Internal Bathroom & Kitchen Cladding Installation Guide

Easy, hygienic and economical bathroom wall cladding also suitable for ceilings, a new decorative interior cladding for walls and ceilings. It has the aesthetically pleasing appearance and wipe-clean practicality of tiles with the added advantage of being very simple and very quick to install.

The ideal alternative to tiles

The wall cladding is made from high quality U-PVC and acrylic coated for a tough, resilient, wipe clean surface, perfect in bathrooms and kitchens its hollow panel construction provides insulation whilst reducing condensation and mould growth. It is available in a variety of sophisticated finish designs such as Italian marble, eggshell and classic white and can be mounted horizontally, vertically or used as panelling to suit any design scheme.

Versatile in application, Aqualine is ideal for hotels, leisure centres and shopfitting. Its wash down practicality also makes it popular for areas where hygiene is important such as butchers and catering premises.

The Aqualine 1-2-3 system further extends the decorative possibilities of the cladding offering 3 different installation options. Panels can interlock to create a flush fit finish for walls. Alternatively, infils of black, gold or silver can be used for decorative effect, lying on the top of each panel or between each panel at chosen intervals for a more pronounced effect. 

Decorative Internal Cladding



3 Possibilities with one type of cladding.

The Aqualine cladding 1-2-3 system offers extended possibilities for interior application perfect for decorating bathrooms or lining shower enclosures. It is stylish to create a flush effect where the lines between the panels can hardly be seen. The channel in fills that are available in several colours create the opportunity to obtain different effects on walls and ceilings by giving the cladding a superb finishing touch. 

A Flush Effect  

No infill are used, the different panels are interlocked into one another. This creates a flush effect on the wall. For ceilings it is advised to use either an infill or a channel infill.

An infill is used  

The infill is smaller than channel infill and both are available in colours black, gold, and silver. The infill can be used between each panel or e.g. between every two or three panels. The infill lies on top of the panel and offers an outstanding decorative finish. The available colours match with all the colours and designs in the Aqualine range.

A channel infill is used  

The channel infill is wider than the infill and creates more distance between two panels. It is ideal for ceilings but can be used on walls as well. For ceilings we recommend one infill between every panel, The channel infill lies more between the panels whereas the infill lies more on top of the panels. Again it is available in Black, Gold and Silver and can be used between each panel or between every two to three panels


DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Planning 

Unless the cladding is to be fixed using battens, an allowance of the board thickness (10mm) from the face of the background to the face of cladding needs to be made when determining the lining dimension required at door and window reveals. If the background is badly out of line and battening is to be used then additional allowance will have to be made. 

Integrity Of Construction 

All joints in the masonry background should be filled. If cladding is fitted using battens, joints between all butting elements and the masonry background, unless well fitted, should be filled. The background must be sound, dry and in good condition. If using battening as the method of securing the cladding and thus creating a cavity, then any surface fittings or penetration of services, should be sealed where they pass through the lining, as they are installed. Long runs of cladding on external walls using this method of construction, should allow for cavity barriers in order to restrict air flow. 

Services  

Construction using battening allows for services to be incorporated between the background and the cladding without the need of extensive chasing. Pipes, cables and conduits should be in place before cladding work commences. 

Insulation  

Insulation can be further enhanced by installing glass-fibre wood or expanded polystyrene between wall or ceiling and the cavity 

FIXING DETAILS


Decorative cladding may be pinned, stapled or bonded direct to a wall or ceiling, or attached to battens, the latter should be used if the surface is uneven or damaged. 

The panels are interlocking, the lead or rounded edge dovetailing into its predecessor's U-shaped or trailing edge. Installation begins by cutting the initial edging or corner profile to height and fixing it the wall (or ceiling) to be clad. The first panel is similarly cut, its rounded edge locked into the profile and its training edge fixed to the wall or batten, ready for the next panel. The final panel in a sequence is cut with 3mm of play so that it can be fitted after the profile is secured, by flexing into place and pushing home.  

To ensure a water proof seal, an approved silicon sealant should be used on the joints between lead and trailing edge, where it will be effective without being visible. If preferred, a sealant can be used instead of profiles to finish corners.

For walls and ceilings The simplicity of installation provides the advantage of not having to use highly skilled labour, and providing the background is flat the cladding can be adhered directly to the wall, removing the necessity to render. Suitable for any application in the home or office        

The cladding can be mounted horizontally, vertically on the whole surface of the wall, or just partly as wainscoting. Decorative cladding can give a cost saving of up to 50% on conventional tiling with a lot less mess.

​Our easy to follow installation guide is provided with each pack so you get the best from your decorative panels


Installation

PVC Panels are easy to install. Provided the wall surface is completely flat, you may glue/silicone the panels to the wall. If not you can either staple, nail or screw the boards on wooden battens. In rooms with a high humidity treated wood and stainless steel fixings should be used. Extra insulation can be installed between the battens.

1. In case you decide not to glue the panels to the wall, you start by placing wooden battens approx. every 30 cm. To install the panels vertically, place the battens horizontally and vice versa. 

2. Continue by measuring the number of panels you will need for the wall or ceiling. If the last panel is too narrow, we advise to saw the first panel so that you have at least 4 cm on either side.

3. Start by fixing the start and edge trim (no 9) around the surface you want to decorate. Insert the first panel into the trim. Make sure the first panel is placed perfectly straight (using a spiritlevel or a thread with weight) before stapling, nailing or screwing the lip onto the batten (every 30cm). Leave about 5mm clearance between the panel and the edge trim. A fine tooth saw is recommended for cutting the panels to size.

4. Insert the second panel completely into the groove before stapling (nailing or screwing) into the lip. Proceed in the same way with the next panels. For the finish you can also use the internal corner profile (profile no 4V), the external corner (profile no 17V) and/or the centre joint (profile no10).

General Information

Coverage: Each pack covers an area of 2.7sq metres. Product available in standard lengths of 2.7 metres and 6 metres to order.

Maintenance: Use normal cleaning agents i.e hot soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Solvents are not recommended neither should aggressive cleaning agents be used.

Fire: Plastivan have class 1 fire certification for various products, please contact us for further details.

Temperature: Use the product in temperatures between -20°C and +60°C.

Down Lighters: Refer to temperature information.

Performance: Plastivan Decor is for internal use only, when installed and maintained as per our instructions, the product is covered by a 10 year guarantee against crazing or fading due to U.V light. Only a low tack masking tape may be used during installation and removed immediately afterwards.

Preparation: We advise that all Decor panels should be visually inspected prior to fitting.