Installing Wet Wall Panels
An easy-to-follow DIY Wet Wall Panel Installation Guide
Things To Know Before You Start
Before starting any renovation project it is important that Building Regulations for the relevant state or territory are researched and followed so that each renovation is compliant with current regulations. Click below on the State or Territory for a link to the current legislation.
Western Australia – South Australia – Victoria – New South Wales – Tasmania – ACT – Queensland – NT
Panels
All Wet Wall Worksโ wet wall panels are 10mm thick overall and are supplied individually wrapped with a clear plastic protective film (to be removed after fitting).
Accessories
Wet Wall Works profiles come in 2400mm lengths and are available in Black, White, Silver, Grey & Sand (unless otherwise indicated).
It is recommended that Wet Wall Works Silicone Sealant and Adhesive is used for all installations.
Storage
Wet wall panels should always be stored flat to avoid bowing. Drastic changes in conditions can cause the panels to bow and twist irreversibly.
Wet wall panels should NEVER be stored outside. Panel adhesive should be stored in cool dry conditions between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius.
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Planning & Preparation
Before undertaking any type of wet wall panel installation, it is always wise to carry out a degree of planning that might save a lot of time and grief later. Below are some helpful tips.
Walls
Wet Wall Worksโ wet wall panels can be installed on almost any surface, including plasterboard, existing tiling, concrete, chipboard, plywood sheeting and plaster, providing the surface is sound, plumb, and level. Some surfaces do require pre-treatment before installation. Tiles should be de-greased, fresh plaster should be sealed with a proprietary PVA sealer, and wet areas should be treated with paint-on liquid waterproofing membrane as per Australian Building Standards.
If the walls are not plumb and level, this can be achieved by using softwood timber framing (min. ex 50 x 25mm).
The timber framing should be fixed horizontally, supporting the wall panels at the top and bottom and at a minimum of 500mm centres between.
The frame should be packed out where required using spacers or packing wedges to achieve a plumb and level surface. Additional framing should also be provided where heavier items are to be fitted through the wall panels.
Services
Necessary pipework should be fitted, and short tails left where they are to pass through wall panels. Electrical cabling should be in place and routed to avoid subsequent fixing points.
Shower trays and baths should be fitted in position; these should also be sealed in accordance with the manufacturerโs recommendations.
Tools & Accessories
Tools and fixings that you will need for wet wall panel installation include:
Installing Wet Wall Panels
Get our Free DIY Installation Guide below!
Please Note: Appropriate PPE should be worn when using hand tools and applying silicone.
Cutting Internal Corner Trim
Step 1
Measure, mark, and cut the internal corner trim to the desired panel height with a fine tooth hand saw.
Installing Internal Corner Trim
Step 2
Place the internal corner on a level surface and apply adhesive to the outer edges of the trim. Position on the wall and apply pressure to achieve a firm fixing.
NOTE: Internal trims have an 18mm void; therefore, when fitting panels to an internal corner, the panel will need to be cut accordingly.
Marking Panel for Installation
Step 3
Using a tape measure, measure the top, middle and bottom of the wall that the panel is being fitted to and transfer these measurements to the panel โ using a pencil and a spirit level, run a pencil line down the non-decorative face of the panel.
Sawing Through Panel
Step 4
With a fine tooth saw, carefully cut through the panel following the line marked.
Fitting Panels into Trims
Step 5
When fitting the wall panels into trims, ensure to cut off the tongue or groove to ensure a tight fit.
Dry Fitting Panels onto Wall
Step 6
Dry-fit the wall panel onto the wall (with no adhesive) to ensure a good fit, and then place it somewhere safe (ready for final fitting).
Applying Adhesive to Wall
Step 7
Apply a good amount of adhesive to the wall (recommended 1.5 tubes per wall panel).
Fixing Panels in Place
Step 8
Fit the wall panel to the wall and apply even pressure to smooth out all air pockets.
Repeating the Process
Step 9
Repeat this process for each panel to be fitted.
Cutting End Cap Trim to Height of Panel
Step 10
Measure, mark and then cut the End cap trim to the desired height of the wall panel with a fine tooth saw.
Applying Adhesive and Fitting End Cap Trim
Step 11
Apply Adhesive to the back of the trim and fit it into place (the end cap trim slot directly behind the panels.
Sealing Gaps with Silicone
Step 12
Silicone any gaps around any fixtures or fittings as required.
Installation Tips
Adhesive Application
When applying adhesive to the wall, we recommend applying a thick bead just inside the perimeter of the wet wall panel dimension and then zig-zagging down the middle. Wet Wall Works recommend that one and a half tubes of adhesive should be used per full wet wall panel.
Adhesive & Sealant Beads
By cutting the nozzle of the panel adhesive or silicone tube at an angle, you direct the flow to make application easier. The higher up the nozzle you cut, the larger the diameter of the bead that will be applied.
Sealing at the Bottom
A three-to-four-millimetre (3โ4 mm) gap must be left between the bottom of the wall panel and the top of the shower tray or bath. This can be achieved by using packers during the wet wall panel installation process. The gaps should then be sealed using Wet Wall Works Silicone Sealant, ensuring that the silicone is forced into the void.
Sealing Apertures & Cut-Outs
A clearance gap of 2-3mm all around should be allowed where pipes or fittings come through the wall panel and even where collars are to be fitted. The gap should then be filled with Wet Wall Works Silicone Sealant.
Fitting Through Wall Panels
Fittings such as shower attachments, screens, towel rails etc. can be fixed directly through the wall panels using suitable fixings. Heavy items will need solid fixing points behind the panels to provide the necessary support, these should be considered when planning your installation.
Product Care
Keep wet wall panels out of direct sunlight. DO NOT use any abrasive materials or bleach-based cleaning fluids on our panels. Only mild detergent and warm water should be used with a soft microfibre cloth.
Read our blog post, Pro Tips for a Flawless Wet Wall Panel Installation for more installation tips.