How to Fit Wall Panels
Fitting wall panels can seem a little daunting at first, but with the correct preparation, the installation process is relatively straightforward. If you've already followed our guides on how to measure your room and how to cut wall panels, you're almost ready to begin.
You'll also need to make sure you have the correct trims for your installation. If you're unsure which ones you need, look at our wall panel trim guide before starting.
Before installation, check that all your wall panels are from the same batch and inspect each panel carefully. Make sure you're completely happy with the colour, finish and condition before cutting or fitting them.
What You'll Need to Fit Wall Panels
- Skeleton gun
- Solvent-free grab adhesive
- Sealant
- Silicone
- Pins, staples or screws, if required
- Spirit level
- Measuring tape
- Suitable cutting tools
Step 1: Fit the Base Profile
If you're installing plywood or MDF-core wall panels around a shower tray or bath, you should first install the appropriate base profile trim.
The base profile provides a neat finishing point at the bottom of the panels and helps protect the exposed panel edge in areas where water is present.
Make sure the profile is correctly positioned, level and securely fitted before moving on to the wall panels.
Step 2: Install the Internal Corner Trim
Next, install your internal corner trim.
Measure from the top of the base profile — where the wall panel will sit — to the required finished height of the panels. In many installations, this will be from the shower tray or bath up to the ceiling.
Cut the internal corner trim to the required length and secure it into the corner using a suitable adhesive. Apply even pressure along the length of the trim to ensure it sits firmly and neatly against the wall.
If the trim has a protective film, remove it once the trim is fitted.
For installations where the panels don't reach the ceiling, the exposed top edge can be finished using an end cap trim.
Step 3: Understand Your Panel Edges
Wall panels are generally supplied with either straight edges or a tongue-and-groove joining system.
Straight-edge panels are ideal where a single panel runs from one trim to another, such as across a shower tray, or in areas where panels won't need to connect directly to one another.
Tongue-and-groove panels are designed to interlock. This creates a neat, almost seamless appearance and, when correctly installed and sealed, provides a watertight joint suitable for bathrooms, showers and other wet areas.
Step 4: Prepare the First Wall Panel
Before applying adhesive, measure and cut your first panel to the required size.
If you're installing a tongue-and-groove panel into an internal corner trim, remove the tongue or groove from the edge that will sit inside the trim where required.
Apply suitable wall panel sealant inside the trim and to the edge of the panel that will sit within it. Don't forget to correctly seal the bottom edge of the panel where required.
Any excess sealant should be removed immediately using a clean, damp cloth.
Step 5: Apply the Adhesive
When fitting a 1-metre-wide PVC panel or a 600mm-wide plywood/MDF panel, you will typically require approximately two tubes of adhesive per panel, depending on the substrate and installation conditions.
When using our WOW Pro Adhesive, panels can be installed directly onto suitable existing surfaces such as tiles, plasterboard and timber.
Apply your solvent-free grab adhesive evenly across the back of the panel in a zigzag pattern.
If the existing wall is slightly uneven, additional dabs of adhesive can be applied between the zigzags. This can help accommodate minor variations in the surface and provide better contact between the panel and wall.
The surface should always be sound, clean and suitable for installation before fitting begins.
Step 6: Fit the First Panel
Carefully slide the first panel into the internal corner trim, making sure the bottom of the panel is correctly positioned on the base profile.
Press the panel firmly against the wall to create good contact with the adhesive.
Use a spirit level to check that the panel is perfectly vertical before proceeding. Getting the first panel straight is particularly important, as every subsequent panel will follow its position.
Step 7: Secure the Panel if Required
When fitting PVC wall panels onto plasterboard, pins, staples or screws can also be used through the fixing edge to help hold the panel securely while the adhesive cures.
Any fixings should sit flush with the tongue so they don't prevent the next panel from connecting correctly.
Take care not to damage the panel or interfere with the tongue-and-groove joint.
Step 8: Fit the Remaining Panels
Repeat the installation process with each remaining wall panel.
For tongue-and-groove panels installed in wet areas, apply the recommended sealant to the joint before connecting the next panel.
Carefully push the panels together to create a secure connection, wiping away any excess sealant as you work.
Continue checking the panels with your spirit level throughout the installation to ensure everything remains straight and correctly aligned.
Step 9: Fit the Finishing Trim
Once all your panels are installed, any exposed edges should be finished with the appropriate trim.
Measure the exposed panel edge and cut your end cap trim to the correct length.
Apply sealant to the required panel edge and inside the trim, together with suitable adhesive where required. Position the trim over the panel edge and apply even pressure until it is securely fitted.
Remove any excess sealant before it begins to cure.
Final Checks
Once installation is complete, inspect all joints, corners, trims and edges to make sure they have been correctly sealed.
Allow the adhesive and sealant to fully cure in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions before exposing the panels to water or using the shower or bath.
Correct preparation, adhesive application and sealing are essential to achieving a professional-looking, long-lasting and watertight installation.
Need Help Fitting Your Wall Panels?
If you're unsure about any part of your wall panel installation, our team is happy to help.
Call 0300 303 5553 or email websales@wetwallworks.co.uk for advice.