PVC decorative panels

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 in their practicality, ease of installation and maintenance. Beautiful veneer will fit into any style, will not be an unreasonable burden 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, tile or wallpaper. An ideal surface is obtained without time-consuming and costly preparation of the base surface.

In the composition of the material - polyvinyl chloride, lightweight, durable, harmless. The outer side with the help of thermal, offset printing, lamination is covered with a decorative pattern. A matt or glossy varnish coat is applied on top. This treatment gives the panels resistance to mechanical and UV exposure, informs them of antistatic qualities.

A variety of PVC panels is large: width, thickness, color, pattern. Panels for walls, ceilings and slopes, smooth, embossed - a wide choice causes an inexperienced buyer to become confused at first.

The scope of application of the coating is practically unlimited: living rooms, rooms with high humidity, open terraces and verandas exposed to low temperatures, shopping centers with high traffic. The panels are used for their intended purpose, they make of them various types of décor, they are used as lining, formwork, and inventive summer residents have found a “job” in the garden.

Advantages and disadvantages

The consumer appreciated the many advantages of PVC panels, these include:

• external aesthetics, the possibility of wide design use;
• fast installation without preliminary preparation;
• bearing structure defects are effectively masked;
• it is possible to revet any basis: wood, brick, concrete, surfaces in unheated rooms;
• under plastic hide electrical wiring, other communications;
• the panels have high heat and sound insulation properties, they are well protected from noisy neighbors;
• moisture resistant material, spores of fungi do not survive, does not require special care. Dust, microcondensate due to low electrostaticity do not accumulate;
• unlike fiberboard and chipboard panels, do not support burning, PVC material is self-extinguishing, its toxicity indicators are 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 easy for the budget, they will last a long time.

PVC panels have some negative properties that can be leveled out, observing the rules of operation:

• finish does not tolerate the proximity of heating devices. The material does not catch fire, but at high temperatures it can release toxic substances;
• Do not expose the panel to strong mechanical stress, possible dents, deformation;
• 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 solar radiation, the presence of special additives in the composition of this effect levels.

Types of panels

They classify the types of panels, 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 the ceiling, the rigidity is due to the high percentage of polyvinyl chloride. Cut with a knife such a panel does not work, she has ribs from 1 mm.

When choosing a finishing material pay attention to the size of the panels. For finishing the premises outside and inside use plastic lining with a length of 3 m, a width of 10-12.5 cm. Externally, it resembles wooden lining or polycarbonate. Fragments are connected with the help of the lock "polka" (narrow connection) or "European" (wider).

For finishing the room outside, where temperature drops are possible, PVC plastic lining is used, the joints of which are able to "play." The original form of the material is preserved longer because the pigment in its composition is added during the production process, and not over the finished parts.

Sheet panels have a greater width (80-203 cm). The length of the sheets varies from 105 to 405 cm. The material is most popular with consumers. Thanks to special surface treatment, the sheets are durable and withstand increased mechanical loads. Mounted on liquid nails, the walls before finishing work can not align.

PVC panels with the greatest demand have a length of up to 3 m, a width of 25 or 50 cm. On the outside they are painted, coated with varnish or thermofilm. The seams on them are hardly noticeable.

Sandwich panels - a separate category of coating, consisting of outer and inner plastic parts, between which there are polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam as a filler. The outer side, in turn, is also composed of several types of paper impregnated with formaldehyde, then compressed. This type of plastic:

• very durable;
• not exposed to moisture;
• popular in the decoration of doorways, slopes.

Surfaces with difficult terrain, hard-to-reach places can also be covered with thin PVC sheet panels. They are plastic, easily cut, joined, glued directly to the surface without first creating a frame. Mosaic panels are beautiful, easy to bend, do not leak, do not burn.

Lamination of the panels creates an additional protective layer on them that prevents impacts and scratches. Lamination provides additional opportunities for decoration, since it imitates the natural texture of stone, wood, pleasant to the touch, very naturally.

Panels with a three-dimensional image are popular when decorating rooms with high humidity, they can 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

Sales points offer PVC panels of Chinese, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian production. Externally, they are distinguished by color, degree of gloss, size. Italian, Belgian manufacturers surprise with decorative variety, use new technologies to increase the strength of products, in the catalogs there are panels with digital printing, under brick, slate, using rock chips, the effect of tiled lining.

• The first conditional classification of the material - it is used for wall cladding or ceiling. If the panel is amenable to pressing with a finger, then, rather, it can be attributed to the ceiling group. For walls it is 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 for cheap. Low cost indicates the use of poor quality raw materials, poor glue, varnish. Over time, the acquired product will lose its appearance, will begin to emit harmful components, which will provoke at least allergic reactions.
• Specifications glossy and matte panels do not differ. Pay attention to the thickness of the outer wall, the thicker it is, the stronger the model. More robust 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 it is worth wondering in what temperature range it is recommended to operate the product. Conventional panels withstand drops of 20 degrees. Other species have worked well at temperatures ranging from -40 to +115.
• Acquire the required amount of material at once, so that it is from the same batch, with a uniform color matching the pattern. Neighboring panels should not subsequently differ shade or deflection in one direction or another.
• Panels that are properly stored and transported tightly and rigidly articulated.

Texture and color of panels

Options for finishing the front surface of products set. The method of thermal printing makes it possible to obtain various images using a thermal transfer film that will not fade under sunlight, will give the lining original decorative properties.

Offset panels are more wear-resistant; in their production, the first stage involves applying a pattern with inks using an offset printer; the second stage is to cover the product with a protective layer of lacquer with antistatic effect, imparting scratch resistance to chemicals. Offset printing blocks the release of odors, which has a positive effect on people's health.

In modern design, laminated PVC panels are becoming indispensable. Thanks to the decorative film coating, the panel acquires additional protection from scratches and impacts, can have a different interesting texture, is more elastic, and is resistant to high temperatures. Lamination of the panels makes it advantageous to use them in high-traffic areas, homes where cats and dogs scratch walls. Products do not crack in extreme cold, retain their appearance when extinguishing cigarettes on the walls.

Brick Panels

Sheet panels quite realistic depict brickwork. They trim both the walls inside the room and outside. Fashionable imitation will transform the home. PVC facade materials will improve the appearance of the house, protect the walls from the damaging effects of precipitation and temperatures.

Stone panels

Due to the optimal compatibility, plastic panels are used in premises for various purposes. "Stone" wall can be found in an apartment, office, cafe or cinema. Stone panels are varied in color palette, perfect for creating a stylish, cozy atmosphere, emphasizing the taste and wealth of the owner.

Panels for ceramic tiles

For interior design, where the level of humidity is elevated, the right decision is to opt for plastic. The material will be much cheaper than ceramics; not only the master will be able to work with it. It is possible to fix the panels on the wall with your own hands. Moisture-resistant compounds applied to the surface of products, not worse than the traditional tile will protect against mold and fungi. On the number of possible design decisions can not speak.

Features and installation methods

There are several ways of fastening PVC panels. For finishing the ceiling using only the frame method. This is due to the ability to hide communications, to provide in the right places a point or other embedded lighting sources.

As for the walls, the material here is better to stick, so the surface will be more durable. Plastic lasts longer if it does not bend into the voids formed by the skeleton. When using the frame method, it is better to glue the plastic on the pre-fixed drywall.

Options for the use of panels in the interior

Living quarters that should “breathe” are not trimmed with plastic over the entire area. Full vapor-proof material is more likely to be useful in those rooms that are prone to high humidity and rapid contamination. Inside the apartment there is a kitchen, a bathroom, an anteroom, outside it - loggia walls, slopes. On balconies and loggias, PVC panels harmoniously combine with window frames made of related material.

In the living room

It is not worth fully covering the walls with plastic panels; in the living room it is better to combine them with other materials. Plastic decoration of one of the walls will help to emphasize the style of the room. At the same time, various imitations are used: under stone, brick, skin.

Visually increase the height of the room will help glossy, 3D-panels on the ceiling. They are applicable when creating partitions in the living room, the design of columns, arches.

The original design is created using tiled panels with a woody pattern, of different sizes, on several levels, at different angles. Built-in lights will emphasize and enhance the effect.

In the kitchen

The most traditional PVC cladding panels work areas with kitchen equipment, in areas where there is a need for frequent wet cleaning. PVC displaces traditional tile due to its availability, speed of installation, design variability. Sheath the walls of the kitchen everyone is able to independently. This is another point of saving.

It is only necessary to remember that not all types of material have heat resistance in their characteristics. The plots near the fireplaces and the stove can be decorated with sheets of MSL and then finished.

In the kitchen, your imagination can not be limited. Glossy and matte coatings are appropriate here, models with a picture and photo printing look good. Skinalis are very popular for the apron - panels with abstract drawings and ornaments. Lovers of the classics will easily pick up monochrome options, wishing a riot of colors - color.

In the bedroom

Heat and sound insulation of the most peaceful room in the house will provide PVC panels. Here it is important to choose models that meet modern sanitary and hygienic requirements.

Plastic products make out the head of the bed. In the interior of the youth looks nice white alcove. Quality panels in wood color will decorate the walls and ceiling of the bedroom of a country house. The panels used as a panel look nobly. Actual bedroom in a blue sea-themed or chocolate-cream puff cake, good minimalistic neutral shades and restrained classics. You can even repeat the color of paper wallpaper.

In the hall

Dust, dirt, stains that have become a headache for housewives in the hallway are easily removed with a soft sponge. In order to minimize the risk of pollution, the lower part of the walls in the corridor is usually trimmed with darker panels, and light wallpaper is glued to the ceiling and upper part of the wall.

The bright ceiling of PVC panels with built-in point lighting around the perimeter will push the walls of a narrow and dark room.

In the bathroom and toilet

Moisture resistance and resistance to temperature changes of this type of finish makes it a predominant element in the repair of the bathroom. The convenience of plastic is also that even with the emergency situation created, the problem is easily solved. It is easy to disassemble a part of the PVC wall and assemble it again, as if nothing had happened. What can not be said about the ceramic tile.

In the bathroom, the toilet most often use light shades of panels. The lack of communications also makes the room easier and more spacious.

Care Tips

Not with any pollution can cope with warm water and a soft cloth. Dust and household dirt they are easily removed, but the specific pollution can not be scrubbed.

Never 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. From alkaline soap painting uniformity may also suffer.

All PVC panels are made from the same type of material, but according to their characteristics, the technology of care may vary. It is necessary to carefully study the description of the purchased detergent, pre-check its action in a small remote area.

If there are grease stains on the plastic panel, traces of the marker, or the product has become dull, you can try to wipe this place with ammonia solution (1:10). Large areas for cleaning are best left to professionals from the cleaning company. At home they use dishwashing detergent or pasta made from baking soda diluted with water.

The results of children's exercises with gouache are washed off with water, the pencil marks with an eraser. Laminated surfaces will withstand the treatment with window cleaner, but only apply it on a rag. It is better to prudently stock up with a special detergent for plastic panels.

Conclusion

New technologically advanced and practical materials replace the usual decorative finish. Quality PVC panels are now found not only in offices, but also in a respectable city apartment, private house. The material is functional, ideal for decoration in a modern hi-tech style, it looks decent. Price plays a key role. The owner of a private room or tenant office with a large cross-country will not have to seriously invest in repairs, trying to create a unique surroundings.