Enhancing Your Walls: Comparing PVC Wall Panels and Paint for Home Decor

When it comes to rejuvenating our living spaces, many of us look to change the design and colour of our walls to create a new, refreshed aesthetic. There are many ways to achieve this, but two of the most popular choices are paint and PVC wall panels. But which wall covering is the right one for you? This blog will look at the pros and cons of each and hopefully by the end, you will know the best option for you and your home.

Paint and PVC Wall Panels: What’s the Difference?

Paint and PVC wall panels are significantly different in both their looks and composition. Below we look at the key properties you may be looking for in your new wall covering and compare the pros and cons of paint and PVC wall panels for each.

PVC Wall Panels Vs Paint

Waterproof and Moisture Resistance

If decorating a bathroom, kitchen, shower room, or ensuite, having a waterproof wall covering is imperative. Whilst waterproof paint is available, most paints will peel and bubble if used in a room with high condensation levels. This can be both unhygienic and unsightly.

Alternatively, PVC wall panels are 100% waterproof. They do not require any grout, which can become mouldy with high levels of moisture, and are designed to have as few joins as possible helping to prevent water from getting behind the panels. Combined, this makes them the ideal choice if you are looking for a waterproof wall covering.

Durability

We believe PVC wall panels are superior to paint when it comes to durability. Painted walls are susceptible to stains and scratches, which cannot be easily resolved. Alternatively, PVC wall panels have been specifically designed to be durable and long lasting. They will withstand regular use and impact without marking, scratching or chipping, meaning your wall will look beautiful for a very long time.

Maintenance and Cleaning

As mentioned above, if your painted wall gets stained, scratched, or chipped, you will most likely have to repaint the entire wall in order to cover up the marks. And whilst you can buy ‘wipeable’ paint, it does not necessarily mean you will be able to remove all stains.

PVC wall panels can be cleaned by simply wiping with a warm cloth. As they do not require any grout, you do not need to use harsh cleaning products or spend hours scrubbing away mould. Overall, wall panels are extremely easy to maintain and stay looking lovely for many years.

Reusability

PVC wall panels can be removed – very carefully! – and used in a different location or saved for a future project. Once applied, paint is extremely difficult to remove and cannot be reused.

Installation

PVC wall panels can offer both sound and warmth insulation. Some wall panels have soundproofing properties that can reduce noise transmission. This makes them perfect for flats, semi-detached, and terraced homes. The additional layer on your walls also helps to improve the warmth of your home. A natural finish, such as wood-effect panelling, can also help to create a further feeling of warmth.

Paint does not have the same insulation qualities as wall panels, although choosing a warming tone can help create the illusion of warmth and comfort.

Versatility

PVC wall panels are extremely versatile. They can used in any room in the home, and being 100% waterproof, are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, shower rooms, and ensuites. The myriad designs available also makes them versatile in terms of the aesthetics you can create.

Paint can also be used in most rooms of your home. However, as we’ve mentioned above, it is not always suited to areas with high levels of condensation.

Cost

PVC wall panels are more expensive than paint, which is a more cost-effective wall covering choice. However, when choosing which is right for you, it is always worth considering the life cycle cost of each option. Whilst wall panels will cost you more initially, they will last considerably longer than paint due to their durability. Paint may be the cheaper choice but remember you may need to repaint your rooms regularly to keep them looking clean.

Design and Colour Choices

Paint offers myriad choices in terms of colour. It allows you to create a truly individual look in your home, as you can use different colours on different walls or produce bespoke designs, such as stripes or murals. It also provides a smooth, consistent finish. However, it is very one dimensional.

PVC wall panels offer both colour and texture. They can perfectly emulate natural materials, such as warm wood, contemporary concrete, traditional tile, or opulent marble. They enable you to create a unique, long lasting, finish, that is perfectly suited to your home and your lifestyle.

Environmentally Friendly

PVC wall panels have been designed to be extremely long lasting. This means that they do not need to be replaced as often as other more traditional materials such as paint. Most PVC wall panels can also be recycled once they are no longer in use.

Once paint is on a wall it can not be removed, reused or recycled, making it the less environmentally friendly option.

Which Should I Choose?

Whether you choose paint or wall panels will be down to personal preference and the finish you wish to achieve. It may also be dictated by your budget and DIY skills. However, we do believe wall panels offer the most long lasting, versatile, and stylish wall covering option.

View Our Wall Panel Range Today

If we’ve persuaded you that PVC wall panels are the best option for your home, why not look at our beautiful wall panels range. If you have any queries about PVC wall panels and their many benefits, call our friendly expert team today on 0800 22 77 77