Modern bathroom wall decoration, due to the characteristics of this room, has a limited number of solutions. For many, the tiling process is associated with laying traditional tiles.
But this option is not suitable for everyone: for someone - because of insufficient funds, and someone simply does not want to get involved with a time-consuming and relatively difficult procedure.
You can bypass all these difficulties by performing repairs with the help of PVC panels - a material that is successfully used today for wall cladding.
What is this material?
Plastic panels (PVC) - polymer material used for finishing wall and ceiling surfaces.
The panels consist of two sheets of plastic made of polyvinyl chloride interconnected by longitudinal bridges. Internal jumpers of panels serve as stiffeners.
The front side of PVC products decorated with decorative patterns, which is applied using offset or thermal printing or by lamination. The surface of the panel is coated with a matte or glossy varnish, which forms a protective layer.
Thanks to this processing the material acquires wear-resistant properties and UV resistance.
Advantages and disadvantages
Plastic products have the following positive features:
Frameless
This way allows you to save on crate and fasteners, but at the same time requires preparatory work to level the surface.
Finishing a bathroom in a frameless way: video instruction.
If there are bulges on the walls, you can chop down with a chisel or clean off with a puncher. The cavities are closed with a plaster solution. It is not necessary to bring the surface to a perfectly level state. It will be enough to get rid of the differences exceeding 3 mm.
The panels can be fixed using different types of adhesives. For fixing, they usually use:
- special glue for plastic panels;
- liquid Nails;
- polyurethane sealant.
Using special glue requires application of the composition on both surfaces, that is, on the wall and the PVC product itself.
Panel applied to the wall 2-3 cm further places of final fixation, after which, pressing well, move and set in the desired position.
In the case of liquid nails, the composition is applied pointwise throughout the strip. The treated panel is applied to the wall, then removed and left for 5 minutes for the glue to dry. After that, the strip is finally attached to the previously designated area.
As for the sealant, its application technology is the same as that of liquid nails, it is applied pointwise, but at the same time immediately glued to the wall.
In conclusion, it should be said that the frameless installation method is good suitable for a bathroom with a small area, since its use does not entail a decrease in space, unlike the option with a crate.
For lovers of traditional tiles in the bathroom or banal painting of surfaces, one thing can be said - these are not the best options for wall decoration for such a specific room. At least because of the complexity of working with piece material and the need to regularly renew the paintwork.
Plastic bathroom panels are preferred. Low cost, ease of installation, good maintainability, minimal maintenance - the advantages are enough. With how best to decorate the bathroom with plastic panels, and with our own hands, without resorting to the services of hired craftsmen, we will figure it out.
The specifics of the bathroom
Any of us will answer this question without difficulty. And yet it is not out of place to recall the main points so that the criteria by which you need to choose plastic panels and the method of their fastening become more understandable.
Limited space
Therefore, firstly, it is unreasonable to reduce the useful area of the bathroom, since it is already more than modest in most typical apartments. Secondly, willy-nilly, but the plastic panels fixed to the walls will regularly experience mechanical stress (someone turned inaccurately, stumbled, touched, and so on).
Excessive humidity and sudden temperature changes
All this initiates the appearance and development of mold and mildew. And if you take into account that in bathrooms, as a rule, there are ventilation / holes (under the ceiling), then biological pests will be added to this.
Availability of communications
Pipes, valves, no matter how great they look, hardly add to the attractiveness of the bathroom. If repairs are already started, then it is better to disguise them - the panels allow it.
Material selection
Special plastic panels, specifically for the bathroom, do not exist, since these PVC products are universal in use. Therefore, when buying, you need to consider a number of points.
Manufacturer
The market is literally overrun with PVC panels. Their choice by color, texture, "environmental friendliness" is at the discretion of the owner of the dwelling. What to consider? It is better to purchase products made in Europe or the Russian Federation. Domestic manufacturers use, as a rule, both technology and equipment of the Euro category. Regarding the plastic panels "made in China", despite their attractive price, one should be warned. Reducing the cost of production is not least ensured by the use of low-grade raw materials. In a bathroom, harmful fumes will be quite intense.
Panel thickness
As already mentioned, there is a great risk of damage. Therefore, for finishing the bathroom, it is advisable to purchase samples with a thickness of at least 8 mm. You should also pay attention to the parameters of the upper layer. Its thickness is not the same for different plastic panels. If you think in advance about the durability of the finish, you will have to look for just such products.
Stiffening rib
They can be seen by looking at the end of the panel. The more of them, the better for the bathroom, since such a product is tougher and more durable.
Method of fastening plastic panels
There are only two of them - frameless and with fixation on the crate. Which one to prefer? The first option is more suitable for the bathroom, and here's why.
Disadvantages of frame technology
- Installing rails (slats) reduces the (already insignificant) useful volume of the bathroom.
- The space under the plastic panels will eventually become a habitat for various insects. And if they are not immediately detected, then it will not be possible to withdraw them quickly and “without losses”.
- Frame - cellular structure (lattice). Therefore, it is not so difficult to push the panel in the space between the slats, even purely by accident.
- There will be additional costs for fasteners, guides, and so on.
For those who nevertheless decide to use the frame technique, you can limit yourself to only one piece of advice - if you are going to install the crate, then only from a factory-made metal profile (aluminum). Slats made of wood, even carefully processed wood, in the bathroom will quickly rot.
Paneling procedure
Each dwelling has its own way of life, and the bathrooms (if the house is not a high-rise building, erected according to a standard design) differ in size, geometry, and interior design. Therefore, it is advisable to give only a list of the main activities that are carried out when finishing this room, especially since the preparatory ones are the same for any method of fastening.
Removing the old cladding
What is it for? To assess the condition of the substrate and identify possible defects. Particular attention is paid to the wall that is common with the entrance or adjacent apartment. It is through the cracks (cracks) in it - the maximum heat loss, as well as the penetration of moisture. Well, what to fix - sealant, mortar, putty - it's easy to decide.
Aligning the walls
Plastic panels bend, but there is a limit to everything. Since the products differ in the correct geometry, the maximum allowable height difference over the entire area is 3 mm. Small shells (pits) are not scary (in extreme cases, you can putty), but the bulges (tubercles) will have to be knocked down unambiguously. This work should not be taken to the point of absurdity, trying to give the wall perfect evenness. The 3 mm mentioned are enough.
In the bathrooms of apartment buildings, the absence of right angles is not uncommon. Most often they are rounded, especially in block (panel) buildings. This means that the corners will have to be given the "correct" shape, otherwise there will be great difficulties with fitting the plastic panels at the joints of the walls. What (if it is nevertheless necessary) to make a sample of the material along the entire vertical is decided on the spot. Someone will manage with a hammer and a chisel, while someone will need a hammer drill with an appropriate attachment (for example, a cone-shaped cutter) or a "grinder".
Treatment
Since the base will be covered with plastic panels, care must be taken to maximize the life of the wall material. What and how to impregnate depends on the structural features. The choice of special preparations is huge (antiseptics, fire retardants).
Often, the issue of priming surfaces is not given importance. People who do not have enough experience consider it a waste of money and time. And yet, the final stage of preparation is the application of the primer. There are several reasons, but the main one is that such a treatment of the wall significantly increases its adhesion and the quality of adhesion of plastic panels (the strength of the adhesion base - glue increases).
How to hide pipes
If repairs are being made, it is better to replace the metal pipes with plastic ones. Unlike the first ones, there will be no leaks at the joints, since the joint of the samples is not threaded. There are several options for masking pipes, which is more convenient for someone.
First. Chisel through the wall and lay the line into the grooves. Above, everyone will close the panels. Long, but high quality.
Second. Run the pipes close to the wall, lowering the threads lower. In this case, you can mount a metal profile box, which is also sheathed with panels. The work is somewhat more complicated in execution, but taking into account the small dimensions of the structure, its construction will not take much time.
Fastening panels
It is assumed that all samples are already cut to size and ready for installation.
Adhesive application
Better to use "liquid nails". Practice shows that with careful use of 1 tube (350 ml) it is quite enough to process 4.5 m² of the surface. The scheme of application depends on the width and length of the samples - diagonally, in the form of a checkerboard, pointwise.
The adhesive should not be applied near edges. Otherwise, after pressing the panel against the wall, its excess will come out along the edges. It will be quite problematic to clean the front side from drops of adhesive.
Fastening plastic panels
It is made in two passes. First, the panel is applied to the intended place, “slapped” (ironed) along its entire length, and then removed and left for several minutes, by analogy with “Moment” (the waiting time is indicated on the package). Reinstallation, smoothing again - that's it, the panel is securely fixed to the bathroom wall.
The overall quality of the finish depends on the correct installation of the 1st panel. So that the "skew" does not go further, you should also put the guide rail below. According to the building level, it is easy to orient it in a horizontal plane, and fixing it on the wall is not a problem. For example, dowels. You don't have to remove it, as the plinth will reliably cover it. In especially difficult areas, instead of rails, corners and starting strips are mounted.
The final stage
If it is decided to decorate the ceiling with plastic panels, then the method of work is the same. After fixing all the samples, all that remains is to put the PVC corners to hide the joints of the panels in the corners of the bathroom, and the baseboards (lower and upper).
The advantages of this technology are obvious - simple, fast and inexpensive. But there is another very significant plus - the fastening of any attachments, furniture items is not difficult. But in the case of the crate, this is a problem. You will have to prepare a lot in advance.
Good luck, dear reader, in the renovation of your bathroom!
Decorating a bathroom with plastic panels is considered an easy and budgetary undertaking. Numerous design ideas allow you to decorate a room in any style, making it attractive and modern.
Panel properties
PVC panels are classified as environmentally friendly materials. There is GOST 19111-2001, according to which these products can be used as interior cladding for residential and commercial premises. Polyvinyl chloride can be used in the manufacture of furniture items, window and door structures, as well as wall and ceiling decorative coatings. Such use is associated with a low level of flammability, non-toxicity of the material, as well as the absence of substances harmful to the human body in the composition of products.
Since plastic panels have excellent hygienic properties, they are in high demand in the decoration of sanitary premises. Products are easy to clean with any soap solution. Due to the high level of resistance to moisture, color fading and temperature extremes, plastic was able to take first places among analogs for cladding bathrooms and toilets.
Plastic panels are molded materials produced by the extrusion method based on vinyl chloride polymers. The material has a profile section, as well as internal stiffeners, the number of which directly affects the strength of the panels. Stiffening ribs give products sufficient strength and durability in relation to modifications and bends. The frequency of placement of these parts affects the characteristics and price of products. Flexibility is reduced if the inner frame of the panel has a high density.
The SNiP prescribes the permissible characteristics of plastic panels. According to the standards, the surface film can have a thickness that ranges from 0.085 cm to 0.1 cm. The value affects the price indicator, as well as the resistance to mechanical stress. Even a careless hand movement can damage the thin outer film. The SNiP indicates that thin options are best used for working with ceilings, since when decorating wall coverings with such products, the material can quickly deteriorate.
Consider the benefits of plastic panels.
- You can save on repairs. PVC panels differ in affordable cost, which is directly dependent on the style and type of finish of the products.
- PVC products meet sanitary and hygienic requirements.
- Plastic practically does not absorb foreign odors.
- The surface of the products can be easily washed with soapy water and a soft sponge.
- PVC is highly resistant to moisture. Due to this quality, the products are often used in rooms where a high level of humidity prevails (bathroom).
- The cladding is simple. For installation work, you need skills in handling a screwdriver, stapler.
- Pipes can be closed under the panels, giving the room an attractive look. A similar solution is achieved through a pre-assembled communication box.
- Polyvinyl chloride has a low flammability index. This is convenient for use in rooms with high levels of humidity, as such rooms can be subject to short circuits. The plastic coating is only subject to melting due to contact with the flame, but the combustion process itself is not supported.
- High quality thermal insulation and sound insulation.
Despite numerous positive properties, plastic bathroom panels have disadvantages.
The disadvantages of the products are as follows:
- the material cannot be called environmentally friendly;
- polyvinyl chloride belongs to the category of fragile materials, strong pressure during the preparation of products for installation can cause cracks;
- inexpensive panels have an unpleasant smell of phenol, which negatively affects the human body;
- due to the thickness of the cladding material, the area of the bathroom is noticeably reduced;
- plastic panels are inferior to ceramics in their design.
Views
PVC panels can differ in several qualities, which consist in the way of decorating the front side, the type of joint, etc. The main difference lies in the dimensions and shape of the material.
According to this parameter, products can be divided into three types:
- Lining made of plastic. The material is made for cladding wall surfaces. The fixing of products is carried out on the frame with a stapler or self-tapping screws.
- Panels with imitation of tiled material. The products have a square shape and are available in different sizes. You can purchase panels, the size of which ranges from 30x30 to 100x100 cm. Fixation is carried out using a stapler, self-tapping screws or liquid nails.
- Sheet panels. Externally, the material looks like plywood, on the surface of which there is a drawing. You will need glue or nails to install the product. The joint areas are filled with sealants or special strips, which are made in a color scheme similar to the panels.
Criterias of choice
Choosing plastic panels, there are several indicators to take into account.
- Price. Products with a high level of strength and long service life cannot have a low price.
- In the store, you should pay attention to the appearance of the panels. They must be flat, waves and bends are not allowed. Preference should be given to products with a solid surface, on the edge of which there are no defects. Otherwise, it will be impossible to achieve a perfect joint, and water will get into the formed cracks.
- The thickness of durable products should be from 1 cm. Stiffening ribs should also be present.
- The design of the plastic panels influences the attractiveness of the bathroom. It is necessary to choose material from one batch so that the interior of the room looks harmonious.
- If the bathroom is small, it is recommended to purchase glossy panels of light color without a pronounced texture and relief.
- Large rooms can be equipped with panels with patterns and ornaments.
Preparation and calculation
Before starting repairs, preparatory measures will be required. This stage should be approached responsibly, since the service life of the plastic panels depends on the preparation. Before installing wall and ceiling products with your own hands, you will need to start preparing the base.
The process consists of the following steps:
- All dust deposits and dirt must be removed from the base. The seams are thoroughly cleaned with a spatula or other tools. Then the base will need to be treated with antifungal and bactericidal mixtures. You need to process the entire surface.
- You will also need to apply the mixture to the seams and corners. Due to such actions, the profile and the wall will not be exposed to the formation of various kinds of fungi. Allow the surface to dry after processing. Excess moisture on the walls and ceiling is not allowed.
- So that the cladding with plastic panels is not accompanied by difficulties, you should cut the material before work, measure the plumbing fixtures in order to calculate the required dimensions of the products. Accurate calculations are necessary for the economy option, when there is no extra money to buy additional materials.
Before installation, you will need to clarify how much finishing material you need to purchase. To do this, you need to know the area of the walls and the dimensions of the panels. Surface area is calculated simply by multiplying the height and width of the walls. The cladding material is offered by manufacturers in standard sizes, according to which the width is 0.25 meters and the length is 3 meters. For example, if the bathroom is 2 meters wide, then only 8 panels are needed for cladding.
When calculating the required number of products, you will need to take into account the area of the window and door openings. In addition, there is a risk of material damage during cladding, therefore it is recommended to purchase panels with a small margin.
Accessories and tools
Plating a bathroom with plastic panels is a fairly simple job, anyone can do it with their own hands. For a bathroom to acquire a beautiful and stylish look, it does not require special skills and a lot of time. To renovate the premises, it will not be necessary to carry out global preparatory measures during the cleaning of walls and partitions.
Before tiling a bathroom, the following tools and materials should be purchased:
- PVC panels;
- wooden blocks;
- a profile made of plastic, metal or wood along with brackets for fasteners (it is better to use brackets with a metal base);
- construction stapler for fixing products;
- self-tapping screws;
- you can use a hacksaw to cut a metal base; craftsmen advise purchasing a product with fine teeth;
- mounting knife;
- construction hammer;
- an electric grinder, with its help, products will be cut;
- screwdriver;
- tape measure for construction work;
- building level;
- hammer drill, which has the function of "drill";
- an ordinary pencil or markers, with their help you should make the markup;
- pliers;
- ladder.
In order for the cladding to be made correctly, it is recommended to preliminarily expose the crate along the walls of the bathroom. It is made of plastic or metal profiles. If work is carried out in spacious bathrooms, PVC panels can be mounted on a timber frame. After preparing the items necessary for work, you can do the installation itself. The work should be carried out sequentially in order to exclude the appearance of errors.
Mounting
For quick cladding of a room and saving money, plastic panels are the best fit. Most manufacturers claim this material has a lifespan of more than five years. PVC panels are installed on the surface of walls and ceilings.
The plastic is characterized by a high level of strength and a long service life, along with resistance to moisture and evaporation. Most often, the bathroom and toilet are sheathed with plastic panels, since there is a large amount of moisture in these rooms, there are strong temperature drops and other factors that affect the formation of fungus.
For sheathing with PVC panels, it is not required to level the wall surfaces with plaster or cement mortar (with a frame finishing method). Bathroom decoration can be done in different ways. Many novice builders and amateur finishers are lost from the number of options and do not know which method is suitable for the set goal. Consider the various cladding options.
Walls
You can independently install PVC panels on the walls in two ways (with or without a frame). Step-by-step instructions will help you decorate the room correctly and without errors.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the guide for the wireframe method.
- When choosing this method, you will need to remove all unnecessary items from the room. Plumbing fixtures also need to be removed. This is due to the fact that you have to work with all wall surfaces.
- Then you can take measurements. You need to measure the height of the walls from ceiling to floor. Based on the data obtained, you will need to cut a profile to create a frame. Since there is a lot of humidity in the bathroom, it is recommended to make the lathing from plastic or metal. Alternatively, wood can be used, which must be painted before installation.
- The slats should be fastened in increments of 40 cm. The distance between the wall and the ceiling should not exceed 40-50 cm. Fixation should be carried out using a building level and a stapler.
- After installing the lathing, you can start installing the finishing material.
- Masters advise to mount plastic panels vertically. Using this method, you can visually "raise" the ceiling in the room, making the room more spacious.
- Places where plumbing fixtures will be located should also be sealed with plastic so as not to spoil the style of the entire room.
- Paneling starts at the farthest corner from the doorway.
- It is recommended to use the building level when exposing the panels. The fixation of the product is made using self-tapping screws.
- When the panels are installed, all joints should be sealed with a sealant. This action will help increase the resistance of the cladding to wear and moisture.
Frameless installation involves preliminary priming of wall surfaces. The details are fixed with liquid nails. For work, you will need from 1 to 3 jars of glue for 5 square meters of surface. Consumption depends on the level of curvature of the walls.
If there are bulges on the walls, you can get rid of them with a chisel or puncher. The recesses are covered with plaster. It is not necessary to create a perfect base to panel walls. It is necessary to remove the differences, the size of which exceeds 3 mm.
Installation should start with preparatory work. They consist in cutting plastic panels. Then you will need to apply liquid nails to the products in a dotted manner. Experts recommend staggered glue application.
It is necessary to retreat 5-10 cm from the edge of the product, this will avoid spreading of the adhesive mass. Then the panel is applied to the wall and pressed down. It is necessary to act carefully so as not to spoil the facing material.
After the panel is applied to the surface, it must be immediately removed from the wall for 7 minutes. During this period, the product will have time to dry out, after which it can be returned to the designated place. To many, this method will seem strange and tedious, but it can be used to effectively sew up a bathroom.
Ceiling
Ceiling cladding with plastic panels is an optimal and simple way to help a room acquire a complete and harmonious look. To work with the ceiling surface, it is recommended to use glossy panels, the width of which is 20-25 cm. It is necessary to install the products on the frame. Laying in another way is not provided.
Ceiling cladding consists of several stages.
- The profile is attached to the ceiling surface in 50 cm increments. For fixing, use special metal hangers. Fastening the profile to the ceiling, it is necessary to retreat from the floor slabs to the distance that is needed for the installation of lighting equipment.
- Using the level, you will need to mark the places on the walls where the wall profile will be fixed. Skirting boards with panels will be fixed on it.
- After marking, you can attach a metal or plastic profile around the entire perimeter of the room. For work, you will need a drill, dowels, screws and a screwdriver.
- Then, a plastic plinth is attached to the created crate using self-tapping screws or liquid nails, into which PVC panels will be inserted in the future.
- The panels are alternately inserted into the skirting board and fixed with self-tapping screws to the crate.
- In the areas where the lamps will be located, it will be necessary to provide holes of the required size (the diameter is selected based on the selected fittings and lamps). Holes can be cut with an electric jigsaw, crown or knife.
- At the time of installation of the panels, the wiring for the luminaires must be prepared in the room. All wires must be connected to the box. The ends of the cable should be wrapped with electrical tape while the panels are being installed.
- Experts recommend choosing a parallel wiring, as it ensures the functioning of the backlight when one of the luminaires fails.
- When installing panels with holes for ceiling lights, you should release wires into the holes in order to easily connect the light in the future.
- To install the last panel, you will need to measure the distance from the previous product to the wall (skirting should be taken into account in the calculations). Then the product is cut so that it fits tightly. The skirting board is attached to the panel, and it is shifted to the previous panel.
- The last step is to install fixtures for fixing the luminaires and install the lighting equipment itself.
How to cut PVC panels?
Plastic paneling of bathrooms involves cutting the material. Several tools are required to work. Their choice depends on the density level of the material.
If veneered or plastic panels are used, you can use the following items:
- a cutter;
- hacksaw;
- electric tool.
Regardless of which tool is chosen to cut the material, you need to be proficient in using the cutter.
Before cutting, you should make a markup and determine the cutting points. The markings can be applied with a simple pencil or marker. After making the mark, place the torch tip against the plastic surface and use a little force to create an even cut. With the help of such manipulations, you can create a panel of the desired size.
A hacksaw is often used when cutting PVC panels. Experts advise using a hacksaw only if there are no other tools at hand. Cutting with this tool takes a lot of time, but with a small amount of work, you can easily and quickly cope with the task.
Sawing with a hacksaw has some features:
- the use of tools that have fine teeth is allowed;
- the use of force is not allowed, since PVC is fragile and may deteriorate;
- to facilitate the work, you can stack the products in a pile and saw several panels at once.
Cutting plastic panels can be speeded up by using power tools. For these purposes, an electric jigsaw or an electric grinder is suitable. These tools cut material quickly and accurately.
Ventilation
Since the bathroom has high humidity, mold can form in it. To exclude the appearance of fungus, you will need to take care of high-quality ventilation at the sheathing stage. To do this, do not seal off natural ventilation, which is present in accordance with established standards in every bathroom.
However, not every natural ventilation copes well with the tasks set. To check its condition and effectiveness, you can attach a sheet of paper to the ventilation grill. In the presence of thrust, it will rush into the mine.
In case of insufficient efficiency, the purchase and installation of an electric fan will be required.... Such equipment is referred to as forced draft. Most modern manufacturers offer devices that only work at the moment when the lights in the room are turned on and turn off when the switch is pressed.
Care features
It is not allowed to use in the process of cleaning the panels preparations with abrasive components, as well as brushes, hard brushes. They damage the surface of the products and contribute to the accumulation of dirt deposits in the cracks formed. Also, you should not use such tools for the reason that they spoil the appearance of the panels.
Most bathrooms are attacked by black mold. To remove the fungus from the panels, you can use special antifungal drugs. Soap stains can be easily removed with water, to which lemon juice is added (proportions of 1: 10 should be observed). A rubber trowel will help remove dirt that has accumulated between the panels.
It should be noted that PVC panels are antistatic, due to which dust does not settle on the wall surfaces. The bathroom always looks attractive, like new.
Each 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 ask for help from a professional designer who will offer different options.
Before choosing a design, you should study its features:
- Most people think plastic panels are a cheap option that can only come in one color and look boring. However, manufacturers offer original decorative options that are ready to diversify the interior of the room.
- There are products on sale that qualitatively imitate natural materials. Thanks to the wide assortment, the room gets an interesting look, decorated in different styles.
- Plastic products can be combined with painted surfaces, as well as textured plaster. Some users choose matte products of small thickness, located at a height of up to one and a half meters, which are complemented by a painted wall. This solution looks unusual and original.
- To diversify the interior, you can alternate contrasting tones along with the use of panels of different widths.
- People looking to sheathe a wooden house may be interested in panels that mimic wood. For decoration, you will need to think over the style in which the bathroom will be decorated. An ethnic or rural direction will look original. Despite the popularity of imitation of different materials, the use of plastic "marbled" panels is not encouraged. Even quality products will make the interior look unnatural and cheap.
- Tile connoisseurs believe that plastic panels are not able to form beautiful patterns on which there are borders, columns and other elements. However, the modern market refutes the misconception, offering the audience numerous variations with imitation of ceramic tiles, various patterns and prints.
- A beautiful interior is created through the use of plastic panels with photo printing. The marine theme looks interesting, as well as plots from cartoons that children like. Paired with plastic trim, slatted ceilings look organic, complemented by simple or mirrored inserts.
Plastic panels aren't just about budget style. With proper thinking about the design with the help of such products, you can recreate almost any stylistic direction.
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 have clear lines and restrained shades. The addition of metal and glass accessories is recommended to make the interior look complete.
Rustic style and country style look beautiful. The interior assumes that natural elements will be used in it, but plastic allows you to simulate 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 wood furniture. Spotlights should be replaced with a matching chandelier.
Provence is considered the spirit of simplicity and comfort. Such an interior is easily created by sheathing with plastic panels. The interior should be created in light pastel colors, furniture should be simple. You can complement the bathroom with ceramic and porcelain décor, as well as floral-themed patterns.
Many home and apartment owners decide to combine a variety of color options. Such a solution allows you to arrange a room in an unusual design. The combination of red and black, blue and pink, white and light green colors will look original. Decorated in this style, "Khrushchev" will look creative and modern.
Since the bathroom is a room in which a person takes water procedures and relaxes, a nautical design will be relevant. On sale there are panels with drawings on a similar theme (ocean, marine life, vegetation, etc.). The floors are also recommended to be decorated in a nautical style.
Modern style involves the choice of glossy white products. The 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, glossy panels of other shades can be used. Red, blue or yellow products will look beautiful.
Also, panels can be combined with different materials for decoration. It is often possible to find a bathroom, the lower part of the walls of which is sheathed with clapboard along with the plastered upper part.
You can clad 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 sheathing. The room takes on a stylish and modern look. You can use printed panels next to mirrors or in the shower. The rest of the walls should have a solid surface.
The use of panels with different textures is allowed. They should be arranged in stripes, due to which the room takes on an original play of surfaces. Such techniques are relevant for large rooms with low ceilings. Due to such a game, the walls visually become higher, and the proportions of the room look organic.
Some buyers purchase 3D printed PVC panels. The image will draw attention to itself 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 the pattern is adequately perceived from a certain distance.
Ceramic tiles are the traditional decoration for the walls and floors in the bathroom. This material is considered the most convenient to use in difficult bathroom conditions: high humidity, frequent temperature changes. Previously, tiles could only be replaced with washable wallpaper and wall paint, but today there is a great alternative solution - a bathroom renovation with plastic panels.
Bathroom panels are easy to install by yourself
Ceramics or plastic?
The bathroom is rightfully considered the most capricious room in the whole house. It is these whims that cause difficulties in decorating a room, as well as a lot of questions. Due to the very high humidity, the presence of steam, as well as frequent temperature changes for the walls and ceilings, you have to choose materials that are resistant to all of the listed unfavorable features of the room.
You should also take into account the fact that the finishing must necessarily comply with the rules of hygiene. This, in turn, means that it should be very easy to care for her.
Undoubtedly, ceramic tiles meet all these requirements, but, unfortunately, this material has significant drawbacks.
Tiling the walls in the bathroom, you will have to face such problems as:
- Difficult installation. Laying tiles will require special knowledge from you, as well as neatness and patience. Do not forget that this will take a lot of time and your efforts. You can do this kind of work with your own hands only if you already had experience in laying tiles.
- The high cost of both materials and work of professionals. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are very expensive materials, but the price almost always corresponds to the quality. And as mentioned above, tiling is a rather complicated process that is best trusted by professionals. And their work is not cheap at all.
If you are ready to shell out a large sum for the decoration of the bathroom, then ceramic tiles are exactly what you need. For those who want to repair a bathroom with their own hands cheaply and quickly, there is a great option - plastic panels. They have a lot of advantages:
- good resistance to constant temperature changes, moisture and steam;
- high resistance to mechanical damage;
- the widest choice of texture and color solutions;
- safety and environmental friendliness;
- easy installation;
- reasonable price;
Today, plastic panels can easily compete with ceramic tiles. Renovating a bathroom with PVC panels will look no worse than finishing the walls with ceramic tiles.
Green panels in the bathroom
How do I choose panels?
In order for the walls to please you with their appearance after the end of the repair with their own hands, you should take the choice of material extremely seriously. So, first of all, your attention should be paid to ensure that the panels you buy are even. In no case should there be waves on them. Otherwise, the walls will look completely unattractive.
It is also very important to check all purchased panels for uniform color. To avoid various incidents, it is recommended to buy a product with the same batch number. After all, it can also happen that panels of the same color will have different tone saturations. When choosing panels for renovation in your bathroom, you should consider the following recommendations:
- You need to pay attention to the number of stiffeners that are in the panel. Remember, the more edges there are in the panel, the stronger the selected material will be.
- Make sure that the ribs of the rigidity are not damaged or deformed. Such violations can occur in cases where the goods were transported incorrectly, or stored in improper conditions.
- Connect the two panel elements together and carefully examine the joint. It should be almost invisible. The connection itself must be extremely strong.
- Look at the panel at a sharp angle. In no case should stiffening ribs appear on its front surface. One should be smooth, without various bumps and other imperfections.
- There should be no foreign matter on the back. This will indicate that the material you are purchasing was made from virgin raw materials.
Even when choosing panels for repairing a bathroom with your own hands, special attention should be paid to the store in which you are going to purchase the material. Remember that buying from questionable stores can lead to unwanted results. Therefore, you should buy panels only in trusted stores, where you can be provided with a quality certificate.
Use panels to create an interesting design
Initial stage of installation
If the walls in your bathroom are flat and smooth, and all corners are straight and do not require any special modification, then you can attach the plastic panels directly to the base of the walls using special glue. However, such cases are extremely rare. Most often, the walls in the bathroom have various defects, therefore, to install plastic panels with your own hands, you will need to make a wooden crate. This is not difficult at all.
Regular lathing is made from wooden beams, however, given the difficult conditions of the bathroom, it can be made from a specially prepared metal profile. It is important to know that the crossbars of the lathing should be located at an optimal distance from each other (30 cm). But, the lowest cross-member must be in contact with the floor, while the upper one must border on the panel edge. This will give the necessary rigidity.
Before you start installing the crossbars, you need to correctly mark the wall. This can be done using the usual building level. In the event that the wall is very uneven, you can try to put small blocks of wood under the slats. This way, you can achieve the most positive result. You can fasten the wooden lathing to the wall using both nails and self-tapping screws. But, as for the metal profile, it is best to attach it with self-tapping screws.
How to install?
Installing plastic panels is quite simple. This can be done even with your own hands, without the help of household members, or repair specialists. You should start cladding the bathroom with plastic panels from the corner of the room. The cladding process is that you cut the panel to the height you need, insert it into the guides, and then attach the side ledge to the crate using self-tapping screws, or ordinary nails. Once you pin one element, you can immediately move on to the next. Due to the fact that each panel has a lock, there is no need to fit them completely. Remember that before starting finishing work, you should carefully check how even the panel will be located relative to the vertical.
During the installation work, attaching the sheets of panels one by one, you will be selected to the opposite wall of the bathroom. Most often, the panel that is installed in the corner (the last one in this row) does not fit in size. Nothing wrong with that. You just have to trim it a little bit. For this work, you will need an ordinary clerical knife, as well as a metal corner, or a ruler. Plastic panels are very easy to cut. Cutting it out, too, will not be difficult for you. The most important thing is to correctly measure the part, which you then have to mount.
Paneled walls
It should be noted that sometimes bathroom renovations require complete sealing of the walls. In this case, all joints between the panels should be treated with a small amount of silicone sealant. It is very important to distribute the sealant evenly over the entire inner surface of the key joint. This sealing will help keep the walls dry and prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Regardless of what you use: PVC panels, or sandwich panels, with the right approach to work, the installation will be done quickly and efficiently. The most important thing is that you do not need any complicated equipment to assemble panels with your own hands. All you need to decorate the walls with panels is a little patience and the correct sequence of installation work.
Special requirements for finishing and maintenance
PVC panels are a modern, practical and very light material for finishing the bathroom. In order for you to get an excellent result after the completion of the installation work, you need to comply with some requirements:
- The panels must not be installed if the room temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius. Fortunately, the temperature in the bathroom is never that low.
- In the event that the panels you purchased were stored in the cold, then you should let them have a good rest before unpacking the pack. At least two days at room temperature.
- If you plan to mount panels in the immediate vicinity of appliances that heat up (heated towel rail, boiler), it is recommended to install a special heat-reflecting screen under the appliance.
If you adhere to these simple rules, PVC plastic panels will serve you for many years.
It is very easy to care for plastic panels. They have a sufficiently high level of durability, due to which, when caring for them, it is possible to use water. For example, if there is dust or even dirt on the panels, all you need to do is take a flannel cloth, slightly wet it, and wipe the panels thoroughly. In order to achieve the best result, you can use a detergent. However, despite the fact that plastic panels are very resistant to various types of damage, it is highly undesirable to use abrasive detergents. They can leave small scratches on the surface.
There is a huge selection of panels on the market
We really hope that our article will help you choose good and high quality plastic panels. Remember, only high-quality materials will serve your entire operational life without surprises. Let you only find such products. Good luck with your bathroom renovation.
Cladding with PVC panels is a fairly popular option for decorating a bathroom. The use of this material is not only rational in terms of costs, such repairs are practical during subsequent operation. The sheathed surface can have different textures, there is a large selection in hardware stores. This method is great for completing the interior design of a room with a high level of humidity.
When purchasing a PVC coating, pay attention to the following parameters:
- The degree of evenness of the surface (there should be no drops);
- The number of ribs that determine the rigidity of the cladding elements;
- Impact resistance of products;
- The quality of the decorative coating;
- Plastic wall covering design.
It is important that the color of the finishing elements matches each other. Buy bathroom cladding material from the same batch to avoid discoloration.
If the cost of products is too low, such an indicator may indicate poor quality of the material. Such panels are susceptible to decay and deform during operation.
In the bathroom, it is better to use finishes, the relief of which is not very pronounced. The volumetric texture of the surface can provoke the development of fungus and mold. If there are significant depressions, such coatings are difficult to keep clean.
2. Main characteristics of PVC
Pros of PVC for the bathroom:
- Saving repair costs.
The average price for PVC of standard dimensions is 200 rubles / piece. The cost of the material varies in the range of 100-500 rubles / piece. The price level directly depends on the design of the finishing elements and the quality of the material.
- Compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards.
PVC has a low odor absorption capacity. Cleaning the surface does not require a significant investment of time and effort. For surface treatment, you need a soapy solution and a foam sponge; - High degree of moisture resistance.
This characteristic allows you to use the material for the arrangement of premises in which the humidity values are exceeded; - Simple implementation of the idea.
For cladding, no specific experience with the material is required. High-quality cladding of the room will work if there is a minimum skill in working with a screwdriver and a construction stapler; - The necessary communications can be placed under the finishing.
This option is possible if you pre-mount the duct for the pipe system. - Low degree of flammability.
Wet areas are prone to short circuits in the wiring. The plastic sheeting can only melt when exposed to fire, but it does not spread fire. - High quality heat and sound insulation.
These properties, as a rule, are indicated by the manufacturers. Such parameters have almost no real value.
Minuses:
- Low level of environmental friendliness;
- PVC is considered quite fragile.
During the preparation of the elements, excessive pressure can cause cracks in the coating;
- The cheapest options for PVC panels emit a pungent smell of phenol into the space, the effect of which is undesirable for the human body;
- The thickness of the cladding reduces the area of the bathroom. This circumstance is essential for small rooms;
- The design level is inferior to ceramics.
Before buying, you need to imagine the design of the room and focus on a specific idea, taking into account the characteristics of the room.
- For a small bathroom, it is appropriate to opt for shades of light colors, thus, the visual volume of the room will increase;
- An interesting solution is the arrangement of plastic panels of different sizes and designs. For example, you can combine contrasting tones;
- The wooden texture will allow you to equip the room in the ethno style;
- Do not combine PVC cladding with expensive materials such as marble. In this case, the interior will turn out to be tasteless;
- If you wish, you can choose. Thus, the finishing of the bathroom can be done in the classical version or neoclassic - with columns, friezes and borders;
- Photo printing allows you to create an individual design, thanks to modern technologies for applying paint;
- The cladded walls match perfectly with the slatted ceiling.
Natural texture in the bathroom interior
Photo printing on polyvinyl chloride
Mosaic pattern on plastic panels
Black and white bathroom design
Ceiling part of the bathroom made of plastic elements
4. Installation of PVC panels
The cladding technology is considered to be quite simple. Two methods are used to install the elements: frame and frameless.
1. Frame option
Fixation methods:
- On self-tapping screws.
The advantage of this option: the evenness of the walls is not important.
Disadvantage: a wooden frame is required (additional time for preparing the timber).
To shorten the installation time, you will need a screwdriver. - On clamps- the optimal installation method (metal profiles at the base of the frame).
Advantages of the method: the fasteners are easy to fix on the crate frame, with the help of clamps, a coating is created that is well fixed, it does not take much time to dismantle.
2. Frameless method
Fastening is carried out using special glue("Liquid nails", "Moment-montage"). Suitable for the most flat surfaces.
Advantages:
- The likelihood of PVC punching and the need to replace elements damaged during the installation process is excluded;
- The arrangement of panels without a frame takes up much less space. This fact is often of great importance in the bathroom space;
- There is no need for additional costs for the elements of the frame fasteners, special metal profiles, etc.;
- In contrast to the frame installation, in this case there is no space for the development of harmful microorganisms.
Flaws:
- there is no way to replace a separate element that is damaged during operation;
- it is quite difficult to dismantle the finishing material.