How to make repairs in the bathroom with plastic panels

Bathroom renovation has many nuances: small area, protruding pipes, high humidity, cost. An economical and practical option is to renovate the bathroom with plastic panels. The material has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as installation features.

Advantages and disadvantages of plastic

The pluses include:

1. Price. Much cheaper than other building materials. Tiles are often used to decorate the bathroom, but they are much more expensive.
2. Resistant to moisture and water. The cladding does not deform from frequent vapors, therefore it is ideal for the bathroom and kitchen.
3. Hygiene and environmental friendliness. Thanks to the smooth surface, dirt and bacteria are not clogged in the formations. Care is quite simple and quick. You need to wipe the trim with a damp cloth.
4. Durability. It can retain its aesthetic appearance for a long time, even under the influence of high humidity and temperature extremes. With proper care and installation, the service life can be up to 25 years.
5. Easy installation. Repair with plastic panels is available to everyone, installation is simple and does not require special skills.
6. Heat and sound insulation. Important properties when choosing a building material.
7. Resistant to chemicals.
8. A wide range of choices. You can choose plastic panels for any interior.
9. The ability to hide wall defects. In the bathroom, protruding pipes can be hidden under the cladding.

Flaws:

1. Low fire resistance. When ignited, plastics release toxins that are hazardous to health. Install sheets away from high temperatures and open flames.
2. Low resistance to mechanical damage.
3. UV sensitivity. Panels will fade when exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Lack of coziness. The disadvantage is very subjective.
5. Plastic does not allow air to pass through. Rooms need to be ventilated frequently.

But there are more advantages of the material than disadvantages, so this is a good option for a bathroom.

Types of plastic panels

The construction market offers the following types:

1. Rack and pinion. The cladding can be positioned horizontally and vertically. This will help you adjust the size of the room or the height of the ceiling. In a small bathroom, this is quite convenient.
2. In the form of a tile. They are characterized by easy installation and low price. The size of tile products starts from 30 cm and ends with 1 m.
3. Leafy. Due to the large area, the installation is quite fast, easy and economical. The only drawback is that it is impossible to combine different colors and textures.

There are differences in size and appearance. The surface can be smooth or textured, as well as glossy and matte.

The connection of sheets can be seamless, embossed and with rustication. The seamless method allows you to create a flat surface. But this method should imply the installation of the frame. Embossed panels create a clapboard effect. They are cheaper and when plastic is deformed, it is more invisible due to the stock of material. The connection with rustic texture is a cross between seamless and embossed options.

Coating types:

• Laminated. With the help of a special glue, a special film is applied to the surface. The coating can imitate any pattern, including wood, marble, brick. Laminated products are great for the bathroom as they are moisture resistant.
• Offset printing. Coating takes place in two stages. On the first, a drawing is applied with paint. On the second, varnish is applied. The surface is characterized by resistance to moisture, strength, resistance to chemical damage.
• Thermal printing. The drawing is applied by pressing the thermal film against the layer at a temperature of up to 180 degrees. No protective varnish is applied.

Installation on glue or foam

Do-it-yourself bathroom renovation with plastic panels does not require special skills. All work can be done independently. Before starting the installation, consider all the technical points. First of all, choose a mounting method.

When installing the material with glue, make sure the walls are level, primed and dry. You can glue it with liquid nails or special foam. It is necessary to apply adhesive to the back of the formation over the entire surface, except for the edges. Otherwise, the substance may crawl out and stain the front side. It is impossible to wipe off glue or foam without damaging the plastic.

We install the sheet, make sure that the layer lies flat. Otherwise, the whole structure will be bent. After that, we leave the layer to dry for 40 minutes. During this time, the panel can be installed in other corners.

When the plastic is fixed, you can continue with the installation. After installing the first sheet, you do not need to wait 40 minutes, but be careful. Do not forget to install moldings in the corners.

Video: An interesting experiment, what is the best way to glue the panels?

When choosing foam or liquid nails, pay attention to the resistance of the attachment to fungus, moisture, temperature extremes, and the speed of setting of the adhesive material.

It is advisable to maintain a distance of 2-3 mm from the ceiling and from the floor. In the future, these gaps will be covered with skirting boards.

Installation on a frame

First, prepare the walls, level them with putty so that the differences are not noticeable. The corners must be sharp. Use a hammer drill if necessary. You also need to treat the wall with an antiseptic and a primer.

First you need to apply the markings using a fishing line and a level. Next, install metal or wood (treated with an antiseptic) slats around the entire perimeter of the room. On the walls, the length between the slats should be 30-40 cm.On the ceiling - 40-50 cm.

You need to take care of the lighting.

In the bathroom, it is better to use a vertical installation of panels. This will increase the height of the room, and fumes will flow downward and will not accumulate at the joints.

Frame advantages:

1. The ability to hide flaws in the wall;
2. The ability to hide pipes and wiring;
3. The ability to install lighting both on the ceiling and in the wall;
4. You can install insulation under the skin;

Among the disadvantages it is worth noting:

• The frame takes up some area and reduces the overall size of the room;
• Wastelands are formed, which is why the sheets can be easily damaged.

Video: Finishing the bathroom with plastic panels fastened to the frame

Fastening with nails or staples

If the surface of the wall is soft enough, then you can use self-tapping screws, staples. For a concrete wall, you need to use a dowel-nails. If the walls are level enough, the panels can be fixed directly to them, otherwise the walls need to be leveled or a frame installed.

Clips for fastening

Fastening with self-tapping screws

Stapling with a stapler

Using nails, you need to be prepared for the fact that it will be impossible to disassemble the structure without loss. Sheets will be easily damaged during dismantling. You can install the trim with a stapler. The staples are easier to remove and will not damage the layers.

When attaching the plastic to the frame, first install a wooden or metal crate. You need to fix the outer and inner corners. Secure the first part with self-tapping screws or staples from the wide side of the layer. Make sure that the sheet lies flat.

A popular use of kleimers is special staples. They are installed between the crate and the layer. Additional holes are not formed.

After finishing the installation, you need to treat the joints with a sealant. This will provide a good seal against moisture.

Calculation of materials

Before starting work, you need to calculate the amount of material, frame strips, fasteners.

To calculate the frame, determine the placement of the panels. For the bathroom, vertical cladding will be optimal. Then the frame is installed horizontally. To determine the number of rails, you need to divide the length of the wall by the distance between the rails, and add one extreme rack to the resulting amount. Buy planks with a margin in case of undercuts and errors.

If the fastening occurs on nails, then buy with the calculation of 1 dowel per 50 cm.When fastening to the clamps, keep in mind that 20 pieces are required for 1 square meter.

To determine the number of sheets, the length of the wall is divided by the width of the panel. When using plastic in the form of tiles, calculate by square meters.

Features of selection, installation and care

When buying and installing panels, pay attention to the following nuances:

1. In case of sharp temperature fluctuations, it is required to wait several days until the material gets used to the new temperature.
2. Plastic sheets cannot be folded.
3. For trimming, use a hacksaw with no more than 1 mm gap between the teeth. You only need to cut from the front side.
4. Do not rush to rip off the film. It is often a protective coating that ensures long-term use.
5. Experts advise using wooden battens for the lathing. And be sure to insulate the gaps with a special material. But for the bathroom, the wooden frame is treated with antiseptics. With temperature fluctuations and high humidity, plastic slats are suitable for the bathroom.
6. Frame slats are placed perpendicular to the panels.
7. In the bathroom, it is better to use a vertical mount. Otherwise, moisture will accumulate between the gaps, forming fungus and mold.
8. recommended with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Hard scourers can damage the protective coating.
9. Before installing the plastic sheathing, it is advised to change the metal pipes to plastic ones.
10. Choose only well-known brands with a proven reputation, otherwise there is a risk of running into a low quality fake.
11. Follow the environmental friendliness of the material. The plastic should not contain heavy metals and oil refined products.
12. Choose manufacturers that provide guarantees.

The choice of building material for a bathroom has many requirements. Plastic panels have all the necessary properties. This option will delight you with its low cost and easy installation.