Neptune 250
Neptune 1000
Super Matt
Odyssey
Acoustic Panels
How to Install PVC Wall and Ceiling Panels
Installing PVC wall panels might seem like a big task at first, but it’s one of those DIY jobs that’s surprisingly manageable once you get started. We’ve helped hundreds of customers across the UK transform their bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms with panels that are simple to fit and easy to maintain.
Whether you’re mounting panels directly to plaster, over existing tiles, or even over painted wallpaper, you don’t need specialist tools or building experience. With the right prep and a steady hand, you can achieve a smooth finish that looks professionally done.
How to Install PVC Wall Panels
Start by measuring your space. It’s best to begin in the most visible corner and work outwards. Make sure you have all your materials to hand before starting: panels, trims, adhesive, a saw or knife, silicone sealant, and a level.
Apply adhesive vertically on the rear of the panels, and press firmly into place. Use a spirit level to keep everything straight. For bathrooms and wet areas, run a thin bead of silicone down each join to protect against moisture.
Materials Needed for PVC Ceiling Installation
For walls and ceilings alike, you’ll need:
- Solvent-free adhesive
- A fine-tooth saw or utility knife
- Tape measure and spirit level
- Corner, end, and joining trims
- Silicone sealant
- Possibly battens or cladding clips (especially for ceilings)
Ceiling Installation Tips
Ceiling installation is much like walls, just horizontal. Take care when working above your head and use proper support until panels are secured.
PVC Panels for Walls: Where They Work Best
We find PVC panels are most popular in bathrooms and wet rooms. That’s because they don’t absorb moisture, don’t need grouting, and can be cleaned quickly with a cloth. They’re also great in kitchens, utility rooms, and even offices where regular paint might discolour.
If you’re wondering about fitting over wallpaper, yes, you can. As long as it’s smooth and firmly stuck down, it makes a fine base. If it’s peeling or textured, remove it and prep the wall underneath instead.
Tips for a Smooth PVC Panel Installation
From experience, acclimatising your panels to the room before fitting helps avoid small shifts or buckling. We also recommend dry-fitting the first two panels before applying glue to be sure everything lines up correctly.
Remember to work slowly when cutting around sockets or pipes. We suggest using masking tape on the panel face to avoid surface scratches during cutting.
Final Advice for PVC Panel Installation Success
The biggest mistakes we see come from rushing. Take your time with the first few panels, and the rest should flow easily. Always start from the most visible point in the room and finish in less noticeable areas, so any trimming or slight gaps are hidden from view.
We’re here to help with product advice and installation questions. Whether you’re planning a complete bathroom makeover or updating a single wall, our PVC panel installation guide should make the process much simpler.
1. Start with the Ceiling
First measure the panel carefully before cutting.
2. Use a sharp Stanley blade or fine-tooth saw to cut the panels to the correct length.
Our panels are quickly and easilycut to length.
4. If using battens over the surface, screw, staple or pin through the tongue of the panel every 30cm
There is no need for wall plugs. Repeat this procedure for the rest of the ceiling panels.
The tongue and groove system allows each panel to slot neatly into one another.
5. Next, measure for your finishing trims around baths and shower trays
Measure from the corner of the bath to the end on both sides.
6. Cut the clad seal strips to the correct length and use the mitre block to cut the angles for the corners.
Clad seal strips ensure a water tight seal between the panels and the bath or show tray.
Place the strips in position to make sure they fit correctly.
Using the alcohol wipes, wipe the surface of the bath where the strip will sit.
7. Apply CladSeal adhesive to the bottom of the clad seal strip and smooth out with the spatula.
A special type of adhesive is used with the clad seal strips which guarantees water tightness.
8. Apply the CladSeal adhesive along the surface of the bath and along the wall.
9. Then fit the strip to the surface of the bath allowing the silicone on the strip to bond with the silicone on the bath to form a waterproof seal.
The corners where two strips connect can also be sealed at this point. Screws can be used to lock the strip to the wall and stop it moving.
10. Before mounting the wall panels, fix the one piece internal corner trim. Remove the protective film, apply silicone and attach to the corner of the wall.
Internal corner trims are used to join two panels as they meet an internal corner
11. Place the first panel
- Measure from where the panel will sit with the ceiling and cut the panel to the correct length.
- Remove any protective film and apply adhesive to the back of the panel. Apply adhesive to the back of the panel before placing the panel.
- If you have uneven walls, additional adhesive can be used to compensate for this. In the case of very uneven and damp surfaces, we recommend using anti-rot battening. This should be spaced 25-40 cm apart and fixed horizontally for vertical panel installations.
- Use a spirit level to ensure batten are flat and level. Panels can be fixed to the battens at the panel tongue using non corrosive nails, screws or staples.
- Apply silicon to the groove of the internal corner trim and then slot the first panel into this for a waterproof finish.
12. If walls are uneven, check that the panel is straight and then if necessary, use a staple gun, pin or screw through the tongue on to the batten which will prevent movement whilst the adhesive sets.
While the adhesive will hold these panels in place in most cases, it may be required to screw panels into battens if the wall surface is uneven.
13. Apply a good amount of adhesive on the back of each panel before mounting.
If any silicon seeps out onto the surface of the panel, remove it immediately with a damp cloth..
14. Apply silicon to the groove of the first panel before slotting in the second one to seal it.
If any silicon seeps out onto the surface of the panel, remove it immediately with a damp cloth.
Panels can be glued directly onto and over existing firm, clean and dry substrates, example plaster boards, plywood, tiles, paint etc.
15. Repeat this process for the remainder of the wall.
16. The easiest way to fit the one part coving is to remove the lip from the back with a Stanley knife.
Measure carefully before cutting the coving to the correct length and use the mitre block for the corners. Check that the corners fit tightly before applying adhesive.
The coving can then be stuck directly to the wall and ceiling using a combination of silicone and double sided tape.
17. For a professional job use our finishing trims to finish corners and edges.
Ensure that the room is properly ventilated for 24 hours.
Allow 24 hours for the silicone sealant to fully dry.
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