A material such as polyvinyl chloride is not in vain very popular in the construction industry. It is used in the manufacture of various products used in construction and finishing works. Quite common products are PVC panels. Installation of plastic panels on the walls and ceiling is a service that is provided by all construction teams without exception. But due to the simplicity of the installation operation, PVC plates can be installed on their own.
Where to start work?
The first step is to take measurements and plan everything carefully. Usually very little attention is paid to this procedure. However, it is not enough to simply measure the length and width of the surface to be finished. It is important to take into account all the nuances in the preparatory work.
If the wall or ceiling on which the slabs will be installed is even, then just gluing the panels is enough. But if something more serious is planned than giving the room a good appearance, for example, adding practicality to it, then you still need to attend to the installation of a special frame system where you can conveniently hide various communications and electrical wiring.
Essential tool
Despite the fact that the installation of plastic panels is a fairly simple operation, you can’t do without tools.
For work, you need a drill or punch. The drill must be equipped with a punch function. It will be possible to prepare for the installation of the frame, "pleased" all the neighbors.
You should also prepare a stepladder, for apartments with a standard ceiling height, even inexpensive aluminum models will suffice. The height of such stairs is 1.8 meters.
Next, you need a hacksaw - for metal or wood. But experts recommend a hacksaw specifically for metal, it is most suitable for cutting panels made of polyvinyl chloride. The edges are perfectly smooth and neat.
To take measurements you will need a tape measure and level. Experts advise to prepare another knife and hammer. As fasteners, screws or special wallpaper nails are purchased.
Do-it-yourself installation of plastic panels provides for the mandatory use of all these tools in the process. Without them, a neat installation of panels will not work. The only exception is the hammer drill. It is necessary only in order to quickly smooth out any problem areas. After the tool is assembled, you can begin to carry out marking work.
Taking measurements
First, mark the entire surface on which the installation of plastic panels will be carried out. Since ceiling slabs are made with standard sizes of slats, it all depends on personal preferences. The most popular ceiling decoration solution is the so-called lining. This is a long strip 10 centimeters wide. It is recommended to draw marking lines for mounting the profile after 400 millimeters. The first mark is made along the width of the panel, but you need to start from the lowest point of the ceiling. Further, applying the level, around the perimeter make notes for the installation of anchors or dowels.
Specialists recommends paying attention to the fact that the profile of the main supporting frame is always mounted perpendicular to the PVC plates. It is necessary to use not only the level in marking works, but also the rope for faster work.
How to make a fixture?
A thin rope is painted with multicolored crayons and pressed its ends against a wall or ceiling. Chalk marks will remain on the surface. This method can significantly accelerate the marking work. Such a device significantly saves the time required to perform preliminary operations.
How to assemble a frame?
It represents interconnected profiles that can be made of various materials. The frame can be made of wood, plastic, metal profile. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages and is used depending on personal preferences.
Wood
Wood frames are not used as often. These designs have more minuses than pluses. The tree is afraid of moisture and freezing, during the summer heat the frame of this material can dry out. For this reason, a wooden frame for balconies and loggias is a very controversial decision. Therefore, the installation of plastic panels in the bathroom is best done on profiles of the same material or on metal.
If there are no serious restrictions on the use of wood, then the beam is attached to the base of the ceiling or wall after 60 centimeters. As fasteners, you can use dowels or impact screws. To align the level of placement of boards, use special pads.
But even in dry rooms, where the risk of freezing is eliminated, the wooden frame is significantly inferior in characteristics to similar systems made of metal or plastic elements.
Features of PVC frame
A plastic profile has far more advantages than wood. The first plus is the low price. Another significant advantage is light weight, which is very important if you are installing plastic panels on the ceiling with your own hands. In addition, a plastic profile is more convenient in the fastening process, it is not afraid of high humidity and high temperature effects.
Installation is very simple and affordable. The profile is set in marked places after 300 millimeters. Fasteners are screwed through every meter.
It is important to note that when installing such a frame there will certainly be places at an angle. To do this, you need to cut the profile. This is best done using a hacksaw for metal and wort. The cut will be almost invisible, and the joints will be perfectly smooth.
Another indisputable advantage of the plastic crate: grooves inside the profile can be used as cable channels for laying electrical wires.
Metal carcass
The use of metal to create a supporting frame is suitable for finishing vertical surfaces. Such a profile is most often used for work with drywall. When installing plastic wall panels, such a powerful frame is often not needed, since PVC boards are much lighter than drywall sheets.
When choosing materials for construction, preference is usually given to a plastic profile. Using a metal frame when placing cables and wires, they must be laid in a corrugation to ensure safety in case of insulation damage.
Frame Installation Requirements
Despite the fact that the installation process of plastic panels is simple, certain requirements are nevertheless imposed on it.
Before installation work, the panels should lie down a bit - this is important when the material was stored at low temperatures. The lamellas should be perpendicular to the rails of the supporting frame. In damp rooms, cuts are made in it for ventilation. During installation, temperature gaps are taken into account. If there is any image on the panels, then the installation should start from the left corner to the right. But for plain panels this is irrelevant.
It is not necessary to carry out work in such rooms, the internal temperature of which reaches 40 degrees and above. The panels can be installed in the bathroom, but this is not allowed in the steam room and bathhouse.
Installation of PVC plates on the ceiling
After the work of peeling, they proceed directly to the installation of plastic panels with their own hands. The strip is cut to the length of the ceiling and install parts in turn. The process begins with the extreme panel.
It is mounted on a special corner using self-tapping screws. The corner is screwed to the transverse part on the power frame. All other bands are installed in the grooves of the previous one. Thus mounted to the end of the ceiling.
There is a possibility that difficulties may arise during the installation and fastening of the last strip, most often it may be necessary to trim the material in width. There is another approach to installing a ceiling plastic panel: the last strip is turned over by the lock in the opposite direction and the groove is cut to the desired length.
After the panels are fixed, install ceiling skirting boards. Their installation is extremely simple. Liquid nails are applied to the inside of the baseboard. Then the part is pressed against the ceiling and held in this position for about 10 seconds. Then the excess glue is removed, and the installation of the skirting board is completed. Liquid nails dry instantly, so you need to remove excess building glue quickly enough.
PVC plates in the bathroom and in the kitchen
Plastic panels are perfect for decorating any type of premises, as there are a huge number of different types of models on sale. But the most important plus is their use for decorating the bathroom and toilet. Installing plastic panels in the bathroom is the best option, especially considering the properties of polyvinyl chloride. It resists moisture well. The panels easily withstand the load if the apartment is flooded by neighbors. From moisture, mold does not form on them.
The stoves are easy to clean, which makes them a good choice not only for bathrooms, but also for kitchens. Grease, as well as soot, can very easily be removed using household chemicals.
Do-it-yourself mounting of plates on walls
PVC panels for wall decoration make it possible to change the interior of the premises for the better in the shortest possible time and with almost no special costs. Such work does not actually differ from the installation of plastic panels on the ceiling.
So, a metal frame is mounted on a previously prepared wall, since such plates are heavier and have a greater thickness. The wall must first be treated with antifungal agents.
Then the first strip with an angle is inserted into the profile and mounted on the wall. All other strips are mounted in the groove at a slight angle and connected to the first clamps - these are special brackets with latches. They securely fix the panel on the guides of the metal profile. The last of the panels is installed in the corner in the form of the letter P, and then mounted on the frame.
Finish finish
After the installation of the plastic panels on the walls is completed, the final finishing is carried out. It includes the installation of corners, as well as cornices. Often there are situations when there are sockets and switches in the wall, which can cause certain difficulties. In this case, the installation of boxes and wiring is done before the installation of PVC plates. Then the panel will have to cut a hole for the outlet.
Rules for working with PVC panels
It must be remembered that plastic plates are quite fragile. No need to press on them during operation. It will be enough just a strong pressure with your hands so that a crack forms on the panel, and it will be impossible to fix it.
The strips are applied very neatly to one another during installation. If necessary, you can use stationery knives or other improvised tool (the main thing is to be thin).
Conclusion
PVC-plate is now an actual material for finishing work in any rooms and especially in bathrooms. Buying panels is not difficult, they are inexpensive, and a large selection of colors will allow you to implement design ideas. Before buying a product, you should examine it well - it should not have uneven stripes across, but there should be a sufficient number of stiffeners. Then installing DIY plastic panels for the bathroom or any other room will not cause problems, and the panels themselves will last a very long time.