PVC panels for the bathroom: design options and installation

The bathroom is considered to be one of the most important accommodation rooms, since it is in it that the day of all family members begins and ends, so that it is not only comfortable, but also beautiful, special attention should be paid to its design. To date, there are many finishing materials with which you can originally perform the interior of the bathroom, with special attention should be PVC wall panels. They perfectly protect the room from moisture, give it an aesthetic look and are easy to install.

PVC panels are a unique cladding product, which is made from polyvinyl chloride and used to decorate rooms with high humidity. The composition of the material includes rock salt and elements of petroleum products. Thanks to special manufacturing techniques, these components are converted intoheavy-duty polymer that is resistant to high temperatures and has excellent performance characteristics. In addition to the main raw material, in the PVC production process, various additives are also used, which provide the panels with color, porous structure and high protection against moisture.

The main advantages of this material include:

• Affordable price. Such facing is considered budget and anyone 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 also are 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 arranged in such a way that keeps the heat and external sounds well, it is very important for bathrooms. In addition, during installation, a frame is installed on which you can additionally lay another layer of insulation.
• Environmental friendliness.Raw materials from which material is produced are 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 special skills. In addition, for finishing you do not need to use a special tool. Thanks to the wall panels, you can also hide all connections, wiring and engineering systems, providing a stylish look to the bathroom. Sheet plates are flexible, so it is easy to attach both in the horizontal and vertical direction at any angle.
• Easy to care. To clean the finish from dust and dirt, plastic enough to wash or wipe with water. Special cleaning agents are not required.
• Possibility of installation without preliminary surface preparation. The walls and the ceiling, which are planned to sheathe PVC, do not need to be plastered and leveled, since the frame is attached to them and after finishing all defects are hidden. Most importantly, the facing surface is dry and clean.

As for the shortcomings, the wall panels are fire hazardous, deformed at temperatures below -18 degrees and when installing 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. Not recommended for installation 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. It is also called plastic clapboard. This PVC has a standard length of the rails 300 cm and a width of 10-12.5 cm, the slats are equipped with special grooves, so they are installed exactly like siding. Depending on the model range of plastic rack, they can have wide or narrow locking systems, which should be considered when choosing. It is usually used for cladding ceilings in the bathroom, but the slats are well suited for covering the surface of walls. Due to the longitudinal or vertical placement of the plates, it is possible to obtain a visual expansion of the room.Plastic lining is traditionally made in a single color or with imitation of wood with a colored border, it is resistant to moisture, but under the influence of low temperature can be deformed.

• Standard. It has the appearance of smooth panels with a length of 260-300 cm and a width of 25-37 cm. The device of the products includes tongue-and-groove locks, which allow for quick installation and create a solid, durable coating that does not let moisture through. Such plates can be both color, with a photo printing, and with imitation of a tile. These panels are much stronger, but their installation is more difficult.

• Sheet. It is a large, but thin lamella with a length of 4.05 m and a width of 2.03 m. They are characterized by a special device and consist of two layers of plastic, between which are built-in longitudinal bridges. Finishing material, as a rule, perform the butt, after which the seams are filled with sealant to the color of the coating. It is best to do the trim with glue on a flattened base, but sometimes installation is carried out on the batten. Sheet products come in various colors and textures, but require special installation technology and careful operation.

Depending on how PVC is fastened, the products are divided into seamless, with a bevel and with a relief surface. Seamless type is often used for finishing ceilings. In the process of installation, the decorative elements are placed close to each other, as a result of which a minimum seam is formed. If the installation technology is done correctly, the connections between the plates are almost imperceptible and the finish takes on a complete 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 respects similar to seamless lamellae, but unlike them, there is a chamfer in the end part of the product. It is a decorative recess that allows you to join the panels in one canvas. PVC with a facet is also called rusty panels, they can be purchased for wall cladding and ceilings. If you need to get a stunning effect in the decoration of the walls, then it is best to choose a material with a relief surface. It looks like a clapboard and has a high wear resistance and durability, but compared to other types it is much more expensive.

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 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 you begin installation, it is important to accurately calculate the area of ​​the room and determine the material consumption, given its size.

Typically, the standard width of the slats corresponds to the dimensions of ceramic tiles and ranges from 20 to 30 cm, the length at the same time can reach 3 m. The thickness of the products is from 3 to 10 mm. These indicators, as a rule, depend on the type of panels and can vary. So, lath PVC has a width of from 0.13 to 0.3 m, a length is from 0.9 to 3 m, wall is produced according to a width of 0.15 to 0.5 m and a length of 2.6 to 3 m, respectively. There are on sale and wide panels of tiled type, their parameters - 0.3-0.98 cm.

For finishing the bathroom, it is recommended to choose products with a width of at least 10 cm, they are equipped with a wide European or narrower lock, which is called a polka. Typically, this PVC has a double profile design, is available in a single color and is easy to install.If you buy a material with a width of 15 to 50 cm, you will have to make a lot of effort to hide the seams. In that case, if the installation is carried out for the first time with your own hands, then 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 up to 30 mm thick. Such plates quickly fasten and create an ideal finishing surface.

Polyvinyl chloride is a ductile raw material; therefore, in the production process, it produces not only durable, moisture-resistant, but also beautiful panels, which are produced with a raised pattern, smooth or matte surface. Decorative panels go through several processing steps and, depending on the method of applying the composition, there are laminated, offset and thermal transfer. To extend the service life and improve the appearance, they are also additionally varnished. For the design of the toilet and bathroom are great both matte and glossy plates with a frieze. They do not fade and do not lose their properties under the negative impact of detergents and moisture.

To get a refined interior in the bathroom, it is recommended to choose seamless lamellae., the drawing of which is applied with the help of thermal transfer film. Images of various subjects are superimposed on the panels with a special rotating cylinder under 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. Particularly interesting in this design look ceiling panels with drawings of flowers.

If the style of the room provides for a more natural and restrained notes, then offset PVC will be the right choice, the compositions in this case are applied to the surface of products with the help of ink from the printer. Imitation “under the tree”, “thread” and “panda” is very popular. No less attractive looks such a finish and a natural stone. Special attention also deserves laminated material, which is difficult to distinguish from the texture of fabrics.

Since absolutely any image can be applied to the surface of plastic, recently in modern design it is widely used as photo printing, geometric ornaments, and images for brickwork or tile.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 embossed patterns that have an extruded surface.

To make the interior of the bathroom beautiful, you need not only to choose the right color, but also the texture of the finish. For small rooms you can not apply the finish with bulk compositions, it is best to give preference to discreet monochromatic 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.

The crucial moment in the design of the bathroom is the acquisition of material, on which will depend not only the strength and durability of the finish, but also the interior of the room.

Before you select the panel, you must consider the following points:

• To facing reliably served for many years, it is best to buy panels that have several jumpers. The more stiffeners, the more reliable the product. It is impossible to use material with deformed locks and jumpers.
• A huge role is played by the appearance of the panels. If they are of high quality, then they are characterized by clarity of pattern and uniformity of color. In addition, you should make sure that when joining elements, the image will be perfect. Offset is not allowed. There should also be on the surface of plastic waves and other defects.
• No less important is the quality of the locking systems. When fixing between the panels is not allowed the presence of gaps.
• In the case when the material does not correspond to the dimensions specified by the manufacturer, it is worth thinking about the possibility to make a purchase, since in the future you may encounter other problems during installation.
• For the shower, you need to buy panels with high moisture resistance, as they are most susceptible to the effects of water and fumes.

In order to ensure safe operation of the finishes, it is recommended to purchase products that have the appropriate certificates. Even the highest quality plastic materials can emit toxic fumes, so the choice should be stopped by well-known and proven manufacturers and not save, as this is fraught with the appearance of various diseases.

Installation of PVC in the bathroom is not difficult to implement, so it is quite possible to do it yourself, without the help of experts. Since the products are equipped with special connections, they are easily installed on the crate or attached to the surface with glue. In this case, in the first case, you will only have to make a skeleton, and in the second case, carefully prepare the base. The first step is 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 must first make a false panel under the 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 the radiator. If this is not done, the heat will directly fall on the panels and the plastic will quickly lose its original appearance: it will bend and turn yellow. In addition, it is important to think about the availability of outlets. A convenient place is selected for them and the holes are pre-cut in the skin. This also applies to the ceiling plating.On its surface lines of fastening for lamps are put.

PVC sheathing is recommended to be performed in rooms with a temperature regime higher than +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 made for all fastening systems and holes that will protrude beyond the ceiling and walls. It can be built-in windows, wardrobes, doorways and ventilation grilles. In addition, for hanging equipment, you need to additionally make fasteners.

After the issue has been resolved with the layout and design choice, the preparation of the surface itself for finishing begins. The walls and ceiling are thoroughly cleaned of the previous lining, dust and dirt. It is also important to check that there is no fungus and mold on the substrate. If there are such, they are treated with antifungal and bactericidal agents. As for the plaster surface, it is optional.

For the installation of panels should also ensure that 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, additional wooden bars, metal profiles, brackets, fixing clips or glue will be required.

To date, there are several methods of installing PVC panels, with the most widely used is mounting on the batten. The frame structure is assembled from metal profile as well as plastic or wooden beams. If a tree is selected for the batten, it should be pre-treated with antiseptic agents. Standard metal profiles are usually used on the framework, and the size of wooden and plastic bars should not be less than 4 × 2.5 cm. They are fixed to the wall and ceiling with screws, observing a 40 cm pitch.

The battens should be fixed perpendicular to the direction of placement of the panels. In this case, regardless of whether it is a suspended ceiling, panel or screen, the casing can be done 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 unimpeded water flow down. This is especially important when the shower is sheathed. As for the vertical installation, it contributes to the visual "separation" of the walls.

When assembling the lathing, the structure should be additionally strengthened at the corners with supports, as which use small segments of the panels.

The installation process is as follows:

• Finishing start from one of the corners of the room or from the door. First of all, they fix the starting area, it is attached to the surface on the staples or nails. Then, using the fastening system, the first panel is installed, which is nailed to the frame.
• The next step is to install the second panel, it is positioned close to the first one and thus continues facing until the next corner.
• At the end of the trim fixing the finishing area and insert the final panel into it. The joints between the elements are carefully coated with sealant and proceed to the installation of ceiling or floor plinths.

No less popular is the installation of PVC on special mounting clips, for this at the beginning they make a strong frame.In the case when there are significant irregularities on the surfaces, under the strips and profile lay a strip of plastic or plywood and fix them with screws. Similar to the first method, an inner corner is attached 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-fit ​​clips are placed in its groove. Further, everything proceeds according to the previously described scheme.

If the bathroom is small, then frame installation for it is considered not the best option., as the design reduces the usable floor space. Therefore, for small bathrooms, panels are most often installed frameless in a way, on glue. The only disadvantage of this technology is that it requires a perfectly flat surface, so the ceiling and walls have to be well prepared for plating. To fix the material, you should purchase special adhesive mixtures that do not contain organic solvents, as they adversely affect the plastic. “Liquid nails” are a suitable tool for this, and no more than one can is required for 5 m2.

Installation of panels on glue is carried out in several stages:

• First of all, dry the working base with a heat gun or a building dryer. Then the surface is primed with antiseptic.
• After this, the walls and ceiling should be leveled so that the drops do not exceed 3 mm. The presence of minor tubercles and caverns is allowed, they are easy to cut the grinder. Great attention is paid to the joints in the corners. They must be strictly perpendicular, otherwise the installation work will become more complicated, creating problems with fixing the initial and finishing frames of the frame.
• When the base under the finish is ready, then glue is applied to the panel, leaving a small distance from the edge, and applied to the surface level, pressing for 5 minutes, until the adhesive mixture seizes. The cladding elements that adjoin the floor and ceiling are cut, fastened with dowels and decorated with baseboards.

Any kind of finishing needs careful care and periodic cleaning, are no exception and PVC panels. 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, acids and alkalis. This is desirable to do at least once a year.To clean the plastic and plastic walls and ceilings from dust and dirt, it is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth moistened with water and detergent. If after this traces of dirt remain, then you can use a soft brush and re-clean everything.

Do not forget that the plastic is susceptible to deformation at low temperature and can lose its original appearance under the influence of direct rays of the sun and heat sources. Therefore, in order to prevent the panels from turning yellow and not curved, protective screens are installed in the bathroom near the radiators and windows. In addition, the trim should be protected from mechanical damage, as it is easily scratched.

In modern design bathrooms are very popular options for finishing with the use of PVC panels. The room sheathed thus gets a stylish and beautiful look. Registration is most often performed with rack or panel plastic, samples of which are presented in a wide range of colors and texture. Rack PVC is well suited for ceilings in a small bathroom, thanks to them the interiors are original,and even a nondescript "Khrushchev" can be transformed into a cozy and spacious room. For the design of the bathroom is recommended to create unique compositions, combining bright colors. An unusual solution is considered to be paneling with imitation of leather, granite or wood, it will be interesting to complement its edging with an ornament.

Lovers of classic style, despite the wide range of colors, it is best to give preference to the material of warm colors and avoid large patterns. This veneer will ideally be combined with shades of gold on the doors and decorative elements in the room. You can also select a separate area in the bathroom and sheathe it with plastic under a natural stone. If the PVC finish will serve as the basis for the design in the bathroom, then to emphasize the style and chic of the room, it is advisable to carefully consider all the details. For example, in a spacious room it is recommended to completely replace ceramic tiles and install glossy panels of deep color on the walls and ceiling. They will harmonize well with the set of equipment and fill the bathroom with light, visually expanding the space.

PVC glitter panels will indicate the refined taste of homeownerswhich are usually used for wall decor. But choosing such a method of decoration, it is important not to overdo it, because too bright compositions are not always considered successful. It must be remembered that the interior of the bathroom should be both stylish and discreet. Therefore, in some cases it is best to choose plain panels and complement them with beautiful accessories.

In that case, if the housing is decorated in modern style, then for finishing the bathroom the right decision will be plating of red and black plastic. Such an unusual combination of colors looks spectacular and modern. In addition, the situation in the room will help to dilute not only the alternation of contrast, but also panels of different widths.

For rooms in which the ethnic style prevails, it is necessary to carry out furnish with a material with wood imitation. On their background, wooden furniture and cotton curtains with a small flower create a cozy atmosphere. But such a decor is not recommended for the shower, as it will look inappropriate. A bold idea is considered to be a bathroom with plastic imitation marbled. It will ideally replace ceramics, and the beautiful texture will additionally emphasize the naturalness of the interior.

Thanks to modern photo printing methods, there is also an opportunity to place not only landscapes of your favorite places in the bathroom, but also family photos. To emphasize this design, it is necessary in the room to make the decor elements of metal and glass. If, on the contrary, you want to get a comfortable, but modest bathroom, then it is necessary for the veneer to choose plastic pastel colors, you will not need to buy expensive furniture, and the interior will be interestingly decorated with ceramic jugs and color patterns. It will give such a room attractiveness and a ceiling sheathed with similar panels; in this case, it is advisable to make the installation from slatted panels with mirror inserts.

On the decoration of the walls with plastic panels in one day, see the video.