Types and properties of plastic panels for walls

Plastic panels are versatile finishing materials that are great for decorating walls. They are moisture resistant, durable and unpretentious. Many consumers choose plastic for trimming floors, since it can be not only monochromatic, but also multi-colored and repeating various materials of natural origin.

Plastic is one of the most popular materials. It is used in the manufacture of various products. It does not rot, does not suffer from contact with water and does not require complex care.

The range of such products today is huge. You can choose beautiful coatings for every taste, color and budget. In the shops you can find monochromatic, colorful and paintings with various patterns. Separately, it is worth highlighting popular panels that imitate various materials. For example, it may be stone, brick or wood.

Plastic panels can be installed in almost any room. It can be not only a dry and warm living room, but also a bathroom or a kitchen. The main thing is to choose a high-quality canvas that will serve for a long time and will not lose an attractive appearance.

Such finishing materials can be used in any interiors. It can be in a classic or contemporary style. It is not recommended to install plastic panels in an environment made in an elaborate key (Baroque, Rococo, Empire) - plastic will stand out sharply from such an ensemble, making it disharmonious.

Plastic panels are popular and popular finishing materials. The relevance of such facing is explained by many advantages.

• Plastic panels are wear-resistant materials. They are not afraid of moisture and dampness. Due to this quality, the finish can be safely used in the design of a bathroom or kitchen.
• High-quality plastic panels for many years retain the original appearance.
• This finish does not require complex and regular care. Plastic does not accumulate dust and dirt. If spots appear on its surface, then you will not have to purchase special and expensive compounds to remove them - most of the dirt from plastic panels can be removed with a regular damp cloth.
• Plastic panels are inexpensive. That is why many consumers choose this finishing option. It will cost several times cheaper than decorating walls with tiles or wood.

• Plastic wall panels can boast quite good sound insulation properties.
• Installation of such finishing materials is simple and quick.It can be produced without the involvement of specialists, which allows significant savings.
• With the help of PVC panels it is possible to make zoning of the available space.
• Such finishing materials are lightweight, so working with them is easy and convenient.
• Plastic is a material that is very easy to process. Due to this quality, these coatings are represented by a rather rich assortment. For the design of the room you can pick up canvases with absolutely any images and colors.

• Plastic is a safe material. Even in conditions of high temperatures, it does not emit dangerous and harmful substances. However, when buying panels, you should ask the seller for a quality certificate and make sure that the plastic does not contain toxic compounds, since such components may still be contained in low-quality material.
• It is possible to mount finishing materials not only in city apartments, but also in private houses. In addition, they are well suited for installation in cramped conditions.
• With this material, you can hide many defects of floors: cracks, drops, potholes, grooves and other flaws.
• Behind plastic panels, you can hide various communications, such as electrical wiring.

Despite the large list of positive qualities, plastic wall panels have their own weaknesses.

• The material is distinguished by high flammability. In case of fire, this product burns very intensely and spreads suffocating smoke indoors.
• Indoors with a plastic finish can keep a characteristic chemical smell for a long time. But here it is worth noting that many owners have not noticed such a lack.
• Plastic panels do not tolerate temperature drops. In such conditions, they may be subject to deformation.
• Plastic itself is not the most reliable and durable material. Panels made from such raw materials can break from an accidental impact or under the influence of serious loads.

• These products are not breathable finishing materials. They prevent the movement of air through the walls, and it is simply necessary for high-quality ventilation. For this reason, experts do not recommend installing such coatings in children's rooms.
• The voids that are present in plastic panels can be home to insects.This problem is particularly relevant for the southern regions of the country.
• Before installing the cladding material must be carefully prepared overlap. Many masters attribute this fact to the number of shortcomings, since it takes a lot of time.

Plastic or PVC panels are products derived from polyvinyl chloride - an organic material, As part of which there are 3 main components.

• chlorine (percentage of its content - 75%);
• carbon (42%);
• hydrogen and various impurities (1%).

Previously, a small amount of lead was added to the feedstock - it played the role of a material stabilizer. Currently, instead of lead, zinc and calcium are used in equal proportions.

The service life of wall-mounted plastic panels in our climate is about 10 years.

Various images and prints are applied to plastic panels using photo printing. As a rule, such additions are wear-resistant and durable. They seamlessly withstand the ingress of aggressive sunlight and do not fade under their influence.

Often in the production process, plastic panels are treated with a protective lacquer coating. It makes the material more durable and not subject to abrasion. In addition, varnished products are much harder to scratch. They are very easy to clean.

Plastic wall panels can be used exclusively for interior decoration. They should be in a room that is not exposed to sudden temperature changes during the day.

The strength of plastic panels directly depends on the percentage of polyvinyl chloride in them. Wall coverings are more durable than ceiling ones. As a rule, they are about 8 mm thick. Such material is not flexible - it is rather rigid and is not designed for bending, but it is more resistant to mechanical stress.

Also on the strength properties of the panels affects the number of edges. It should be borne in mind that these elements should not be visible through the front side.

In the shops you can meet the wall PVC panels of different types.

• Vinyl lining. Such wall coverings are the most common and popular. They are in great demand and are found in almost all stores selling finishing materials.
• PVC wall paneling represents sheets of a rectangular shape. Their length is 3-12 cm, width - 0.1-0.5 m, thickness - 8-12 mm. Such wall coverings are permissible to use for almost any work. In shops, white lining is most common, other colors are very rare.

• Sheets. The second most popular are plastic sheets. Such materials have more impressive dimensions. Exact lengths, widths and thicknesses depend on the manufacturer who issued the material. Plastic sheets are good because they have no joints. Installation of such coatings can be made directly on the surface of the ceiling.

• Sandwich panels. Enviable demand today can boast high-quality sandwich panels made of polyvinyl chloride. Such materials have a beautiful appearance.With this decoration you can transform the room beyond recognition.

• Thin. Most plastic panels consist of two layers interconnected by jumpers. Such materials have many advantages, but their main drawback is low strength: if they are hit or pressed harder on their surface, then these products can be seriously damaged. Most often it is because of this that consumers refuse to buy such coatings. Manufacturers decided to correct this situation by launching thin plastic sheets on the market. They do not have cells, and their thickness can be as small as 3 mm. Such materials are a thin layer of plastic with a pattern applied on it. Thin PVC panels and panels are easily fixed on the walls - they just need to be glued to the ceiling.

• Varnished. On such varieties of PVC panels, drawings and patterns are applied by thermal translation and offset printing.To make the images more durable and durable, they are covered with an additional layer of varnish. It protects the drawings on the panels from fading and cracking. After transferring the image, the texture of such a plastic sheet can be matte, perfectly smooth and silky or glossy.
• Laminated. Such types of products are the most common. They are applied decorative film, which effectively imitates various materials - stone, wood, granite, brick and other surfaces. In addition to imitations of various materials, laminated panels can be decorated with beautiful drawings and prints. These products are durable and resistant to abrasion.

• With 3D effect. If you need more original finishing options, then you should look at the spectacular plastic panels with a 3D photo print. On the surface of such materials there may be an imitation of plaster stucco, tiles, natural compositions and various ornaments. These products are more expensive, but they look interesting and fresh.

Wall plastic panels are available with different lengths, widths and thicknesses.

• vinyl lining has a rectangular shape: length - 3-12 m, width - 0.1-0.5 m and thickness - 8-12 mm;
• plastic sheets are larger and wider: length is from 1.5 to 4 m, width is up to 2 m, thickness is up to 3 cm;
• The length of the sandwich panels is often 3 m in length, width - from 0.9 to 1.5 m, thickness - 10-30 cm.

As a rule, plastic panels have a square and rectangular shape, diamond-shaped parts are less common. In the shops you can also find canvas with embossed edges - most often in this way are wall sheets imitating stone or brick masonry, in which individual elements stand out a little more than the rest.

Plastic wall panels have a different design. For example, mirror PVC tiles on a self-adhesive basis look beautiful and neat. Such materials are a good alternative to a glass tile with a reflective surface - firstly, they are much cheaper, and secondly, they are not so fragile.

Also today, relief panels with a 3D effect are very popular. and beautiful openwork coatings. Such paintings do not look simple and cheap, because with their help you can give the interior a special charm and emphasize its style.

Attractive appearance have paintings that are decorated with silk-screen printing.Such panels, having a calm and neutral color, are perfect for decorating bedrooms and cozy living rooms.

In addition, plastic panels can be painted in a variety of colors.

Today the most popular and relevant are:

• whites;
• beige;
• peach;
• creamy;
• pale pink;
• light chocolate;
• caramel tones.

Such coatings easily fit into most interiors, as they have a neutral and classic color. Moreover, with the help of light panels, you can visually expand the space by making it airy.

Of course, in the shops you can find brighter, more saturated PVC panels of rich colors. Unusual canvases with surfaces whose color imitates bronze, gold and silver are in great demand today. They have beautiful sparkles that effectively sparkle in the sun.

Often one plastic panel combines several different colors and shades at once. For example, it can be a simple white canvas, decorated with contrasting black patterns or a bright pink panel with more delicate peach ornaments.

In addition, PVC wall panels are available with different textures:

• matte;
• glossy;
• smooth;
• rough.

Today in the shops selling finishing materials you can find plastic wall panels of various modifications. It is quite difficult to find the perfect coverage because of the wide range of similar products.

Below are the criteria for the selection of plastic panels for walls.

• Application area. All plastic panels are divided into ceiling and wall. Externally, these materials are equivalent, but the second options are considered more durable and reliable. It is not necessary to buy ceiling tiles for finishing floors, if they are much cheaper.
• The dimensions of the panels. For large walls, most often acquire the appropriate panel, and for small - miniature, for example, vinyl lining. Before you go to the store, it is recommended to measure all the bases that you want to trim with plastic.
• Temperature stability. Experts recommend purchasing more wear-resistant PVC panels that are resistant to temperature changes.This criterion is especially important if you plan to trim a balcony or loggia with such materials.

• Design. Plastic panels should fit perfectly into the environment for which they are purchased.
• Environmental Safety. When buying plastic panels, be sure to request a certificate of quality for the product. It should be carefully studied. The composition of the plastic should not contain hazardous chemicals.
• Product quality. Before buying, be sure to ensure that the plastic panels are safe and sound. If there are damages, chips or scratches on the surface of the finish, it is better to refuse to buy such coatings.
• Manufacturer. You should not look for too cheap PVC panels, since such finishing materials already have a democratic price. You need to purchase branded products - as it has excellent quality.

Plastic wall panels are unsightly material, which is quite possible to install with your own hands.

Below are some of the features relating to such finishing works.

• Before installation of plastic it is necessary to prepare overlappings. They need to be freed from old coatings, hide all the cracks, even out differences and smear the base with antifungal compound. If you plan to install plastic panels on the frame, then this stage of work is not mandatory.
• Then you need to make a layout of the walls. The crate should be installed using a level to avoid distortions. The bottom row of sheathing should be 1-2 cm above the floor. At this point you need to make a mark with a pencil, and then draw a horizontal line from it along the entire perimeter.
• A similar line is drawn under the ceiling, if it is decided to sheathe the ceiling to the full height.
• After that, from the bottom line you need to measure 48-50 cm and put the beacon - this should be done to the very top.
• The panels must be fixed perpendicular to the crate, so horizontal structures are sheathed vertically and vice versa.

• After the markup, you can mount the crate. For this fit wooden slats or metal guides.
• For metal slats, you must additionally buy fasteners - such elements are attached to the base with screws on the dowels.
• Wooden frames must be treated with antiseptic compounds before laying plastic.
• By installing the frame, you can proceed to the installation of panels. The first part should be mounted in the far corner from the entrance. If necessary, the panel is trimmed with a hacksaw - an outstanding spike is cut.
• After that, cut off its side to insert into the corner profile, and then set in the upper and lower element. After that, the plastic panel must be pushed into the groove until it stops. You can check the flatness of the installation using a level, and then proceed to further actions.
• After attaching the launch pad, you can mount the second element. It dock with the first and securely fasten. Actions need to be repeated until all panels are laid out on the frame.

Installation of PVC panels can be made without frame. To do this, use self-tapping screws or a special adhesive (for example, liquid nails).

Such installation methods cannot be called universal:

• with such an installation, the finishing material may be deformed;
• if necessary, it will be difficult to replace a separate item.

With frameless installation method, you must carefully prepare the overlap.

To fix the plastic panels, you need to pick up a transparent adhesive, from which there will be no stains. In addition, it must be moisture-resistant, especially if you plan to install in the kitchen or bathroom. The adhesive should be applied to the base in a staggered manner with large drops. For such works, it is recommended to purchase a quick-drying glue. After laying on it, the plastic will lock in qualitatively and quickly.

Plastic cladding materials look organic in different rooms: hallway, living room, bathroom or kitchen. The installation site of such coatings depends only on the personal preferences of the owners.

Today, the most popular are the original plastic 3D panels. Accent walls can be made with such coatings. For example, it may be overlapping in the living room with a TV installed or a partition, opposite which there is a dining table with chairs in the kitchen.

Plastic panels look harmoniously in the hallway or corridor. Most often, coatings that imitate stone and wood are installed here - practically any models of entrance and interior doors look organically against such a background.

Also in such conditions, you can use a combination of plastic panels under a stone or brick and wallpaper. It is recommended to use lighter surfaces in the hallway and corridor, as otherwise these rooms may seem too cramped and “oppressive”.

For the bathroom are perfect plastic panels under the tile or openwork fabric. With the help of such finishing materials it is possible to give an airy and harmonious appearance to such premises. In the bathroom, you can install PVC panels of various colors. For example, white equipment will stand out against the background of black lacquered materials. The walls in this way can be supplemented with a large number of mirrors to make the space seem more spacious and shiny.

If it is necessary to make the bathroom brighter and more positive, then it is worthwhile to choose PVC coatings that imitate tiles of gentle tones.For example, pale purple colors, decorated with images of purple flowers, will look harmonious in a bathroom with a soft pink floor, wooden bollards and a tall shower with glass partitions.

PVC panels under the stone, you can lay out the wall behind the couch in the living room. The shade of such a finish should match the color of the other floors and furniture. For example, in a hall with white or dull-lemon overlappings, as well as a beige leather sofa, panels will look organically under a sand-colored stone.

In the kitchen with plastic panels, you can arrange an apron. For example, in a snow-white room with a black and white set it will look spectacular canvas with images of grain crops and kitchen utensils, made in brown tones.

Installation instructions for plastic panels, see the video below.