Plastic panels for the bathroom are polymer finishing materials, since polyvinyl chloride is used in the manufacturing process. A pattern is applied to the outer surface of the material through the use of various types of printing. After that, a layer of varnish is matte or glossy. This greatly increases the attractiveness of this material and makes the range more diverse.
The choice of the appearance of the panels should be determined by the stylistic features of the interior of the bathroom
If you follow the rules of the repair work, decorating with PVC panels for the bathroom will not be difficult. This material is so versatile, and modern manufacturers offer such a huge variety of textures and colors that it will be very simple to choose and create any beautiful design.
For a small bathroom, it is better to choose light pastel shades, it is possible with a glossy surface
Since this room is often hidden from prying eyes, the color scheme, pattern and relief can be chosen solely at your discretion. For example, bright and dark colors, which will look bad in other rooms, can perfectly suit the bathroom.
Rich and vibrant colors can be used in fairly spacious rooms.
You can make most of the walls in neutral colors and highlight one, making a bright accent on it. You can use various options for textures.
And if the owner of the house wants to change the design of the bathroom or just change the atmosphere, then it will be very easy to do. It will be enough just to replace some panels. Modern style involves the use of pure and neutral colors. But the traditional palette includes all neutral shades to the tones of precious stones.
Why you should choose PVC panels for the bathroom
The bathroom can be safely called one of the most problematic places in the apartment. This room has a constantly increased humidity level and a changing temperature level. For this reason, the type of coverage for this room is best chosen with all responsibility. Ceramic tiles have long been considered the best option for decorating the bathroom. But the combination of excellent strength and reliability, with a high cost and the complexity of the repair work made this material not the best choice in terms of rationality. Especially when it comes to a limited budget. For this reason, PVC panels for the bathroom are often the best choice.
More affordable, plastic panels act as a worthy alternative to expensive ceramic tiles
This material has several advantages:
- security,
- resistance to moisture and temperature changes,
- ease of installation
- reasonable cost
- a wide variety of colors and textures.
Even an inexperienced owner of a city apartment or a country house can cope with the installation of PVC panels
Not all PVC panels are of excellent quality. And therefore, when choosing a material, it is better to pay attention to the number of stiffeners. It is the stiffening ribs that guarantee the safety and durability, as well as the safety of the material during use and during mechanical stress.
The disadvantages and advantages of plastic panels
Plastic panels are an affordable and modern material, with which you can qualitatively and stylishly equip a bathroom. The material has the following advantages:
- as a facing material, plastic melts only at a temperature of 400 degrees,
- eco-friendly and safe
- can last a long period without visible damage,
- the structure of the plastic will not suffer even with prolonged exposure to moisture,
- easy to care and clean,
- there are no conditions for the propagation of fungi and bacteria,
- no need to use special cropping tools,
- the market offers a wide range of colors and textures,
- simplicity and speed of repair work when necessary;
- affordable cost.
However, this type of finish also has a number of disadvantages:
- the correct installation is necessary, if the work was performed with errors, the material may diverge during operation,
- even with a slight mechanical impact, traces may remain on the surface,
- toxic gas emission during fire,
- can play tiles by external characteristics,
- when using such panels, it is necessary to provide good ventilation to avoid the appearance of fungus and mold.
What styles are plastic finishes suitable for?
The classic design of the room is a marine style. This solution perfectly reflects the purpose of the entire room. And the color palette can be made in blue and white.
Panels with marine-themed photo prints work great
Warm colors without large patterns are suitable for the classic style.
This type of finish is perfect for art deco or provence styles. Such styles suggest the presence of stucco or waterproof wallpaper in the interior. The panels will perfectly replace them, they will go well with tile or stone.
Black panels and white plumbing will be appropriate in an Art Deco or Art Nouveau style bathroom.
Plain panels or with an unobtrusive marbled pattern - perfect for minimalism
Finishing with plastic panels is best suited for modern or minimalist styles. Modern manufacturing companies offer a huge assortment of products of various designs. They can imitate stone, wood or ornament. Plastic plastic can be an excellent solution not only for the bathroom, but also for the shower room and toilet. Therefore, do not be afraid that such panels will not be able to help with the implementation of a wide variety of design options. They can be safely used for a variety of creative design ideas.
The undeniable advantage of plastic panels is that they can be combined with other finishing materials.
A wide variety of colors and textures
Panels can have such decorative coatings:
- Solid colors. Plastic gets shades thanks to the mineral pigment, which is added to the polymer raw material during the production process. For this reason, the coloring of the material does not fade even under the influence of sunlight.
- With drawing. The surface of the plastic may be coated with a specific ornament or image.
- Textured. The material imitates natural marble, granite and other minerals. In the manufacturing process, a special imitation film is applied to the material, protected by a polymer layer.
- Under the tile. The most popular variety. It can create imitation tiles with frieze. This solution makes it possible to quickly surface and without using ceramic tiles.
The room looks stylish and modern, which is decorated with panels with different patterns, which are combined in a certain sequence. For example, a panel with drawings is made around a mirror or shower. And the rest is done in one color.
Quality “tiled” panels look practically the same as real tiles
You can use the solution when panels of different types alternate in stripes. This creates a rather interesting game of surfaces. This solution is perfect for small rooms with low ceilings. The walls of the room visually stretch upward, and it seems that the proportions of the room are more harmonious.
Vertical stripes visually raise the bathroom ceiling
Panels can be perfectly combined with other materials for decoration. For example, the lower part of the walls and the plastered upper part decorated with vinyl panels look great.
Such a combined finish is perfect for a bathroom in a country house
You can pay attention to vinyl models or models with 3D drawings. Volumetric options visually expand the space. But it is better to use them in spacious rooms. Since the volume of 3D and the effect of it is best perceived from a great distance.
How to choose plastic panels in the bathroom
First of all, pay attention to the cost of the material. Durable and high-quality products can not be too cheap. Materials should be even. They should not have waves and bends. Edges must be intact and intact. Otherwise, it is impossible to create a perfect joint and water can leak into the panel.
For the decoration of the bathroom most often use rack or panel plastic
Products that have good strength characteristics have a thickness of 1 cm or more. In addition, they have a maximum number of stiffeners. In order to finish the bathroom pleasantly pleased, it is important to evaluate the design of the material as well. All profiles must be from the same batch. Otherwise, some of the items may vary in color or texture.
The number of stiffeners inside the panel directly affects the strength of the material and the safety in case of mechanical stress
For the design of small rooms, it is best to opt for light panels without structure and relief. In this case, matte varieties may be preferable to glossy. The thickness of the material should not exceed 8 mm. Too thin panels, subject to lighting with spotlights, can transmit light rays. In this case, the illuminated console of the ceiling can become almost transparent.
Specifications
Plastic panels have a rectangular shape and a height of 2.7-3 meters. The outer side can imitate a variety of surfaces - fabric, wood, plaster. Photo printing can be applied to the surface of panels. The reverse side of the product has a relief surface and due to this it is well attached to the wall.
The surface of plastic panels can be matte or glossy, with a pattern or photo printing, with imitation of expensive finishing materials
Finishing can be done in three ways:
- Mounting to the crate. The panels are fixed to the frame made of wood or metal using a stapler or conventional nails. A great option in order to hide the irregularities of the walls and water pipes, which can be sewn into a separate box. At the same time, the design of the room, in which communications are not visible, wins significantly.
An alternative to nails - small screws with a wide hat
Assuming the possibility of dismantling the panels, it is better to install the clymers on the screws
The panels can only be glued on even walls with a solid surface.
Panel Views
The panels are produced in a fairly large assortment of foreign and domestic manufacturers. Products can be different in color, structure, texture, type of material.
The shape of the panels can be of the following types:
- Lining. It is a rectangular board 3x10 cm. Most often, this variety is equipped with a European castle connection with a wide clearance. Thus, all the seams between the lamellas are clearly visible, but they are leakproof. The traditional colors are color or white.
- Plates. Large sheets, the sides of which are equal to 0.8 - 4 cm. Sheet material is used in large rooms, for finishing walls and ceilings.
- Panels. The most popular type of material that is used to decorate bathrooms and bathrooms. The length of the lamellas is usually 2.6 - 3 m. There are 15, 25, 50 cm in width. The main advantage of this particular type can be called imperceptible joints. But this advantage only works if the installation technology is strictly adhered to.
- Wall. They have an increased thickness, as well as the ability to withstand even very large mechanical loads.
Wall panels are equipped with groove / comb locks that allow quick installation and a one-piece moisture-proof coating
To decorate the ceiling of the bathroom often use rack panels 10-12.5 cm wide, otherwise called plastic lining
Material advantages
Plastic panels are in no way inferior to tile. The indisputable advantages of the material are the price and excellent sound insulation.
Stylish interior of a hygienic room in dark colors
The range allows you to implement the idea of decor using:
- decorative pattern
- imitations of marble, wood,
- trendy 3D images,
- photo printing
- color background of any shade.
Plastic in a classic bathroom
The palette of PVC panels is diverse - from pastel to bright shades, and even deep black with a glossy and matte surface.
Color palette of plastic panels
What solution is plastic bath decor suitable for?
The use of cladding with moisture-resistant plates is relevant for small apartments. Inexpensive and modern. Beautiful and rich.
The white bathroom looks beautiful and very spacious
The decor of the bathroom with plastic plates will never be boring. It opens up wide scope for the realization of the most extravagant idea. But not for the classic style, country, provence, art deco.
For such design decisions, natural materials combined with tiles are appropriate.
Latte color in the bathroom
Plastic products are perfect for art nouveau, hi-tech, contemporary, minimalism, due to the possibility of a harmonious combination of patterns.
Shades and elements of images during the installation process can be alternated, which allows you to realize any creative idea.
The most popular images are flowers, sea animals and plots, mosaics. Friezes skillfully imitate marble, granite tiles with a smooth or embossed surface, glossy shine or a noble matte texture.
White bathroom with added headset
The lining of PVC with a frieze under the wood texture is able to give the bathroom a new interior.
One of the stylish solutions is a panel with a print around the mirror or shower area. The rest of the wall surface is solid.
In fashion - a combination of panels with three different patterns. The alternation of different stripes allows you to give the surfaces a unique look and visually “stretch” the walls up.
Soft blue tones make the bathroom very tender
Even a small 3D volumetric image on plastic will add airiness to the space.
Materials with PVC are perfectly combined with modern decorative materials, so the surface lining around the sink and bathtub with walls decorated with moisture-resistant plaster or wallpaper looks spectacular.
Delicate marble style interior
Visually increase the room with the help of small images on plastic, located across.
Technical Parameters of PVC Panels
The basis of the products is polyvinyl chloride, which meets the modern requirements of environmental friendliness, hygiene and safety.
Black bathroom in white
Each panel consists of two thin sheets of plastic connected by longitudinal stiffeners.
They form cells in the form of honeycombs, so an air gap is created under them after installation. This structure provides thermal and sound insulation.
The advantage of this material in aesthetics, strength and durability
Plastic does not absorb moisture, therefore it is not subject to deformation.During installation, decorative plastic sheets adhere tightly, thanks to protrusions around the edges.
This is a guarantee of one hundred percent waterproofing, the light weight of the panels eliminates the additional load on the base of the walls and ceiling.
PVC products do not deform under the influence of high temperature. Images do not fade, are not erased.
Wide stripes look very interesting
From a plastic surface pollution is easily removed. High-quality installation and regular maintenance contribute to the operation of up to 10 years and more.
Shape and size
Typically, manufacturers produce PVC fragments 2.5-4 m long, 5-10 mm thick.
White color makes the room more spacious
Gray plastic for the bathroom looks strict and concise
Depending on the design idea in the market, you can buy PVC in the form of:
- standard sheets 10-37 cm wide, mainly with a tile-like frieze,
- rails representing narrow long strips 10 cm wide with a single-color design,
- seamless sheets up to 2 m wide, usually with a ready-made design solution on the front side.
Large ones reduce installation time. However, it should be remembered that in a small bathroom, plain wall cladding without seams can create the impression of a box.
Beautiful white surfaces blend with wood
Rack plastic mounted longer, but allow you to adjust the space.
Disadvantages of plastic panels:
- low level of resistance to mechanical damage,
- reduction of usable space due to installation,
- the difficulty of installing additional wall shelves, cabinets for which rails are necessary,
- the need for accurate calculation of the docking of friezes and drawings.
But these disadvantages successfully replace the pros. In addition, manufacturers continue to work to improve product performance and create new installation methods. Some panel options can already be glued or installed using clips.
Criterias of choice
A number of technical characteristics of the products can be carefully considered:
Lining in the decoration of the bathroom
- the surface of each surface should be flat,
- the dimensions must exactly match the information on the label,
- the composition should not contain more than 43% ethylene, 57% - bound chlorine,
- the more stiffening ribs, the higher the panel strength,
- the color tone should be even, and the image should be clear.
The color of the latte plastic sheathing harmoniously looks with the tiles in the bathroom
High surface relief makes cleaning difficult. In the protrusions, dirt, water will accumulate, which leads to the formation of mold fungi. The same problem occurs with poor installation.
How much to buy
Accuracy of calculation is the key to saving the budget. Calculating the surface area is not enough, because the corners and transitions will not allow you to do without waste.
Their volume increases when choosing lamellas with asymmetric patterns. It is not possible to use segments with such decor in other parts of the bathroom.
Variety with narrow stripes
Therefore, for standard boards, you should buy 10-15% more of the surface area to be trimmed. With complex drawings, the number of panels is better to calculate by the piece.
It is better to buy screws, self-tapping screws, clamps in packs, because it is impossible to calculate their exact number. With rails and profiles easier, because they divide the surface into squares, but it is preferable to purchase with a margin.
This material currently has great potential.
Installation on the strength of everyone
Plastic sheathing is done with one's own hands even without special skills. This is a way to quickly and profitably decorate a room without outside help.
Installation does not require leveling surfaces with plaster. The frame and adhesive method of facing are practiced.
Lovely plastic lining in the bathroom
For the frame method, you need to stock up:
- a drill
- with a screwdriver
- with screws and dowels,
- hacksaw
- in pencil
- a triangle
- tape measure
- skirting board for the bath,
- plastic moldings
- sealant.
Easy to install on your own without having to seek help from specialists
The sequence of stages of wall cladding
The beginning of work is the removal of all interfering things from the premises so that there is free access to surfaces.
Cool and very fashionable bathroom interior
- Measurement of the height of the walls.
- Trimming metal profiles to the required height.
- Installation of vertical profiles at a distance of 50 cm from each other, starting on the left side.
- Fastening fasteners at a distance of 40 cm at the same level, starting from the bottom.
- Between the wall and ceiling, wall and floor, 3-3.5 mm gaps are left.
Delicate and very soft bathroom interior
The result is a solid frame - the foundation. Then the cells are filled with foam.
After laying it, the wiring of lighting will be done - outlets, places for fixtures. The last stage is the fastening of plastic panels to the profile with a tight connection of fragments, gluing skirting boards above and below.
For the installation of panels, self-tapping screws, screws or nails are used. The panels can be fastened with the help of kleimers, “fastening” the elements to the crate. They allow you to speed up the installation, but more expensive in cost.
In small rooms, the use of a frame for decoration “eats” precious centimeters of area. But this is not a reason to refuse such an option for decorating with plastic. They can be glued.
Relaxed Chinese-style bathroom interior
Just in this case, it will be problematic to replace the damaged element. It will not be possible to install built-in lamps, to insulate the room.
The bathroom, limited in large space, creates warm and special comfort.
Secrets of frameless cladding
Before frameless installation of PVC, the surface of the walls must be leveled and primed. For fastening, use liquid nails, taking into account the flow rate of 1-2 standard spray cans of 5-6 square meters. m or.
In a small bathroom, the light-colored interior visually expands your space.
The adhesive is applied to the plate pointwise with an indentation of 5-10 cm from the edge. The points are staggered.
Installation is carried out clockwise from an angle. It is applied to the surface with little effort, because the panels are “afraid” of large mechanical stresses.
The advantage of plastic in elegance, reliability and durability
Almost immediately, the decorative sheet is detached from the wall surface to dry the glue. After 5-10 minutes, the panel is finally installed in place. The upper and lower edges are additionally fixed with dowels.
Classic with an old style looks ambiguous
Nuances of ceiling paneling
For covering the ceiling, decorative plates with a width of 20-25 cm with a glossy surface are used. You can’t do without a frame.
It is set according to marks on the surface of the walls. Make them easy with a water level. A starting point is applied to one wall, and then at the corners. Marks connect to assembly lines.
The bathroom in light gray looks beautiful and very loose.
The ceiling frame is made with spruce or pine laths measuring 20x40 mm or 20x50 mm. For fastening the rails, U-shaped suspensions are used, which are placed after 40-50 cm. The frame for the luminaires is additionally strengthened.
Installation begins with screwing on the baseboard frame. Then decorative lamellas are inserted under the baseboard on one side, and then on the other and attached to the crate with screws.
Easy to install on your own, without the help of masters
During installation, the electric wires are brought out. Installation is completed by processing the joints with silicone sealant.
Green plastic panels in the bathroom
GALLERY: The best options for framing a bathroom with plastic panels
Today, plastic panels are a good alternative to tiles in the bathroom. They are very practical and easy to care for. And their cost is much less than other types of finishes. We were able to collect in one article the most interesting options for your room. After reviewing the information, please leave your comments with reasoning in the comments. They will be useful to other readers. Your opinion is very important to us. Thank you for your participation. We appreciate your every feedback and time spent.
A bit about PVC material
PVC panel is a finishing material based on polyvinyl chloride. The material is used for facing surfaces. Light weight and harmlessness to a living organism made it quite popular in the market. Polyvinyl chloride is a polymer that is used in the manufacture of many items: linoleum, water pipes, hoses. The surface is dense and non-porous. PVC panels are produced at the factory. A mass of plastic that looks like a dough is kneaded and placed in an extruder - a special machine. The material cools down and takes on the desired shape at the final stage. The thickness of the panel is 5-10 mm. The standard dyne is 3 m. A print is printed on the outside.
Advantages and disadvantages of decorating a bathroom with PVC panels
Like any other material for cladding, polyvinyl chloride has its pros and cons. Let's consider them in more detail below.
- Budget Saving. The average cost of a standard panel is 200 p. The price depends on the design and quality of the material,
- Resistant to moisture and odors. The material can be used in rooms where the humidity level is elevated,
- Easy to care. It is enough to clean the surface with a damp cloth using an ordinary soap solution,
- The ability to hold and hide communication taps under the panels,
- Heat and sound insulation
- Fire resistance. Bathrooms may have short circuits. The material does not contribute to the spread of fire in the room,
- Easy styling on your own. If there is minimal knowledge and experience, then independently engage in facing will not be difficult.
- Low level of environmental friendliness. Inexpensive materials emit the smell of phenol, whose effect on the body is undesirable,
- The fragility of PVC material. When pressed incorrectly and abruptly, cracks and dents appear,
- Visually reduces the space thickness of the skin. It is undesirable to use for small rooms,
- Not so much rich design choice compared to ceramic tiles
Material selection
When choosing PVC plastic panels, you should adhere to some selection criteria for quality material. First of all, you need to look at the thickness of the front surface. Resistance to mechanical damage directly depends on this item. If a crack appears, then moisture will penetrate through it. The accumulation of moisture will lead to the formation of fungi, mold and other unpleasant consequences. The panel should be flat and no fingerprints or dents. The number of edges should be about 20. Then the panel is durable. The ribs should also be the same thickness and should be perpendicular to the front. A quality product should contain very little chalk. If you slightly bend the plate, you can determine the amount.
Sea style
In this direction, designers recommend using panels of natural shades. Bathrooms look bright and full of detail. When creating in this style, plastic panels alone will not do. The entire interior is complemented by a variety of elements. Pictures and images on which the sea, the coast, starfish are painted perfectly fit into the interior of the bathroom. Large-format mirrors visually add volume to the space, and small shells, pebbles and sand in vases harmoniously complement the overall picture.
Modern
Art Nouveau style is a free space and the absence of unnecessary things. All decor is distinguished by creative creation of a full zoned space. Walls with ceilings are set on different levels. Built in many lamps, lamps and illuminating elements. In the design of the bathroom in the Art Nouveau style, PVC plastic panels are used in light colors.
Tips for choosing a color scheme and pattern
The presence of a huge selection of colors for PVC panels suggests the right approach to its implementation. You should responsibly approach the correct design and decoration of the bathroom. You need to choose a color, a pattern that will dominate the decor. In an exclusive design project, you can achieve a combination of several shades. This design will give the bath color, brightness, freshness, novelty. But this is possible only if square meters are enough. And, if the room is a small area, devoid of light and a small window, then it is better to pick up bright, plain motifs of plastic panels. Professionals are also advised not to forget about the prominent elements of the decor. In a small bathroom, it is best to avoid installing them.
In care, the protruding drawings also require increased attention, because dirt, plaque and bacteria accumulate very quickly in them. You can use the advice of decorators: plastic panels in the bathroom are perfectly combined with plaster or painting. Panels are installed to the middle of the wall, and walls are painted above. Color compatibility is important. One more tip: contrast colors. The alternation of panels of different sizes will draw attention to such a bathroom. Today, modern technology allows you to apply a picture of any complexity to the surface. Tile lovers can realize their idea by embodying a complex pattern that will be difficult to distinguish with the naked eye from the tile.
Properties: Pros and Cons
PVC panels are a unique facing product, which is made from polyvinyl chloride and is used to decorate rooms with high humidity. The composition of the material includes rock salt and elements of oil products. Thanks to special manufacturing technologies, these components are transformed into a high-strength polymer that is resistant to high temperature and has excellent performance characteristics. In addition to the main raw materials, various additives are also used in the PVC production process, which provide the panels with color, a porous structure and high protection against moisture.
The main advantages of this material include:
- Affordable price. Such a facing is considered budgetary and everyone can afford it.
- Huge selection of colors and textures. The market is represented by products of various colors, which not only imitate natural material, but are also decorated with photo printing.
- Durability. Since polyvinyl chloride is a waterproof product, it prevents the formation of mold and fungus on the surface of the finish, thereby increasing its service life.
- Good thermal insulation and sound absorption. The internal structure of the material is designed in such a way that it retains heat and external sounds well, it is very important for bathrooms. In addition, during installation work, a frame is installed on which another layer of insulation can be additionally laid.
- Environmental friendliness. The raw material from which the material is released is absolutely safe for human health.
- Quick installation. All work on the assembly and cladding of the structure is quite realistic to carry out independently, without having any special skills. In addition, there is no need to use a special tool for decoration. Thanks to wall panels, you can also hide all connections, wiring and engineering systems, giving the bathroom a stylish look. Sheet plates are flexible, so they are easily fixed both in horizontal and vertical directions at any angle.
- Easy to care. To clean the finish from dust and dirt, just wash or wipe the plastic with water. No special cleaning agents are required.
- Possibility of installation without preliminary surface preparation. The walls and ceiling, which are planned to be sheathed with PVC, do not need to be plastered and leveled, since the frame is attached to them and after finishing all the flaws will be hidden. The most important thing is that the facing surface is dry and clean.
As for the shortcomings, the wall panels are fire hazard, are subject to deformation at temperatures below -18 degrees and during installation slightly reduce the space of the bathroom. The disadvantage of products is their low strength, due to which they are unstable to the formation of scratches and chips. Installation is not recommended in rooms where direct sunlight penetrates, adversely affecting the finish. But, as a rule, there are no windows in the bathrooms, so this disadvantage can be eliminated.
Recently, for the implementation of design ideas in the bathroom, many owners of houses and apartments choose PVC panels, as they allow you to create any style, giving the room a modern look.
This material is available in several types:
- Rack and pinion. It is also called plastic lining. Such PVC has a standard length of rails of 300 cm and a width of 10-12.5 cm, the strips are equipped with special grooves, so they are installed exactly like a siding. Depending on the model range of rack plastic, they can have wide or narrow locking systems, which should be taken into account when choosing. It is usually used for cladding ceilings in the bathroom, but the slats are well suited for wall cladding. Due to the longitudinal or vertical placement of the plates, you can get a visual extension of the room. Plastic lining is traditionally made in a single color or imitation of wood with a colored border, it is resistant to moisture, but can be deformed under the influence of low temperature.
- Standard. It has the appearance of smooth panels with a length of 260-300 cm and a width of 25-37 cm. The product structure includes tongue-and-groove locks that allow quick installation and create a solid, durable coating that does not allow moisture to pass through. Such plates can be either colored, with photo printing, or with imitation of tile. These panels are much stronger, but their installation is more complicated.
- Sheet. It is large in size but thin lamellas 4.05 m long and 2.03 m wide. They are characterized by a special device and consist of two layers of plastic, between which longitudinal jumpers are built. Finishing with the material, as a rule, is done end-to-end, after which the seams are filled with sealant to the color of the coating. It is best to do the cladding with glue on an aligned base, but sometimes the installation is carried out on a crate. Sheet products come in various colors and textures, but require special installation technology and careful operation.
Depending on how PVC is attached, the products are divided into seamless, with a bevel and with a relief surface. Seamless type is often used for decorating ceilings. During installation, decorative elements are placed tightly to each other, resulting in a minimal seam. If the installation technology is performed correctly, then the connections between the plates are almost invisible and the finish takes a holistic look. In addition, using seamless panels on the ceiling and walls, you can create continuous patterns.
The material made in the form of a chamfer is in many ways similar to seamless lamellas, but unlike them, a chamfer is present at the end of the product. It is a decorative recess that allows you to connect the panels into one canvas. Chamfered PVC is also called rust panels, they can be purchased both for wall and ceiling cladding. If you want to get an amazing effect in the decoration of the walls, it is best to choose a material with a raised surface. Outwardly, it resembles a lining and has high wear resistance and strength, but in comparison with other types it costs much more.
Dimensions
PVC wall panels are ideal for interior decoration in the bathroom. They have a convenient rectangular shape and a reliable connecting system, thanks to which the installation is quick and easy. Today in the construction market you can find products not only differing in design, but also in size. Therefore, before starting installation, it is important to accurately calculate the area of the room and determine the consumption of material, given its size.
Usually the standard width of the lamellas corresponds to the dimensions of the ceramic tile and ranges from 20 to 30 cm, the length in this case can reach 3 m. The thickness of the products can be from 3 to 10 mm. These indicators, as a rule, depend on the type of panels and may vary. So, PVC slat has a width of 0.13 to 0.3 m, a length of 0.9 to 3 m, wall is produced respectively with a width of 0.15 to 0.5 m and a length of 2.6 to 3 m. There are wide tiled panels are also on sale, their parameters are 0.3-0.98 cm.
To finish the bathroom, it is recommended to choose products with a width of at least 10 cm, they are equipped with a wide lock “European” or narrower, which is called “polka”. Typically, this PVC has a double profile design, is available in a single color and easy to install. If you purchase material with a width of 15 to 50 cm, you will have to make a lot of effort to hide the seams. In the event that installation is done for the first time with your own hands, it is best to give preference to sheet plates with a width of 80 to 203 cm, a length of 159 to 405 cm and a thickness of up to 30 mm. These boards fasten quickly and create the perfect finishing surface.
Design and decor
Polyvinyl chloride is a plastic raw material, so during the production process not only strong, moisture resistant, but also beautiful panels are produced that are produced with a relief pattern, smooth or matte surface. Decorative panels go through several stages of processing and, depending on the method of applying the composition, there are laminated, offset and thermal converters. To extend their life and improve their appearance, they are also additionally varnished. For the design of the toilet and the bathroom, both matte and glossy plates with a frieze are excellent. They do not fade and do not lose their properties under the negative influence of detergents and humidity.
To get a refined interior in the bathroom, it is recommended to choose seamless lamellas, the figure of which is applied using a thermal transfer film. Images of various subjects are superimposed on the panel with a special rotating cylinder at high temperature, after which they are covered with a protective layer. Unusual patterns and landscapes made by artists will become a real decoration of the room. Ceiling panels with color drawings look especially interesting in this design.
If the style of the room provides for more natural and restrained notes, offset PVC is the right choice, the compositions in this case are applied to the surface of the products using ink from the printer. Imitation “imitation under a tree”, “threads” and “panda” is very popular. Such a finish looks no less attractive under natural stone. Laminated material, which is externally difficult to distinguish from the texture of fabrics, also deserves special attention.
Since absolutely any image can be applied to the surface of plastic, recently in modern design both photo printing, geometric ornaments, and images for brickwork or tile are widely used. There are also products with a reflective film that have a mirror effect and visually increase the space. But their cost is high, so many homeowners choose perforated sheets with a relief pattern that has an extruded surface.
To make the bathroom interior beautiful, you need not only to choose the right color, but also the texture of the finish. For small rooms, you can not use decoration with voluminous compositions, it is best to give preference to restrained monophonic colors. If the area of the room allows, then you can show maximum imagination and create an unusual style, filling the space with bright colors and patterns.
Installation Features
Installing PVC in the bathroom is not difficult, so it is quite possible to do it yourself, without the help of specialists. Since the products are equipped with special compounds, their installation is easily carried out on a crate or attached to surfaces with glue. In this case, in the first case, you only have to make the frame, and in the second, carefully prepare the base. First of all, it is necessary to sheathe the ceiling, and then the walls. Thanks to this technique, the process of decorating corners and joints will be simplified.
Before facing surfaces, you should first make false panels for countersthat will provide constant access to them without dismantling the finish. It is also necessary to provide for the installation in the room of special heat reflectors for the dryer and radiator. If this is not done, then the heat will directly enter the panels and the plastic will quickly lose its original appearance: it will bend and turn yellow. In addition, it is important to consider the availability of outlets. A convenient place is selected for them and holes are cut in advance in the casing. This also applies to ceiling cladding. On its surface, attachment lines for fixtures are applied.
Preparation and accessories
PVC sheathing is recommended to be performed in rooms with a temperature regime of above +20 degrees. Prior to this, vinyl panels and their guides are left in the room for several days to acclimatize the material. Then measurements are made and markings are applied for all fastening systems and holes that will protrude beyond the boundaries of the ceiling and walls. It can be built-in windows, cabinets, doorways and ventilation grilles. In addition, for pendant equipment, it is necessary to additionally manufacture fasteners.
After the issue has been resolved with the layout and design choice, the preparation of the surface itself for decoration begins. The walls and ceiling are thoroughly cleaned from previous cladding, dust and dirt. It is also important to check that there is no mold or mildew on the base. If there are any, then they are treated with antifungal and bactericidal agents. As for the surface plaster, it is optional.
For the installation of panels should also take care of the availability of all the necessary tools and accessories. This is usually a standard set consisting of a level, a hacksaw, self-tapping screws and an electric drill. Depending on the installation method, additionally wooden bars, metal profiles, staples, fixing clips or glue are required.
Mounting Methods
Today, there are several methods for installing PVC panels, while the most widely used is installation on the crate. The frame structure is assembled both from a metal profile, and plastic or wooden beams. If a tree is chosen for the crate, then it should be pre-treated with antiseptic agents. Standard metal profiles are usually used on the frame, and the size of wooden and plastic beams should not be less than 4 × 2.5 cm. They are fixed to the wall and ceiling with screws, observing a step of 40 cm.
The battens of the battens must be fixed perpendicular to the direction of placement of the panels. At the same time, regardless of whether it will be a suspended ceiling, a panel or a screen, the casing can be carried out both vertically and horizontally. The choice, as a rule, depends on the characteristics of the room and style. But it is worth noting that vertical installation has its advantages. It provides unhindered water flow down. This is especially important when the shower cabin is sheathed. As for the vertical installation, it contributes to the visual "extension" of the walls.
When assembling the lathing, the structure should be further strengthened at the corners with supports, which are used as small segments of panels.
The installation process is as follows:
- Finishing begins from one of the corners of the room or from the door. First of all, the starting corner is fixed, it is attached to the surface on staples or nails. Then, using the fastening system, the first panel is installed, which is hammered into the frame with nails.
- The next step is the installation of the second panel, it is placed right next to the first and thus continues the lining to the next corner.
- At the end of the casing, the finish corner is attached and the final panel is inserted into it. The joints between the elements are carefully coated with sealant and proceed with the installation of ceiling or floor skirtings.
Equally popular is the installation of PVC on special fastening clips, for this purpose a durable frame is made at the beginning. In the case when there are significant irregularities on the surfaces, plastic or plywood gaskets are placed under the strips and profile and fixed with self-tapping screws. Similarly to the first method, an inner corner is fastened with clips near the door or in one of the corners, after which the first plate is inserted into the profile. Then, a second and snap clips are placed in its groove. Further, everything continues according to the previously described scheme.
If the bathroom is small, then frame mounting for it is considered not the best option, since the design reduces the usable area of the room. Therefore, for small bathrooms, panels are most often installed in a frameless way, on glue. The only drawback of this technology is that it requires a perfectly flat surface, so the ceiling and walls have to be well prepared for cladding. To fix the material, you should purchase special adhesive mixtures that do not contain organic solvents, as they adversely affect the plastic. Suitable means for this are “liquid nails”, on 5 m2 they require no more than one spray can.
Installation of panels on glue is carried out in several stages:
- First of all, the working base is well dried using a heat gun or a building hair dryer. Then the surface is primed with an antiseptic.
- After that, the walls and ceiling should be leveled so that the differences do not exceed 3 mm. The presence of minor tubercles and caverns is allowed, they are easy to cut off with a grinder. Great attention is paid to the joints in the corners. They must be strictly perpendicular, otherwise the installation work will be complicated, creating problems with the fastening of the initial and finishing slats of the frame.
- When the base for the finish is ready, then glue is applied to the panel, leaving a small distance from the edge, and is applied to the surface by level, pressing for 5 minutes until the adhesive mixture seizes. The cladding elements that are adjacent to the floor and ceiling are trimmed, fastened with dowels and decorated with skirting boards.
Any type of finish needs careful care and periodic cleaning, and PVC panels are no exception. Unlike other decorative materials, they are resistant to aggressive agents, so they can be washed and cleaned not only with water, but also with special compounds containing lime, acid and alkali. It is advisable to do this at least once a year. In order to clean the walls and ceiling finished with plastic from dust and dirt, it is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth soaked in a solution of water with a detergent. If after this traces of dirt remain, then you can use a soft brush and re-clean everything.
Do not forget that plastic is subject to deformation at low temperature. and may lose its original appearance under the influence of direct rays of the sun and heat sources.Therefore, so that the panels do not turn yellow and do not bend, protective screens are placed in the bathroom near the radiators and windows. In addition, the skin must be protected from mechanical damage, as it is easily scratched.
Design ideas
In the modern design of the bathrooms, finishing options using PVC panels are very popular. The room sheathed in this way takes on a stylish and beautiful appearance. The design is most often performed with rack or panel plastic, samples of which are presented in a wide range of colors and textures. Slatted PVC is well suited for cladding ceilings in a small bathroom, thanks to them the interiors are original, and even a plain “Khrushchev” can be transformed into a cozy and spacious room. For the design of the bathroom, it is recommended to create unique compositions by combining bright colors. An unusual solution is paneling with imitation of leather, granite or wood, it is interesting to complement the edging with ornament.
Types and features of wall panels
Traditionally, it turned out to tile the bathroom walls, since this material has good moisture-resistant properties.
But given its cost, we propose in this article to consider alternative options that have appeared due to the development of science and the chemical industry.
These materials appeared relatively recently, but already managed to fall in love, many masters involved in decorating rooms, their characteristics and properties, but which most people know little about.
These materials have all the wear-resistant and strength characteristics, and a protective coating, which provide the necessary moisture resistance necessary for bathrooms.
In the first place by the popularity of such wall panels, you can put PVC panels made of polyvinyl chloride and coated with a special coating, due to which such a panel does not fade and increases durability.
At the same time, the cellular design of the panel enhances the noise isolation of the bathroom. Analyzing the reviews about these panels, as well as the increased demand for them, we can say with confidence.
PVC panels are popular among craftsmen because of their properties as:
- Moisture resistance,
- Resistance to chemical cleaning agents,
- Resistance to temperature changes,
- Antibacterial properties,
- Not susceptible to accumulation of static voltage.
But, as always, even the most ideal material has its drawbacks, which should be mentioned. The disadvantages of PVC panels include low strength characteristics under mechanical stress.
Accidentally touching the surface of the panel with a sharp object when moving in the bathroom, there is a high probability of damage to it or it is not recommended to clean such panels with powder detergents in order to avoid the appearance of scratches.
But all these shortcomings seem insignificant if all the advantages and low cost of PVC panels are put on the scales. Due to their low cost, these panels are available to many segments of the population.
PVC panels
Moisture-resistant MDF wall panels can be ranked second in popularity.
The main material in their manufacture is sawdust, pressed under high pressure in a special binder that does not cause harmful effects on the human body.
MDF panels
MDF wall panels are specially coated with a protective layer that provides a moisture-resistant coating, this makes it possible to use them in the decoration of bathrooms 3 square meters. m. speaking about the strength characteristics of the bottom material comparing with the PVC panels, the latter win.
Nevertheless, due to color variations and ornaments of the protective coating of the described wall panels in the bathroom, you can create a unique and cozy interior, such as shown in the photo.
Speaking about the shortcomings of this facing material, we can say that its value lies in the middle price segment. If the protective coating is damaged, it may get into the panel structure, which can lead to decay and mold.
Natural wood panels
The third most popular is wood cladding. The interior of the small bathroom will be transformed by a peculiar design style.
Speaking about the quality of wood panels in the bathroom, we can say that this material has all the necessary qualities, so it is used as the main facing material for baths and saunas.
The disadvantage of wood panels is one - the cost, but, nevertheless, this material is in demand.