How to Fit PVC Bathroom Wall Panels? Let’s Find Out Here

PVC panels are made from 100% virgin vinyl and feature interlocking tongue-and-groove patterns, which make them extremely lightweight and easy to install. Also, these panels are 100% water-resistant, and a bead of silicone around the corners is all you need to ensure they remain watertight. So far as cleaning is concerned, these panels can be easily cleaned with a non-abrasive anti-bacterial cleaner, after which you can simply wipe them off with a soft cloth to keep them spic and span for years. These are just some of the strong arguments that advocate in favor of installing PVC ceiling and wall panels in commercial and residential bathroom spaces. 

Now, let’s take a look at a step-by-step procedure for effortlessly installing PVC panels in bathroom spaces, and that too, without spending a fortune. So, let’s start. 

What Tools Will You Need? 

With PVC panels, you can opt for DIY installation. And you will not need any special equipment as well. The basic tools required include: 

• Utility knife or fine tooth saw (for cutting the PVC panels to size)
• Straight edge and measure tape 
• Gloves and eye protection 
• Vinyl panel adhesive, anti-bacterial cleaner, and silicone sealant 

How do you prepare the walls before installing the panels? 

PVC bathroom wall panels are anchored with adhesive, so you must ensure the walls are dust-free, sound, clean, plumb, dry, and seamless. You must also check any sealers, paints, or coatings for adhesion and soundness sustainability, and if you are in doubt, you should remove them before applying the adhesive. 

Vinyl panels can be screwed directly onto plumb, flat, sound, and seamless walls. However, if you happen to have an uneven surface, consider installing a timber batten frame system, against which the panels can easily sit flush.

If you need to install items like shower units, toilet cisterns, or sink basins through the PVC panels, install support battens into the framing system to support and install these items, too. 

How to Install PVC Wall Panels?  

Start by fixing an end cap to the starting point of the wall, fix it to the wall, and apply an unbroken, full-length PVC silicone sealant bead into the channel of the end cap.

Then, apply a continuous thick layer of adhesive around the peripheral edges of the PVC wall panels, followed by horizontal beads of adhesives on the back end of the panels. 

Angle the panel edge completely into the end cap and firmly fix the panels directly onto the wall while making sure that they are in full contact with each other. If you have used a timber batten, apply the adhesive beads on the battens rather than the back side of the panels and then fix firmly at the specific points of the batten. 

Repeat this procedure for consecutive battens/panels, making sure to apply a small silicone bead along the upper side of each panel's tongue. Hold the panel vertically and install the tongue into the groove of the previously installed panels. If any excess silicone comes off from the panel joint, wipe it immediately. 

If you want to cover the panel joints with an H joint, you can either fasten them using the panel adhesive or mechanically nail them where battens are installed. Make sure to fill both recesses of the H joint with silicone after fixing and before installing the panels. 

You can use either internal or external trims at wall corners. Make sure to apply a full silicone bead into the trim recesses before fixing the trim and inserting the panels into position. 

Repeat the first step by applying an end cap to the outer edge to complete the panel installation. 

How to Cut PVC Panels? 

PVC bathroom wall panels can be easily cut with a fine-tooth blade handsaw. Make sure to keep the decorative side of the panels facing upwards. 

Final Take: 

This is all you need to know to install PVC panels in bathrooms or any other commercial space. Get them from a reputed US PVC panel manufacturer, install them in your commercial bathroom, and feel the difference for yourself.