Intro

Damp patches, bubbling paint, and salty flakes on walls are common. You scrub and repaint, but stains return in weeks. Here’s the fix many contractors use: PVC ceiling & wall panelling. It hides stains, resists moisture, and speeds up jobs. In this guide, you’ll learn when PVC ceiling & wall panelling is the right call, how to install it step by step, what it costs, and how to price it. We’ll keep it simple, practical, and job-site ready.

Quick Answer

PVC ceiling & wall panelling solves visible damp and paint failure fast. It creates a moisture-resistant surface, covers stains, and cuts repaint cycles. Prepare the base, fix battens at 400 mm centres, and clip 5–10 mm PVC panels with stainless screws. Most 100 sq ft rooms finish in 1–2 days.

Table of Contents

• Why Damp and Paint Fail on Walls and Ceilings
• When PVC Ceiling & Wall Panelling Is the Right Fix
• Materials and Tools You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step: Install PVC Ceiling & Wall Panelling
• Cost, Time, and Quality Tips
• Pricing and Proposals That Win

Key Takeaways

• PVC ceiling & wall panelling hides stains and resists moisture in 1–2 days.
• Use 5–10 mm panels, 200–300 mm wide, on battens at 400 mm centres.
• Leave 10–15 mm perimeter gaps and seal with silicone for movement.
• Stainless screws at 250–300 mm spacing prevent rust marks.
• Price by area plus trims; include moisture source repair if needed.

Why Damp and Paint Fail on Walls and Ceilings

Paint peels when moisture moves through plaster or drywall. Common causes are leaking pipes, roof seepage, poor ventilation, and rising damp from floors. In basements and bathrooms, warm air hits cold surfaces. Then condensation forms. Salts push paint off.

Fix the source first. Repair leaks. Improve ventilation. Add exhaust fans rated 90–110 CFM for small baths. Sometimes, even after repairs, stains remain. That’s when PVC ceiling & wall panelling makes sense. It gives a clean, sealed finish without repeated repainting.

When PVC Ceiling & Wall Panelling Is the Right Fix

PVC ceiling & wall panelling is ideal when:

• Stains keep showing through new paint.
• You need a fast handover in wet areas like baths and kitchens.
• You want easy-to-wash surfaces in 5 minutes with mild soap.
• The substrate is uneven by 5–10 mm and levelling would take too long.

Use it for bathrooms, basements, parking lobbies, corridors, and kitchens. It’s also common for ceilings under leaking terraces once the roof is repaired. Avoid direct exterior sun-soaked facades unless the panel is UV-rated. Always follow the manufacturer’s data for temperature and UV limits.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

• PVC panels: 5–10 mm thick, 200–300 mm wide, 2.7–3.0 m long.
• Starter, H, and corner trims; ceiling coves for neat edges.
• Battens: treated wood or PVC/metal channels, 25–38 mm thick.
• Fasteners: stainless screws (25–30 mm), plastic plugs for masonry.
• Adhesive: solvent-free construction adhesive for trims (optional on walls).
• Vapour barrier (as per climate and code) on cold-side walls.
• Silicone sealant, neutral-cure, for joints and wet zones.
• Tools: laser level, drill/driver, saw or shears, caulking gun, PPE.

Tip: Many contractors use 7–8 mm panels for a stiffer feel on walls. Use Class A or equivalent fire-rated panels where codes require. Check local standards before you start.

Step-by-Step: Install PVC Ceiling & Wall Panelling

Follow these steps for most rooms. Adjust to site conditions.

1. Diagnose and fix moisture sources

   • Repair roof or pipe leaks. Run a moisture meter if you have one. In general, surfaces should feel dry to the touch.

2. Plan layout and measure twice

   • Measure height and width. Dry-fit a panel. Plan where cuts will land. Keep narrow rips (under 60 mm) to corners where trims can hide them.

3. Install vapour barrier if needed

   • In cold climates with interior humidity, add a continuous vapour barrier on the warm side. Tape seams tight.

4. Fix battens at 400 mm centres

   • Run vertical battens on walls or perpendicular to panel direction on ceilings. Pack out low spots so faces align within 2–3 mm. Leave a 10–15 mm perimeter gap for movement.

5. Set starters and trims

   • Fit starter trims at floors/ceilings. Use corner and H trims where panels meet. A small bead of adhesive helps, but don’t block drainage paths.

6. Cut panels clean and square

   • Score-and-snap or use a fine-tooth blade. Cut face-up to reduce chipping. Provide 10 mm clearances at floors and ceilings.

7. Fix first panel plumb

   • Engage the tongue in the starter. Check with a level. This first piece sets your line. Take time here.

8. Fasten panels at 250–300 mm spacing

   • Use stainless screws through the flange into battens. Don’t overdrive. Keep fasteners 10–12 mm from edges. On ceilings, add one extra fastener mid-span for safety.

• Run silicone in corners, around tubs, basins, and at the floor junction. Wipe with a soapy finger for smooth beads. Fit coves at ceilings for a clean look.

Most 100 sq ft rooms take 6–10 labour hours for an experienced two-person crew. Ceilings add 2–3 hours, especially with fixtures.

Cost, Time, and Quality Tips

• Material costs: In general, 5–10 mm PVC panels land mid-range. Trims and coves add 10–15% to material cost. Stainless screws cost more but prevent rust streaks.
• Labour: Expect 0.8–1.2 hours per square metre including trims. Ceilings take longer.
• Ventilation: Add a fan or increase make-up air. Good airflow reduces condensation.
• Expansion: Always leave 10–15 mm at perimeters and 2–3 mm at trim joints.
• Battens: Keep 400 mm centres. If panels oil-can, add intermediate bracing at 300 mm.
• Wet zones: Use silicone at all internal corners and around fixtures. Re-seal every 2–3 years as needed.
• Fire and code: Use code-compliant, low-smoke panels in corridors and exits. Confirm with local AHJ before install.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping leak repairs and just covering stains. The problem returns.
• Using mild steel screws. They rust and leave brown trails in 3–6 months.
• Overdriving screws. This cracks flanges and weakens holds.
• No perimeter gap. Panels buckle when temperatures change.

Pricing and Proposals That Win

Clear scope wins jobs. Break your quote into:

• Surface prep and leak fixes (allowances or exclusions).
• Supply and install of PVC ceiling & wall panelling (area in sq ft or sq m).
• Trims, coves, corner pieces, and sealants (itemized).
• Fixtures handling: lights, fans, access panels (count and unit rate).
• Waste disposal and final clean.

Give two options:

1. 7–8 mm panel with standard trims.
2. 10 mm premium panel with upgraded trims and coves.

Add timelines. Example: “Bathroom walls 80 sq ft + ceiling 40 sq ft: 1.5 days, including clean-up.” Photos help. Before/after shots often close deals.

To move fast from site walk to signed work, many contractors use tools like Donizo. You can capture details with voice, add photos, and send a branded proposal the same day. E‑signatures get quick approvals, and accepted proposals convert to invoices in one click.

Internal link suggestions for your site:

• Link “professional proposals” to your detailed proposal-writing guide.
• Link “project timelines” to your scheduling best practices article.
• Link “invoice templates” to your billing resources page.

FAQ

Will PVC panelling trap moisture inside the wall?

If you ignore leaks, yes, moisture can stay hidden. Fix leaks first, improve ventilation, and use a vapour barrier where the climate requires it. Then PVC ceiling & wall panelling works well and stays dry on the surface.

Can I install PVC panels directly on damp plaster?

Don’t do it. Dry the surface and fix the source. Use battens to create an air gap. This improves straightness and keeps fasteners secure. Always leave perimeter clearances and seal wet zones.

Is adhesive alone enough to hold panels?

Commonly, no. Use mechanical fixing into battens at 250–300 mm spacing. Adhesive helps trims, but screws give strength and allow easy panel replacement later.

How long do PVC panels last?

In general, well-installed PVC ceiling & wall panelling lasts many years. Contractors often report panels staying clean and solid with light maintenance. Avoid harsh solvents and re-seal wet joints every couple of years.

Do I need special panels for ceilings?

Use stiffer panels (7–10 mm) or closer batten spacing for ceilings. Keep 400 mm centres, or 300 mm if fixtures are heavy. Always add supports around lights and fans.

Conclusion

Damp stains and peeling paint waste time and money. Fix the leak, improve airflow, then install PVC ceiling & wall panelling for a clean, durable finish. Keep battens at 400 mm, use stainless fasteners, and seal wet zones.

Next steps:

1. Inspect and repair moisture sources.
2. Measure, plan trims, and order 5–10 mm panels.
3. Install with the steps above and hand over in 1–2 days.

To turn your site notes into fast, clear proposals, platforms such as Donizo help you send branded quotes and capture e‑signatures quickly. Get moving, deliver clean results, and stop repainting the same walls.