PVC bathroom panels are an affordable alternative to tiles. What is the difference between laminated PVC panels and other types of panels? The best MDF wall panels

13.05.2020

Very serious requirements are imposed on decorative coatings in the bathroom. It is no coincidence that PVC paneling for bathrooms is becoming more and more popular. Unlike tiles, PVC products are much cheaper, and installing PVC panels in the bathroom does not require the skills of a master finisher.

Wall panels are made of modern synthetic material, which provides high resistance to moisture. Manufacturers sell perforated hollow panels, the length of which can reach three meters. Such dimensions of the finishing material make it possible to avoid docking joints in the bathroom in the most visible place. The width of the panels also varies depending on the manufacturer.

The front side of the PVC panels can be decorated with various images or have a plain surface of various colors. The installation of decorative plastic panels in the bathroom also involves the use of additional connecting elements, such as external and internal corners, borders, trims, etc.

Pros and cons of PVC panels

The panels have a whole list of advantages that allow them to be used to decorate various rooms, including the bathroom.

So, strengths polyvinyl chloride coatings are:

Moisture resistant. Such a decorative material is not susceptible to fungal diseases, and the appearance of mold is excluded on it, which makes bathroom renovation with PVC panels very popular.

Wide range of flowers and paints.
Easy installation.
Plastic panels allow you to hide the wires from household appliances and electrical wiring.
A decorative plastic coating allows you to fix an additional layer of soundproof and / or heat-insulating materials on the walls of the room.
Easy to install and maintain.
Price availability of materials.
It is possible to dismantle and replace the defective panel within five minutes.

However, speaking of such a decorative coating, one should not forget about its negative qualities. Polyvinyl chloride is synthetic material that has a negative impact on human health. In addition, plastic panels are unstable to mechanical damage.

The design features of the material impose restrictions on some design solutions. The use of PVC panels looks out of place in the bathroom, the interior of which is designed in classical style. Installation plastic panels in the bathroom involves strict modern interior premises.

Do not forget about the fire safety of the material, because PVC products, although they are able to withstand high temperatures, but open fire is fatal for them. Moreover, when flaring up, plastic panels emit acrid and harmful smoke to humans.

However, the advantages of PVC decorative panels outweigh their negative sides and make them very popular in limited budget for repairs. Indeed, in addition to the fact that the price of such panels is very affordable, it is quite possible to install them yourself, having only minimal skills in working with hand and power tools.

The choice of panels for the bathroom

Despite the large selection and external similarity of decorative lamellas from, some nuances must be taken into account when buying them.

Distinguish between glossy and matte versions of PVC lamellae. The first option is solid and attractive appearance, because provides special lacquer coating that gives the surface extra shine . However , matte panels give the room a more rigorous and functional look .

Influences the choice of plastic panels and the type of butt joints. There are suture and seamless options for assembling panels to each other. The first method involves visually noticeable lines of joints, which often act as an additional decorative element. In the second case, the panels are joined as tightly as possible so that the joints are not noticeable.

Important!If you decide on seam-assembled plastic panels, be prepared for the fact that the joints will have to be cleaned regularly, as dirt will accumulate in them.

When planning a bathroom renovation with plastic panels, considerable attention is paid to their appearance and color. Don't forget the classics here. design techniques. For example, bright hues visually make a small bathroom larger, and dark color, on the contrary, visually reduces the room.

Drawing an image on the surface of the panels is carried out by different methods:

printed method. It involves drawing a pattern on the surface of the panels.
Film print. The image is applied to the film, and it, in turn, is glued to the panel.

The following panel dimensions are considered standard: height 2.7 meters with a width of 25 centimeters and a thickness of 1 cm. Naturally , there are panels of other sizes . It is worth buying products that do not contradict the design decision you have chosen.

Preparatory work

Having decided on the type and color of decorative plastic panels, you can begin to prepare the surfaces of the bathroom. This procedure is not particularly difficult. During it, the remnants of the previous coating, dirt and dust are removed from the walls and ceiling. Eliminated, if any, mold and fungal diseases, after which the surface is treated with an antiseptic. The advantages of plastic panels include the fact that the walls under them do not have to be plastered and putty.

Not a single finishing work can be done without the appropriate tool, and bathroom renovation with PVC panels is no exception. Therefore, take care of the availability in advance: screwdriver, drill, hacksaw, building level, self-tapping screws, ruler, marker, materials for the frame or crate (bars or metal profiles).

Based on the methods of fixing PVC panels, an additional tool is selected. When deciding how to install PVC panels in a bathroom, pay attention to the three most commonly used fixation options:

classic self-tapping screws or staples;
clips;
glue.

Any of these methods can be implemented independently, having studied all the available information.

Fixing panels with self-tapping screws

The most common option is when the panels are fastened with self-tapping screws or staples. This method involves several steps:

A crate for PVC panels or a metal frame is mounted. wooden bars before installation, it will be necessary to cover with an antiseptic. Sheathing slats or metal profiles are attached to the wall vertically with a distance of 40-50 centimeters between them. The horizontal bars should be positioned so that the top bar is in contact with the ceiling and the bottom bar is in contact with the floor. This will ensure sufficient rigidity of the crate.

Important!Before mounting the crate, mark the surfaces to be decorated: this will avoid skewing the crossbars in the future.

Corner butt joints are hidden using special fittings, which can be purchased in stores building materials. Although it is better to buy it together with PVC panels, it is desirable that all elements are made by the same manufacturer.
When installing panels vertically, the first of them is given the desired height, after which it is fastened with self-tapping screws or clips in the corner farthest from the door. Make sure that the first panel is installed strictly vertically.
The second and subsequent panels are mounted using a system of locks so as to hide the place where the panel is fastened to the crate.
When finished installing the panels, seal the joints with a colorless silicone-based sealant.
Lastly, ceiling and floor plinths, but you will need to wait for the sealant to dry.

With the help of plastic panels, you can clad not only the walls, but also the ceiling: this will give additional protection to the floors from moisture.

Installing panels with glue and staples

The second popular way to fasten PVC panels is to fix them with clips. The technology for performing such work is as follows:

A frame is assembled from mounting strips. Wall irregularities can adjust, installing linings of the required thickness under the planks. They are are made either plywood. Such strips are attached to the wall with the help of self-tapping screws.
Installation of panels and in this case it is better to start from the corner. Work begins with the installation of a fittings corner.
The first plastic panel is inserted into the corner and fixed to the mounting plate, the clip is equipped with a special tongue for this.
The next panels are mounted like this: each new part is inserted into the lock of the previous one, after which they are connected with a clip. They are also attached to the mounting plate with a clip. In the corners of the room, again, fittings are mounted, and the doorway is framed with starting profiles, which are fixed with clips.
Docking connections sealed, then established floor and ceiling plinths.

The method of fixing PVC panels for the bathroom with the help of adhesive mixtures is easy and fast. It is possible to decorate a bathroom with glued panels within a few hours. However, please note that the removal of panels fixed with glue will be associated with certain difficulties.

The procedure for attaching panels with adhesive is easy and intuitive. A layer of glue is applied to the working surface, after which the panel is pressed against it. Naturally, the wall in this case should have a flat surface, otherwise the decorative coating will lie unevenly and give the bathroom an untidy look. As in previous cases, the joints will need to be sealed, after which skirting boards and curbs are installed.

Important!Finishing bathrooms with PVC panels is relevant for apartment owners in newly built houses. This is due to the fact that such buildings will still shrink, so it is better to wait with more expensive options for finishing the bathroom.

Despite the external simplicity, when installing PVC panels in the bathroom, you will need to take into account some of the nuances:

After receiving materials from a cold warehouse, do not let them go immediately to work. Panels must be kept at room temperature within two days.
Do not start work if the room temperature is less than 10 degrees.
If the panels in the bathroom are mounted next to heating appliances, it will be necessary to install heat-insulating screens.
The dimensions of the plastic panels may change depending on the temperature in the bathroom. Therefore, when installing them, it will be necessary to leave a gap of 3-5 mm.
If you plan to sew up the entire room with plastic panels, then you need to start work from the ceiling, followed by the transition to the walls. In this case, decorating the docking walls and corners will be much easier.
When facing the ceiling, be sure to use markings, this will achieve the most even surface.
Before attaching the ceiling panels, cut holes in them for light bulbs; after installation, this will be somewhat difficult.
It is worth providing a false panel for access to the counters.

As you can see, wall cladding with plastic panels is a relatively simple way to update the bathroom interior. Moreover, you can do all the work with your own hands, which is quite important for the safety of the family budget.

PVC panels are a fairly popular material for finishing bathrooms. The combination of properties and prices of PVC products make them perhaps the most popular for decorating rooms with high humidity. Competent selection of decorative plastic panels and accuracy in the performance of work will completely transform the interior of the bathroom.

To date, PVC ceiling panels for the ceiling are the most affordable way to finish. They look great, are easy to install, simple and unpretentious in care. With such suspended structures, it will turn out to transform any room.

Modern pvc ceiling panels for the ceiling is a whole world, and in order not to "drown" in this ocean, let's see how such materials are classified

Types of PVC ceiling panels

Design features and physical properties of pvc ceiling panels

The basis of the finishing elements is polyvinyl chloride, and their appearance is represented by two plates connected to each other. Each detail on the side has a spike and stiffeners that make finished structure strong and solid, and also create air insulation inside it.

Manufacturers give a guarantee on the preservation of pvc panels for their ceiling appearance and initial characteristics for 10 years, subject to temperature regime ranging from -50 to +50 degrees. For certain types of ceiling panels, the upper limit can reach +110 degrees.

PVC panels for the ceiling - types

According to the type of connection, ceiling panels are divided into:

Suture.
Seamless.

Seam PVC panels are characterized by the presence of a visible joint after installation between individual elements that look like lining. On seamless - the joints after installation remain barely noticeable.

In turn, suture and seamless products are divided into glossy and matte.

PVC panels for the ceiling - color schemes

The standard color of such PVC panels is white. This shade is perfect for any interior, visually raise the ceiling. There are also many other color variations that can be used individually or.

Depending on the method of staining, the panels are divided into:

plain– simple but practical products. Possess increased stability to mechanical stress and UV radiation.
Lacquered– their surface is protected by a special strengthening varnish. The disadvantage is the appearance of scratches from the slightest mechanical impact.
Printed- a pattern is applied to the outside. In this case, soft plastic is used, so such panels are cheaper than others, but they are also less durable. Their alternative is thermally printed strips. In terms of strength, both options are the same, but thermal printing gives more decor variations.
Laminated imitating natural materials. They must be protected from exposure to UV rays, otherwise the laminate will begin to flake off.

Density

Despite the low weight of plastic ceiling panels, when choosing a product, dense elements should be preferred. This is due to the fact that thin-walled details will let light through, revealing flaws in the draft ceiling or flaws in the base finish.

Features of PVC panels in comparison with different finishing materials

The service life of PVC panels is much higher than that of materials of natural origin. Maintaining optimal indoor humidity and acceptable temperature, it will be possible to extend this indicator up to 50 years. This eliminates the need to spend time replacing or restoring individual parts.

PVC panels well protect the ceiling surface from harmful effects environment. They are easy to care for - you can carry out wet cleaning, which is unacceptable, for example, for plastered or whitewashed ceilings.

The main sizes of PVC ceiling panels

Standard PVC panels are offered for sale in factory-made packages of six pieces each, and have different sizes:

The length of PVC ceiling panels is 270 cm, 300 cm, 400 cm, 600 cm.
The width of the PVC ceiling panels are 10 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm.
The thickness is 10 mm.

The longest ones can be used for finishing ceilings in rooms that are too large (garages, industrial blocks). For an apartment or house, it is better to buy short elements - 2.7 or 3 m.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of greatest interest are the following points:

Resistant to moisture and UV rays. You can install them in rooms with high humidity, and not be afraid for a change in the shade of products from the bright sun.
Low price.
Increased sound insulation.
Ease of installation and maintenance.
Wide range of colors.

Disadvantages:

Low environmental friendliness, therefore it is not recommended to trim living rooms with plastic panels.
High combustibility. When exposed to fire, plastic emits a lot of acrid smoke that is hazardous to health.
Smell. A particularly sharp amber persists for several days after the installation of such a ceiling.

Selection and acquisition

When buying slabs for the ceiling, give preference to special hardware stores. There you can buy all the mounts for PVC installations panels, and professional consultants will tell you about the nuances of installing suspended ceilings.

Carefully inspect the surface of the plates for cracks, chips, nicks and other damage.

A high-quality product is geometrically correct in shape, without stiffening ribs protruding on the surface, and does not crack when bent. After pressing, there should be no traces.

The basis of the choice is the layout of the room. If the room small sizes, use products of minimum length and width. For spacious rooms, you need to purchase three-meter slats.

Top Manufacturers of PVC Ceiling Panels

When buying any item, we great importance We give the choice of a reliable manufacturer. There are a lot of them on the modern construction market. Let's take a look at the best:

Venta- a company from Belgium, which occupies a leading position. Venta produces PVC ceiling panels with various parameters and designs. Not so long ago, they launched the production of rails with digital printing applied to the surface.
Forte is an Italian manufacturer that has been on the market since 1969. The production of products is based on the use of modern high-tech equipment. A wide selection of the most different shades allows buyers to implement a suitable PVC panel ceiling design in their apartment.
LLC "Planet Plastic"- a company from Moscow, operating since 2001. Production is carried out using foreign equipment and foreign raw materials. The company presents to consumers more than 150 different variations of finishing elements.
LLC "Ural-Plast" is a manufacturer from Magnitogorsk, whose quality products are also the result of using foreign equipment. In addition to standard PVC panels, this company produces products with an original design.
AnV-plast LLC- a company from Krasnodar. She started her activity in 2001 and achieved success in a short time. The company supports domestic producers by purchasing raw materials for production from them. The competitive advantage of AnV-plast LLC is that the price of its products is much lower.

The cost and calculation of the PVC panel for the ceiling

To determine the required number of plastic panels for the ceiling, multiply the length and width of the room. Divide the resulting figure by the area of one PVC panel for the ceiling. You will receive the number of slats per room. Add to the value of 10-15% for possible damage to the material during transportation or installation.

If we talk about the price, the average cost per panel is about 150 rubles. It depends on external characteristics products. So, pvc panel 3000 mm long and 250 mm wide can be purchased for 100 rubles. , and a bar with a length of 6000 mm and a similar width - already for 200 rubles.

Payment for the services of craftsmen who carry out ceiling finishing will be approximately 450 rubles. for 1 sq. m. If you decide to decorate the ceilings in the house with PVC panels on your own, you will have to incur costs associated only with the purchase of materials.

A brief technology for mounting a PVC panel for a ceiling

It is necessary for structures made of a metal profile and metal suspensions, including a frame and a crate.

On a note! The basis of the structure can also be a wooden crate. However, it is better to refuse this method in the bathroom, since high humidity is detrimental to wood.

The installation of the frame begins with the markup. The quality and success of the work performed depends on it.

According to the marked marks, a profile is fixed to the wall, then transverse elements are installed for the subsequent fastening of PVC panels.

PVC panels for the ceiling on the frame for the ceiling are mounted as follows:

With a hacksaw, the products are cut to the required size.
The first panel is attached parallel to the wall surface and the crate.
The next do is mounted in another groove of the previous plank. In this order, the entire ceiling is assembled.
The last rail is carefully adjusted to the distance of the wall.

All elements should fit snugly against each other, and there should be no gaps on the surface.

The process of installing plastic panels will not take you much time. But the ceilings trimmed with them will long time enjoy your appearance.

Installation of a pvc panel for a ceiling on a ceiling video instruction

Today, the Ukrainian market offers consumers a wide range of plastic panels from various manufacturers from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and China.

The offered panels differ both in decors and in quality and, as a result, in price offer. Many consumers, in order to save their family budget, often prefer cheap panels. However, it should be remembered that what is attractive in appearance and pleasant for the price is not always of high quality! For example, most Chinese panels are made from low-grade raw materials, varnishes and adhesives that emit toxic substances, both during the production itself and during the further operation of PVC panels. Such panels quickly lose their attractive appearance, collapse very soon, and, most importantly, can provoke allergic reactions in humans. Therefore, TM Decomax in this article will answer the question of interest to everyone: “How to choose high-quality, durable, reliable and , most importantly, PVC panels that are safe for human health.”

Get serious about buying panels! When choosing, be sure to take the panel in your hands and examine it carefully! Pay attention to the following parameters of PVC panels:

	- Front surface thickness: the thicker it is, the stronger the panel and more resistant to mechanical damage.
	- Number of stiffeners: the more of them, the stronger the panel.
	- The condition of the stiffeners: the ribs of the plastic panel (lining) must be even and without deformation.
	- Appearance: the panel must have an even color, without manifestations of stiffening ribs and surface irregularities.

- Panel connection: the two panels must fit snugly and firmly into the mating groove.

- The weight: the better the panel, the more weight it has, since the weight is directly related to the number of stiffeners and wall thickness.

- Price: a very low price should alert you - it is impossible to make a quality panel very cheap.

- Trademark: pay attention to the name of the manufacturer: the more known it is, the higher the probability of buying a quality panel.

- Raw material: pay attention to the content of chalk in the panel - in a quality product, its content should be low. The volume of chalk is quite easy to identify. To do this, you need to slightly press down on the panel so that it bends by 30-50% and then evaluate the place of the deflection. The low chalk panel won't leave any dents!

TM Decomax hopes that this information will help you make the right choice!

TM Decomax to help the consumer held a small comparative analysis characteristics of PVC panels from different manufacturers according to the parameters described above. The results are shown in the table.

Comparative table of characteristics of PVC panels (for comparison, plastic panels with a flexo printing type of coating, 0.25 m wide and 3 m long) are taken.

Indicator / Panel	PVC panel ТМ Decomax	Average Chinese panel	Average European Panel
Front surface thickness, mm	2,5	1,5	2,0
Number of stiffeners, pcs	29	20	29
State of the stiffeners	smooth, without deformation	smooth, there are minor deformations	smooth, without deformation
PVC panel weight, kg/sq.m	2,2	1,7	2,0
Appearance		The coating is even, but with pronounced gaps in the stiffening ribs, there are slight deformations	The coating is smooth, without manifestations of stiffening ribs
Price for 1 sq.m, UAH	70,00	50,00	80,00
Raw material		after a slight pressure, the panel is deformed, which proves the high content of chalk	after a slight pressing, the panel returns to its original form, which indicates a low content of chalk

For reference: panels under TM Decomax have been on the market since 1998. They are made from environmentally friendly raw materials and non-toxic adhesives, in this regard, these PVC panels are safe for human health.

Although this division is rather arbitrary. Nobody is allowed to use Wall panels for ceiling decoration, and ceiling - for wall decoration. And in general, due to the extremely low strength, it is not advisable to use plastic panels for wall decoration, except for very expensive panels or sheathe walls on a balcony or loggia.

To check the panel for strength, it is enough to lightly press your finger on the front surface in several places, if dents remain, then such panels will definitely not go to the walls, and the ceiling will need to be mounted very carefully.

The difference between wall and ceiling panels is only in size. Wall panels are available in lengths of 2.7, 3 and 6 m with a thickness of 10 and 8 mm. Ceiling panels - 6 sometimes 12 m long, although recently it is difficult to find 12 meter panels for sale, but it is possible. The thickness of the ceiling panels is decreasing all the time, first it was 8 mm, then 7 mm, now more and more often come across panels with a thickness of 5 and even 4 mm (only for seamless panels).

By the type of joint, plastic panels are divided into:

1. Seamless

the most common type of panels in recent times. However, a seamless joint is called rather conditionally. No matter how you join the panels, the joint will still be visible, especially if the panels are white and glossy, as in the photo:

Those. the surface, of course, will be quite even and smooth, but it will not work to achieve the ideal, as when using seamless stretch ceilings or drywall.

In addition, plastic panels are sometimes deformed due to poor storage or transportation conditions, and are simply of poor quality, it is almost impossible to join such panels without a seam. If several planes will be sewn up in the same room (for example, the ceiling and walls) or one plane (for example, the ceiling) in different rooms, then you can sort through the panels, picking up curved ones in one direction. The fact is that the panels, as a rule, are packed so that the front surface is in contact with the front, and the back surface with the back, thus reducing the risk of scratches (reducing, but not excluded) and if the panels are curved, then for sheathing one plane is taken every second, i.e. half of the panels from the pack, the rest go to the sheathing of another surface. Moreover, the frame for seamless panels must be made with maximum accuracy. In a word, if increased aesthetic requirements are imposed on surfaces finished with seamless panels, then such panels must be chosen with great care. If possible, it is better to check the quality of the panels immediately in the store by trying to join two panels from a pack.

Seamless plastic panels have approximately the following cut:

What allows you to join the panels with virtually no seam:

The width of seamless panels is usually 20, 25, 30 and 33 cm.

2. Embossed

Such panels are often called "lining", as they imitate wooden "lining" panels.

As a rule, this is the cheapest or most expensive type of plastic panels. The use of such panels is most preferable when installing ceilings on wooden structures and in general, if slight deformations of the supporting structures are possible. For example, in the private sector, it is not uncommon for a house to “breathe” due to an incorrectly made foundation, i.e. in summer, cracks on the walls increase, and in winter they decrease, or vice versa. In such cases, the panels may also diverge or converge slightly, but the relief joint will make such a discrepancy within a few millimeters almost imperceptible.

Plastic panels - lining have approximately the following section:

Therefore, when joining the panels, a relief seam is obtained:

Sometimes the panels have such a cut:

This allows you to speed up the installation of panels, which is important for large volumes of work. Plastic panels - lining are 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 33 cm wide.

3. With rust

This is a cross between seamless and embossed panels. Panels with such a joint are not very common, but still there are. The surface finished with such panels will look something like this:

In the context of the joint of the panels looks like this:

The width of the rusticated panels I have worked with is 38.5 cm.

In addition to these important characteristics, the choice is influenced by the following

Parameters of plastic panels:

1. Designer:

Colour. Everything here is purely individual and without any recommendations. But as a rule, if there are difficulties with the selection of colors, then white panels are bought. White and black are universal colors and go well with any other.
Picture. If the plastic panels are patterned, then this pattern imitates some material or pattern. Almost always it is marble, granite, cuts of rocks, but imitations of mats, fabrics, as well as wood, leather, or an ornamental pattern are also possible. The more contrast and multicolor the pattern, the stronger it affects nervous system. In addition, sometimes there may be difficulties with the selection of a pattern, in which case the panels need to be bought with a good margin for cutting.
gloss level. Plastic panels can be matte, glossy, semi-gloss. There is no difference other than design preference between them. To obtain a gloss, a laminating layer is applied to the front surface of the panels.

2. Operational and design:

surface texture. As a rule, plastic panels have a smooth surface. But for expensive panels with a pattern that imitates natural materials, the surface may be slightly embossed. On the one hand, this brings the appearance of the panel as close as possible to natural material, on the other hand, it is more difficult to take care of such panels, and therefore it is not rational to sew up the walls in the bathroom and in the kitchen with such panels, in my opinion, but again there are no comrades for taste and color.
Strength. Of course, strength and plastic panels are poorly compatible concepts. Damage to plastic panels is easy. I think everyone has seen the deplorable results of using plastic panels for wall decoration in public places. Nevertheless, the thicker the walls and partitions (stiffening ribs) of the panel, the stronger it is, although recently the thickness of the walls and stiffening ribs has only been decreasing.
Chemical resistance. Any plastic panels normally tolerate treatment with modern detergents, but it is better not to take risks and use detergents with a minimum content of chemically active components.

3. Quality:

In addition to the fact that the panels may be "behaviored", there may be scratches, dents, cuts, indelible stains, low-quality laminating layer and other defects on the front surface of the panels, which are quite easy to see when unpacking the panels. It is better to do this right in the store, so as not to carry the panels back later and not swear with the sellers.

Due to the characteristics of the bathroom, few finishing materials can be used in the renovation of this room. But if before it was only ceramic tile, now the latest developments in this area allow you to have a larger selection of materials that will help you realize any of your fantasies. And as an example, we will consider the use of plastic bathroom panels. They are also called PVC panels.

Today, they confidently take second place after tiles, because they have undoubted advantages, which we will discuss below, and also allow you to quickly and efficiently decorate a bathroom with minimal cost. Even if you are not a professional in this matter, you can easily cope with all the work on your own.

In addition, in any hardware store you will find a large assortment of plastic sheet panels that imitate not only all kinds of textures, but also a wide color palette and pattern. This allows the use of plastic panels in any room, regardless of their size, although designers recommend using light shades in small bathrooms to make it visually larger.

Plastic bathroom panels

When buying plastic sheet panels, try to carefully inspect them so that they have as few protrusions and cracks as possible, since moisture will accumulate in these places later on, which will lead to the growth of mold and mildew, not to mention dark spots that are unlikely to decorate your bathroom. And if you still want to combine tiles and ceramics, then plastic sheet panels for tiles are suitable for you.

Mounting

You have two options for attaching plastic sheet panels:

using self-tapping screws;
or glue.

In the first case, you have to mount guides on the walls, which are also sold in hardware stores. The advantage of this option is that you will not need to perfectly align the walls in the bathroom, although leaving tubercles or depressions is also not recommended. The downside is that you have to spend enough time and effort to fix the sheet panels, as well as drill a lot of holes for self-tapping screws.

Panels in the bathroom can be installed independently, without the involvement of outside forces. Their standard height allows you to close the gap from floor to ceiling. The width is usually 25 cm. But when choosing, you need to look at the dimensions, as they may be different for some manufacturers. For 1 m of wall or ceiling, 4 panels are needed. It is quite simple to calculate the total amount of material per room. For fasteners, you need to purchase more guides and corners, which are called profiles, moldings.

Advantages of PVC panels and bathroom decoration

Finishing panels have a number of advantages compared to other materials:

excellent moisture resistance;
low cost;
rich colors;
the ability to join parts vertically and horizontally;
durability;
wear resistance;
ease of assembly.

Moisture resistance makes it possible for the material not to get wet and not deform. Special locks form a solid sheet, beyond which water also does not penetrate. Plastic costs much cheaper than tiles. Various colors allow you to create any design in the room. Holes should be cut for lamps and pipes. Special experience for working with panels is not required.

Plastic installation work is carried out in several stages:

it all starts with the preparation of the wall;
the method of fastening is selected;
panels are cut to length;
a plastic corner is placed in the corner;
the panel is inserted and fixed on the crate;
other parts are installed.

First you need to free the room from unnecessary things. Then the old finish is removed from the walls. If the wall is even and does not require repair, then it is enough to get a good glueon which the panels will be glued. But this method is not the most common. It is better to make a small crate with your own hands from special guides or wooden slats treated against moisture. The elements of the crate are attached to the wall with dowels. The distance between the slats is 40-50 cm. The plane is checked by the level and the rule.

When installing panels with your own hands, most often you have to cut them in width. You can do this with a sharp knife. After completing the main work, the joints and corners can be covered with sealant so that moisture does not get in. It is recommended to install plastic panels in a house older than 3-5 years. A new house can settle and damage the cladding. If the bathroom has a heated towel rail, then a distance of 3-4 cm must be left between it and the lined surface, otherwise the plastic may deform due to temperature.

Lined surfaces are very easy and simple to wash, they are perfectly drilled, moisture does not pass through them. To perform the work, tools and materials are required.

Among modern finishing materials, plastic panels are very popular. And all this because they are light, hygienic, easily attached to walls made of any material, are not afraid of moisture and are not subject to decay. Plastic panels made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are made by extrusion, which gives them the necessary strength and rigidity. In this article, we will define the main criteria for choosing this finishing material.

Today, the industry produces huge selection plastic panels produced in Turkey, China, Russia and Ukraine, differing in appearance, color, gloss level and other characteristics. In any hardware store, eyes run wide from their abundance and variety, confusion sets in: so which panels to choose?

All panels are conditionally divided into ceiling and wall. There is no direct ban on the use of wall panels on the ceiling, and ceiling panels on the walls, but a slight finger pressure test unambiguously interprets that, having low strength, these panels cannot be used for wall cladding.

An additional distinguishing element is the length. Typically, ceiling panels are 6 or 12m long, while wall panels are shorter - 2.7, 3 and 6m.

The thickness of the ceiling panels is gradually reduced by manufacturers, before it was 8mm, then it became 7mm, now there are 5 and even 4mm, and wall panels are usually produced with a thickness of at least 10mm.

Many buyers consider the cheapest panels, but do not want to pay attention to the fact that a quality product cannot be cheap.

After all, the vast majority of Chinese plastic panels are made from low-grade raw materials, bad adhesives and varnishes. In the future, they will quickly lose their appearance and, most importantly, begin to release toxic substances, even the option of provoking an allergic reaction of the human body is not excluded.

So, you should purchase panels thoughtfully, comprehensively considering and paying attention to the following factors. The main types of plastic panels are:

From the point of view of the design of the room, it should be emphasized that there is a diverse color palette of panels on sale that allows you to satisfy any desire of the buyer.

All panels are conditionally divided into glossy, matte and semi-gloss.

Their technical characteristics are the same, and the difference lies solely in the surface layer. This is achieved by using a varnish that creates a layer of protective film on the front surface.

When choosing plastic panels, you must carefully study the following parameters:

2. The number of stiffeners - the more, the stronger the panel. The external state of the stiffeners must be identical without visible deformations. A high-quality panel has more weight, which corresponds to its thickness and the number of stiffeners.

3. The outer surface must be evenly painted, and viewing the stiffeners is not allowed. It is easy to check the quality of the panels - just press it down with a deflection of up to 50% and look at the result. There are no dents in high-quality panels, mainly due to the low content of chalk.

4. Panels must fit snugly and firmly into the groove. The type of joint in the panels is seamless and embossed. The most common is currently seamless, but it should be called conditionally seamless, because even with the most quality installation the seam is still visible.

Poor manufacturing or incorrect storage and transportation of plastic lead to its inevitable deformation and, as a result, to the impossibility of perfect joining of its parts.

Characteristic advantages and disadvantages of plastic panels

Like any material, plastic panels have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the positives.

According to manufacturers, all plastic panels are environmentally friendly, do not burn, have soundproof properties, are light in weight, have good moisture resistance, durability, are easy to clean and, moreover, are inexpensive.

The disadvantages of plastic panels are as follows:

Installation of plastic panels

can be performed both horizontally and vertically and even at any angle.

They find their application in the decoration of loggias and balconies, and are also often used as a ceiling material in the bathroom, corridor and kitchen.

Sewing walls with plastic is extremely simple, therefore, it is done by hand without any problems.

a) Initially, it is necessary to bring the temperature of the plastic panels closer to the temperature of the room - if they brought it from the cold, then let them adapt.

c) Walls with a high-quality dry surface must be sanded, in this case the adhesive will lie perfectly, therefore, the panels will last a long time.

d) Cutting panels is easy, using a hand saw for wood or metal.

e) For a good appearance, cutting and drilling of panels should be carried out on the front surface.

f) But you need to remove the protective film from the plastic panels on last step as it protects the panel surface from cuts and scratches.

Finally, a video on the topic from Roman ...

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Today, the Ukrainian market offers consumers a wide range of plastic panels from various manufacturers from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and China.

Get serious about buying panels! When choosing, be sure to take the panel in your hands and examine it carefully! Pay attention to the following parameters of PVC panels:

	- Front surface thickness: the thicker it is, the stronger the panel and more resistant to mechanical damage.
	- Number of stiffeners: the more of them, the stronger the panel.
	- The condition of the stiffeners: the ribs of the plastic panel (lining) must be even and without deformation.
	- Appearance: the panel must have an even color, without manifestations of stiffening ribs and surface irregularities.

- Panel connection: the two panels must fit snugly and firmly into the mating groove.

- The weight: the better the panel, the more weight it has, since the weight is directly related to the number of stiffeners and wall thickness.

- Price: a very low price should alert you - it is impossible to make a quality panel very cheap.

- Trademark: pay attention to the name of the manufacturer: the more known it is, the higher the probability of buying a quality panel.

TM Decomax hopes that this information will help you make the right choice!

TM Decomax, to help the consumer, conducted a small comparative analysis of the characteristics of PVC panels from different manufacturers according to the parameters described above. The results are shown in the table.

Comparative table of characteristics of PVC panels (for comparison, plastic panels with a flexo printing type of coating, 0.25 m wide and 3 m long) are taken.

Indicator / Panel	PVC panel ТМ Decomax	Average Chinese panel	Average European Panel
Front surface thickness, mm	2,5	1,5	2,0
Number of stiffeners, pcs	29	20	29
State of the stiffeners	smooth, without deformation	smooth, there are minor deformations	smooth, without deformation
PVC panel weight, kg/sq.m	2,2	1,7	2,0
Appearance		The coating is even, but with pronounced gaps in the stiffening ribs, there are slight deformations	The coating is smooth, without manifestations of stiffening ribs
Price for 1 sq.m, UAH	70,00	50,00	80,00
Raw material		after a slight pressure, the panel is deformed, which proves the high content of chalk	after a slight pressing, the panel returns to its original form, which indicates a low content of chalk

Hello! If you want to quickly and inexpensively make repairs in the bathroom, I advise you to take a closer look at PVC panels as a finishing material. Installation of panels is easy to carry out even on your own, and a wide selection of textures and colors allows you to create an attractive design of the room in any style.

Panel types

When choosing PVC panels, it is necessary to take into account the specific features of each type, since the appearance of the finish and the technology of its installation depend on this. There are rack, standard and sheet panels.

Rack panels (plastic lining). The width of the slats is 10 - 12.5 cm, the standard length is 300 cm. The slats are equipped with a tongue-and-groove lock and are mounted in the same way as a conventional wooden lining. Depending on the model, the slatted panels may have a narrow or wide interlock, you should pay attention to this when buying.

Plastic lining is primarily used for finishing ceilings in the bathroom. It can also be laid on the walls, and depending on the location of the slatted panels (vertical or horizontal), the required visual effect of increasing the space is achieved. Plastic lining is usually produced in plain color, with colored edging or stylized for various types of wood.

Standard panels. This category includes PVC bathroom panels with a width of 25 - 37 cm and a length of 260 to 300 cm.

Manufacturers offer a rich variety of colors, including prints of photographic images or imitation of wall decoration with frieze tiles. Standard wall panels are more durable than slatted ones.

Sheet panels. These are thin, large-sized panels: the width is 80 - 203 cm, the length is 105 - 405 cm. If it is not possible to cover the entire wall with one panel, the elements are fastened end-to-end, which is then filled with sealant in the color of the coating. Sheet panels are usually produced in plain color, decorated for tiling or with photo printing.

Sheet panels are a solid thin sheet of PVC, while slatted and standard panels have a special structure and consist of two thin sheets of plastic with vertical bridges between them, which act as stiffeners.

Sheet panels are recommended to be fastened to leveled walls using an adhesive (liquid nails for PVC). Similarly, it is allowed to lay rack and standard panels, but the main way to install them is to mount them to a crate fixed to a wall or ceiling.

This “hides” the space of the room, but makes it possible to do without leveling the walls themselves, and, if necessary, to replace accidentally damaged cladding elements.

PVC panels also differ in surface decoration technology, which affects the appearance and cost of products.

In most cases, drawing is used:

thermal printing;
lamination;
offset printing.

The surface of high-quality panels is additionally treated with a matte or glossy varnish, which improves the appearance of the finishing material and prolongs their service life. Such wall decoration does not fade, does not deteriorate under the influence of moisture and detergents.

Criterias of choice

The choice of PVC panels for the bathroom is a crucial step, which affects not only the quality and durability of the finish, but also its safety for health.

When buying, pay attention to the following points:

the number of stiffeners (the more jumpers, the stronger the panel, the jumpers should not be deformed);
appearance (evaluate the uniformity of color, the clarity of the pattern, check whether the images on adjacent panels with a frieze or other pattern fit together correctly - there should be no shifts);
the quality of the lock connection (panels must be connected without gaps);
surface quality (there should be no waves and other deformations);
compliance with the dimensions declared by the manufacturer.

Pay special attention to this, wall panels must have an environmental safety certificate - low-quality plastic emits toxic substances that are hazardous to health. Volatile polyphenols can provoke a number of serious illnesses. For this reason, you should not buy cheap panels from unknown manufacturers; it is better to opt for products from well-known Russian and European brands.

Conclusion

The advantages of panel moisture-resistant finishes are obvious - the material is good for wall cladding and installation of boxes that allow you to hide communications. But it is important to use high quality material that is safe for health. Products made by unscrupulous manufacturers are easily squeezed and broken.

When thinking about which PVC panels to choose for a bathroom, pay attention to the design of the material. The color and pattern is selected depending on the size of the room and the degree of its illumination. Dark tones and a large pattern will visually make a cramped room even smaller; for small bathrooms, light colors are preferable, imitation of elongated rectangular tiles, panels with a frieze that visually divide the room into a dark bottom and a light top.

Video on the topic "how to choose PVC panels for the bathroom":

And other premises, often plastic panels are used in non-residential premises. For each of these areas of application, panels of a certain size, color and relief will be appropriate. With a variety of material and features of the choice of plastic panels, we will try to figure it out.

No. 1. What are the pros and cons of plastic panels?

The basis for the production of plastic panels - rigid PVC, which is characterized by maximum resistance to fire. The material is made by extrusion, between two painted or varnished surfaces there is a space consisting of numerous longitudinal honeycombs formed stiffeners.

The main advantages of PVC panels:

Considering plastic panels as a material for cladding a ceiling or walls, you need to be aware that it It also has some disadvantages:

low strength. It is easy to leave a scratch, dent or other kind of damage on the surface of the material;
at first, the panels may emit a specific smell;
the material has a limited scope and is suitable for those rooms where strength is not as important as moisture resistance, fire resistance and decorative effect.

No. 2. Types of wall panels for their intended purpose

The most important and, at the same time, conditional division of wall panels is division into ceiling and wall. No one forbids the use of wall panels for finishing the ceiling and vice versa. The difference between these types of panels is found only in the difference in the main parameters.

Wall panel thickness 8-10mm, and the length can be 2.7m, 3m or even 6m. Length ceiling panels starts from 6 m and can reach 12 m, and their thickness is less than 8 mm: if earlier most ceiling panels had a thickness of 8 mm, now manufacturers are constantly reducing it, so it is easy to find panels with a thickness of 7 mm and even 4-5 mm on sale.

No. 3. Joint of plastic panels

Depending on the type of joint, plastic panels are:

seamless;
suture.

Seamless PVC Panel can be called very conditionally, since the joint will still be noticeable, but the surface itself will be smooth, because the visibility of the joint between the panels is not provided for by the decor. Of course, you should not expect that the ceiling, finished with such panels, will be as smooth as plasterboard, but when using special ones, you can achieve very good results in terms of aesthetics.

Seam panels are distinguished by a special relief joint to give the surface an interesting decorative effect. Often such plastic panels imitate. Also found on sale panels under: experts recommend using square elements with a side of 30-98 cm. In addition, you can find rustic plastic panels, they are a cross between seam and seamless panels, but are not very common.

No. 4. Surface type

One of the main advantages of plastic panels is variety of design. On sale you can find both the simplest and cheapest white panels, as well as material painted in any color, but the most interesting options- these are those that have some kind of pattern or imitate wood, stone or other noble surfaces.

All plastic panels according to the type of surface can be divided into:

In terms of technical characteristics, all these panels are exactly the same, and depending on your own preferences, you can choose a panel with the required surface.

When it comes to material with a specific pattern, it can be applied in one of the following ways:

No. 5. What else to look for when choosing?

Undoubtedly, everyone wants to acquire the maximum quality material, which can serve faithfully for as long as possible. To select strong and durable plastic panels, we recommend pay attention to the following parameters:

No. 6. The best manufacturers of plastic panels

When buying any product, we are used to paying attention to the manufacturer. The reputation that has developed around his name makes it possible to judge the quality of products. Plastic panels are no exception. Today, there are hundreds of manufacturers of plastic panels on the market: both foreign and domestic. Let's take a look at the best.

Venta

This Belgian company is one of the leading European manufacturers of decorative panels, and the range is constantly growing. The manufacturer's products are in great demand in different countries of the world, so the company is constantly opening new factories. So, in 2003, production was opened in Russia, so today domestic buyers have the opportunity to buy plastic panels of European quality, produced using the most modern technologies, but at the same time pay a not very high price for these products.

The assortment of the company includes panels with different parameters and different designs. There are even material of increased strength with the effect of tile cladding, which will be most welcome when decorating walls. Recently launched production panels with digital printing, which can become a real decoration of the interior.

Forte

Italian company Forte has been operating since 1969 and has already established itself as one of the world's largest manufacturers of PVC products. The company's products are now successfully sold in more than 50 countries. Production is carried out on the most modern equipment with the introduction of innovative technologies. The company's specialists constantly monitor the requirements of customers, promptly responding to them with new proposals.

Among other things, the company produces decorative plastic panels and exclusive decorative wall panels "Le MURINO". For the production of the latter, stone chips, which is sprayed onto the front panel. The two collections feature over 20 different colors and shades, allowing you to choose the right finish for any room.

This is international company, which began production in France and the UK, and today the manufacturer's factories are located in different countries. In total, the company has 14 factories, and products are presented in 91 countries. A large representative office of the company operates in Russia, so the manufacturer's plastic panels are widely represented on the domestic market.

Recently Chinese companies are starting to offer better and better products. Of course, not all "made in China" plastic panels are to be trusted, but Shanghai Zhuan Qin Co. Ltd is a prime example of a conscientious responsible manufacturer. The company specializes in the production of wall panels from various materials, incl. and plastic panels. The range includes materials of different sizes, with different type joining seams, and there is no need to talk about the number of colors and shades. With high quality, prices for products are acceptable.

One of the leading domestic manufacturers PVC panels. Production facilities are located in Vladimir region , deliveries are carried out throughout the country and beyond. The main thing for the manufacturer is the high quality and safety of the panels, so the raw materials are supplied from Europe. Great importance here is given to the strength of the joints, because it depends on them how resistant the panel will be to moisture. The company's product range includes several hundred options for panels with different parameters and patterns, which opens up wide design possibilities for customers. With all this, the price remains acceptable.

LLC "Planet Plastic"

It's big Moscow enterprise presented on the market since 2001. For the production of plastic panels, foreign equipment is used, raw materials are also supplied from abroad, which allows us to talk about the high quality of products and the constantly expanding range. PVC panels are the main activity of the company. The pattern is applied by offset and thermal transfer printing, the length, thickness and width of the panels varies widely, the surface can be matte and glossy - more than 150 various options.

The company has existed since 2005, equipped with modern European-made equipment, products are manufactured in accordance with strict international quality standards. The company's product range includes a wide selection of plastic panels of different thicknesses and reliefs, as well as all the necessary fittings for them. Production is carried out in Samara region, but the products are widely represented throughout the country.

This is a major manufacturer Magnitogorsk, whose high quality is also explained by the use of imported equipment. The company's products captivate with their diversity, because in addition to quite standard and common options, there are panels with a unique design. The thickness of all panels is 9 mm.

This is a young company Volgograd, the range of which is constantly expanding. Employees of the enterprise take a responsible approach to each product name, trying to make each material so that it can be combined with others finishing materials manufacturer. The range includes lacquered panels with thermal transfer and laminated panels.

AnV-plast LLC

This Krasnodar company started its activity in 2001. Today, the manufacturer's products are widely known throughout the country. The company actively cooperates with domestic enterprises, buying raw materials from them, is focused on wholesale sales and attracts buyers with low prices. The range includes panels with thermal printing, offset printing, matt white, all of which are presented in different sizes.

Due to the characteristics of the bathroom, few finishing materials can be used in the renovation of this room. But if earlier it was only ceramic tiles, now the latest developments in this area allow you to have a greater choice of materials that will help you realize any of your fantasies. And as an example, we will consider the use of plastic bathroom panels. They are also called PVC panels.

Today, they confidently take second place after tiles, because they have undoubted advantages, which we will discuss below, and also allow you to quickly and efficiently decorate a bathroom at minimal cost. Even if you are not a professional in this matter, you can easily cope with all the work on your own.

Plastic bathroom panels

Mounting

You have two options for attaching plastic sheet panels:

using self-tapping screws;
or glue.

Sheet panels for the bathroom

In the second case, you will simply need to carefully plaster the walls, since you will be gluing plastic panels to a bare surface, without using any other fasteners, which means that everything must be perfect, otherwise it will affect the quality of the finish. Here you will save a lot of time, but the disadvantage of this option is that if you want to remove the panels and change to new ones, you will have to tinker a lot, tearing them off the walls in the truest sense of the word. So it's up to you which one to choose.

If you stopped on the rails, then you will mount them horizontally to the floor under the ceiling, below and in the middle. But if you want to make a more durable structure, you can additionally fix a pair of rails about a quarter of the distance from the floor to the middle of the wall, repeating the same at the top.

Here is what you have to do when installing plastic sheet panels in the bathroom:

But if the walls in the bathroom are sheathed with drywall, then hidden brackets are the best option, since this material gives perfectly even walls and you do not have to install rails and thereby save centimeters in small rooms, not to mention time. But if you have concrete or brick walls, then for each individual bracket you have to drill holes and put chopsticks in them. But when mounting plastic panels on rails, you will screw screws into the panels or use fastening brackets.

By the way, if you bought an apartment in a new building, it is better to use plastic sheet panels in the bathroom, because for the first 3-4 years, the house will shrink, which slightly deforms the walls and can completely warp the tiles.

Paneled walls

We use self-tapping screws

In order to install plastic panels on the crate using staples or self-tapping screws, you will need the following tools and materials:

PVC panels in, plus with a small margin;
profile for the construction of the crate;
plastic profiles or wooden bars;
a hammer;
a construction stapler with a set of staples or self-tapping screws (cloves);
a construction knife and a hacksaw for metal with a fine tooth;
screwdriver;
roulette;
pliers;
pencil or marker;
building level;
ladder.

Before attaching plastic decorative panels, treat the finished surface with special moisture-resistant and anti-fungal compounds. It is better to use plastic profiles, because the wood will break down under the influence of moisture in the bathroom. You mount the profiles on the wall horizontally to the floor with a distance of up to 5 cm, while you will install the panels themselves perpendicularly, otherwise moisture will accumulate at the joints, which will lead to the growth of the fungus between the plastic panels for the bath.

When installing profiles, constantly check their installation with building level. Otherwise, the PVC panels will not stand up straight and the coating will have drops. In most cases, fastening starts from the left corner to the right or from the far corner to the doorway. But you can be guided by your ideas on ease of installation.

There is a huge selection of panels on the market.

In the corner where you start work, install the finishing element, because then you will not be able to do this. Each of the PVC panels consists of two fixing shelves: on the left there is a narrow part (shelf), which you will insert into the groove of the already installed panel, and on the right - a wide shelf, thanks to which the panel is fastened to the crate with screws or brackets.

The first PVC panel is inserted with a narrow shelf into the groove of a pre-installed corner, and is attached to the crate with staples (self-tapping screws). According to the same scheme, all other plastic sheet panels are installed - one is inserted into the other and fixed. The main thing is that all parts are tightly adjacent to each other.

Where plastic panels come into contact with corners, window openings or door jambs, you will attach special mounting components (finishing elements). This will allow you to beautifully and neatly decorate places near windows and doors, as well as corners. But in order for air to enter under the fixed plastic panels, you should leave a small gap near the floor and under the ceiling. Additionally, these slots will compensate for the change in the linear dimensions of the PVC panels under the influence of temperatures in the bathroom.

Technology does not stand still, and you can fasten sheet panels using a special plastic profile and clips. What are the advantages of this method:

Liquid Nails

If you have good and even walls in your bathroom, then you can do without the crate, and immediately glue the plastic sheet panels to the wall. You can use a tool such as liquid nails or other special glue designed for this type of work in the bathroom. But at the same time, keep in mind that you will not be able to use those formulations that contain solvents of organic origin.

For work in this case, you will need the following tools:

brush for glue;
putty knife.
soft sponge or rag to remove excess glue.

Here's what you have to do to get it right and not have to redo anything:

At the same time, do not forget about the installation of finishing elements so that the interior of the bathroom is beautiful.

5 installation mistakes

By doing repairs with plastic panels in the bathroom yourself, you will have to avoid these common mistakes among beginners:

According to consumer and specialist reviews, plastic sheet bathroom panels are an inexpensive and practical way to decorate rooms. And simple rules for installing sheet panels allow you to install them without the involvement of professional builders.

Today, the Ukrainian market offers consumers a wide range of plastic panels from various manufacturers from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and China.

Get serious about buying panels! When choosing, be sure to take the panel in your hands and examine it carefully! Pay attention to the following parameters of PVC panels:

	- Front surface thickness: the thicker it is, the stronger the panel and more resistant to mechanical damage.
	- Number of stiffeners: the more of them, the stronger the panel.
	- The condition of the stiffeners: the ribs of the plastic panel (lining) must be even and without deformation.
	- Appearance: the panel must have an even color, without manifestations of stiffening ribs and surface irregularities.

- Panel connection: the two panels must fit snugly and firmly into the mating groove.

- The weight: the better the panel, the more weight it has, since the weight is directly related to the number of stiffeners and wall thickness.

- Price: a very low price should alert you - it is impossible to make a quality panel very cheap.

- Trademark: pay attention to the name of the manufacturer: the more known it is, the higher the probability of buying a quality panel.

TM Decomax hopes that this information will help you make the right choice!

Indicator / Panel	PVC panel ТМ Decomax	Average Chinese panel	Average European Panel
Front surface thickness, mm	2,5	1,5	2,0
Number of stiffeners, pcs	29	20	29
State of the stiffeners	smooth, without deformation	smooth, there are minor deformations	smooth, without deformation
PVC panel weight, kg/sq.m	2,2	1,7	2,0
Appearance		The coating is even, but with pronounced gaps in the stiffening ribs, there are slight deformations	The coating is smooth, without manifestations of stiffening ribs
Price for 1 sq.m, UAH	70,00	50,00	80,00
Raw material		after a slight pressure, the panel is deformed, which proves the high content of chalk	after a slight pressing, the panel returns to its original form, which indicates a low content of chalk

To date, the industry produces a huge selection of plastic panels produced in Turkey, China, Russia and Ukraine, differing in appearance, color, gloss level and other characteristics. In any hardware store, eyes run wide from their abundance and variety, confusion sets in: so which panels to choose?

An additional distinguishing element is the length. Typically, ceiling panels are 6 or 12m long, while wall panels are shorter - 2.7, 3 and 6m.

Many buyers consider the cheapest panels, but do not want to pay attention to the fact that a quality product cannot be cheap.

So, you should purchase panels thoughtfully, comprehensively considering and paying attention to the following factors. The main types of plastic panels are:

From the point of view of the design of the room, it should be emphasized that there is a diverse color palette of panels on sale that allows you to satisfy any desire of the buyer.

All panels are conditionally divided into glossy, matte and semi-gloss.

Their technical characteristics are the same, and the difference lies solely in the surface layer. This is achieved by using a varnish that creates a layer of protective film on the front surface.

When choosing plastic panels, you must carefully study the following parameters:

4. Panels must fit snugly and firmly into the groove. The type of joint in the panels is seamless and embossed. The most common at present is seamless, but it should be called conditionally seamless, because even with the highest quality installation, the joint is still visible.

Poor manufacturing or incorrect storage and transportation of plastic lead to its inevitable deformation and, as a result, to the impossibility of perfect joining of its parts.

Characteristic advantages and disadvantages of plastic panels

Like any material, plastic panels have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the positives.

The disadvantages of plastic panels are as follows:

Installation of plastic panels

can be performed both horizontally and vertically and even at any angle.

They find their application in the decoration of loggias and balconies, and are also often used as a ceiling material in the bathroom, corridor and kitchen.

Sewing walls with plastic is extremely simple, therefore, it is done by hand without any problems.

a) Initially, it is necessary to bring the temperature of the plastic panels closer to the temperature of the room - if they brought it from the cold, then let them adapt.

c) Walls with a high-quality dry surface must be sanded, in this case the adhesive will lie perfectly, therefore, the panels will last a long time.

d) Cutting panels is easy, using a hand saw for wood or metal.

e) For a good appearance, cutting and drilling of panels should be carried out on the front surface.

f) But you need to remove the protective film from the plastic panels at the last stage, as it protects the surface of the panel from cuts and scratches.

Finally, a video on the topic from Roman ...

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The bathroom is a place where a person spends a significant part of his time. Here he not only takes hygiene procedures wall panels, but also relax after a hard day's work, enjoying a bubble bath or a cool shower. That is why the atmosphere in the bathroom should be not only pleasant, but also safe. The best option in this case is PVC panels for the bathroom.

Why panels? The answer to this question is simple: tiling is a rather expensive undertaking, far from being affordable for every layman, but they are considered affordable and modern material, which even a non-professional can mount. In addition, bathroom renovation with PVC panels can be successfully completed. with my own hands in a fairly short period of time.

Rules for choosing plastic panels for the bathroom

Competent installation of the material is not a guarantee of success. The main component of a positive result is the right choice of panels for the bathroom. Today, manufacturers offer many types and types, but not all of them are suitable for use in the bathroom. When planning repairs and choosing a material, you need to focus on the following characteristics:

Strength

PVC panels to be used in the bathroom should not only have the highest possible bending strength, but also be protected from mechanical damage and accidental piercing with sharp objects (razor blades, nail scissors, etc.).
Thickness of plastic and top layer
Smoothness and uniformity

Material that has bumps and protrusions, after installation, can form gaps, which during operation will be filled with water and clogged with dirt, which ultimately can lead to the formation of mold and fungus under the panels.
Ornament

Despite the fact that bathroom renovations are often done for purely aesthetic purposes, when choosing an ornament, it is necessary to focus not on its sophistication, but on simplicity. Plastic panels should be easy to match the pattern, and the simpler the ornament, the less sawing and cutting of the material will be required.

Preparation of materials and tools

When planning PVC, you need to prepare all the necessary accessories and purchase materials:

plastic lining (or panels);
regular and ceiling;
plastic moldings (corners);
wooden bars of small section or a metal crate for the frame;
special glue, kleimers or self-tapping screws for fastening panels;
building level;
screwdriver;
drill;
screws, dowels;
hacksaw;
pencil;
square and tape measure;
joint sealant.

The list of materials may vary depending on which method of finishing the room with PVC panels is chosen. Today there are two ways of mounting materials - with and without a frame. Both of them have their pros and cons.

For example, the construction of a metal crate from a profile or timber takes not only time and money, but also a certain space in the bathroom, which is usually not enough there anyway. In addition, PVC bathroom panels mounted on a frame have voids underneath, as a result of which they are more prone to deformation and accidental damage. Various harmful microorganisms and insects like to settle in these voids. Under the panels, over time, ideal conditions for the development of fungus and mold can form.

If a frameless method is chosen for repair, it eliminates the occurrence of the above troubles. But at the same time, it becomes necessary to carry out puttying or plastering work. If the bathroom will be finished without a frame, the differences along the entire plane of the wall on which the materials will be attached should not exceed 3 mm. The presence of even small bumps is completely excluded, small depressions are acceptable.

Also, the list of required materials may vary slightly depending on the choice of fasteners. When carrying out repairs, fastening of panels can be done with glue, self-tapping screws or kleimers. When using glue, the panels sit firmly on the frame, but if you need to remove them, it will be very difficult to do this.

Using self-tapping screws for fasteners, you will spend a significant amount of time screwing them in. Simplify the task of choosing wooden bars as a material for mounting the frame. Before assembly, all wooden elements must be treated with an antiseptic solution.

The best option is to use clamps. Kleimers are staples that are wedged into the details of the crate in a special way and securely fasten plastic materials. This method of fastening is the fastest and easiest. The main difficulty here is the construction of the frame.

Frame way to finish the bathroom

Using the framework is carried out as follows:

Frameless finishing method

Frameless finishing of the bathroom with PVC panels begins with the obligatory priming of the walls. Fastening parts when using this method is usually done with liquid nails. The consumption of glue depends on the curvature of the surfaces: on average, its consumption is 1 can per area of 4-5 m².

Repair begins with trimming wall panels. Each panel is measured with a tape measure and cut according to the length of the surface to be treated. Then drops of glue are applied pointwise on the prepared element in a checkerboard pattern. It is not recommended to apply the adhesive too close to the edges of the panels, as it may come out and stain the surface during gluing.

Then the strip is applied to the wall and lightly tapped. After that, the panel must be torn off and dried for 5-7 minutes. The already dried strip is finally installed in its place and carefully slammed with your hands. This installation technology seems too laborious and complicated, but it is it that is the most effective and competent today.

The installation of the first panel must be done very carefully, because it will serve as a guide for other bands. Check the verticality of the panel with a level and attach it to the wall near the ceiling and floor with dowels or self-tapping screws.

Finishing the bathroom with plastic clapboard or panels is not complex process, so it is available to every person who has ever held a hammer and a hacksaw in their hands. By decorating your bathroom with modern and beautiful panels, you will make it an attractive and cozy place for rest and relaxation.

No. 1. What are the pros and cons of plastic panels?

The main advantages of PVC panels:

Considering plastic panels as a material for cladding a ceiling or walls, you need to be aware that it It also has some disadvantages:

low strength. It is easy to leave a scratch, dent or other kind of damage on the surface of the material;
at first, the panels may emit a specific smell;
the material has a limited scope and is suitable for those rooms where strength is not as important as moisture resistance, fire resistance and decorative effect.

No. 2. Types of wall panels for their intended purpose

No. 3. Joint of plastic panels

Depending on the type of joint, plastic panels are:

seamless;
suture.

No. 4. Surface type

One of the main advantages of plastic panels is variety of design. On sale you can find both the simplest and cheapest white panels, as well as material painted in any color, but the most interesting options are those that have some kind of pattern or imitate wood, stone or other noble surfaces.

All plastic panels according to the type of surface can be divided into:

In terms of technical characteristics, all these panels are exactly the same, and depending on your own preferences, you can choose a panel with the required surface.

When we are talking about a material with a certain pattern, then it can be applied in one of the following ways:

No. 5. What else to look for when choosing?

Undoubtedly, everyone wants to purchase the highest quality material that can serve faithfully for as long as possible. To select strong and durable plastic panels, we recommend pay attention to the following parameters: