Installing internal cladding panels in bathrooms and kitchens can be quick and easy. The method you choose depends on your preference and the condition of the surface you're working with. Here's a guide to help you decide the best approach for your project:
Option 1: Fixing Panels Directly to the Wall
If your walls are flat and smooth, the quickest and most popular method is to adhere the panels directly to the wall using an impact adhesive like Fix All. This method offers a strong, permanent bond and significantly speeds up installation time. Here’s how:
Preparation: Ensure that the wall surface is clean, free of grease, dust, or debris.
Apply Adhesive: Use Fix All to bond the panels directly to the wall or over existing tiles, as long as the tiles are stable and relatively even.
Support as Needed: Temporarily support the panels while the adhesive sets to ensure a secure attachment.
Option 2: Fixing Panels to Battens
If your walls are uneven or if the existing tiles are not flat, you’ll need to create a solid structure using battens before installing the panels. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Install Battens: Fix battens to the wall, spacing them 250mm to 400mm apart to ensure even support for the panels.
Fix the Panels to Battens: Secure the first PVC panel to the battens by nailing, screwing, or stapling through the lip of the panel using non-corrosive fasteners. Insert the next panel by slotting it into the groove of the previous panel, hiding the fixings for a seamless look.
Repeat: Continue fixing each subsequent panel in the same way until the entire area is covered.
By following these methods, you’ll achieve a neat and professional finish for your bathroom or kitchen cladding installation, regardless of the wall condition.
