Pvc panels: varieties and applications

Dimensions and decor

The sizes of PVC panels differ depending on their type. Therefore, it will be useful, before choosing the desired option, to familiarize yourself with what the panels can be in size. Indeed, depending on this, you can choose the most optimal option for a particular interior.

Dimensions of plastic lining:

• thickness - from 8 to 12 mm;
• length - from 300 to 1200 mm;
• width - from 100 to 500 mm.

Sizes of panels for tiles:

• thickness - from 0.5 to 1 millimeter;
• length - up to 1000 millimeters;
• Width - 500-1000 mm.

Sizes of sandwich panels:

• thickness - from 10 to 32 mm;
• width - from 900 to 1,500 mm;
• length - up to 3000 mm.

In addition to the size, the panels also differ in their decorative appearance. The coating of the panels is different, which can be glossy or matte. They can be colored, patterned and even embossed. For example, lining is most often white matte or glossy, sheet panels can even imitate tiles in their appearance.

Depending on the type of coating, the panel can be matte or glossy. There are also differences depending on the application of paint to the panel surface. For example, a drawing is applied to a white panel, and then, using a special paint roller, it is painted in colors. After that, a colorless UV varnish is applied as a protective layer.

Of course, today it is quite easy to find finishing options, even if the interior design requires something special. For example, if a marine or suburban theme is played up in the interior, then panels with an imitation of a stone cut will be an excellent option. PVC options with the image of natural slate look amazingly realistic. This solution is especially relevant for the bathroom.

Very sophisticated and subtle options among plastic tiles are also not uncommon. You can choose models in blue marble. With a few matching décor elements, a room with such tiles will be the height of elegance. Of course, the most common color is white or patterned panels. However, dark colors have shown that they are in considerable demand.

Among the most popular are red shades, transparent panels, imitation of bamboo. Wide and thin sheets of panels look especially impressive, which give the walls the most smooth and luxurious look. It is worth noting that wood-like panels (especially pine) also proved to be one of the most popular.

Mirrored PVC can be an amazing decor, which instantly gives the room an attractive look. They are actually polystyrene glass that is attached to the frame. Moreover, a pattern, perforation can be applied to its surface, or it will be with a holographic effect.

Panda panels are distinguished by their exclusive design. They have very high quality and bright drawings. Moreover, the images are visible very clearly, it is not difficult to see even the smallest details. The interiors of the bathroom, hallway, kitchen or living room with such panels will be chic. Indeed, the collections contain one main drawing and from one to five additional ones.

An excellent solution will be chic wenge color options. Their deep dark brown, approaching black, will add a real tropical flavor. An instant makeover can be achieved using black and white patterns on PVC. For lovers of brighter and more luxurious, there are options in combination with a golden hue.

There are a huge variety of PVC decorative designs.It is enough just to choose a suitable variation for a certain interior.

Examples in the interior

Numerous examples of room decoration allow you to quickly select the most suitable option. Today it is easy to find interesting options that fit both the Provence style and the loft style. Quite original design ideas can be realized using printed panels.

The design of the hallway room with panels will be very interesting and bright. Moreover, you can choose bright PVC sheets with floral or abstract patterns that will look great against the background of wooden furniture. Panels with a picture, shaded with a not too catchy pattern, will also be an excellent option for a spacious corridor. In this case, it is best to give preference to bright and juicy shades to make the space seem lighter and more welcoming. For those who value elegance and modesty, wood-like panels will become an indispensable option for decorating the hallway.

It is even easier to choose an interesting interior for a bathroom. Panels with a pattern for small mosaics or marble look ideal. They fill the bathroom space with a special charm. And you can give them a little pretentiousness due to the molding with golden and silver elements. Panels with 3D images of a marine theme can transform a familiar bathroom into a tropical oasis.

A kitchen area with cladding trims is able to look bright, practical and modern at the same time. For the main part of the walls (preferably the upper one), it is better to prefer a not too flashy color, but the smaller part can be revetted with panels with a bright pattern. In this case, the working part can be highlighted in a different color, conditionally dividing the kitchen into a zone. As for the choice of colors and shades, everything here is extremely individual.

For more information on PVC decorative panels, see the next video.

Advantages and disadvantages

This material has become so popular due to its many benefits.

• Versatility. Usually PVC panels are used as wall and ceiling decoration. This material can be used to clad the edges of doors and windows, used in showers and bathrooms, and also under steps to create interesting shapes. Summer residents use this building material to form garden beds.
• Installation is quick and easy. Ordinary homeowners can now decorate a wall or any other surface. Work is done quickly and easily with flat walls or ceilings. In such situations, they are fixed with “liquid nails”. To make curved surfaces smoother, use a metal or wood frame.
• Easy to care for. PVC panels can be wiped with a regular soapy cloth, but you should beware of panel joints, because these places are weak.
• Such panels are absolutely environmentally friendly. This material is non-toxic, does not release harmful substances into the environment.

• Strength. This indicator depends on the correct choice. For ceilings, this material is slightly lighter.
• There is sound and heat insulation. These panels provide good sound insulation and do not let the cold into the room.
• A large number of colors and shades. The standard color of PVC is white, but manufacturers have created a huge number of colors for every taste of the consumer. At the moment, panels with drawings or with imitation of the texture of stone or wood are popular.
• Moisture resistance. Due to the flat surface, they do not retain moisture. Since there are no pores on the material, dirt, mold and other harmful microorganisms do not linger on its surface. Therefore, they are often used in rooms where humidity is high.
• Resistant to sudden changes in temperature. Plastic panels can withstand temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius.

Like other building materials, PVC panels have disadvantages.

• UV-resistant.White plastic panels may turn yellow after a certain period of time and lose their original appearance.
• Impact resistance. Such panels can withstand some loads, but they are not protected from dents or scratches on the surface of the material.
• The material contains chalk, which is the determining component of the strength of the product. The amount of chalk in the panels is determined solely by the manufacturer.
• Characteristic smell. When buying and using panels, a specific smell is present for several days, but then it completely disappears.
• This plastic cannot be called absolutely safe, as many manufacturers claim. It should not be used to decorate children's rooms.

Properties and characteristics

PVC panels contain polyvinyl chloride, which is a lightweight and high-quality material. Due to this, the ceilings in rooms, offices and supermarkets are often covered with these panels. Also, on PVC panels, an interesting pattern is depicted using lamination, thermal printing and other modern technologies. After that, a matte or glossy varnish is applied to this material, which is a protection for the material.

Thanks to this treatment, the panel does not wear out quickly and is very resistant to ultraviolet rays, as well as to any damage, for example, protected from scratches. For the safety of the health of a person and his family, no harmful chemical components are used in the production of such PVC panels. Also, when painting surfaces, only water-based dyes are used, which is also absolutely safe.

There is a difference between the plastic panels used on walls and ceilings. It lies in the fact that the wall options are slightly stronger, and they are also not flexible, therefore, such panels are able to withstand heavy mechanical loads. Also options for walls thicker than for ceilings. The more PVC, the thicker the panel. The stiffening ribs inside the PVC wall panels are 1 mm thick, so it will not be so easy to cut them with a knife.

The length of this material is 3 meters, the width is only 10 cm, and sometimes it can reach up to 12.5 cm. Plastic lining can be used for both external and internal processing of premises. In total, two types of this material have become popular on the market. These are "polka" and "european". The "polka" has a small lock connection, while the "European" has a much wider one.

External PVC panels have a seam. This is due to the fact that the material has a high coefficient of linear expansion. Therefore, the lining, which was not mounted indoors, must change from a change in temperature conditions. There is also another feature of the front paneling. It lies in the fact that the dyeing of raw materials with different colors occurs even during production, and is not applied on top as in other types. Because of this, the lining keeps its initial color longer.

Sheet panels, consisting of plastic, have a wider width than plastic lining. Their lengths range from 105 to 405 cm. These panels are the most famous and consumable. Sometimes the surface of the sheets is sent for special processing, but not everyone does this, but only some good manufacturers. Thanks to this operation, the panels become stronger and more stable.

Sheet panels can be mounted with glue and nails. The slots can be sealed with a sealant of the appropriate color or with a narrow strip. Ordinary panels have a length of 260 and 270 cm, sometimes even 300 cm, and a width of about 25 cm. But you can also use panels with a width of 50 cm for interior decoration. The varnished and painted side of the outer surface also forms a seam that is not very noticeable when it is assembled.

There are also GOST PVC sandwich panels, which are modern and highly exploited.The peculiarity of these panels is the presence of two sheets of plastic. Polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene foam is used as various added substances, they impart thermal insulation properties to the material. The degree of flammability of the products is indicated on the packaging. The plastic lining has the highest coefficient.

Varieties and application

At the moment, three types of PVC panels have become popular in the building materials market.

• Rack and pinion. To attach this kind of panels directly to the wall surface, you must use a metal bracket. This panel has a length of 1 to 12.5 meters, a width of 15 to 30 centimeters, and a thickness of no more than 1 centimeter. If you use this view to decorate a room, then it will visually look higher or lower, depending on the position of the panels themselves.
• Under the tiles. The sizes of this species can range from 30 cm to 1 meter. The method for decorating a room is the same as for slatted panels, but differs in its result. Such PVC panels can be laid out in an interesting pattern in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
• Leafy. These panels are recognized as the best of all the above types. To install this material on walls or ceilings, you will need glue and nails. The thickness of the sheet panels ranges from 3 to 6 millimeters.

Also, PVC panels can be divided according to decorativeness.

• Seamless. These panels are very popular and look expensive. Seamless panels with a matte surface look great. They are available for both flooring and furniture.
• Embossed. They look exactly the same as wooden ones, but their price is much lower. Moreover, they can be used even if the walls have a certain curvature. Embossed laminated panels offer very accurate imitation of textures.

There are also several types of panels, depending on the design.

Monochrome. They are ideal for furnishings where practicality and minimalism are valued. To give a one-color solution originality and beauty, you can independently make multi-colored shelves or use paintings.

With drawing

Such panels often imitate the appearance of a stone or fabric, but there are also those that attract attention with a spectacular print, for example, clouds. But difficulties may arise when installing them, since it will be necessary to accurately calculate their position, then the drawing will turn out to be solid.

PVC panels are used in bathrooms, showers, kitchens; they are also often used for decoration of offices, restaurants, supermarkets, schools, gyms, hospitals and other premises.

Installation of PVC panels on the ceiling

Once the frame is installed, you can start assembling the panels themselves. You need to start work from the extreme strip, it is attached to the corner, to the transverse material with the help of self-tapping screws. So, the next panel will be installed in the groove of the previous one. This procedure should be continued until the opposite wall is completely finished.

If necessary, the last panel can be cut, but only when it does not fit the size. Since the material is brittle, it is prone to scratching, cracking or dents. Therefore, when working with panels, you should not press too hard. It is recommended to take a clerical knife, and it can also be used to move the panels in the desired direction.

After the last panel has been attached, you can start installing the skirting board. It is secured with "liquid nails" which are applied to the interior and attached to the ceiling. After that, you need to hold them for 10 seconds, and carefully remove the excess glue. "Liquid nails" dry rather quickly, so the removal of excess substance from the surface should be done quickly.

Wall treatment

Owners of houses or apartments can quickly make the interior of a bathroom or toilet practical and comfortable, and all this thanks to PVC wall panels.They are very easy to wash and will last for many years. Mounting walls is very similar to mounting a ceiling.

A frame is also installed on the wall, which has already been treated with antimicrobial agents. It can be plastic or metal. This is at the discretion of the user. The first panel is inserted together with the corner into the profile, followed by other products. They are fixed on metal guides. For this, claymore is used. The last panel is glued into a U-shaped corner. After this procedure, you can start installing the corners and make the slopes. Dismantling is carried out in the same sequence.

When installing the panels, you need to cut a hole where the places for switches and sockets were previously marked. Such places are difficult to wash and paint. The panel can be made in the form of a panel and various crafts can be hung on it.

Properties and characteristics

To understand what PVC panels are, you first need to find out what these three letters hide behind them. In fact, everything is extremely simple - they stand for polyvinyl chloride (organic polymer). This is a type of plastic with its own advantages and disadvantages.

This polymer material is used for decoration, and it is worth noting that recently it has become clearly very popular. The composition of polyvinyl chloride includes chlorine (57%), carbon (42%), hydrogen with impurities (about 1%). It is very rare, but still found, that lead is added to the PVC composition as a stabilizer. Of course, because of this component, there were rumors that the panels are unhealthy. However, today lead is replaced by zinc and calcium in equal proportions, and therefore they are completely harmless.

PVC panels are produced in standard sizes according to GOST. So, the length of the panels is 2700, 3000 and 6000 millimeters, and the width is 100, 250 and 375 millimeters. As for the thickness, it depends on the manufacturer and model, and its value varies from 1 to 30 millimeters.

PVC can be used at temperatures from -50 to +60 degrees. Moreover, it is advisable to use the panels for interior decoration. This is due to the fact that the temperature difference in the premises during the day is not too strong. Of course, there are types of panels, for example, for finishing a balcony, that are resistant to extreme cold or sunlight. In addition, they calmly tolerate temperature jumps.

The strength of the panels depends on how many percent of the polyvinyl chloride they contain. The number of stiffeners also affects the strength. Moreover, the ribs should not show through the front side of the panel.

The colors and texture of PVC panels are not limited at all. Today you can find both white classics, and a style of wood or stone, and you can get absolutely any shade to order. It is worth noting that when painting this finishing material, water-based paints are used.

The surface of the panels can be either matte or glossy. The manufacturing technology is the same - varnishing, just after polishing the panels undergo additional processing. Such a coating carries not only a decorative function, but also a protective one. After this treatment, the material becomes antistatic, wear-resistant, resistant to mechanical damage (scratches), and also better tolerates ultraviolet radiation.

Lining made of polyvinyl chloride is used for finishing walls and ceilings in residential premises, offices, shopping malls. At the same time, they can be used everywhere in apartments, including the hallway, bathroom, kitchen, living rooms. Of course, most often they are still used in the bathroom and in the kitchen. Also, panels are used for finishing slopes on windows, as well as loggias and balconies.

Such an extensive use of this finishing material is primarily due to the fact that it is easy to care for and even easier to install. The low weight allows you to decorate both walls and ceilings with such panels even alone.Moreover, they are sold in very convenient packaging, which greatly facilitates their transportation.

Another important property of PVC panels is that they have a low degree of flammability. This just allows them to be used without undue hesitation, in particular, in the kitchen, even next to a gas stove.

Criterias of choice

When buying PVC panels, you should pay attention to the cost of the goods. The higher the price, the better the product is

In order not to make a mistake in the choice and not be deceived, it is worth familiarizing yourself with some points of purchase.

Required panel thickness
The universal thickness of vinyl for walls should not exceed 10 mm, and if you need to choose a building material for the ceiling, then you should pay attention to the thinner one.
Front surface strength

This is important and necessary in order for the building material to be able to withstand damage and impact, and at the same time it does not leave dents or scratches on it.
If you can see the ribs of stiffness from the outside, then it is better not to use such panels for lining the walls. It is better to use them for ceilings, but such work will not look very good and of high quality.
The number of edges, their position and stiffness

The stiffness of a building material depends very much on the number of edges itself. The greatest distance that can be between them should not exceed 10 mm.

• The uniformity of the paint coating on the surface of the material indicates how the paint was applied to the panel. Most manufacturers cover the surface from the front, instead of adding a color-giving element to the resin composition. This is bad because during the work with the material, the paint can easily peel off the surface. Also, due to such a PVC coating, the panel may burn out, and the paint will be unevenly located, which is another disadvantage of such a manufacturer's work.
• When buying building material in a store, you need to inquire about its weight. This can help determine the stiffness of the edges and the wall thickness of the material. The optimum weight of PVC panels should be 1.1–1.5 kg / sq. m.
• Are the panels firmly connected? It is better to check the strength of the connection of the PVC panels during the examination of the goods.

• What percentage of the chalk contains the material. Many professionals assure that the percentage of chalk in a product should not exceed 20%. If this percentage is higher, then there is a high probability that this material is fragile enough. Chalk is very affordable and not expensive, so some manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of their products, add more of it than is required by the norms. By peeling back the corner of the product, you can check the amount of chalk in it. If no white stripe remains on the plastic, then the panel contains the required amount of chalk.
• Panels containing toxins. It's okay if the sealed lining has a characteristic, but not too strong smell. But if a specific smell comes from the panels, which are exhibited in the form of a sample, then it immediately becomes clear that this material contains toxic substances and it is better not to purchase it.

• Brand. If the product is from a reputable seller, chances are good that the material is of fairly good quality. Indeed, in order to earn such fame, the manufacturer has worked for a long time on the quality of its goods, and values ​​its reputation, therefore, it offers only high-quality products for wall and floor use.
• Product decor. The cladding panels must be thermal transfer. They belong to the economy class. Thanks to thermal printing, you can choose a variety of decor. The drawing is not afraid of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and also does not wear off over time. The frieze options are in demand as they are decorated with various prints. Typically, such products imitate the surface of marble, tiles or natural wood.

Dimensions and decor

PVC panels can be divided into three standard types, namely:

• lining;
• sheet models;
• rectangular or square tiles.

The lining has a length of about 3 m, a width of 10 to 12.5 cm. The "European" version, which has a large lock, is more in demand in the construction market than the "polka", which has a narrow lock. If you use PVC panels with a length of 260, 270 or 300 cm and a width of 15 to 50 cm, then there will be no seams during installation. Square or rectangular tiles have become more popular. They are used mainly for kitchen decoration. They are very easy to install and light in weight. Their length is 30 cm, as is the width, and sometimes these dimensions reach 100 cm in length and width. Sheet panels, in which the top layer is quite shock-resistant and also characterized by smoothness, are 150–405 cm long, 80–203 cm wide and 0.1–3 cm thick. These dimensions are standard for sheet panels.

Sandwich panels are also important. They are the most demanding material for partitions in rooms or window cladding. They won their popularity for a reason. All thanks to their high class and excellent quality. Also, such products look very elegant. This type is also standard and has dimensions: 3000x1500 mm, 3000x1150 mm and 3000x900 mm, thickness - 10, 24, 32 mm, respectively.

The decor of PVC panels is varied. There are brick-colored models as they look pretty stylish and look great. This type of material saves space, is easy to install, and is also versatile. It can be used in any room: from the hallway to the loggia. Also, such products have a very large number of colors and sizes, so you can choose an option for every taste. In addition, this type is much cheaper than decorative bricks.

There are also models that imitate the surface of natural stone or natural wood. Dark colors of natural wood are in great demand. They look very realistic and are often used in hallways, living rooms and kitchens. Rack, tiled and sheet panels are often presented in a color similar to natural material.

The torn limestone design is mainly used for facing fireplaces and arches. Also, this material can be used for exterior decoration. In the bathrooms, the Jurassic stone pattern looks good. Today, mirror and transparent PVC panels, as well as the "panda" look, have become popular.

Among the most popular colors are the following:

• wenge;
• red;
• black and white.

Panels that imitate the surface of materials such as bamboo, pine, blue marble, slate and others are often used. The cut of the stone fascinates many with its beauty.