Introduction
Transform your space effortlessly with Trepanel Style® WPC Wall Panels – the perfect solution for stylish and practical wall cladding. Whether you’re upgrading a bathroom or creating a statement media wall, these decorative wall panels offer a lightweight and easy-to-handle design, making them ideal for DIY installation. With a variety of styles available, you can achieve a bespoke look without the hassle of complex tools or professional help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to install wall panels step by step so you can enjoy a sleek, modern finish in no time.
You Will Need:
- > Trepanel Style® Wall Panels
- > Mapei Super Grip Panel Adhesive
- > Caulking gun
- > Tape Measure
- > Straight edge
- > Gloves and eye protection
- > Fine tooth saw
If installing in your bathroom/area that will come into direct contact with water, you will also need:
- > Tanking system/waterproof membrane
- > Silicone Sealant
- > Anti-bac cleaner
Step 1 – Preparing your Walls
Before beginning any installation process, ensure your wall surface is appropriately prepared. The surface should be clean, dry and free of any dust or debris. For best results, you may also need to fill in any cracks or imperfections in the wall.
Step 2 – Measuring your Panels
Measure the area where you’d like to install your panels using a tape measure. Remember, measure twice and cut once!
If you need to make cuts to your panels to ensure a snug fit or avoid obstacles like plugs and switches, make sure you mark on your panel where these cuts need to be.
Step 3 – Cutting Your Panels
If you plan to cut your panels, you should do so using a fine-tooth saw. Rest the panel on a sturdy, solid and flat surface, and cut with the decorative side facing up.
We recommend wearing gloves and eye protection when doing this, to avoid the risk of injury.
Step 4 – Applying Your Panels
If using our Trepanel Style® Trimes alongside these panels, ensure you install these at the necessary points along your wall, screwing them in place or adhering them using an appropriate adhesive.
Apply our Mapei Super Grip Panel Adhesive with a caulking gun to the reverse of the panel, creating a boarder approximately 50mm from the edge, and then a cross through the centre.
Lift your first panel and press against your wall, holding it in place for approximately 30 seconds to ensure adhesion, making sure the adhesive has made contact with the wall.
If you are applying your panels to a wooden batten system, apply the adhesive to the battens rather than the panel.
For your second panel, apply the adhesive in the same way, making sure you interlock the tongue and groove system when pressing the panel against the wall. This will create a seamless, sturdy finish.
Step 5 – Cleaning the Panels
To clean your Trepanel Style® Panels, ensure you use a clean, wet towel or sponge with warm, soapy water (or non-abrasic antibacterial spray). Do not use strong acids to clean your waterproof panels, as this may damage the design.
Additional Installation Information for Bathroom Use
If you are planning to install your panels in your bathroom, where they will come into direct contact with water, then you will need to waterproof your wall, ensuring this is done before your panels are installed to avoid water damage to your wall surface.
To do this, we recommend using either a tanking system or a waterproof membrane that is specifically designed for use in wet areas.
Common choices for this include both sheet membranes ot waterproof boards.
We recommend our Mapei Shower Waterproofing Kit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or our guide to apply this.
When installing your panels, ensure you apply a line of waterproof silicone sealant along the tongue and groove down the sides of the panels before interlocking them into one another to ensure a waterproof seal, preventing water from penetrating your walls.
Run a line of silicone sealant around the edges of your panels and around any holes or cuts you made into the panel, preventing water from penetrating the wall behind.
Conclusion
Installing Trepanel Style® WPC Panels is a simple and effective way to elevate your space, whether you’re creating a sleek media wall in your living area or a waterproof wall cladding solution for your bathroom. With their lightweight design and easy installation, these decorative wall panels are perfect for DIY enthusiasts looking to achieve a professional finish without the need for specialist tools. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a seamless, modern look with minimal effort. If installing in a wet area, don’t forget to apply the recommended waterproof system to ensure durability. Now, step back and admire your transformed space.
