Do-it-yourself installation of PVC sheet panels. Do-it-yourself finishing of the bathroom and other rooms with plastic panels (PVC). Preparatory work before attaching PVC plastic panels to the wall

Do-it-yourself installation of PVC sheet panels.  Do-it-yourself finishing of the bathroom and other rooms with plastic panels (PVC).  Preparatory work before attaching PVC plastic panels to the wall
Do-it-yourself installation of PVC sheet panels. Do-it-yourself finishing of the bathroom and other rooms with plastic panels (PVC). Preparatory work before attaching PVC plastic panels to the wall

Plastic panels for walls are products that are manufactured using the extrusion method, the material for which is polyvinyl chloride or PVC. In this process, a special composition of the molten thick mass is squeezed out through dies that are shaped to match the panel being produced. After cooling at a certain temperature, the workpieces are cut to the required sizes. The article will tell you how to lay plastic panels on walls.

Before decorating a wall with plastic panels, you need to purchase them in the right quantity and in good quality, taking into account the characteristics of different types of material for different rooms.

For example:

  • When decorating a kitchen, bathroom or hallway, preference should be given to moisture-resistant products that are highly durable, without ornaments or protruding elements.
  • Balconies should be sheathed with panels that are resistant to sudden temperature changes and resistant to mechanical stress.

The panels are available in different sizes:

  • The panel thicknesses are:
  1. 5 millimeters;
  2. 8 – 10 millimeters. In this option, the same components or moldings are used.
  • The width of plastic sheets ranges from 200 to 370 millimeters. The length of the panels is:
  1. 2.6 meters;
  2. 2.7 meters;
  3. 3 meters.

There is also:

  1. plastic lining with dimensions 10x300 centimeters;
  2. sheets up to 1.2 meters wide and up to 245 centimeters long;
  3. square or rectangular tiles, the dimensions of which are 300x300 millimeters, 300x600 millimeters or 900x900 millimeters.

The advantages of plastic panels are:

  • Long service life.
  • High moisture resistance, and reliable connection of the panels to each other ensures tightness of the seams, which prevents water from entering between the elements.
  • Increased sound insulation qualities.
  • Resistance to mechanical stress and abrasion.
  • Possibility of installing an additional layer of insulation under the panels.
  • Possibility of using different design solutions, imitating different surfaces for:
  1. wood (see Wood-look wall panels: choose and install with your own hands);
  2. ceramics;
  3. skin.
  • Simple installation that does not require the use of special equipment and special knowledge.
  • There is virtually no dust or dirt during installation of the products.
  • Easy care, just wipe once a month with a damp cloth or cleaning cloth, and wash heavy stains with warm soapy water, without using abrasive detergents or solvents.
  • It can be installed on any surface, regardless of its evenness and degree of smoothness, which allows installation of frame sheathing, regardless of the previously used cladding.
  • Increased fire resistance, can withstand temperatures over 350 degrees.
  • No harmful substances are released during operation.
  • Low price.

Despite such advantages when mounted on a wall, plastic panels also have disadvantages: they cannot be used in places that are intended for evacuating people in case of fire. This is due to the fact that when burned, plastic begins to release caustic substances and a lot of smoke.

Such places could be:

  • Staircase openings.
  • Venues.

What types of plastic panels are used for wall cladding?

The top layer of plastic panels can be made in three main ways:

  • Lamination. In this case, a special film that is resistant to light, moisture and abrasion is glued onto the front surface of the plastic panels using two-component glue.
  • Offset printing. The image is applied using a two-stage printer in two stages:
  1. printing a pattern using paints;
  2. coating of panels with antistatic varnish.

With this method, images that imitate marble are applied. The main advantage of the offset method is the moisture resistance of the product, its resistance to chemicals and physical impact.

  • Thermal transfer / thermal printing. Drawings and patterns are transferred to the surface from thermal film pressed to the panel, and then rolled over it with a hot silicone roller. The process occurs at temperatures from 150°C to 180°C. Under the influence of heat, the varnish and pigment present on the film for coloring are transferred to the PVC blank. At the same time, the film becomes transparent and begins to be wound onto reels for further use. With this method:
  1. the formation of an additional protective layer from the varnish is not provided;
  2. the surface becomes resistant to external influences and UV rays;
  3. the panels have an original design and rich color.

What is needed for installing plastic panels

Before covering the walls with plastic panels, you need to purchase components for them:

  • Starting bar.
  • Finish bar.
  • Profile for mounting an internal corner.
  • Profile for installing external corner.
  • Connecting strip.
  • Floor and ceiling plinth.
  • F-profile.
  • Soft universal corner, for external and internal corners.

Installation of components is shown in the photo.

Tip: When installing moldings or components, use galvanized screws or nails. You need to purchase accessories to match the color of the panels.

When buying plastic panels, you need to pay attention to:

  • Appearance of products. It is better if they are from the same batch and match the same color scheme. In this case, the paint must be applied in an even, continuous layer, and the surface must be free of damage and absolutely smooth.
  • Number and condition of stiffeners. Increasing the number of partitions inside the panel makes them stronger, but at the same time the stiffening ribs must be free of deformation or damage, even and frequently spaced.

Tip: If it is visually difficult to determine the number of internal partitions, you should use the weight of one panel as a guide - it should be large enough, but not very heavy.

  • Lock connection. The groove and the tongue must absolutely correspond to each other, which will allow when connecting elements:
  1. eliminate the formation of gaps or unevenness;
  2. ensure ease of connection without much effort.
  • Price range. The lowest cost of production will not allow achieving high quality surfaces. You should not purchase too expensive panels; usually, their price includes an additional payment for the brand.
  • Raw materials. A high chalk content in the product, when bending the part, will leave a noticeable mark or even dents on it.

How to calculate the amount of material

Before covering the walls with plastic panels, it is necessary to calculate the amount of the material itself, elements for the sheathing and other accessories.

Instructions for calculating parts for sheathing:

  • Calculations can be made in several ways. The simplest one can be considered using the example of a wall in a room 2.5 meters high and 4 meters long. The optimal distance between profiles is up to 50 centimeters.

Tip: When installing the sheathing yourself, you must take into account that its elements are attached perpendicular to the panels: when the planks are placed horizontally, the panels should be installed vertically, and when placed vertically, vice versa.

  • Having chosen the position of the cladding, the required number of profiles is calculated. To determine the number of racks when placing the sheathing vertically:
  1. the length of the wall is divided by the step between the racks;
  2. the outer profile is added.

The result is: 400:50+1=9. In this case, you need to purchase 9 panels, the length of which is 2.5 meters.

  • The lathing is carried out along the entire perimeter, which means that at least two guides are added, the length of which is equal to the surface to be decorated. This determines the total length of the required elements. Approximately 10% is added to this figure, which will allow for undercuts or errors that may occur when assembling the frame.
  • When the sheathing is positioned horizontally, calculations are made taking into account the height of the ceilings. In addition, door and window openings must be taken into account; if any, their area is subtracted from the resulting value.

When calculating fasteners:

  • When installing sheathing on walls made of concrete or brick, you will need to calculate the number of dowels, taking into account the total length of the wall. In this case, one fastening element is installed for every 0.5 meter, adding a few percent for margin.
  • Installation using clamps is carried out at the rate of: per 1 m² – 20 pieces of elements for fastening.

The procedure for calculating PVC panels is as follows:

  • The length of the wall is determined, in the example it is 4 meters.
  • The resulting figure is divided by the width of the plank: 400:20 = 20 pieces, equal to the height of the ceiling, when installing the panels vertically.
  • If the panels are in the form of individual tiles, the calculation is carried out by square meters, adding up to 10% of the material. It is better to calculate the elements around the openings of windows and doors separately, subtracting the result obtained from the total value.

When calculating components and accessories:

  • The length of components is most often 3 meters. When using corner profiles, the angles that exist on the surface to be decorated are calculated, which will correspond to the number of components purchased.
  • The length of the ceiling and floor plinths is determined according to the dimensions of the perimeter of the room, dividing this value by the length of the plinth and rounding the resulting result upward.
  • Connecting internal and external corners for skirting boards are calculated according to the number of corresponding corners.

How to install the sheathing

After purchasing the necessary materials, you can begin installing the sheathing, which is necessary if there are large irregularities on the walls, differences in height and laying an additional layer of insulation between the panels.

For wall sheathing you can use:

  • Wooden slats with a section of 2.5x4 centimeters or 4x4 centimeters. They are fastened to the base with self-tapping screws or dowels.

When installing the sheathing vertically:

  1. right and left guides are installed;
  2. Horizontal crossbars are placed between them, maintaining one step.

The rigidity of the structure can be increased by installing additional vertical posts.

  • Plastic profiles. This is a modern material, its cost is higher than wood and its installation requires a more even surface. Its advantages:
  1. not subject to rotting;
  2. not susceptible to mold or mildew;
  3. a special fastening method allows the panels to be installed in a very short time;
  4. the use of special fasteners that snap the panel into place and hold it securely allows you to quickly dismantle the cladding and reuse the panels - they will not be damaged by staples or screws.

Tip: When installing a plastic profile, special attention should be paid to placing the racks in the same plane - even a slight deviation can lead to the clip not snapping into place.

  • Metal guides.

This type of sheathing is more expensive than wood, but is as reliable and durable as possible. The profiles are made of aluminum. During installation:

  1. a U-shaped starting profile is installed under the ceiling;
  2. the same profile is placed near the floor;
  3. Guides perforated with dowels or self-tapping screws are attached to fix the panels, the pitch of the fastening elements is up to 90 centimeters.

How to install plastic panels

A plastic panel on the wall can be installed in two ways:

  • On the sheathing.
  • On glue.

When installing on a sheathing:

  • The corner element is installed.
  • The panel is inserted tightly.
  • The part is screwed with self-tapping screws or fastened with a construction stapler to a wooden sheathing, or with clamps to a metal frame.
  • By carefully connecting the groove and the ridge, the second panel and all subsequent ones are joined.
  • Special components are installed to mount the panels on another wall.

  • The last panel is not attached to the sheathing, but snaps onto a finishing piece that will hold it securely.
  • If there are switches or sockets on the wall, the plastic is cut through and a box is placed on it.
  • Floor and ceiling plinths and caps on them are installed.
  • Corner elements are installed and glued on top of the plastic panels.

Sometimes plastic panels are used on the floor of the wall, which will protect areas of surfaces that are most susceptible to dirt appearing on them. The video in this article will show you how to do this.

When attaching panels directly to the wall with glue, the main thing is to prepare the surface correctly; it should be perfectly flat; the cladding can be fixed with liquid nails.

The work order is as follows:

  • The wall surface is cleared of existing cladding: wallpaper, paint (see How to wash off paint without problems).
  • Surfaces are puttied with antibacterial putty or covered with a layer of primer with protective components against mold and fungi.
  • The adhesive is diluted strictly according to the instructions.
  • The solution is applied to the wall with a roller, brush or notched trowel.

Tip: You should not apply the product to a large area at once; you should cover an area for one or two panels with glue.

  • Corner elements are installed.
  • The first panel is inserted and pressed tightly against the wall until the glue sets.
  • The remaining strips are installed.
  • The finishing element is installed.

Everyone chooses how to install plastic panels, depending on the type of wall and the material of the sheathing.

Economy often becomes the main factor when choosing finishing materials for renovation. This is precisely what explains the popularity of PVC panels. Manufacturers managed to combine seemingly incompatible things. Such as visual appeal and affordable price. And add to this the ease of installation and we get an almost ideal finishing material.

In this article we will talk about how to attach PVC panels to the wall, and we will tell you about three ways to do it yourself.

The choice of how to attach PVC panels to the wall depends on many factors. This includes the humidity of the wall and room and communications, and even the need to save space, which is especially important when it comes to decorating a toilet or bathroom, which are traditionally small in size.

There is no need to start from considerations of economy. The cheapest method is not always the highest quality.

Below we will talk in detail about which mounting of PVC panels on the wall is best suited for a given situation, but for now let’s find out what difficulties we may encounter during the repair process:

  • Humidity of walls and cold bridges. Plastic is not at all afraid of water and can be in constant contact with it, but it has absolutely no vapor permeability, which means that over time, the moisture accumulating under the finish will begin to develop into fungus or mold.
  • Availability of communications. Electrical wiring can still be hidden in the wall or, on the contrary, moved away, but water pipes (see How to groove walls for pipes in several ways) or heating systems are much more difficult to hide, and sometimes even impossible.

  • Space saving. Below we will talk about attaching PVC panels to the wall using a block. And this method can significantly reduce the area of ​​the room. Before you start work, think about whether you are ready to sacrifice a few treasured centimeters or not.
  • Wall curvature. Often there are walls that are so crooked that finishing them is very difficult. Here you will have to either level the surface, or sacrifice centimeters and choose fastening through a beam.

Now that the main difficulties have been identified, inspect your room in which you are going to make repairs, and carefully read the article to the end to know exactly which fastening of PVC panels to the wall suits you best.

Method 1: Liquid nails

The simplest and cheapest way to attach PVC panels to the wall, but only if you have perfectly smooth walls. Liquid nails is the unofficial name for a special silicone glue that dries very quickly and reliably holds not only plastic, but also glass and wood.

Liquid nails are applied to the panel in even stripes, after which it is applied to the wall. The glue hardens time is only a few minutes, so the entire repair will not take much time.

Despite the fact that the adhesive installation method is the most economical and fastest, it is not always suitable, and experts advise using it with caution. The thing is that the panels are in direct contact with the wall, and as we said above, condensation will constantly accumulate on them, which simply has nowhere to evaporate from under the plastic.

Communications can also become a significant obstacle. In the case of mounting on timber, they may remain under the finish. Here they will either have to be removed inside the wall, or slightly moved back and placed above the surface of the panels, which does not always look beautiful.

Important! Fastening a PVC pipe to a wall can also be done using liquid nails, but you need to choose a special, heat-resistant glue that does not liquefy when the temperature changes.

The evenness of the walls can also become an obstacle to this method of fastening. The difference should be no more than two centimeters, or the surface of the walls will have to be leveled with plaster, and this is an additional financial cost.

Method 2: Nails, stapler, screws

Each PVC panel has a small tongue under the groove. It is into this that the fastening is made. You can use any convenient fastener, be it small shoe nails or a construction stapler. By the way, working with a stapler is much faster and more convenient.

A significant difficulty arises from the need to build a frame to which the panels are attached. Of course, if you are the owner of a wooden house and your walls are well protected from condensation, then you can do without it.

The frame is usually made of wooden blocks. It is easier to attach to them in any convenient way, but as an alternative, you can use a profile for drywall, but here you will have to work only with self-tapping screws, since neither nails nor staples will simply hold in the metal.

So, the first thing we need is to secure the bars to the wall. This can be done using dowels with plastic sleeves. Simply place the timber horizontally against the wall and drill a hole through it in the wall. Drive in the dowel and repeat the operation in increments of approximately 30-50 centimeters.

Important! Before you start attaching the block, be sure to treat it with protective impregnations that will protect the wood from moisture, rot and bugs. The better the wood is impregnated, the longer it will last.

The distance between the beams should also be no more than 50 centimeters, so that there is no deflection on the panels, and they can firmly withstand the weight if someone leans on the wall.

When the sheathing is ready, you can proceed to attaching the panels. They usually start from the right corner of the room. The first panel is fastened with a ridge to the corner, and fasteners are driven into the groove. The second side is fixed in the same way. Now we insert the next panel and fasten it, but only in the groove, since it is already fixed on the ridge side.

Method 3: Claymers

Clamps are special staples that are used to secure any tongue-and-groove finishing materials. As you can see in the photo, the clamp has a special fixing tongue and a hole for a self-tapping screw or nail. Working with them is very fast and convenient. Moreover, this is the only available method of fixation in a new home.

Walls built less than a year ago will shrink. It is invisible to the eye, but can have a very strong effect on the finish. The clamps do not fix the panel, as they say, tightly, and provide the opportunity for slight curvature. As a result, the walls may sag, but the panels will remain in place.

If you don’t quite understand how to attach PVC panels to a wall, then we suggest you watch the video in this article, which clearly shows the whole process. So, we have figured out three methods, but in order to make a high-quality fastening of PVC panels to the wall, this knowledge is not enough. There are many nuances and subtleties of the process, which we will tell you about later.

So:

  • If you decide to treat the sheathing block with impregnation, first cut it to the desired size. This way you can cover all the parts, even those that appear after cutting.
  • Before attaching PVC panels to the wall using liquid nails, make sure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned of dust. And most importantly, remove all grease or oil stains.
  • When choosing PVC panels in a store, be sure to pay attention to their smell. If the panels smell of chemicals, look for another manufacturer. It will be impossible to get rid of such an odor.

  • If you use self-tapping screws for fastening, take only those that have a pressure cap. They do not tear the plastic and securely fix it to the base.
  • Plastic has slight thermal expansion, so when installing panels, leave small gaps near the floor and ceiling. To compensate for deformation, 3 millimeters is enough, which will be completely covered by a decorative corner.

Using these simple rules, you can easily make repairs in your home that will delight you for many years.

And finally, I would like to add: in this article we have only superficially described the mounting methods, but if you need detailed instructions on how to attach a PVC panel to a wall, then it is probably already on our website.

If you have started renovating your bathroom or loggia, but don’t know how to install plastic panels on the wall, you need to thoroughly understand this issue. Study the subtleties and nuances of this process so that home renovation will be a joy and will not bring unnecessary trouble. The cost of such an interior is many times lower, and there are countless design options.

What are plastic panels attached to?

Plastic sheathing is an excellent way to solve several problems at once: the parts are easy to mount on the wall, and they do not require much maintenance. However, to complete the task, it is important to know how to attach plastic panels to the wall correctly. Here are the important points regarding the installation of such cladding:

  • Fastening PVC panels to the wall can be done using nails, self-tapping screws, or using special “Liquid Nails” glue.
  • If the walls are smooth, then you can install fasteners directly to them: in the case of a wooden or soft surface, self-tapping screws are suitable, but for concrete you need to use dowel nails.
  • If the walls are difficult to level, first install a special wooden or metal lattice frame.

Each fastening method has its own nuances:

  • If nails are used, it will not be possible to remove the slabs to use them in another place: during dismantling, the parts will simply break into several parts.
  • Clamps or staples driven in with a special stapler work best.

How to properly attach PVC panels to the wall

To understand how to attach plastic panels to the wall, remember a few useful tips:

  • Cut the elements themselves, placing them face up.
  • To protect your eyes, be sure to wear construction glasses while cutting parts.
  • When driving nails, it is important to hit the nail head clearly, otherwise dents will remain. It will be impossible to correct such a defect.
  • Do not remove the protective film until the installation process is complete to avoid leaving dirty marks on the trim.
  • After installation, wash the walls only with soapy water so as not to spoil the structure or design.

On a wooden sheathing

The question of how to attach plastic panels to the wall can be solved by lathing made of wood. The slats must be screwed at a distance of about fifty centimeters. The wooden beams must be perpendicular to the direction of the PVC: if the parts of the future interior are located vertically, then it is best to nail the wooden structure horizontally.

  1. First of all, install the fittings. First fasten the outer and inner corners to the surface, then the final element - the ceiling plinth, and finally - the molding with lamellas.
  2. Next, install the first part connecting the fastening elements. Secure with nails or staples from the side of the wide mounting flange.
  3. To ensure that the entire structure does not turn out crooked, check the first before attaching the next part. It should stand straight.
  4. Mount the narrow shelf of the second element to the first, leaving no gaps.
  5. So sequentially attach all the PVC panels. Only the very last element differs: it must be inserted with force to fix the entire structure. If the size does not fit the remaining space, trim the piece along the trim with a knife.

Using a metal frame

If there is always high humidity in the room, for example, in a sauna or bathroom, then the wood will quickly swell and you will have to do the repairs again. How to attach plastic panels to the wall in this case? Metal mounting structures are suitable. To simplify the installation process of the cladding, special clips are used. Thanks to them, you can easily remove interior elements and attach others.

When installing sheathing, be aware that the material may expand as temperatures change. When using a wide beam, sound insulation or insulation can be added to the free space. So simple plastic panels will help solve several problems at once: create a tasteful interior and retain heat inside the room.

Installation of PVC panels without lathing using liquid nails

For smooth walls, use construction adhesive, but during such repairs, wear a respirator and ventilate the room. The benefits will outweigh all temporary inconveniences. “Liquid nails” do not affect plastic and dry quickly, which makes it possible to correct details on the wall. This glue is environmentally friendly and does not depend on changes in climatic conditions (temperature and humidity changes).

  1. Before gluing the panels, it is necessary to prepare the walls: remove old wallpaper, tiles and plaster, smooth out any inaccuracies and prime the surface.
  2. At the very beginning, remove the slabs from the packaging for thirty minutes to allow adaptation to the humidity in the air.
  3. Prepare the glue itself: cut off the tip, put on the cap, open it and install the product in the construction gun.
  4. Draw dots, a lattice, or a zigzag pattern on the wall.
  5. At the time of gluing, press the part against the wall so that the glue will better adhere to the entire element evenly. You can use a rubber roller. The first couple of minutes it is easy to adjust the position of the structure, and after 20 minutes the glue will set.
  6. The final step is to “seal” the seams between the PVC parts and other elements of the bathroom with sealant. The wall profile is ready.

Video

Even a renovation novice can handle installing fasteners and trim in a bathroom onto a wall surface. However, to avoid technology violations and damage to the cladding, watch the step-by-step instructions in the video below, where a specialist will share his secrets in installing sheets and fasteners in the slab and on the ceiling. The manual will help you install the panels flawlessly the first time.

Installing plastic panels on the wall in the bathroom

How to attach wall panels to a loggia

How to attach plastic panels - step-by-step instructions

When thinking about renovation, we always want to get an excellent result, without unnecessary expenses and within the minimum time frame. Another important point is that repair work does not cause a lot of trouble, does not leave behind dirt and does not greatly disturb the neighbors.

An excellent solution in this case would be to install plastic panels. Our instructions will help you understand how to attach plastic panels. They are easily mounted on walls or ceilings and do not require leveling the surface in advance.

Plastic panels are easy to clean and ideal for rooms with high humidity (bathroom, sauna, boiler room). A variety of colors and textures will help create a unique and cozy interior. To install such panels, it is enough to have several tools on hand.

Necessary tools and preliminary preparation

The tools necessary for attaching plastic panels can be found in almost every home:

  • electric drill;
  • wood hacksaw;
  • scissors and hacksaw for metal;
  • screwdriver or screwdriver;
  • tape measure, building level, pencil or marker;
  • hammer, stapler;
  • ladder.

First, use a tape measure to measure the working surface, this will allow you to correctly calculate the required amount of materials.

The surface must be cleared of wallpaper. If the panels stick, be sure to clean the walls or tiles of paint and dust.

Installation features and procedure

The panels are fastened either directly to the wall or to a pre-prepared sheathing. To mount it on the wall, it must be perfectly flat. Lathing is wooden beams or slats that are screwed to the surface at a certain distance from each other. For walls, the width between slats should not exceed 30 - 40 cm, for ceilings - no more than 30 cm. Lathing slats are attached to the wall perpendicularly to the direction of the panels.

If the wall to which the slats are attached is wooden or any other into which self-tapping screws can be easily screwed, then it is best to use them to attach the bars. If the wall is concrete or brick, then it is best to fasten the bars using dowel-nails or using ordinary dowels and self-tapping screws.


An example of fastening sheathing under plastic panels.

Before you get started, you must understand how to properly attach plastic panels to the wall.

  • If you decide to fasten the panels to the sheathing with nails, then keep in mind that reusing the material will be impossible, since, most likely, the integrity of the panel will be damaged during dismantling.
  • The best method of fastening is with clamps.
  • But using staples that are driven in using a special stapler is also a good option.
  • Another good option for fastening panels is self-tapping screws.


The most common methods of fastening plastic panels.

Once you have decided on the method of attaching the panels, you need to do the following:

First install the fittings: finishing element, external or internal corner. If the panel covers the wall to the ceiling, then attach the ceiling plinth to the top beam.


Available types of fittings for plastic panels.

Insert the panel into the fastening element using the narrow fastening flange. The panel is secured on the side of the wide mounting shelf using nails or brackets.

After making sure that the first panel is installed level, insert the next one with the narrow end into the groove of the previous panel. Try to mount the panels tightly to each other.


Installation of the necessary fittings and the first plastic panel.

The last plastic panel that completes the row must be inserted with force between the final element and the previous panel. If the panel needs to be reduced in width, cut off the excess using a knife, moving along the panel.

Video: Installation of lathing, fittings and PVC panels

Features of installing plastic panels on walls

If the room is dry and the walls are smooth, then the panels can be mounted directly on the wall without using lathing.


Fastening panels with glue directly to the walls without using lathing.

In rooms with high humidity, a plastic or metal mounting profile should be used as lathing. In this case, the panels are attached to the slats with special clips, which greatly facilitates the installation and dismantling of the structure.


Fastening panels using a plastic profile using special clips.

You should take into account the expansion of the material when the temperature changes, so when adjusting the panels in height, leave a small gap. If you use a wide beam for the sheathing, then insulation or soundproofing material can be placed in the resulting space between the wall and the panels.

Features of installing plastic panels on the ceiling

Now let's look at ways to attach plastic panels to the ceiling. Before installation, you need to determine the distance between the panels and the ceiling. This gap will depend on the type of lighting. If you plan to install built-in lamps, then the distance should be at least 10-15 cm, so you can completely hide the wiring. Mark the locations of the lamps in advance with a pencil, cut out the holes and install the lamp bases.


Metal lathing for mounting plastic panels on the ceiling in the bathroom.

Next, you perform the same steps as when installing the panels on the walls. In a room with a flat ceiling, you can do without lathing. Install the ceiling plinth on three walls before starting work. Use a building level to position the panels evenly.

When installing plastic panels in a room with high humidity, fill the ceiling gaps with silicone sealant to achieve complete waterproofness.

1. Cut and drill panels with the right side facing up. Use a hacksaw, handsaw, or utility knife to cut. Always wear special glasses to protect your eyes.

2. Apply the glue directly to the wall. Draw a grid using even lines, leaving no empty areas. Use only special construction adhesive “liquid nails”.

3. When driving nails into the panel during installation, be careful not to hit the surface with a hammer, otherwise dents will remain.

4. Plastic panels should be cleaned with soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaners, rough scourers or solvent-based products for cleaning.

Now you know how to attach plastic panels to the wall and how to care for them. Installing plastic panels does not require much time and can be done by any beginner. By choosing this easy-to-install material, you can create a unique interior with your own hands. Among the variety of panels imitating stone, wood, paper of various colors, you are sure to find an option to your liking.

Be sure to watch the video below, it very clearly shows the process of installing plastic panels.

Video: Finishing bathroom walls and ceilings with PVC panels

How to properly attach plastic panels to the wall

If you decide to finish the walls and ceiling in the bathroom, hallway, kitchen or balcony, then you should look for materials that can cope with high humidity in these rooms and will not change their properties. And PVC panels will be the best option in this case.

They are not expensive, practical and high quality. Among other advantages, the panels are easy to clean, do not deform from contact with moisture and do not fade in the sun. And their installation is quite simple.

They are simply ideal for leveling walls, and thanks to the wide color palette they allow you to bring any design fantasy to life. But fastening the panels also has its own nuances and subtleties.

Materials and tools

Installing plastic panels is quite easy, and therefore you can do this work yourself. But to do the work yourself you need some simple tools:

After all the necessary tools are prepared, you can go for panels, sheathing materials and fasteners. But it’s still worth it first take all necessary measurements so as not to buy too many materials or, conversely, not to buy them later.

How to calculate materials

Plastic panels are available in a variety of colors and sizes. The length of the panels most often varies from 2.7 m to six meters, while their width can reach 50 cm, and the thickness of the panels can be 8 or 10 mm. Based on these parameters, you should calculate the required amount of materials for finishing the rooms.

First you need completely measure the room without missing a single wall, then you need to decide in which direction the panels will be laid - along or across. And after all measurements are completed, the amount of material required should be calculated.

It is worth remembering that depending on how you attach the panels - lengthwise or crosswise, you can visually resize and the outline of the room. If the panels are placed parallel to the floor, the room will visually appear wider, and vertically - higher.

In order to complete the sheathing you will need metal profiles or wooden blocks. Installation of plastic panels on the wall is carried out using fastening to a frame or installation with liquid nails and glue.

Fastening plastic panels to the wall on a frame

Before finishing the walls, you need to make a frame from timber or a metal profile. Before starting work, you need to remove excess dirt and dust from the walls, and also treat the surface with a special antifungal agent.

Then you need draw the sheathing grid using a level. The distance between the slats should be no more than 40 cm. On the marking lines, you need to drill holes at a distance of 50 cm from each other. It is in them that the profile will be attached to the wall with suitable fasteners.

First you need to screw on those profiles that will go along the perimeter of the room, and only then you need to fasten the transverse parts.

If the walls in the room are relatively flat, that is, the difference is not more than 5 cm, then it can be used for a frame wooden blocks, but with a larger difference you need to use a metal profile. It is much easier to secure it at a distance from the wall using special fasteners. After the sheathing is completely completed, you can begin finishing work.

It is worth starting work from the corner farthest to the entrance, because it is the one that is most visible and any trimming will be visible here. First you need secure starting strips at the top and bottom of the frame. The outer or inner mounting corner should be secured to the side. These elements will help secure the plastic and hide the unaesthetic appearance of the panel cuts. Now you can begin installing the material.

Cut the plastic to the required size, it is better to make it 5 cm less in height - when temperatures change, this will help the panel not to deform. Insert it first into the upper and lower grooves, and then into the side. Plastic must be secured to each sheathing post. secured with screws or stapler. Subsequent planks will be attached in the same way.

Installing the last strip is the most difficult step. To do this, it needs to be cut half a centimeter less than required by the rules. First insert it into the corner profile and then snap into the groove of the previous panel. This way you will not deform the guides and finish the wall installation neatly.

Installation of PVC panels with glue and liquid nails

Perfectly straight walls are a rarity these days. But if you are the happy owner of such walls, then there is the possibility of installing panels without the use of sheathing. This method has a lot of advantages, but there are practically no disadvantages:

But first you need to be as careful as possible prepare the walls for work. All visible dirt must be removed from them, primed and coated with an antifungal compound. Now you can attach the plastic.

If the wall allows, then the panel should secure with self-tapping screw somewhere in the middle of the wall, this will help ensure a more secure fastening. A special flexible corner should be glued in the corners of the room. It helps hide the curvature of corners, give the room completeness and forms internal and external corners.

But it should be remembered that with this installation method it is impossible to hide the wiring and secure the lamps. Therefore, the choice of method is up to you.

Installation of PVC panels on the ceiling

Installing PVC panels on walls is much easier than on the ceiling, but this work can also be done with your own hands. After all, the PVC panel helps hide wiring, communication pipes, and ceiling unevenness. It’s also convenient to place spot lighting on them.

Ideal for ceilings frame made of metal profiles, which will help attach the PVC plate more securely. In addition, the metal frame does not deform from moisture and temperature changes.

Before you begin assembling the frame, you need to carefully prepare the ceiling. Remains of paint, whitewash or plaster must be removed from it. Then you need to treat the surface with an antifungal compound.

To start need to make markings walls at a distance of 10 cm from the ceiling. After this, you need to install the elements at a distance of 40 cm from each other. If the distance is greater, the PVC tracks will sag over time.

Then you need pin the start profile or a special baguette for plastic. Corners should be cut using a miter box. But you can cut the corners using a stationery knife already at the installation site. After this, the panels can be installed.

At the end of the work, it should be installed around the perimeter of the room plastic molding, and place a plastic plinth along the floor. At this point, all work on decorating the room with plastic is completed. If the panels are used carefully, they do not lose their attractiveness and beauty for a long time. And considering that it can be easily washed, this finish becomes a real boon in rooms where you often have to wash the walls and ceiling.

Just don’t use aggressive products to wash the panels - they can destroy the surface and you will have to change the coating. But this also has a significant advantage - if one track is damaged, there is no need to change the entire surface; it is enough to remove the damaged area and replace it with a new one.

As you can see, you can easily decorate walls and ceilings with PVC panels with your own hands. All work is carried out in stages. And if strictly follow the instructions of professionals, then the work can be completed in the shortest possible time and without much effort. But remember that you need to select high-quality and reliable materials, and it is better to take a professional tool.

How to attach plastic PVC panels to the wall yourself

PVC panels are one of the best types of finishing and decorating ceilings and walls of various rooms, especially places with high humidity, which include kitchens, balconies, hallways, and bathrooms. They attract both their cost and quality indicators and convenience.

Mounting methods

There are three methods for attaching PVC panels to the wall - with self-tapping screws, clamps, and adhesive. Fastening with glue is only suitable for perfectly smooth walls. Before use, you need to level, clean and dry the mounting surface. Afterwards, an even amount of glue is applied to the material, and it is fixed to the wall.

Types of glue for installing PVC panels:

  • special adhesive mixture for polyvinyl chloride panels;
  • universal glue “Moment-montazh”;
  • liquid nails.

You can use a frame for gluing. Thanks to it, there is no need to level the surface of the walls, and the adhesive composition is applied to the wood sheathing. It is strictly contraindicated to use adhesive material with ingredients such as a cleaner or solvent.

Fastening with self-tapping screws is one of the win-win methods of fastening plastic, which does not require leveling the surface to a perfectly flat state. To ensure that the work does not drag on for a long time, you will need a screwdriver to screw in the screws. The disadvantage of this fastening method: a more suitable frame in this case is wooden, so it will take more time to cut the timber and treat it with an antiseptic.

The best option is fastening with clamps. They are convenient and quick to attach to the sheathing. Clamps help securely fix the material to the wall. The sheathing is easily assembled from metal profiles. If the lining is damaged, it is easy to replace it with a new one. Installation of finishing is carried out quickly.

Fastening tools

Before you begin installation, you need to prepare a set of tools. Most of them can be found in every owner's home. To work you will need:

  • for marking - a pencil with a tape measure;
  • a hacksaw with fine teeth to cut the blade;
  • construction level;
  • plastic profile or slats for fixing;
  • hammer drill, screwdriver;
  • antiseptic, sealant, adhesive composition.

Before you start finishing the walls with clapboard, you will need to remove the old covering, check for cracks, if there are any, eliminate them, and treat the surface with an anti-fungal agent. When mounted on a frame, you can do without additional leveling of the surface.

Installation sequence

PVC lining can be attached directly to the wall or used for attachment, previously prepared sheathing. It is made from slats or beams of wood. For attachment to the wall, the distance between the beams is no more than 300-400 mm, for the ceiling - 300 mm.

Before you begin fastening, it is better to thoroughly understand how to properly fasten plastic panels. When polyvinyl chloride products are nailed to the sheathing, there is a high probability of breaking the integrity of the material, which will lead to the inability to reuse them, so it is better to use clamps, staples or self-tapping screws.

Then the fittings are installed: the final part, a corner on the outer or inner side. You need to attach a ceiling plinth to the top rail if the wall is covered with clapboard up to the ceiling. The material is inserted into the mounting part with a thin mounting flange and secured with nails or staples to the side of the wide mounting flange. When the lining is attached evenly, the next one is inserted into its hole with the narrow side. The panels need to be fastened closely, one to the other. The lining that completes the row must be properly secured between the final piece and the panel preceding it.

In a dry room with smooth walls, it is not necessary to use lathing, and the lining can be fixed directly to the wall. In case of high humidity, instead of lathing, it is better to use a profile for installation from plastic or metal. Clips are used for fastening, which makes working with the panels much easier.

When attaching the lining to the ceiling, it is necessary to determine the gap between it and the ceiling, which will depend on the type of lighting available. To hide the electrical wiring with built-in lamps, this gap should be 100-1 50 mm. Before attaching the panels, holes are cut for the chandeliers, and the bases of the lighting fixtures are installed in them. Then the PVC panel is attached to the ceiling in the same way as on the wall..

If the ceiling is level, it is not necessary to use lathing. When starting work, a ceiling plinth is installed on three walls. For level placement, a building level is used. Before installing the lining in rooms with high humidity, gaps and cracks in the ceiling are filled with silicone sealant to create waterproofness.

When getting started, you need to know how to attach PVC panels correctly and attach the material securely. Do not neglect the technical guidance and recommendations of professionals that can make installation easier.

  • The panel should be face up during cutting and drilling. It is better to cut with a saw for metal products or a hand-held construction knife.
  • The adhesive composition is applied in straight lines to the wall, drawing a grid.
  • To clean wall panels, it is better to use a soap solution. Do not use solvents, detergents that contain abrasives, or rough scourers.
  • It is recommended to wear safety glasses before attaching plastic panels to the wall.
  • Before starting work, familiarize yourself with the theory of how to attach plastic panels to the wall.

By doing the work step by step and following the instructions, you can install the panels yourself, without the help of specialists.

In skillful hands, covering walls with plastic panels is reminiscent of assembling crafts from a children's construction set: the same pleasant-to-touch details, the same principles of fastening PVC panels: either with glue on a pre-prepared surface, or with bolts on a pre-prepared frame.

But if you take a closer look, each method of their installation will have its own nuances that must be taken into account.

The essence of this method is to attach the panels with your own hands to a special frame called sheathing. Its main difficulty is to correctly calculate the upper and lower levels of the sheathing, which must run strictly parallel to each other: the uniform distribution of the guides, on which they will subsequently be attached, depends on this.

However, this does not mean that such installation does not require additional preparation. The latter directly depends on the purpose of the room.

In rooms with stable temperature and humidity - such as living rooms, as a rule - it is enough to simply remove the old peeling coating from the walls with a spatula, carefully inspect for cracks, crevices and chips and, if necessary, seal them with putty or plaster.

If temperature changes and humidity in a room are a common occurrence (think, for example, about bathrooms, kitchens, balconies), you will additionally need.

The waterproofing layer is applied to pre-moistened walls using a roller or paint brush. And after it dries, the walls are processed.

Most often, the sheathing is made of either wood or metal.

Wooden blocks at least 20x20 mm thick are cheaper, but they are less durable and are not suitable for rooms with high humidity levels. Therefore, before use, they must be dried thoroughly (the permissible moisture content of the wood should not exceed 12-15%) and must be treated with an antiseptic to protect against rot and insects.

The metal profile is more expensive, but suitable for any premises, stronger and more durable. In this case, a distinction is made between the UD profile, with the help of which the outline of the sheathing is formed, and the CD profile inserted into it, which serves as intermediate elements (guides).

But regardless of the material, before installing it you need to stock up on:

  • building level and plumb line - to determine the position of the main elements of the sheathing;
  • dowels - for attaching it to the wall;
  • screws - for fastening its elements to each other;
  • tape measure - to measure the distance between the guides;
  • material for supports under the guides - wood or thick plywood;
  • a screwdriver and a drill - to make work easier.

To cut a metal profile you will need metal scissors. For additional work with wooden blocks - a saw with medium teeth, a chisel, a mallet.

Installation of sheathing to the wall

Installation of the sheathing can be divided into several stages

Marking the frame for wall panels

It begins with determining the lower level, running along the floor in such a way that subsequently the baseboard can be screwed onto it. The “reference point” in this case is the most protruding part of the wall: focusing on it, determine the distance by which the sheathing will subsequently retreat from the wall.

If we are talking about wooden beams, another 2-3 mm is added to this distance as a discount for their possible unevenness.

Then comes the determination of the top level, running along the intended ceiling height, and then the side levels. When installing the upper and lower levels, you must use a building level, and when installing the side levels, use a plumb line.

Bringing the frame to the proper level

In general, all levels are not attached to the walls tightly, but on straight hangers, maintaining the required indentation. The outer edges of the sheathing should be located at the same level, which can be adjusted either by grinding off the sheathing bars or using backings.

The distance between the screws on which the profile is attached should be 20-25 cm for a wooden profile and 15-25 cm for a metal profile.

Fastening the guides inside the frame frame

To begin with, they cover all protruding wall elements, as well as window and door openings.

The purpose of this action is to securely secure the edges of the sheathing elements along their boundaries. Then intermediate profiles are mounted.

When installing them, you need to take into account how the PVC panels will be fastened - horizontally or vertically: they are fastened perpendicular to the guides.

Wooden blocks (for wooden sheathing) and CD profiles (for metal sheathing) are inserted into the frame frame and secured with screws at the edges. To give the metal profile additional rigidity, it is recommended to use U-shaped profiles - they are screwed to its guides after the profile is installed and secured.

Naturally, when carrying out this type of work, do not forget to use a building level. But now the sheathing is ready. And it’s time to start installing PVC panels.

How to attach?

To do this you need to stock up:

  • plastic panels, which must “acclimatize” before starting work by staying in the room intended for finishing for at least a day;
  • moldings, that is, special corner profiles that ensure smooth joining;
  • clamps - special brackets for fastening;
  • a building level, which helps to accurately determine the location of the first PVC panel on the sheathing, which serves as a guide for further installation;
  • a special knife or metal file for cutting panels.

The installation of PVC panels does not begin with the installation of moldings - internal and external: it is from them that you will have to build on in the future.

The first panel is installed with a tenon in the profile, attaching it to the sheathing using clamps. The second panel is installed in the groove of the previous one and fastened in the same way. In this way they reach the end of the wall.

The latter is cut in such a way that it can be installed all the way into the finishing corner, while the distance between its tenon and the groove of the previous panel should be 2-3 mm.

The cut edge is inserted into the profile, then the panel is pulled out and connected to the previous panel.

If it is necessary to hide the moldings, the technology for installing plastic wall panels becomes more complicated. The first panel is attached strictly in the very corner, the next one – close to it. A tenon is removed from one of the corner panels, resulting in a groove appearing at the end.

This panel is pushed onto hook brackets installed on the second profile. The next corner panel is inserted into the starting profile.

Installation of PVC panels without lathing

The essence of installing panels without lathing is to glue the panels directly to the wall. And its main difficulty is in the preparation of walls, which require careful alignment, and the correct selection of adhesive composition.

The initial preparation of the walls is the same as with the frame method: the old coating is removed and the cracks are sealed. It is, of course, difficult to perfectly level a wall, but the permissible size of differences, bumps and holes should not exceed 5 mm, otherwise peeling or damage to the plastic is possible.

And taking into account the fact that a dusty, dirty and greasy surface is not able to provide sufficient adhesion to any glue, there is a need for high-quality cleaning of the walls: washing off the whitewash, removing grease with detergents, priming.

The range of glues on the modern market is large. For installing plastic panels with your own hands, universal products such as Kleyberit 636, Emfikol 34012A or Moment Crystal are perfect, but it is best to use glue designed specifically for gluing plastic. Good glue:

  • after drying it becomes transparent and forms a film layer;
  • not afraid of moisture, frost and temperature changes;
  • bonds surfaces for a long period and sets quickly.

Hot melt adhesive should not be used to attach the panels.

It provides too rigid a fixation and, “interacting” with plastic, which has a considerable coefficient of thermal expansion, deprives panels made from it of free movement, thereby facilitating their separation from the walls.

More reliable non-expanding polyurethane sealant and liquid nails - their sufficient plasticity does not allow the panel to come off the wall during temperature fluctuations.

PVC panels are glued to the wall like this:

  • take the panel and wipe it from the back with a damp cloth to remove dust;
  • glue is applied to the back side in a dotted manner, the distance between drops of which varies from 25 cm to 35 cm;
  • then the panel is applied to the wall.

If liquid nails were used when trying to glue it, it is better to tap it and tear it off: this type of glue requires airing for 5-7 minutes - only then will it acquire additional rigidity and will not allow the panel, after pressing it again, to fall away from the wall until it is completely dry.

Forming external and internal corners when installing frameless PVC panels for the most part does not make sense. Simple cladding with ordinary plastic corners, in which there are no grooves for inserting panels, is sufficient.

They simply need to be glued onto transparent silicone and wiped with a damp cloth to remove any excess. The size of such inserts ranges from 20 mm to 50 mm, depending on the curvature of the corners. If you need to glue PVC panels around the socket, the place for the socket is first cut out, and the electricity is turned off.

At the last stage of installation, floor and ceiling skirting boards are installed, which are secured using self-tapping screws. The joints between the panels are treated with polyurethane foam or transparent silicone sealant (the latter is preferable in rooms with high humidity).

Plastic panels today are increasingly used as a finishing material for walls and ceilings. Their popularity is constantly trending upward, due to their good performance characteristics, aesthetic appearance and ease of installation work. Another significant advantage of panels of this type is the affordable price level.

How to choose plastic panels

Plastic panels can be used in rooms with high humidity without any particular concerns.

This material is resistant to aggressive environments and temperature fluctuations - suitable for. Moreover, their use prevents the formation of mold and mildew, which is important for. When choosing PVC panels, you should take into account the length and width. The surface of the material can be varnished, glossy or matte.

Another significant advantage of PVC panels is the absence of the need for careful leveling of the surface, as well as the ability to hide individual communication elements under the frame.

Photo: finishing the bathroom with plastic panels

When choosing this variation of finishing material, you should focus on the fact that plastic panels for walls and ceilings have certain differences. The former have higher weight indicators. In addition, they have a more rigid structure.

Option for finishing a bathroom with plastic panels

Plastic panels intended for finishing the ceiling have less weight. This is due to the need to carry out installation work at height. Minimum weight indicators greatly facilitate this procedure.

Finishing the walls and ceiling in the kitchen with plastic panels

Along with this, plastic ceiling panels are more fragile. When performing installation work, you should be very careful, as you can easily damage the surface of the finishing material.

Wall decoration with decorative plastic panels

With a standard thickness of 5-10 mm, the width of the panels can vary from 25 to 50 cm. The length ranges from 2.7 to 3 m. When choosing a finishing material, you should pay attention to the quality of the color of the panel, the uniformity of the pattern and the correctness of the shape. You should also take into account the quality of the stiffeners. They should not stick out from the outside. The surface of the material should not contain characteristic chips and cracks.

The level of resistance of the material to deformation will depend on the quality of the density and flexibility of the PVC panel. If such a panel is tightly compressed, there should be no traces of mechanical damage on it.

Required tools and materials

When performing work on installing plastic panels on the wall and ceiling, at the initial stage you should select the necessary tools and materials. To resolve an installation issue, you may need:

  • PVC panels;
  • drill;
  • dowels;
  • cord and pencil;
  • perforator;
  • ladder.

Moldings and corners should also be added here. By using the latter, you can achieve the most even markings. Otherwise, when installing plastic panels on walls or ceilings, certain difficulties may arise.

Photo: plastic panels for bathroom tiles

Plastic panels are selected depending on the layout of the room. In a small room it is advisable to use narrow panels. If you are finishing a larger room, it is most advisable to resort to the use of wider products.

Photo: ceiling decoration with built-in lamps with PVC panels

Self-tapping screws can be used instead of dowels. They are necessary if the frame will have a metal design. Dowels are only relevant if a wooden frame is used. It should be noted here that a wooden base cannot be installed in rooms with high humidity. This is due to the fact that such material is susceptible to rotting, as well as the negative influence of fungi and mold. For this reason, using a wooden frame in the kitchen and bathroom is not a practical solution.

Construction of lathing for walls and ceilings

The structure of the frame is the primary issue that should be resolved when installing plastic panels on a wall or ceiling. It was noted above that a wooden or metal variation of the frame can be used as a base. The optimal distance between the individual elements of such a base is equivalent to 50 cm. In this way, it is possible to compensate for the uneven surface of the ceiling or walls. The recommended sequence of actions will look like this:

  1. Carrying out markings.
  2. Installation of profiles along the entire perimeter of the surface.
  3. Installation of transverse profiles.
  4. Installation of the base for fastening PVC panels.
  5. Installation of panels.

When marking, you should first determine the minimum ceiling height. From this point on the walls you need to draw two lines. To do this, you can resort to using a cord painted with chalk. The correctness of the marking is checked using a building level.

After marking, profiles should be installed along the entire perimeter of the surface. These elements must be fixed without creating voids or gaps. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to achieve maximum reliability of the entire structure.

Profile frame for walls

After installing the transverse profiles, the task that needs to be resolved is to install the base for the panel fastenings. Self-tapping screws can be used to attach plastic profiles.

Profile frame on the ceiling

When installing a metal frame variation, you should be as careful as possible. The total weight of the structure will be quite large, so it is necessary to ensure high reliability of its fastening. Attaching hangers to concrete floors can be done by using special dowels with a head on the sleeve. Conventional dowels will fail, since concrete is characterized by the presence of internal voids.

Attaching the first panel to the frame

Holes in the metal profile can be drilled simultaneously with the preparation of holes in the wall. If the frame is mounted on ceramic tiles, it is advisable to use a hammer drill only if the adhesive mixture has completely dried. Otherwise, cracks may appear on the surface of the tile.

Features of panel installation

Or it is best to start a wall by determining the optimal length of the material. It is recommended that this issue be resolved in advance. To cut plastic panels, you can use a regular hacksaw.

There is nothing complicated in the installation procedure of such panels. They are first placed in the profile and then secured using self-tapping screws. It is recommended to start installing plastic panels from the corner of the room. This applies to both the ceiling and the wall. It is also very important to monitor the quality and evenness of installation of the first element. It should be located strictly perpendicular to the wall or ceiling. Otherwise, the panel will not be able to snap into the groove and there will be a need for dismantling and new installation.

Special lathing for plastic panels with fasteners

The edges of the plastic panels must fit into the slats. The last part is adjusted to the optimal distance to the wall. If necessary, you can cut the panel with a regular hacksaw.

Advice! Before carrying out work related to the installation of plastic panels on a ceiling or wall, it is recommended to first take care of installing various elements of communication systems. They are capable of well camouflaging water pipes, electrical wiring or heating pipes.