Tools & Accessories for Bathroom Wall Panels
Tools & Accessories for Bathroom Wall Panels
A large part of the appeal of Bathroom Wall Panels is how easy they are to install. If we look at the three elements of fitting wall panels in your bathroom or any room or wall in the house – it starts with measuring and calculating number of panels required then cutting the panels to match the size and shape of your wall and then we get to actually fitting the panels to the wall.
Do you need special tools for the three steps?
No. But having certain tools will make the task a lot easier and more importantly give you a better finish. I will go through all the tools and accessories that I would recommend.
Tools for Measuring PVC Panels
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Tools for Cutting PVC Panels
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Tools for Fitting PVC Panels
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Tools for Measuring PVC Wall Panels
Measuring for PVC Wall Panels
Measuring for PVC Wall Panels is far simpler than you may think, it really does come down to dividing the width of the wall with the width of your chosen panel.
A tape measure is the key tool here but there are modern alternatives to the humble tape measure.
You will need to measure the height of the wall (is the height under the length of the panels you are considering?)
The width of the wall is the key measurement as you calculate number of panels with this linear measurement
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Recommended Tape Measure for PVC Wall Panels
This is the one tool you will use the most, it is critical at every stage – from measuring the wall to measuring for cuts. You can use any tape measure, the main reason I recommend the Stanley FATMAX is its standout. This is how far the tape can stand out from the holder – this is incredibly handy if you are working on your own.
Wide 32mm blade makes reading the numbers easy and improves blade standout up to 3.35m for easy one person measuring
Blade Armor coating on the first 100mm reduces the risk of breaking the tape by 95%, whilst Mylar coating delivers up to 10 times more resistant to abrasion
3 Rivet end hook 40% stronger than a 2 rivet hook construction, specially designed hook grabs on side, top or bottom for versatility
Unit of measure - Metric and Imperial
Recommended Laser Distance Measure for PVC Wall Panels
- 2 Bubble Levels
- Self-calibration Function
- Automatic calculation of area, volume and distance
- Distance Measuring Range: 0.05-50m
- Laser Type: Class II, 635nm, <1mW
- Data Store/ Recall Function: 20 Data Store
- IP 54 Dust & Splash Proof
- Auto Power Off Time: 180s
- Units Switchable: Ft/M/In/ft+in
Tools for Cutting PVC Wall Panels
Tools for Cutting PVC Wall Panels
There are a number of options for cutting tools for PVC Wall Panels and your choice of tool will depend on which cutting method you choose. A good rule of thumb is…
250mm Wall Panels
Choose from Stanley Knife, handsaw or mitre saw. This is a thinner panel and easier to cut. If I dont have a mitre saw setup I typically choose a speed square and Stanley knife.
Shower Panels
Choose from handsaw or jigsaw. You can use a circular saw but you will need a fine tooth blade and work slowly.
PVC Wall Panels are easy to cut – it is a standout feature. With any tool you choose I would recommend cutting slowly until you are comfortable with level of or lack of resistance in the cut.
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Recommended Stanley Knife for PVC Wall Panels
The Stanley Knife is the tool most homewoners will have, the only recommendation I would offer is to use one where it is easy to swap out blades. When cutting a panel with a Stanley knife you are scoring the decorative face so you need a sharp blade – hence the requirement to swap out blades easily.
All metal construction that is solid, reliable and long lasting
Easy blade change and takes standard utility blades
For security the blades cannot be used simultaneously
One handed operation blade slider - extends the blade quickly and easily
Compatible with most standard utility and hook blades
Recommended Speed Square for PVC Wall Panels
The Speed Square is great for a straight edge for marking out and cutting panels with a Stanley Knife. This is the model I use, well made, will last a long time and is a good price for the quality.
【Size】310x310x430mm (12x12x17 inches). Checking the angle of the triangle ruler is quick and easy. The ruler is clear, accurate and easy to read.
【Features】Have frame angle, triangle, miter angle and protractor angle, this measuring tool can also be used as a scriber and saw blade guide. The lip can be used for safe positioning. With 0-90° protractor scale.
【High-grade Aluminum Alloy】The surface is matt, can prevent glare. The carpenters rafter square is corrosion-resistant, durable.
【Multi-purpose】Suitable for timber projects, but also for hobbyists, house builders, manufacturers and artists.
Recommended Saw for cutting PVC Wall Panels
The main requirement for a handsaw for cutting PVC Wall Panels is for it to be fine toothed. A coarse tooth pattern will leave a rougher cut. This FatMax PVC Saw is ideal for cutting wall panels. When you are cutting wall panels dont be in a rush, slow and steady is recommended.
- Bi-material handle for excellent grip and comfort
- Secure, ultrasonically welded blade
- Un-set teeth create less burrs
- Induction hardened for durability
- Thin blade for increased accuracy
Recommended Mitre Saw for cutting PVC Wall Panels
The fastest and arguably the most accurate method for cutting wall and ceiling panels is the Mitre Saw. This is the tool the industry uses to cut samples (unless they are manufacturer produced).
You dont need to go really high end but I would recommend a sliding bevel – that will make the task a lot easier. The Evolution range is very good for the money – highly recommended.
- Multi-material: Premium Japanese tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) blade included cuts steel, aluminium, wood with embedded nails, plastic and more
- Powerful: 1500 W optimised gearbox and blade system, increases motor and blade life to cut through a variety of materials with ease
- Accurate: Precision cutting with laser guidance, trench cut facility, 300 mm slide, 0 - 45 degrees bevel and 50 - 50 degrees mitre settings, covers all common cutting angles
- R210-TCT multi-material blade (24 teeth) included
- 3 years limited warranty (only valid if purchased in the UK)
Recommended Multi Tool for cutting PVC Wall Panels
The Multi Tool is the tool you dont think you need until you use one and then you wonder how civilisation reached the point it did without them. Makes cut-outs mid panel a breeze.
If you dont have this tool you will obviously purchase the battery platform brand you are invested in but I can certainly recommend this DeWalt model – I use this far more than I should. Recommended.
- Compact 300w motor delivers 0-22,000 oscillations per minute, providing faster completion of the most demanding tasks
- Variable speed control and dual grip position. Allows for a simple soft start function, and better application control
- Quick-fit depth stop for ultimate control over application
- Quick-fit dust extraction kit is compatible with the DEWALT Airlock system. Manage dust and reduce clear-up time
- Battery packs are interchangeable with over 30 tools in the XR system. DeWalt 18V XR Lithium-Ion Battery sold separately.
Tools for Fitting PVC Wall Panels
Tools & Accessories for Fitting PVC Wall Panels
Fitting Wall Panels covers a wide range of options so this list of tools & accessories will reflect that.
Fitting Tools
The tools we will look at will be used to secure the panels to the wall – this will in most cases be until the adhesive or sealant cures. There are three main methods for securing a panel to a wall or timber battens – stapling, small screws or pins.
Accessories for fitting Wall Panels
This covers adhesive, sealants and tape to help secure the panels to the wall.
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Recommended Laser Level for Fitting PVC Wall Panels
- DUAL MODES & SELF-LEVELING
- HIGH VISIBILITY & ACCURACY
- HIGH PROTECTION GRADE
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING DESIGN
- 2 YEARS WARRANTY & EXCELLENT AFTER-SALE SERVICE
Recommended Staple Gun for Fitting PVC Wall Panels
A staple gun is used when you are ‘stapling’ the rear tab of the panel to a substrate where a staple will grab – such as OSB sheet material or a timber batten. You can use it on plasterboard but as a rule you get insufficient hold – note any mechanical fixing is used to hold the panel in place until the adhesive or sealant cures. The Stanley model below is more expensive than most but I have had it for years and it is reliable and robust. Recommended.
- A heavy duty staple and brad nail gun with aluminium housing for added durability and long lasting usability. Designed for use on thin woods and sheet materials and suitable for applications such as gardening, wire netting, insulation, beading, fencing, trim work and panelling
- Features easy squeeze technology for reduced user fatigue and added driving power into materials
- High and low power setting to control intensity of staple application when working on a variety of hard and soft materials
- Anti-jam mechanism for continuous use and reliable operation
- Built in front wire guide for accurate alignment of staples to press down on cables and other low voltage wires
Recommended Adhesive for Fitting PVC Wall Panels
There are many good quality adhesives to choose from covering a wide range of prices.
The industry standard is PinkGrip SF, this is the most reliable I have used and offers the most consistent results. Make sure you purchase the Solvent Free version.
Pink Grip Solvent Free Adhesive
Default recommendation for PVC Panels. A good quality SOLVENT FREE adhesive.
Pink Grip SF is the adhesive that has performed consistently over the years, gets a good grab and never had any issues.
Recommended Silicone Sealant for Fitting PVC Wall Panels
The Everflex 200 is a good ‘all rounder’ sealant. I would use this for for the rear of panels and joins that receive less moisture – prefer an Anti Mould Sealant for these areas. This is a good sealant for the price, never had any issues with it.
A good all round silicone sealant. There are more expensive sealants with greater elasticity on the market but the Everflex 200 is another reliable performer.
I recommend an anti mould sealant for sealing shower trays or bath tubs.
Recommended Anti Mould Silicone Sealant for Fitting PVC Wall Panels
Forever White has served me well over the years, never had any issues with it. I use this on joins that receive the most water but would recommend using this on any visible join.
Forever White is a superior silicone sealant that is permanently waterproof and flexible. It is also ideal for use in kitchens and utility rooms and for sealing around window and door frames.
Forever White is independently tested and certified by an accredited microbiological laboratory to show no mould growth after more than 10 years simulated ageing.
Forever White now also contains an Anti-Bacterial additive which kills germs.
Glen Coulson
Glen is one of our expert bloggers in bathroom design, cladding and all things DIY. If he isn’t fitting PVC panels, he’s talking or writing about PVC Panels and really should get out more.
Read his posts for the latest coverage of style trends and easy to follow guides.