Steph Harris, Product Manager at Showerwall, takes us through how to fit its Laminate Collection wall panelling system in an over the bath setting
If you’re looking to create stylish bathroom walls whilst offering your customer a low-maintenance, cost-effective alternative to tiles, Showerwall offers a large choice of stylish designs, which can create a visually striking finish. The hard-wearing, waterproof system can create a seamless look without the need for grouting. It’s simple to fit and clean, making it perfect for panelling around the bath.
Showerwall’s Laminate panels are available in either square edge or Proclick options. Proclick technology is a mechanical tongue and groove system that provides seamless, almost invisible joints. Using the relevant profiles, along with patented Sureseal technology, which prevents silicone breakdown, discolouration and mould, it provides a watertight wall panelling system.
The Proclick system can be installed over the bath by following these simple steps:
Step 1 – Prepare your tools and walls
Typically for this installation you will need a 1,200mm and 600mm Proclick panel to complete the length of the bath; other panels will also be required depending on the area or size of the installation.
Tools you will need include: a tape measure, 1,200mm spirit level, sealant gun, suction cups, masking tape, blade and pencil, jigsaw, power drill, hand saw, circular saw, mitre block and metal saws. Ear protection is also recommended.
The wall panels can be fixed to an existing wall or directly over tiles, providing the surface is flat and plumb. If the walls are not flat, then treated battens must be used to install the panels.
Step 2 – Check your work area
Before undertaking the installation, ensure that all walls are sound, plumb, completely dry, dust free and clean before applying the Showerwall panels. Also check the level of your bath or shower tray.
Step 3 – Begin by installing Sureseal
Sureseal is a four-part system for installations and provides a watertight finish at the base of the panel. To install Sureseal, first measure the length and width of the bath and cut the strips to the appropriate size. Seal the strip to the bath ledge using Showerwall silicone sealant.
Step 4 – Measure and cut panels to size
The panels may require cutting before installation, so ensure the cutting line is measured and marked before any alterations are made. Take measurements for the height and width of the panel, measuring from Nib A to the ceiling. Remove the protective film from the panel. Then mark and cut the panel to the correct height and width with a hand saw, circular saw or jigsaw, décor side up to avoid chipping. Ensure any holes for pipes or showerheads are made at this point.
Step 5 – Fix the trims and first panel
Fix the internal corner trim to the wall using Showerwall adhesive, ensuring this is level. Measure the width of the wall, allowing 15mm for the corner of the trim and cut the width accordingly. Next, fit the end cap directly to the panel using the sealant.
Apply sealant in the channel of the Sureseal strip and corner trim, and apply 6mm beads of adhesive to the walls in zig-zag lines.
To fix the first panel, ensure the bottom edge drops fully into the base channel and slide it into the internal corner trim profile. Remove excess sealant from the front edge of the Sureseal strip, using the Showerwall sealant profiler.
Step 6 – Fix panels two and three
Cut the second panel, removing the tongue edge to fit into the trim. Then cut to size and repeat the sealant and adhesive instructions from the first panel. You can use suction cups if required to fit your second panel.
Ensure the panel is slid neatly into the corner trim and then fix to the wall.
For the third panel, measure from the second panel edge to the wall, remembering to remove the 15mm for the corner trim. When cutting panel three, ensure the measurement is taken from the panel edge and not the tongue profile. Fix the corner trim to the cut panel edge using sealant. Apply a small bead of sealant to the shoulder of the tongue edge and then locate the tongue edge into the groove edge of panel two at a shallow angle to the wall.
Finally rotate the panel towards the wall, making sure the tongue is sitting correctly in the groove and then fix to the wall, removing any excess sealant. The corner trim is now in place.
Step 7 – Fit the final panel
Attach the end cap directly to the panel again using sealant. Apply sealant and adhesive to the wall and seal as before. Next, locate panel four neatly into the corner trim before fixing to the wall.
Finally, seal the expansion gap at the ceiling edge to ensure it is watertight. Fill any holes made for pipes or showerheads with sealant, before sealing around the fixtures and fittings. Leave for 24 hours for the sealant and adhesive to set, and it is ready to use.
Once complete you will have a hard-wearing watertight system with a 30-year customer guarantee.
A full installation video can be found here.
As part of its Laminate, Acrylic and Custom Collections, Showerwall offers a vast range of designs with style choices ranging from tile-effect designs and replica marble finishes to wallpaper-inspired prints. The wall panels are 100% waterproof, easy to maintain and don’t require any grout, making them on average 50% quicker to fit than traditional tiles.
The full collection offers over 100 decors to suit all tastes, with Laminate panels available in 600mm, 900mm and 1,200mm x 2,440mm, Acrylic available in 896mm and 1,200mm x 2,400mm and Compact available in 1,220mm x 2,440mm.
To find out more about Showerwall’s products visit Waterproof Bathroom Wall Panels | Showerwall.
To sign up to Showerwall’s Find a Fitter scheme, visit Fit It – Showerwall.
