Modern interiors of residential premises, offices, shops are often decorated with decorative PVC panels. The reason for the popularity of this type of finishing materials is their practicality, ease of installation, care. Beautiful cladding will fit into any style, will not become an exorbitant load on a limited budget.
About panels: characteristics and material properties
PVC panels are a worthy alternative to other finishing materials. Their use is more justified than painting, tiling or wallpapering.An ideal surface is obtained without the laborious and costly preparation of the base surface.
The composition of the material is polyvinyl chloride, lightweight, durable, harmless. The outside with the help of thermal printing, offset printing, lamination is covered with a decorative pattern. A matte or glossy coat of varnish is applied on top. This treatment gives the panels resistance to mechanical and UV exposure, and gives them antistatic qualities.
The variety of PVC panels is great: width, thickness, color, pattern. Panels for walls, ceilings and slopes, smooth, embossed - a wide selection makes the inexperienced buyer at first confused.
The scope of the coating is practically unlimited: living rooms, rooms with high humidity, open terraces and verandas that are exposed to low temperatures, shopping centers with high traffic. The panels are used for their intended purpose, they make various types of decor, they are used as a lining, formwork, inventive summer residents have found them a “job” in the garden.
Pros and cons
The consumer appreciated the many advantages of PVC panels, they include:
external aesthetics, the possibility of wide design application;
quick installation without preliminary preparation;
defects in load-bearing structures are effectively masked;
any base can be lined: wood, brick, concrete, surfaces in unheated rooms;
they hide electrical wiring, other communications under plastic;
panels have high heat and sound insulation properties, they protect well from noisy neighbors;
the material is moisture resistant, fungal spores do not take root, does not require special care. Dust, micro-condensate due to low electrostatic properties do not accumulate;
unlike fiberboard and particleboard panels, they do not support combustion, PVC material is self-extinguishing, its toxicity is 1.5 times lower;
installation will be carried out by a novice builder;
damaged trim parts are easy to replace;
the acquisition of panels is not burdensome for the budget, they will last a long time.
PVC panels have some negative properties that can be leveled, observing the rules of operation:
the finish does not tolerate the proximity of heating appliances. The material will not catch fire, but at high temperatures it may release toxic substances;
Do not expose the panel to strong mechanical stress, dents and deformations are possible;
it is better not to use plastic in the bedroom or children's room, natural wood, stone is still preferable;
low-quality material will change color over time if it is exposed to sunlight, the presence of special additives in the composition eliminates this effect.
Panel Views
The types of panels are classified, depending on their purpose: ceiling, for walls. The latter are more durable, not so flexible, better withstand mechanical loads. Their thickness is greater than that of ceiling ones, the stiffness is due to the high percentage of polyvinyl chloride. You cannot cut such a panel with a knife; its stiffeners start from 1 mm.
When choosing a finishing material pay attention to the size of the panels. To decorate the premises outside and inside, a plastic lining 3 m long, 10-12.5 cm wide is used. Outwardly, it resembles a wooden lining or polycarbonate. Fragments are connected using the lock "polka" (narrow connection) or "European" (wider).
To decorate the room outside, where temperature differences are possible, use a plastic lining PVC seams which are able to "play". The initial appearance of the material lasts longer even because coloring pigments are added to its composition during the production process, and not over the finished parts.
Sheet panels are more wide (80-203 cm). The length of the sheets varies from 105 to 405 cm. The material most popular with consumers.Thanks to the special surface treatment, the sheets are durable, withstand increased mechanical loads. Mounted on liquid nails, the walls can not be leveled before finishing work.
PVC panels with the greatest demand have a length of up to 3 m, a width of 25 or 50 cm. From the outside they are painted, coated with varnish or thermal film. The seams on them are hardly noticeable.
Sandwich panels are a separate coating category consisting of outer and inner plastic parts, between which are polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene as a filler. The outer side, in turn, is also composed of several types of papers impregnated with formaldehyde, then compressed. This kind of plastic:
very durable;
not affected by moisture;
popular for decorating doorways, slopes.
Surfaces with difficult terrain, inaccessible places can also be covered with thin sheet PVC panels. They are plastic, easy to cut, join, stick directly to the surface without first creating a frame. Mosaic panels are beautiful, easily bend, do not let moisture in, do not burn.
Lamination of the panels creates an additional protective layer on them, preventing impacts and scratches. Lamination provides additional opportunities for decoration, as it very naturally imitates the volumetric texture of stone, wood, pleasant to the touch.
Panels with a three-dimensional image are popular when decorating rooms with high humidity, are able to change the geometry and volume of rooms with a complex layout. The variety of graphic 3D-images helps to avoid standard approaches, changes the space beyond recognition.
What to consider when choosing
Outlets offer PVC panels in Chinese, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian production. Outwardly, they are distinguished by color, degree of gloss, size. Italian, Belgian manufacturers surprise with their decorative diversity, use new technologies to increase the strength of products, the catalogs feature panels with digital printing, brick-like, slate, using stone chips, the effect of tile lining.
The first conditional classification of the material - it is used for wall or ceiling cladding. If the panel lends itself to being pressed with a finger, then it can most likely be attributed to the ceiling group. For walls, it’s better to buy more durable models. In addition, the ceiling usually have a length of 6 and 12 m, and the length of the wall is 2.7-3, or 6 m.
Do not chase the cheapness. Low cost indicates the use of low-quality raw materials, poor glue, varnish. Over time, the purchased product will lose its appearance, begin to secrete harmful components, which will provoke, at least, allergic reactions.
Specifications glossy and matte panels are no different. Pay attention to the thickness of the outer wall, the thicker it is, the stronger the model. More durable specimens with more stiffeners. The quality of the panel is indicated by its thickness, weight, and the absence of external and internal deformations.
When buying, you should ask in what temperature range it is recommended to operate the goods. Conventional panels withstand differences of 20 degrees. Other species have worked well at temperatures from -40 to +115.
Acquire the required amount of material immediately, so that it is from one batch, with a uniform color, matching pattern. Adjacent panels should not subsequently differ in shade or deflection in one direction or another.
Panels that are properly stored and transported are tightly and rigidly articulated.
Panel texture and coloring
There are many options for finishing the front surface of products. The thermal printing method makes it possible to obtain various images using a thermal transfer film, which will not fade under the influence of sunlight, will give the lining original decorative properties.
Offset panels are more wear-resistant, in their production the first stage includes drawing a paint using an offset printer, the second stage is coating the product with a protective varnish layer with an antistatic effect, which gives resistance to scratches and chemicals. Offset printing blocks the release of odors, which positively affects people's health.
In modern design, laminated PVC panels become indispensable. Thanks to the decorative film coating, the panel gains additional protection against scratches and bumps, can have a different interesting texture, is more elastic, and resists high temperatures. Lamination of the panels makes it advantageous to use them in places with high traffic, in houses where cats and dogs scratch the walls. Products do not crack in severe frosts, retain their appearance when extinguished on the walls of cigarettes.
Brick Panels
Sheet panels quite realistic depict brickwork. They decorate both the walls indoors and outdoors. Fashionable imitation will transform the home. PVC facade materials will ennoble the appearance of the house, protect the walls from the damaging effects of precipitation and temperatures.
Stone panels
Due to the optimum compatibility, plastic panels are used in rooms for various purposes. The "stone" wall can be found in an apartment, office, cafe or movie theater. The stone panels are varied in color palette, perfectly suited to create a stylish, cozy atmosphere that emphasizes the taste and prosperity of the owner.
Panels for ceramic tiles
For interior design, where the level of humidity is increased, the right solution is the choice in favor of plastic. The material will cost much cheaper than ceramics, not only the master will be able to work with it. You can fix the panels on the wall with your own hands. Moisture-resistant compositions applied to the surface of products will protect against mold and fungi no worse than traditional tiles. There is no need to talk about the number of possible design decisions.
Features and installation methods
There are several ways to fix PVC panels. For the ceiling use only the frame method. This is due to the ability to hide communications, provide in the right places point or other built-in light sources.
As for the walls, here it is better to stick the material, so the surface will turn out to be more durable. Plastic lasts longer if it does not undergo deflection into voids formed by the framework. When using the wireframe method, it is better to glue the plastic onto pre-fixed drywall.
Variants of using panels in the interior
Residential premises that should “breathe” are not trimmed with plastic over the entire area. The complete vapor impermeability of the material is more likely to be useful in those rooms that are prone to high humidity and rapid contamination. Inside the apartment is a kitchen, a bathroom, an entrance hall, outside it there are loggia walls, slopes. On balconies and loggias, PVC panels are harmoniously combined with window frames made of related material.
In the living room
It is not worth it to completely close up the walls with plastic panels, in the living room it is better to combine them with other materials. To emphasize the style of the room, plastic trim on one of the walls will help. At the same time, various imitations are used: under a stone, brick, skin.
Glossy 3D panels on the ceiling will help visually increase the height of the room. They are applicable when creating partitions in the living room, the design of columns, arches.
The original design is created using tile panels with a wood pattern, of different sizes, at several levels, at different angles. Built-in backlight emphasizes and enhances the effect.
In the kitchen
The most traditional PVC paneling of work areas with kitchen equipment, in areas where there is a need for frequent wet cleaning. PVC displaces traditional tiles due to its accessibility, quick installation, and design variability. Each person is able to sheathe the walls of the kitchen independently. This is another saving point.
It is only necessary to remember that not all types of material have heat resistance in their characteristics. Land near fireplaces and stoves can be decorated with sheets of LSU with subsequent decoration.
In the kitchen, you can not limit your imagination to anything.Glossy and matte coatings are appropriate here; models with a pattern and photo printing look good. Skins are very popular for an apron - panels with abstract drawings and ornaments. Classic lovers will easily pick up monochrome options, those who want a riot of colors - color.
In the bedroom
PVC panels will provide heat and sound insulation to the quietest room in the house. The main thing here is to choose models that meet modern sanitary, hygienic requirements.
Plastic products make up the head of the bed. In the youth interior, the snow-white alcove looks good. High-quality panels in the color of wood will decorate the walls and ceiling of the bedroom of a country house. The panels used as panels look noble. The bedroom in a blue marine theme or chocolate cream puff cake is relevant, minimalistic neutral shades and restrained classics are good. You can even repeat the coloring of paper wallpaper.
In the hall
Dust, dirt, stains, which became the headache of the housewives in the hallway, are easily removed with a soft sponge. To minimize the risk of contamination, the lower part of the walls in the corridor is usually trimmed with darker panels, and light wallpapers are glued to the ceiling and upper part of the wall.
A light ceiling made of PVC panels with built-in spotlights around the perimeter will expand the walls of a narrow and dark room.
In the bathroom and toilet
Moisture resistance and resistance to temperature extremes of this type of finish makes it an advantageous element in the repair of the bathroom. The convenience of plastic is that even in the event of an emergency, the problem is easily solved. To disassemble a part of the PVC wall and reassemble it as if nothing had happened is easy. What can not be said about ceramic tiles.
In the bathroom, toilet, most often they use light shades of panels. The lack of communication also makes the room easier and more spacious.
Care Tips
Not with any pollution can handle warm water and a soft cloth. Dust and household dirt are easily removed by them, but specific pollution cannot be wiped off.
It is strictly forbidden to touch the plastic surface with abrasives. They create microcracks that cannot be healed. Various solvents and degreasers, chlorine, acetone are also contraindicated. The panel will lose its original appearance and color. Alkaline soap can also affect paint uniformity.
All PVC panels are made of the same material, but in their characteristics, the care technology may vary. It is necessary to carefully study the description of the purchased detergent, first check its effect in a small remote area.
If grease stains, marks from the marker appear on the plastic panel, or the product has faded, you can try wiping this area with a solution of ammonia (1:10). Large areas for cleaning are best left to professionals from a cleaning company. At home, they use a dishwashing detergent or paste made from baking soda diluted with water.
The results of children's exercises with gouache are washed off with water, traces of a pencil with an eraser. Laminated surfaces can withstand window cleaner, but only need to be applied to a rag. Better prudently stock up with a special detergent for plastic panels.
Conclusion
New technological and practical materials replace the usual decorative finish. High-quality PVC panels are now found not only in offices, but also in a respectable city apartment, a private house. The material is functional, ideal for decoration in a modern hi-tech style, it looks decent. The key is price. The owner of a private premises or office tenant with high traffic will not have to seriously invest in repairs, trying to create a unique surroundings.
Modern interiors of residential premises, offices, shops are often decorated with decorative PVC panels. The reason for the popularity of this type of finishing materials is their practicality, ease of installation, care. Beautiful cladding will fit into any style, will not become an exorbitant load on a limited budget.
Content
About panels: characteristics and material properties
PVC panels are a worthy alternative to other finishing materials. Their use is more justified than painting, tiling or wallpapering.An ideal surface is obtained without the laborious and costly preparation of the base surface.
The composition of the material is polyvinyl chloride, lightweight, durable, harmless. The outside with the help of thermal printing, offset printing, lamination is covered with a decorative pattern. A matte or glossy coat of varnish is applied on top. This treatment gives the panels resistance to mechanical and UV exposure, and gives them antistatic qualities.
The variety of PVC panels is great: width, thickness, color, pattern. Panels for walls, ceilings and slopes, smooth, embossed - a wide selection makes the inexperienced buyer at first confused.
The scope of the coating is practically unlimited: living rooms, rooms with high humidity, open terraces and verandas that are exposed to low temperatures, shopping centers with high traffic. The panels are used for their intended purpose, they make various types of decor, they are used as a lining, formwork, inventive summer residents have found them a “job” in the garden.
Pros and cons
The consumer appreciated the many advantages of PVC panels, they include:
PVC panels have some negative properties that can be leveled, observing the rules of operation:
Panel Views
The types of panels are classified, depending on their purpose: ceiling, for walls. The latter are more durable, not so flexible, better withstand mechanical loads. Their thickness is greater than that of ceiling ones, the stiffness is due to the high percentage of polyvinyl chloride. You cannot cut such a panel with a knife; its stiffeners start from 1 mm.
When choosing a finishing material pay attention to the size of the panels. To decorate the premises outside and inside, a plastic lining 3 m long, 10-12.5 cm wide is used. Outwardly, it resembles a wooden lining or polycarbonate. Fragments are connected using the lock "polka" (narrow connection) or "European" (wider).
To decorate the room outside, where temperature differences are possible, use a plastic lining PVC seams which are able to "play". The initial appearance of the material lasts longer even because coloring pigments are added to its composition during the production process, and not over the finished parts.
Sheet panels are more wide (80-203 cm). The length of the sheets varies from 105 to 405 cm. The material most popular with consumers.Thanks to the special surface treatment, the sheets are durable, withstand increased mechanical loads. Mounted on liquid nails, the walls can not be leveled before finishing work.
PVC panels with the greatest demand have a length of up to 3 m, a width of 25 or 50 cm. From the outside they are painted, coated with varnish or thermal film. The seams on them are hardly noticeable.
Sandwich panels are a separate coating category consisting of outer and inner plastic parts, between which are polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene as a filler. The outer side, in turn, is also composed of several types of papers impregnated with formaldehyde, then compressed. This kind of plastic:
Surfaces with difficult terrain, inaccessible places can also be covered with thin sheet PVC panels. They are plastic, easy to cut, join, stick directly to the surface without first creating a frame. Mosaic panels are beautiful, easily bend, do not let moisture in, do not burn.
Lamination of the panels creates an additional protective layer on them, preventing impacts and scratches. Lamination provides additional opportunities for decoration, as it very naturally imitates the volumetric texture of stone, wood, pleasant to the touch.
Panels with a three-dimensional image are popular when decorating rooms with high humidity, are able to change the geometry and volume of rooms with a complex layout. The variety of graphic 3D-images helps to avoid standard approaches, changes the space beyond recognition.
What to consider when choosing
Outlets offer PVC panels in Chinese, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian production. Outwardly, they are distinguished by color, degree of gloss, size. Italian, Belgian manufacturers surprise with their decorative diversity, use new technologies to increase the strength of products, the catalogs feature panels with digital printing, brick-like, slate, using stone chips, the effect of tile lining.
Panel texture and coloring
There are many options for finishing the front surface of products. The thermal printing method makes it possible to obtain various images using a thermal transfer film, which will not fade under the influence of sunlight, will give the lining original decorative properties.
Offset panels are more wear-resistant, in their production the first stage includes drawing a paint using an offset printer, the second stage is coating the product with a protective varnish layer with an antistatic effect, which gives resistance to scratches and chemicals. Offset printing blocks the release of odors, which positively affects people's health.
In modern design, laminated PVC panels become indispensable. Thanks to the decorative film coating, the panel gains additional protection against scratches and bumps, can have a different interesting texture, is more elastic, and resists high temperatures. Lamination of the panels makes it advantageous to use them in places with high traffic, in houses where cats and dogs scratch the walls. Products do not crack in severe frosts, retain their appearance when extinguished on the walls of cigarettes.
Brick Panels
Sheet panels quite realistic depict brickwork. They decorate both the walls indoors and outdoors. Fashionable imitation will transform the home. PVC facade materials will ennoble the appearance of the house, protect the walls from the damaging effects of precipitation and temperatures.
Stone panels
Due to the optimum compatibility, plastic panels are used in rooms for various purposes. The "stone" wall can be found in an apartment, office, cafe or movie theater. The stone panels are varied in color palette, perfectly suited to create a stylish, cozy atmosphere that emphasizes the taste and prosperity of the owner.
Panels for ceramic tiles
For interior design, where the level of humidity is increased, the right solution is the choice in favor of plastic. The material will cost much cheaper than ceramics, not only the master will be able to work with it. You can fix the panels on the wall with your own hands. Moisture-resistant compositions applied to the surface of products will protect against mold and fungi no worse than traditional tiles. There is no need to talk about the number of possible design decisions.
Features and installation methods
There are several ways to fix PVC panels. For the ceiling use only the frame method. This is due to the ability to hide communications, provide in the right places point or other built-in light sources.
As for the walls, here it is better to stick the material, so the surface will turn out to be more durable. Plastic lasts longer if it does not undergo deflection into voids formed by the framework. When using the wireframe method, it is better to glue the plastic onto pre-fixed drywall.
Variants of using panels in the interior
Residential premises that should “breathe” are not trimmed with plastic over the entire area. The complete vapor impermeability of the material is more likely to be useful in those rooms that are prone to high humidity and rapid contamination. Inside the apartment is a kitchen, a bathroom, an entrance hall, outside it there are loggia walls, slopes. On balconies and loggias, PVC panels are harmoniously combined with window frames made of related material.
In the living room
It is not worth it to completely close up the walls with plastic panels, in the living room it is better to combine them with other materials. To emphasize the style of the room, plastic trim on one of the walls will help. At the same time, various imitations are used: under a stone, brick, skin.
The original design is created using tile panels with a wood pattern, of different sizes, at several levels, at different angles. Built-in backlight emphasizes and enhances the effect.
In the kitchen
The most traditional PVC paneling of work areas with kitchen equipment, in areas where there is a need for frequent wet cleaning. PVC displaces traditional tiles due to its accessibility, quick installation, and design variability. Each person is able to sheathe the walls of the kitchen independently. This is another saving point.
It is only necessary to remember that not all types of material have heat resistance in their characteristics. Land near fireplaces and stoves can be decorated with sheets of LSU with subsequent decoration.
In the kitchen, you can not limit your imagination to anything.Glossy and matte coatings are appropriate here; models with a pattern and photo printing look good. Skins are very popular for an apron - panels with abstract drawings and ornaments. Classic lovers will easily pick up monochrome options, those who want a riot of colors - color.
In the bedroom
PVC panels will provide heat and sound insulation to the quietest room in the house. The main thing here is to choose models that meet modern sanitary, hygienic requirements.
Plastic products make up the head of the bed. In the youth interior, the snow-white alcove looks good. High-quality panels in the color of wood will decorate the walls and ceiling of the bedroom of a country house. The panels used as panels look noble. The bedroom in a blue marine theme or chocolate cream puff cake is relevant, minimalistic neutral shades and restrained classics are good. You can even repeat the coloring of paper wallpaper.
In the hall
Dust, dirt, stains, which became the headache of the housewives in the hallway, are easily removed with a soft sponge. To minimize the risk of contamination, the lower part of the walls in the corridor is usually trimmed with darker panels, and light wallpapers are glued to the ceiling and upper part of the wall.
In the bathroom and toilet
Moisture resistance and resistance to temperature extremes of this type of finish makes it an advantageous element in the repair of the bathroom. The convenience of plastic is that even in the event of an emergency, the problem is easily solved. To disassemble a part of the PVC wall and reassemble it as if nothing had happened is easy. What can not be said about ceramic tiles.
In the bathroom, toilet, most often they use light shades of panels. The lack of communication also makes the room easier and more spacious.
Care Tips
Not with any pollution can handle warm water and a soft cloth. Dust and household dirt are easily removed by them, but specific pollution cannot be wiped off.
It is strictly forbidden to touch the plastic surface with abrasives. They create microcracks that cannot be healed. Various solvents and degreasers, chlorine, acetone are also contraindicated. The panel will lose its original appearance and color. Alkaline soap can also affect paint uniformity.
All PVC panels are made of the same material, but in their characteristics, the care technology may vary. It is necessary to carefully study the description of the purchased detergent, first check its effect in a small remote area.
If grease stains, marks from the marker appear on the plastic panel, or the product has faded, you can try wiping this area with a solution of ammonia (1:10). Large areas for cleaning are best left to professionals from a cleaning company. At home, they use a dishwashing detergent or paste made from baking soda diluted with water.
The results of children's exercises with gouache are washed off with water, traces of a pencil with an eraser. Laminated surfaces can withstand window cleaner, but only need to be applied to a rag. Better prudently stock up with a special detergent for plastic panels.
Conclusion
New technological and practical materials replace the usual decorative finish. High-quality PVC panels are now found not only in offices, but also in a respectable city apartment, a private house. The material is functional, ideal for decoration in a modern hi-tech style, it looks decent. The key is price. The owner of a private premises or office tenant with high traffic will not have to seriously invest in repairs, trying to create a unique surroundings.