A Guide to Adhesive for Bathroom Wall Panels

If you’re considering installing your bathroom wall panels yourself, an appropriate adhesive should be a staple in your toolbox. But with so many adhesive options available – as well as sealants – which is the right one for you and your project? This blog aims to answer this question by looking at the choices on offer and the differences between them.

How is Adhesive Used with Bathroom Wall panels

Adhesive is used to attach your new bathroom wall panels to a surface. It ensures that the panels are securely attached and do not move or shift, keeping them safe, durable, and long lasting. However, before you start installing your new bathroom wall panels, we would recommend researching the various adhesives available to make sure you have the correct one for you and your panels.

What Adhesive options are available for Bathroom Wall panels

Different Adhesives available

The most common adhesives available include:

• Contact adhesives (rubber based) – this is probably the most common type of adhesive and can be used to bond most materials. However, it is unsuitable for some, so we always recommend reading the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before you start. The best way to use contact adhesive is to apply to both surfaces you want to bond and the clip or tape in place as the adhesive dries. This will ensure a strong bond.

• Two-part adhesives (epoxy resins) – Epoxy resins are a versatile adhesive that are used for sticking a range of materials, including metal, stone, ceramics, plastic, wood and glass. However, epoxy resins can be toxic, so it is very important to read the manufacturer’s instructions and take extra precautions when using such a resin.

• PVA (polyvinyl adhesive) – PVA, also known as wood or white glue, is a multi-use, multi-purpose adhesive. It can be used to bond, prime, and even seal surfaces. It also often contains waterproof properties which makes it ideal for use in damp environments and for Shower Wall Panels.

• Super glue – most of us will have a tube of super glue at home. It provides a fast-drying solution for sticking together all types of small objects, and can be used on materials such as ceramics, metals, glass and plastics. However, its fast drying and strong properties mean it is very easy to stick things together you do not want stuck together – such as fingers! As such, it’s a good idea to wear protective gloves whilst using super glue.

The Benefits of using Adhesive

As mentioned above, adhesive bonds your new bathroom wall panels to a surface. It prevents panels from moving and provides a long-lasting bonding solution. When it comes to choosing the best adhesive for you, you should first consider the surface on to which you are installing your wall panels.

If you’re fitting your panels onto a porous surface, such as plaster, we recommend using a solvent free adhesive. Compared to solvent-based adhesives, solvent-free adhesives are less reactive and contain less harmful ingredients.

The alternatives to Adhesive

Whilst wood panelling can be fitted using nails or screws, there is not a suitable alternative for PVC wall panelling. We would always highly recommend reading the installation instructions of your new wall panels to ensure you are using the best adhesive. Having a chat to the manufacturer may also help to clarify which adhesive will help you achieve a professional, beautiful finish.

Adhesive for Bathroom Wall panels at National Plastics

Here at National Plastics we stock a wide range of adhesives for a variety of applications. If you’re unsure of which is right for you and your project, call our friendly, expert team today on 0800 22 77 77.