How to cut Bathroom Wall Panels with a Stanley Knife
Cutting Bathroom Wall Panels with a Stanley Knife
Cutting Bathroom Wall Panels with a Stanley knife is one of the easiest and fastest methods and will give you a clean edge. It is important to cut decorative face up when using a Stanley Knife. Using a Stanley knife is for the thinner depth panels such as 5, 6, 7 and 8mm. These are typically 250mm width panels.
The technique is to score the panel using a straight edge (a large speedsquare is ideal), score the panel once or twice then position the score line so it is just beyond the edge of a bench, place your hand on the panel that is not supported by the bench and push down quickly using a snapping action. The panel will snap cleanly along that line.
We look at this technique in depth with our guide below…
Score Cut Across the Bathroom Panel
Position a straight edge – we have used a large speedsquare but you can use any straight edge, be mindful that you need to keep your non cutting hand away from the travel of the Stanley Knife.
With your Stanley Knife score along the edge to create a shallow cut. Score along this edge two to three times depending on depth of material.
For a 5mm bathroom wall panel 2 score cuts will be sufficient, for 8mm panels I would recommend 3 score cuts. Be careful with the travel of the blade as depending on the panel it can easily drift.
Position the Panel then ‘Snap’ Down
After scoring the snap line we will then position the panel to remove the section of the panel to be removed.
Carefully position over the edge of a bench or table, you want the snap line to be above the edge of the bench. Place your hand on top of the panel just above the snap line and hold the panel in place – apply pressure to prevent the panel from moving.
With your other hand grip the end of the panel you wish to remove – in one one swift motion ‘snap’ down to break the panel.
This will create a clean break along the score line. To remove the waste piece, turn the panel upside down and repeat the downwards snapping motion. This secondary step really does depend on the panel, some panels snap easier than others.
Clean Edge
There are numerous methods to cut bathroom wall panels. Cutting with a Stanley Knife is very popular because of its speed and the limited number of tools required (Stanley Knife).
Each panel cuts slightly different but you will understand how much pressure to apply with both the score line and the snapping action with the first panel.
The image shows the edge of the panel that we snapped in the example we have used throughout the guide. You will note it is a clean edge with little to no burr.
Cutting Along the Length of the Panel
It is easier to cut along the length of the panel as you are not cutting against the ribs. In most cases you can cut straight through. The challenge is what you use as a long straight edge, whatever you use just make sure it is broad enough to keep your non cutting hand out of the way of the blade.
Cutting Bathroom Wall Panels with a Stanley Knife | FAQs
Will any Stanley Knife cut PVC Wall Panels?
Yes.
I would recommend a Stanley Knife that allows you to change the blade easily as its the new blade that will make the biggest difference rather than a specific feature of a Stanley Knife.
What Straight Edge would you recommend?
Again, there are no specific requirements.
My only recommendation is to use a wide straight edge (large speed square is ideal) to keep your non cutting hand clear of the blade.
How much force do I need to apply to 'snap' the panel after scoring?
Depending on the panel you dont need to apply too much pressure. 5mm is obviously easier than a 8mm.
If the panel is bending instead of ‘snapping’ at the score line I would score again with a slightly deeper cut. You need the panel to break at the score line.
Shower Panel, Wall Panel and Ceiling Panel Buying Guides
What Tools & Accessories are required to fit PVC Wall Panels?
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.