Modern construction market can offer a huge variety of finishing materials, each of which has its own advantages. Yes, and manufacturers of building materials are developing and providing more and more new, or improved old, facing materials.
One of the modern cladding materials are plastic panels. They have firmly taken pride of place in the preferences of many designers for their undeniable advantages. And what are the advantages inherent in this material and much more, we will consider further.
Scope of application
Plastic panels are becoming more and more popular. This cheap, and at the same time, unique material can be used almost everywhere. PVC panels are used both in residential premises and in public buildings.
Very often in apartments and residential premises, due to their moisture resistance, PVC panels are found in bathrooms, toilets and kitchens. Ease of care also plays a big role.
In private homes, plastic panels are also not uncommon. Often they sheathe the walls of the veranda, pantry, canopy. This material perfectly withstands low temperatures, so it can often be seen as a sheathing of external walls and facades of buildings.
Plastic panels have also found their use in city apartments. Balconies and loggias are increasingly sheathed with universal material. In addition, plastic panels can serve as a decorative element.
This material is sheathed not only on walls. They were also used in ceiling cladding. Such panels are additionally treated with an additional layer of varnish, which, in turn, protects the material from dust and various contaminants, and also increases the service life.
Regarding public spaces, decorative plastic wall panels can be seen in cafes and canteens, kindergartens and schools, shops and other public buildings.
PVC panels, in addition to their direct purpose, are also used in other qualities. For example, it can be slopes of plastic windows, cornices, decorative structures.
Advantages of plastic panels
Plastic wall panels are very popular. By the way, before such material was quite heavy, and even very expensive. But, when the method of free foaming of polyvinyl chloride was invented in Germany, the material became quite light and, accordingly, much cheaper.
Plastic panels for wall decoration have a lot of advantages. This is what attracts consumers to this material. Among the advantages one canhighlight the following options:
- Inexpensive. Plastic wall panels, compared to other materials, have a fairly affordable price.
- Easy installation. Before finishing, there is no need to level the walls, apply plaster and other work. Often you can do it on your own, without resorting to special tools and the help of professionals.
- The lightness of the material. And this means that there is no need for additional fastening. And panels can be mounted on almost any base.
- Easy maintenance. Plastic panels for walls are absolutely unpretentious in care. To do this, it will be enough to wipe them with a damp cloth (sponge) 1-2 times a year. If more severe stains appear on the panels, then you can use household cleaners without abrasives.
- Resistant to moisture and water. This material does not allow moisture to pass through the joints of the panels.
- Allows you to hide various surface imperfections. And besides, you can perfectly disguise electrical wiring, communications and other wires.
- Ability to quickly replace a damaged panel. That is, if one of them is damaged, it will not be necessary to disassemble the entire structure. It is enough just to replace the damaged one.
- Long life material. With proper maintenance, plastic wall panels can last for decades. In addition, the original appearance of the material will be preserved.
- Due to its structure, plastic panels have increased sound and thermal insulation.
- The material is resistant to fire,and its ignition temperature is about 400 degrees Celsius. In addition, it does not support combustion in air, which is important in case of fire.
- Resistant to cold. Plastic panels perfectly withstand temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius. And some more advanced analogues - from -50 to +110 degrees.
- Great opportunities for both manual and mechanical processing. They can be drilled, sawn, stamped, bent along the radius, engaged in curly cutting and milling.
- Elasticity of the material.
- Plastic panels are environmentally friendly as they do not contain heavy metals.
- Minimum installation waste.
- A wide selection to express your personal touch.
Disadvantages of plastic panels
No matter how wonderful the material is, and no matter what advantages it would have, there are still disadvantages:
- Despite the fire resistance and environmental friendliness of PVC, it was still forbidden to install it in places where people can be evacuated (for example, corridors, stairs), as well as in recreation areas. And all because in case of fire, the material begins to melt and emit acrid dangerous smoke.
- Low resistance to mechanical damage. But it's not all that scary. During production, some manufacturers add special substances that increase stability.
- Fade may occur if exposed to direct sunlight. But again, as in the previous paragraph, there are panels in the production of which specialadditives, making them resistant to UV rays.
- Intolerance to sudden changes in temperature. If the differences are more than 20 degrees Celsius, then corrosion of the material may occur.
- When interior wall decoration reduces the area of the room. And it's not too happy when there is not much space.
Types of plastic panels
The production of plastic panels for wall decoration does not stand still. More and more new types of this material appear. And, as always, to make it easier for the consumer to choose, the material is classified according to some characteristics: by shape and size, by the presence of a seam, by the method of drawing a pattern, and so on.
Depending on the nature of coverage:
- matte plastic panels;
- mirror plastic wall panels;
- glossy wall panels.
By the method of drawing a picture on the panel:
- Laminated. This method involves the application of a special film with a pattern on the surface of the panel. This method allows you to imitate any kind of stone or wood.
- Using thermal film. It consists in the fact that the required color is applied to the white panel and covered with thermal film on top.
- Direct (offset) printing method. The essence of the method is to transfer the image to the front side of the panel. Top coated with a special varnish.
By the presence of a seam, the panels are divided into:
- Seamless. This means that with proper installation, the seams are absolutely invisible and the impression of a smooth monolithic surface is created.
- Embossed. Such panels have a clearly defined seam, which is part of the decor.
- Bevelled. At its core, it is a seamless option, but the presence of a small decorative recess makes it embossed.
Special attention should be paid to brick-like coatings and mirrored plastic wall panels. Of course, this is not an exact classification. Different manufacturers may have their own. But this systematization is the most popular.
Wall decoration with plastic brick-like panels
Brickwork always looks interesting and noble. But sometimes the price bites. Instead, you can use inexpensive plastic wall panels that look no worse than real brick.
Dignity:
- imitation of various shades of bricks and all kinds of masonry;
- light weight and ease of assembly compared to brick;
- long service life;
- easy care;
- comparatively low price.
Brick-like plastic paneling looks great in the kitchen (also goes well with MDF kitchen fittings), hallway, living room and various public areas.
Mirror plastic panels
This is one of the most attractive types of plastic panels. It appeared not so long ago, but it already firmly occupies the first positions in design. Mirror panels are a product made of polystyrene, which is coated with a specialreflective film. Such panels are used not only in the conditions of apartments and houses, but they can also be found in the premises of hotels, restaurants, discos, bars and other public places.
Mirror decorative plastic wall panels have their own varieties:
- In rolls and sheets. In the first case, the panels are wound into a roll according to the principle of linoleum, and therefore preliminary preparatory work is required. 24 hours before installation, spread the roll on any flat surface. If necessary, press down with something heavy. In the second case, preliminary preparation is not required.
- Plastic panels can be matte and mirrored. The coating can also have holographic effects or perforated patterns. In addition, it is distinguished by a variety of shades.
- The basis of the panels can be both self-adhesive and plain.
- The surface of the panels can consist of many pieces (the material is pre-cut into small squares and strips) or be solid.
- The panels are covered with a protective film. After installation is completed, it should be removed, while pressing the panel firmly against the base. Such actions will help to avoid the appearance of air inclusions on the already mounted material.
Mirror panels have the following advantages:
- reflect light well and visually enlarge the space;
- goes well with other decorative items;
- attached to various bases;
- opportunitymount on rounded surfaces (e.g. columns);
- care can be done with simple glass cleaners.
It is believed that mirror panels are afraid of moisture, so it is not recommended to install such a finishing material in places with high humidity. In addition, decorative plastic panels for walls are badly affected by high temperatures - a maximum of +60o Celsius. Another unpleasant moment is any inaccuracy during installation or slight damage and image distortion occurs.
Sizes of plastic wall panels
In order for this type of decor to harmoniously fit into the space of the room, you should calculate its dimensions in advance and decide on the view.
The shape of plastic decorative wall panels are:
- rack (another name is "lining");
- sheet panels;
- tiled counterparts;
- sandwich tiles.
As a rule, manufacturers are on the alert, releasing new types of decorative coatings, you should study the market before buying materials.
Sizes of plastic wall panels are as follows:
- The length can be from 90 cm to 3 m, and if it is ceiling panels, then the dimensions can be from 3 m to 12 m.
- Width ranges from 13.5cm to 1.5m.
- The thickness of the panel, most often, ranges from 8 - 12 mm. But some manufacturers are trying to reduce the thickness and therefore you can find panels with a thickness of 7 mm, and even 4 - 5 mm.
Installation tools
Beforeto proceed with the installation of plastic panels for walls, it is necessary to prepare tools. Some of them, such as an electric drill, can be rented if a one-time use is required.
What you need for installation:
- plastic panels for interior wall decoration;
- building level and tape measure;
- electric drill with drills and crowns (needed for mounting the crate and preparing holes for sockets and switches);
- marker (pencil);
- screwdriver or screwdriver/construction stapler/glue - depends on how the panels are mounted;
- knife and hacksaw - needed to cut plastic.
This is not a complete list of required tools. Depending on the installation method, it may vary.
Mounting methods and calculation of the required material
Plastic wall panels can be attached in the following ways:
- Installation directly on the wall itself. The surface must be smooth and prepared for work. The method is applicable for dry rooms.
- Mounting on a wooden crate. For it, wooden blocks are used with a cut of 24 cm. The fastening step of the rails is 40 cm. The method is used in dry rooms.
- Mounting on metal profiles. The design is similar to a metal frame for drywall installation, but without intersecting profiles.
- On a plastic frame. Profiles are installed in increments of 0.3 m. Designed for small loads.
To find out the required number of panels,you need to do the following calculations. First of all, the size of the area covered by the panels is calculated. From this figure, the dimensions of the openings are subtracted. Next, we calculate the indicators of one panel. We divide the area covered with plastic by the parameters of one PVC panel. Thus, the resulting figure is the number of required panels in pieces. To make sure there is enough material, add 3 - 5% to this amount.
Finishing work
Installation of plastic panels for walls begins with the choice of mounting method. If it is made towards the installation of the crate, then its installation is the next step. Now you can proceed directly to the decoration of the walls with plastic panels.
Start installation work from the farthest corner (from the door). First you need to attach the moldings: ceiling (start), end (final) and corner. The first panel must be inserted into the recesses of the upper and lower moldings, and then into the corner. Carefully check the parallelism and perpendicularity of the panel. After making sure that the installation is accurate, the lamella is fixed with brackets. Next, the following panels are attached, but there is no need to fasten them with brackets. The last panel is cut off by 1 cm and installed first in the groove of the final molding. Then it should be carefully moved to the penultimate PVC panel.
In case of choosing the installation of panels without installing the crate, it is necessary to prepare the work surface in advance. This means cleaning it from old wallpaper or other coatings, removing dust and treating it with a primer. Panels need to be attached toglue specially designed for this. It is applied starting from the corners, and at the joints there should be gaps from 1 to 3 mm. In order for the glue to completely harden, the seams are filled with a special sealant.
The nuances of installing plastic panels in the bathroom
Traditionally, in the bathroom you can find tile masonry. But this method is more expensive and difficult to install. Plastic wall panels in the bathroom are not only economical in terms of finances, effort and knowledge, but also beautiful.
Installation of panels in the bathroom is essentially no different from installation in other rooms. But still, some nuances are worth considering:
- For fastening panels, it is better to give preference to a plastic frame due to its moisture resistance. If, nevertheless, a tree was chosen, then, first of all, it must be processed with a special tool.
- The panels themselves are better to choose smooth, without embossing. In such a pattern, dirt will accumulate, which will constantly need to be removed.
- If the bathroom is small, it is better to choose light shades of PVC panels.
Video on installation of plastic panels
Video on how to mount plastic panels on walls.
Another video to show you how to make your own bathroom decor.
Conclusion
Plastic panels for walls firmly occupy a leading position in the modern construction market. A variety of colors and textures, affordable price and ease of installation make themattractive not only for professionals, but also for those who wish to carry out repairs themselves.
