the nearest integer).

• The material is always taken with a margin of 10%, since plastic is a rather fragile material. As a result, we need at least 56 panels. This number will increase if the length of the panels needs to be adjusted, for example, if you have selected an offset pattern.

In addition to panels, you need to calculate the amount of consumables.

• Start profile (UD). It will go along the perimeter of the room from above and below and along the contour of the door.

  (3+5+3+5) *2=32

  32+ (2,2+2,2+0,9) =37,3

  We add 10%. We need 41 meters of profile. It will be fastened with self-tapping screws with a pitch of 40 cm. Accordingly, we need 103 of them.

• Guides (CD).They run perpendicular to the UD profile in the corner (two in each) and parallel to it with a step of 50 cm.

  (2.5 + 2.5) * 4 = 20 meters for corner posts;

  (4 * 3) * 2 + (4 * 5) * 2 = 24 + 40 = 64 with an increase will be 70 meters.

For a profile running parallel to the floor, anchors are needed. If they go in 50 cm increments, you need 70 * 0.5 = 35 pieces.

The most common method of cladding a wall or ceiling is frame. Its essence lies in the fact that a structure is installed on the wall, on which, in turn, the panels are attached. The frame can be wooden, metal, plastic or combined. The width between the slats depends on the size of the elements to be fastened. For slatted panels and any other oblong shape, only transverse strips can be fixed (that is, they must be located perpendicular to their length).

Wall preparation is required only if its cladding has lost its properties - damp, damaged, began to collapse. Then all layers - be it paint, tiles or plaster - must be removed. Wooden parts that will be involved must be treated with impregnation - it reduces the risk of their possible damage. No preparation is required for metal.

Continuing our calculations, let's look at the order of work.

1. First, you need to install the supporting profile UD along the upper and lower border of the walls and doorway. However, if there is a window in the bathroom, the actions should be the same with respect to it. We attach the profile to the wall in the right place, mark its outlines. In the middle we drill holes where we insert the plastic base of the self-tapping screw. Then you need to attach the profile next to it and transfer what you got to it. Then you can make holes in it and fix it to the wall. Professionals usually drill through metal, but for beginners, the speed is not important, but the result.
2. Then we install the corner posts. They must be placed in two so that they form a corner. We drill them in the same way as above.
3. They are used to insert the CD profile details of the required length. They are attached to the wall using metal fasteners or racks (suspensions are used for the ceiling, respectively). Additional crossbars are required at the pipe exit points. At all stages of work, it is important to check the accuracy of the parts to be installed using a level.

After installing the base, we proceed to the installation of the panels themselves.

1. We start from the corner again. At the first panel, you need to saw off the ridge or use the appropriate corner extension.
2. The panels are interconnected by means of a ridge and a groove where it is inserted. Fixation on the crossbars is carried out using fasteners in the form of clips.
3. All cutouts in the area of ​​pipes, sockets, lamps, windows or doors are made in advance. The last panel will most likely have to be narrowed.

When the bathroom or any other plumbing is already installed close to the wall, another installation method is possible - glue. The preparatory stage is very important for him.

1. We remove all layers of decoration, carefully remove all residues, clean the base from dust and grind.
2. Examine the surface of the base for irregularities. We make markings for plaster.
3. First, we putty deep depressions and cracks. Then we apply a primer, the required number of layers of plaster and putty again.
4. After hardening, sand the filler and apply a primer suitable for the selected adhesive.

Gluing the panels is easy. In accordance with the instructions on the packaging, a suitable adhesive should be applied to the wall, to the panel or to both sides at once. Then you should press it in the right place. That's all. Accuracy and dexterity are important here, because usually the glue sets quickly. The edges of the paneling are covered with skirting boards. The panels can be glued to the wall or to the frame (for example, wooden).

The bathroom requires constant maintenance. First, for hygiene reasons, as moisture is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.Secondly, the combined bathroom is a common place, so it should be pleasant to be in it. When cleaning the bathroom, you can come across drops of water or already dried out traces of them, as well as soap stains and residues of face and body care products.

PVC panels do not require any special maintenance and are resistant to most detergents and cleaners. In the case of uncomplicated contamination, it is not necessary to experiment. Start with a napkin or cloth dampened with lukewarm water.

If that doesn't work, you can clean it in other ways.

• Put on gloves. Using a rubber trowel or any other device that is not capable of damaging the panel, you can clean the seams well.
• The sponges should be soft so as not to scratch the coating, especially if it is glossy.

• For cleaning, you can use laundry or any other soap, dishwashing detergent or glass cleaner. You can also make soda gruel. All this should be applied to the place of contamination, and washed off after half an hour.
• A good effect is given by ammonia dissolved in water.
• After washing, the surface must be wiped dry. For shine, polish is usually used.

In order not to spend a lot of time on cleaning, make it a rule to wipe wet marks and soap streaks with a clean, dry cloth before leaving the bathroom.

This finish is optional for all walls. With it, you can hide pipes under one of them or select two opposite ones to expand the space.

You can visually make the room more spacious by making all surfaces light. It can be either white or any pastel shades close to it.

The bathroom often lacks light sources. To fix the situation, you need light panels with a glossy finish, complemented by multi-level lighting and mirrors. Add to this the overflow in drops of water and as a result we get a room flooded with light.

The basic rule that applies when choosing panels for a bathroom is that all items must be coordinated in some way. Wall decoration echoes the color of the faucet, mirror edging and other fittings, including towels. There is not much golden hue here, but it is he who is the link between all the elements.

In order not to overload the interior with variegated color combinations, take panels of two or three similar shades of the same color - they will look especially organic.

Unusual panels with a floral pattern resembling wallpaper look original. In general, when considering a drawing on the panels of a bathroom, shower or toilet, you should opt for either a discreet small print located over the entire area or repeating with a certain pattern. By the way, this can also include mosaics, and you can use different types of it together. Or give preference to one or two large images against a calm background.

Bathtub decoration in light colors is optional. Dark colors such as black or navy blue look especially impressive. The glossy surface enhances lighting, while floral motifs dilute the black background.

One of the popular interior design options is the arrangement of panels to a certain level. The bathroom top can be finished with the same material, but in a different color, or you can use any other, fixed without a frame, to save space. The trimmed part usually hides communications, and a bath screen can be made from it.

For the advantages and disadvantages of PVC panels for the bathroom, see the following video.