Finishing the toilet with plastic panels: step-by-step instructions for finishing yourself
Plastic panels are an excellent choice for a budget bathroom repair. This material is represented by a wide variety of colors, textures and prints, and looks quite presentable. The main plus of finishing the toilet with plastic panels is the opportunity to get a beautiful room with small investments. In addition, the material is easy to install and allows you to save on the services of specialists. If desired, the cladding process can be done with your own hands.
The plastic panel has the shape of an elongated rectangle. It consists of two PVC sheets connected by jumpers, which also act as stiffeners. Due to this, a void is formed inside the panel, which provides it with low weight. Thanks to this, the material is easy to transport and assemble. But this is not his only advantage, in addition, one can distinguish such as:
extensive scope. In addition to the direct purpose - wall and ceiling finishes, panels are actively used when creating window slopes, bath screens, as formwork for non-standard steps - which is enough for the wizard’s imagination;
many color options, patterns, patterns and textures. If desired, you can apply any image using photo printing for a specific order. The design possibilities of the panels are unlimited;
easy care - a smooth surface is easily cleaned with a damp cloth. If necessary, you can use a dishwashing detergent. The only difficulty is cleaning the seams. But if you purchased high-quality seamless panels, this problem will not affect you.
Disadvantages:
low resistance to ultraviolet rays - over time, the plastic may turn yellow;
poor resistance to mechanical stress - it is very simple to pierce and pierce the lining;
when burning, the material releases toxic substances.
Varieties of material
Plastic panels differ in several ways:
depending on the area of their application. Produce products for walls and ceilings. Wall lamellas are more durable, therefore, better resist shocks. In addition, they are less flexible than ceiling analogues, which is very important, since after installation in an upright position, the lining can lead.The fact is that thicker and tougher plastic is used for their manufacture. The thickness of the stiffeners in such products approaches 1 mm, which also affects the increase in the stability of the material;
in size - the width of the plastic can be 125, 250 or 380 mm. The average is considered optimal, but working with wide slats is much more convenient. The length of the panels most often ranges from 2.4 to 3m. The thickness of products for the ceiling can be from 6 - 10 mm, and for walls - from 10 to 12 mm. If you want to install spot lighting on the ceiling, it is preferable to choose panels with a thickness of more than 8 mm. Thinner ones will be visible and the crate will be visible through them;
in texture - laminated or simple. The former are more resistant to damage and pollution. This is ensured by a protective film. Such material belongs to the high class, most often it can be purchased only in decor studios. In terms of durability, it may well compete with the tile.
Selection Tips and Tricks
When choosing plastic panels, you should first pay attention to the composition of the products. Material for high-quality slats contains chlorine, hydrogen and carbon. Sometimes the composition includes bound lead, which performs a stabilizing function. Such panels during a fire with high heating do not emit toxic substances into the air.
We recommend purchasing panels made of hard plastic - they lack the ability to ignite, in addition, they are distinguished by excellent soundproofing characteristics and increased resistance to temperature.
A visual inspection will provide enough information about the quality of the material. Inspect the slats for:
uniformity of staining;
the presence of black dots on the surface;
the same width;
lack of defects - drops, waves, chips, bumps;
lock integrity.
If you choose a product in an online store, and you do not have the opportunity to inspect it yourself, scoop up information from customer reviews of this company.
To check the strength of the material, press on the plastic.If only a small dent remains, the quality of the panels is satisfactory. Significant deformation and cracks formed indicate that such panels do not have sufficient strength and will not last long.
Matching Style and Design
When choosing a material for finishing a bathroom, it is necessary to take into account the general style of the house or apartment. In classic interiors, plastic will look alien. The same can be said of country, art deco and Provence. In these styles it is better to use plaster, natural wood or tile. But in modern styles - minimalism, modernism, high-tech plastic is quite acceptable and is used very actively.
The design of the slats - a wide color palette, various patterns and images, including 3D, imitation of tiles, stone, natural wood, mosaics - provides a vast field for the realization of the most creative design ideas. Modern manufacturers are trying to take into account all the latest trends in interior art.
Color variety of panels
If plain cladding seems boring to you, you can add additional shades to the interior. They can be close and differ only in saturation and color depth, and contrasting. Always combinations of representatives of a bright palette with calm shades of a neutral gamut — white, gray, sand, black, beige — always look advantageous. Silver or mirror blots look great.
The latter, for everything else, have purely practical benefits. A skillful combination of colors allows you to visually adjust the shape and size of the room. Narrow walls will look wider if plastic is laid with contrasting horizontal stripes, dark walls decorated with white accessories will visually “step back” and add a volume bathroom. At the same time, light shades will visually increase the room.
The combination of shades can be used not only to decorate the walls, but also to highlight individual zones. You can select a zone with a toilet, sink or hygienic shower.
Combinations of shades are appropriate in any style. The main thing is to choose the right colors that are destined to become companions. For example, such:
blue color - looks great next to white, black, blue, turquoise - this design will be ideal for a toilet in a Mediterranean style;
brown - it is well combined with yellow, sand, beige - such colors are characteristic of classical decoration;
red shades can be emphasized with white, black or cream colors. Such combinations are suitable for modern styles - hi-tech, pop art;
metallic - a shade of gray in combination with any shades will fit perfectly into minimalism and loft;
green - in combination with a golden and brown range, it is suitable for styles that gravitate towards nature.
The combination of several shades can be staggered, delineate geometric shapes, diagonals - the possibilities for experiments are extremely wide. Design options for bathrooms using panels of different colors are presented in the photo.
Calculation of the required amount
To correctly determine the amount of necessary materials, it is necessary to measure the room and determine the area of the walls that need to be faced. This number must be divided by the area of one lamella. So we find out the required amount of material. But such a calculation is crude, a more accurate result can be obtained if the same operation is performed with respect to each wall separately. Do not forget to subtract the area of the doorway, and if necessary, the window.
The resulting number should be rounded up and add 10-15% to the result. The stock will be cut, accidental damage and the possible need for replacement.
Mounting options
When installing panels, two methods are used.Elements are fixed either to glue or to the crate. Let's consider each of these methods in more detail.
With glue
The easiest way to take the minimum amount of time and effort is to stick the panels with liquid nails. In this case, the material is fixed directly to the wall, which saves maximum space. And this is a significant bonus for such a small room like a toilet. The only condition is that the base should be as even as possible. Roughnesses are allowed to a maximum of 5 mm. Otherwise, it will be impossible to achieve full adhesion to the wall. The lamellas in this place will bend and peel off very quickly.
Choosing a similar technology, it is necessary to consider the microclimate in the room. High humidity will inevitably lead to the appearance of fungus. Due to constant contact with the wall, condensation will form under the plastic, which simply cannot evaporate due to the waterproofness of the material.
This method has another drawback. With subsequent repairs, the cladding will be very difficult to remove from the wall.
If you have smooth walls and do not plan to change the finish soon, the method of installing panels with glue will be the best choice for you.
The installation process is carried out in several stages.
We are preparing the foundation. We clean the wall of dirt, dust, glue residue, old wallpaper, grease stains.
Apply glue in stripes to the back of the product.
We apply the panel to the desired section of the wall, with effort, but gently press it and hold for several seconds.
Choose adhesives that provide maximum adhesion to the base material. The best choice would be a liquid nail sealant.
With a crate
If the toilet has uneven walls, you will first have to prepare the frame – crate, and already attach panels to it using self-tapping screws, kleimers or staples.
As a material for the frame, wooden beams or a metal profile are suitable. The first option is more convenient, since it can withstand any fasteners that are used in the installation of slats. While for covering the metal profile, only self-tapping screws are suitable.
The elements of the crate must be fixed at a distance of 35-40 cm. They are fixed with dowels or self-tapping screws - depending on which material is chosen for this.
Next, we mount the panels on the frame. This can be done with:
small cloves - are driven into the technological tongue under the groove. The disadvantage of this method is the complex dismantling and the risk of damage to the lamella with a hammer;
staples professional stapler. A quick and convenient way - but only suitable if the crate is made of wood;
klyammerami - fasteners in the form of clips that securely fix the panel, even in a new building that will shrink;
self-tapping screws - suitable for any frame.
After the material for the lathing and sheathing is selected, you can proceed to the installation, which is carried out in several stages:
install the rails on the wall;
we mount accessories for the design of external and internal corners, the final elements;
we install panels, inserting each of them into the mounting groove with a narrow shelf, after which it is fixed on the crate through a wide shelf;
the final panel is placed between the previous and final module with little effort.
Panels must be installed strictly vertically and as tightly as possible, avoiding distortions.
DIY step-by-step instructions for finishing your toilet
Before proceeding with the installation of the panels, read the step-by-step instructions.
Necessary materials and tools
To finish the toilet with plastic panels, you have to stock up:
material for creating the frame - it is desirable to give preference to rails or metal profiles with a cross section of 20x50 mm.A thin profile will maximize the space of the toilet or combined bathroom. When calculating the number of battens, you need to take into account the ceiling frame, as well as a decorative box masking pipes;
dowels to secure the beam or profile - the reinforcement should be so long as to enter the wall by 50-60 mm. The number of fasteners is determined depending on the dimensions of the frame, taking into account the step at which they will be located;
15-20 mm wood or metal screws or small cloves or a construction stapler with brackets 10-12 mm;
Liquid Nails sealant or tile adhesive - in case the walls are even;
means for processing wooden structural parts from decay and insects;
primer for the treatment of ceilings and walls - enhances the strength of the base, increases the adhesion of the adhesive to the wall. If you choose a composition with antiseptic properties, you can reduce the possibility of fungus formation.
The set of tools varies depending on the selected installation method and may consist of:
hammer drill or electric drill;
wood or concrete drills;
screwdriver;
jigsaw or saw;
a hammer;
scissors for metal;
construction knife;
roulette and square;
a pencil or marker;
level with a pointer to the vertical and horizontal;
construction stapler;
spatulas, roller, brushes, building hair dryer.
Wall preparation
Before starting installation, it is necessary to prepare the base. The old finish is completely removed from the wall surface. After this, the walls must be cleaned and treated with an antiseptic to prevent the formation of fungus. After this, you need to fill in all the bumps and gaps with plaster or putty and wait for the material to dry. If the technology of planting panels on glue is chosen, it is necessary to level the walls with plaster or drywall.For the toilet, the first method is advisable, since the frame together with the gypsum plaster will “eat” a fair fraction of the space. Before gluing on the wall - plastered or mounted from drywall should be primed.
Installation of the crate
If you are not confused by the loss of usable area, choose the method of fastening to the crate. This will make it possible to hide unaesthetic communications and complement the design of the facing “pie” with heat and waterproofing materials. If the toilet is combined with the bath, the humidity in the room is increased. Therefore, it is better to choose metal or plastic profiles to create the frame. If you still decide to opt for wood, treat the surfaces with moisture-proofing, antiseptic and fire-fighting compounds and finally - paint them.
Installation steps:
We are marking up. Extreme slats - upper and lower will be located at a distance of 6-7 cm from the floor and ceiling. We mark the ceiling in the same way. Bearing rails must be installed perpendicular to the lamellas, which can be installed vertically, horizontally or diagonally. The step is 40-50 cm.
We mount the frame using self-tapping screws or dowels.
We carry out the wiring and bring it to the planned places.
In the gaps of the frame, you can lay the insulation.
We make boxes in order to hide the pipes.
We install a vapor barrier membrane.
We trim panels and moldings in accordance with the height of the room. During installation, we customize and trim the additional elements.
Panel Mounting
The lathing is ready and it is time to begin installation of decorative panels. It is carried out in several steps:
install corner and side moldings;
we fasten the starting profile in the far corner from the front door;
start the first lamella in it with a narrow shelf, start inserting the element from the bottom corner;
we fix the panel using suitable fasteners - kleimers, brackets, screws, observing a step that can provide rigidity to the structure;
install subsequent panels in the same way. During installation, it is necessary to monitor the tightness of the fit - the joints should not be evident;
we frame the window and doorways with starting corners;
we fix skirtings that decorate the cracks and give completeness to the appearance of the room.
When installing the panels in a suture way or if the joints become visible due to uneven walls, the joints must be sealed with silicone.
Features of the installation of panels on the ceiling
Let's get acquainted with the specifics of installing PVC panels on the ceiling. The first and most fundamental thing to decide is the distance between the cladding and the ceiling. When making a decision, consider the type of lighting fixtures that you intend to install. If the lamps are built-in, leave at least 10-15 cm. A space is created behind the panels, where all the wiring will be hidden. The location of spotlights should be noted with a pencil. After that, cut out the holes and install the lamp bases.
Combination of PVC panels with other finishing materials
Another advantage of plastic panels in their ability to harmoniously combine with representatives of other groups of finishing materials - paint, wallpaper, tile, MDF panels, plaster. This material provides unlimited opportunities in the field of design in the sense of creating all kinds of, sometimes unexpected combinations. The most common example for a toilet is when the bottom of the wall is tiled and the top is finished with plastic lamellas. Another option is the panels at the bottom, and the top is plastered. The border between the materials can be closed with a polyurethane molding.
Panel Care
How to properly care for the panels, what tools can be used and what forms of cleaning can be used, depends on the type of your lining. Panels are:
laminated;
simple.
Both of these materials are great for finishing the toilet.Keep in mind that material without a laminated layer absorbs dirt and stains that cannot be removed later. Therefore, get rid of new contaminants immediately after their appearance.
Clean surfaces that do not have a protective film should be "dry", that is, the "dry" method. Use a vacuum cleaner or dry cloth. If the stain cannot be removed, moisten a rag and treat the dirt again.
Do not rub heavily on surfaces not protected by laminate. Scuffs may not be very visible, but as soon as dirt gets on them, they will immediately appear.
Laminate coatings are cleaned the same way. However, the presence of a protective layer allows you to apply more force when washing plastic. Greasy spots, dried blots and stains can be wiped off at any time, even if a lot of time has passed. If necessary, non-aggressive and non-abrasive detergents can be used. Avoid chlorine compounds as they can cause irreparable damage to the color of the panels. It is allowed to use homemade soap solution, dishwashing detergent, pulp made from water and baking soda - applied to the stain for a couple of hours, after which it is washed off with warm water.
You can also take care of the panels using cleaning chemicals from the store. It can be either a solution or an aerosol.
Conclusion
Do-it-yourself installation of plastic panels does not require much effort, while an impressive result is guaranteed. In just a few hours, you get an inexpensive, but very effective moisture-resistant lining, which you can rightfully be proud of.
Read more about installing PVC panels in the video.
Plastic panels are an excellent choice for a budget bathroom repair. This material is represented by a wide variety of colors, textures and prints, and looks quite presentable. The main plus of finishing the toilet with plastic panels is the opportunity to get a beautiful room with small investments. In addition, the material is easy to install and allows you to save on the services of specialists. If desired, the cladding process can be done with your own hands.
Content
Advantages and disadvantages of PVC panels
The plastic panel has the shape of an elongated rectangle. It consists of two PVC sheets connected by jumpers, which also act as stiffeners. Due to this, a void is formed inside the panel, which provides it with low weight. Thanks to this, the material is easy to transport and assemble. But this is not his only advantage, in addition, one can distinguish such as:
Disadvantages:
Varieties of material
Plastic panels differ in several ways:
Selection Tips and Tricks
When choosing plastic panels, you should first pay attention to the composition of the products. Material for high-quality slats contains chlorine, hydrogen and carbon. Sometimes the composition includes bound lead, which performs a stabilizing function. Such panels during a fire with high heating do not emit toxic substances into the air.
We recommend purchasing panels made of hard plastic - they lack the ability to ignite, in addition, they are distinguished by excellent soundproofing characteristics and increased resistance to temperature.
A visual inspection will provide enough information about the quality of the material. Inspect the slats for:
If you choose a product in an online store, and you do not have the opportunity to inspect it yourself, scoop up information from customer reviews of this company.
Matching Style and Design
When choosing a material for finishing a bathroom, it is necessary to take into account the general style of the house or apartment. In classic interiors, plastic will look alien. The same can be said of country, art deco and Provence. In these styles it is better to use plaster, natural wood or tile. But in modern styles - minimalism, modernism, high-tech plastic is quite acceptable and is used very actively.
The design of the slats - a wide color palette, various patterns and images, including 3D, imitation of tiles, stone, natural wood, mosaics - provides a vast field for the realization of the most creative design ideas. Modern manufacturers are trying to take into account all the latest trends in interior art.
Color variety of panels
If plain cladding seems boring to you, you can add additional shades to the interior. They can be close and differ only in saturation and color depth, and contrasting. Always combinations of representatives of a bright palette with calm shades of a neutral gamut — white, gray, sand, black, beige — always look advantageous. Silver or mirror blots look great.
The latter, for everything else, have purely practical benefits. A skillful combination of colors allows you to visually adjust the shape and size of the room. Narrow walls will look wider if plastic is laid with contrasting horizontal stripes, dark walls decorated with white accessories will visually “step back” and add a volume bathroom. At the same time, light shades will visually increase the room.
The combination of shades can be used not only to decorate the walls, but also to highlight individual zones. You can select a zone with a toilet, sink or hygienic shower.
Combinations of shades are appropriate in any style. The main thing is to choose the right colors that are destined to become companions. For example, such:
The combination of several shades can be staggered, delineate geometric shapes, diagonals - the possibilities for experiments are extremely wide. Design options for bathrooms using panels of different colors are presented in the photo.
Calculation of the required amount
To correctly determine the amount of necessary materials, it is necessary to measure the room and determine the area of the walls that need to be faced. This number must be divided by the area of one lamella. So we find out the required amount of material. But such a calculation is crude, a more accurate result can be obtained if the same operation is performed with respect to each wall separately. Do not forget to subtract the area of the doorway, and if necessary, the window.
The resulting number should be rounded up and add 10-15% to the result. The stock will be cut, accidental damage and the possible need for replacement.
Mounting options
When installing panels, two methods are used.Elements are fixed either to glue or to the crate. Let's consider each of these methods in more detail.
With glue
The easiest way to take the minimum amount of time and effort is to stick the panels with liquid nails. In this case, the material is fixed directly to the wall, which saves maximum space. And this is a significant bonus for such a small room like a toilet. The only condition is that the base should be as even as possible. Roughnesses are allowed to a maximum of 5 mm. Otherwise, it will be impossible to achieve full adhesion to the wall. The lamellas in this place will bend and peel off very quickly.
Choosing a similar technology, it is necessary to consider the microclimate in the room. High humidity will inevitably lead to the appearance of fungus. Due to constant contact with the wall, condensation will form under the plastic, which simply cannot evaporate due to the waterproofness of the material.
This method has another drawback. With subsequent repairs, the cladding will be very difficult to remove from the wall.
If you have smooth walls and do not plan to change the finish soon, the method of installing panels with glue will be the best choice for you.
The installation process is carried out in several stages.
With a crate
If the toilet has uneven walls, you will first have to prepare the frame – crate, and already attach panels to it using self-tapping screws, kleimers or staples.
As a material for the frame, wooden beams or a metal profile are suitable. The first option is more convenient, since it can withstand any fasteners that are used in the installation of slats. While for covering the metal profile, only self-tapping screws are suitable.
The elements of the crate must be fixed at a distance of 35-40 cm. They are fixed with dowels or self-tapping screws - depending on which material is chosen for this.
Next, we mount the panels on the frame. This can be done with:
After the material for the lathing and sheathing is selected, you can proceed to the installation, which is carried out in several stages:
DIY step-by-step instructions for finishing your toilet
Before proceeding with the installation of the panels, read the step-by-step instructions.
Necessary materials and tools
To finish the toilet with plastic panels, you have to stock up:
The set of tools varies depending on the selected installation method and may consist of:
Wall preparation
Before starting installation, it is necessary to prepare the base. The old finish is completely removed from the wall surface. After this, the walls must be cleaned and treated with an antiseptic to prevent the formation of fungus. After this, you need to fill in all the bumps and gaps with plaster or putty and wait for the material to dry. If the technology of planting panels on glue is chosen, it is necessary to level the walls with plaster or drywall.For the toilet, the first method is advisable, since the frame together with the gypsum plaster will “eat” a fair fraction of the space. Before gluing on the wall - plastered or mounted from drywall should be primed.
Installation of the crate
If you are not confused by the loss of usable area, choose the method of fastening to the crate. This will make it possible to hide unaesthetic communications and complement the design of the facing “pie” with heat and waterproofing materials. If the toilet is combined with the bath, the humidity in the room is increased. Therefore, it is better to choose metal or plastic profiles to create the frame. If you still decide to opt for wood, treat the surfaces with moisture-proofing, antiseptic and fire-fighting compounds and finally - paint them.
Installation steps:
Panel Mounting
The lathing is ready and it is time to begin installation of decorative panels. It is carried out in several steps:
Features of the installation of panels on the ceiling
Let's get acquainted with the specifics of installing PVC panels on the ceiling. The first and most fundamental thing to decide is the distance between the cladding and the ceiling. When making a decision, consider the type of lighting fixtures that you intend to install. If the lamps are built-in, leave at least 10-15 cm. A space is created behind the panels, where all the wiring will be hidden. The location of spotlights should be noted with a pencil. After that, cut out the holes and install the lamp bases.
Combination of PVC panels with other finishing materials
Another advantage of plastic panels in their ability to harmoniously combine with representatives of other groups of finishing materials - paint, wallpaper, tile, MDF panels, plaster. This material provides unlimited opportunities in the field of design in the sense of creating all kinds of, sometimes unexpected combinations. The most common example for a toilet is when the bottom of the wall is tiled and the top is finished with plastic lamellas. Another option is the panels at the bottom, and the top is plastered. The border between the materials can be closed with a polyurethane molding.
Panel Care
How to properly care for the panels, what tools can be used and what forms of cleaning can be used, depends on the type of your lining. Panels are:
Both of these materials are great for finishing the toilet.Keep in mind that material without a laminated layer absorbs dirt and stains that cannot be removed later. Therefore, get rid of new contaminants immediately after their appearance.
Clean surfaces that do not have a protective film should be "dry", that is, the "dry" method. Use a vacuum cleaner or dry cloth. If the stain cannot be removed, moisten a rag and treat the dirt again.
Do not rub heavily on surfaces not protected by laminate. Scuffs may not be very visible, but as soon as dirt gets on them, they will immediately appear.
Laminate coatings are cleaned the same way. However, the presence of a protective layer allows you to apply more force when washing plastic. Greasy spots, dried blots and stains can be wiped off at any time, even if a lot of time has passed. If necessary, non-aggressive and non-abrasive detergents can be used. Avoid chlorine compounds as they can cause irreparable damage to the color of the panels. It is allowed to use homemade soap solution, dishwashing detergent, pulp made from water and baking soda - applied to the stain for a couple of hours, after which it is washed off with warm water.
You can also take care of the panels using cleaning chemicals from the store. It can be either a solution or an aerosol.
Conclusion
Do-it-yourself installation of plastic panels does not require much effort, while an impressive result is guaranteed. In just a few hours, you get an inexpensive, but very effective moisture-resistant lining, which you can rightfully be proud of.
Read more about installing PVC panels in the video.