Omar Khalid
Installing plastic wall panels is a simple DIY project for anyone interested in remodelling on a budget. The first step is to measure the width and height of the wall you're working on, then cut the panels to the right length. The panels can be laid vertically or horizontally, depending on your room dimensions. The panels are then attached to the wall using adhesive, screws, staples, or pins. The panels slot together using a tongue and groove system, which creates a flush, watertight finish.
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What You'll Learn
Measuring and cutting the panels
Before cutting the panels, you need to measure the width and height of each wall you will be fitting them onto. PVC wall panels can be laid vertically or horizontally, but this will depend on your room dimensions and the length of the panels.
Measure your wall height and ensure that it is shorter than the length/height of the panel you wish to install. This will be the case for most panels, as they are designed to run from floor to ceiling.
Next, measure your wall width in centimetres. Then, divide that number by the width of each panel. This will give you the number of panels you need for that wall. Repeat this process for each wall. Alternatively, simply add up the width of all your walls and then divide by the panel width.
Now that you have measured the dimensions of your wall, you can transfer these measurements to the panel. Use a tape measure to measure the length of your ceiling, and then transfer this measurement to the panel, marking a straight line across it with a pencil.
You can then cut the panel to size with a saw or jigsaw. If you are cutting coving to the correct length, use a mitre block for the corners. Check that the corners fit tightly before applying any adhesive.
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Adhesive and silicone application
Before applying the adhesive, carefully measure the width and height of the wall you are installing the panels on. The panels can be laid vertically or horizontally, depending on your room dimensions and the length of the panels. Ensure that the wall height is shorter than the length/height of the panel.
When installing panels on a ceiling, consider the position of spotlights and leave room for wiring or fittings. You can use hold cutters for light fittings or wires. If your wall surface is uneven, you may need to screw the panels into battens for added support.
To apply the adhesive, you can either run it down the panel in an S shape or use the dot-and-dab method. If you are using silicone, ensure that the room is properly ventilated, and allow 24 hours for the silicone to fully dry. If any silicone seeps onto the panel surface, remove it immediately with a damp cloth.
After applying the adhesive, secure the panels to the ceiling or wall using screws, staples, or pins through the tongue of the panel. Place these fasteners approximately every 30 cm, and push the panels firmly together for a neat finish. For coving trims, you can use a combination of silicone and double-sided tape.
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Using screws, pins, or staples
Plastic wall panels can be installed using adhesives, or fasteners such as pins, screws, or staples. This guide will focus on the latter method.
First, measure the length of your ceiling using a tape measure and transfer this measurement to the panel. Mark a straight line across it with a pencil and cut to size with a saw or jigsaw. Next, remove any protective film from the front of the panel.
Now, apply a generous amount of adhesive or sealant to the back of the panel. You can also use silicone or small dots of glue if your wall is not flat. Secure the panel to the ceiling using screws, staples, or pins through the tongue of the panel approximately every 30cm. Make sure to measure the screws so that they do not go through the other side of the panel. Repeat this process for each panel, pushing them firmly together using the tongue and groove profile for a neat finish.
If you are using pins, you can place them at either side of the boards where the tongue and groove interlocking system is located. The pins will be hidden once another panel is slotted into place, holding the panels in place while the adhesive sets.
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Trimming the edges
Firstly, you need to decide on the type of trim you want to use. There are a few options available, including Quadrant, Coving, and End Caps. Each of these trims can be used around internal corners, floors, or ceilings. Coving trims, in particular, can add a decorative touch to your ceiling edges. If you opt for Coving, remove the lip from the back with a Stanley Knife to make the installation easier.
Next, measure the edges of your walls or ceilings where the trim will be applied. Cut the trim to the correct length using a saw or jigsaw. Ensure you have accurate measurements to achieve a precise fit.
Now, you can begin the installation process. Apply a generous amount of silicone along the wall or ceiling edge where the trim will be fixed. You can also use double-sided tape for extra security, especially at the edge of the trim that will adhere to the ceiling.
For internal corners, where two panels meet, use internal corner trims. These trims have slots on both sides for the wall panels to slide into, creating a seamless connection between the panels.
If you are joining panels to an external corner, external angles are a versatile option. They can be stuck over the top of the panels with adhesive, providing a simple solution for window bays and other external angles.
Lastly, ensure that your trims are securely attached and wipe away any excess silicone with a damp cloth. Allow adequate time for the silicone to dry completely, usually around 24 hours, before considering the project complete.
By following these steps, you will achieve a professional and polished look to your plastic wall panel installation, with neatly trimmed edges.
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Mounting items to the wall
When mounting items to the wall, it is recommended that the panels are not used to bear any load. Screw through to the supporting wall so that the wall itself supports the weight, and the items are just sitting flush against the panels.
For instance, if you are fitting spotlights, consider the position of the studs and leave room for any wiring or fittings. You can use hold cutters for light fittings or wires. To attach using screws, screw through the lip of the panel, and when the next panel slots into place, it will cover the screws.
You can screw straight onto plasterboard as well as a timber framework. If you are using a wooden framework, screws or staples are recommended. If the wall surface is uneven, you may need to screw panels into battens.
Alternatively, you can use a solvent-free adhesive to attach your panels to the wall. This is recommended if your panels are going onto plasterboard or another solid surface. You can either run the glue down the panel in an S shape or just dot and dab.
If you are placing items on the panel, it is recommended to screw through to the supporting wall to ensure that the wall itself supports the weight.
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Frequently asked questions
The best method depends on the surface you are working with. If you are working with plasterboard or another solid surface, you can use adhesive. If you are working with an uneven or wooden surface, screws or staples are recommended.
First, measure the width and height of the wall you are fitting the panels onto. Then, cut the panels to the right length. Next, apply a generous amount of adhesive to the back of the panel and secure it to the wall. Repeat this process for each panel, pushing them together using the tongue and groove system for a neat finish.
The process is similar to the adhesive method. After measuring and cutting the panels, screw through the lip of the panel. When the next panel is slotted into place, it will cover the screws.
It is recommended that the panels are not used to bear any load. Instead, you should screw through to the supporting wall so that the wall itself is supporting the weight, and the items are just sitting flush against the panels.
