With its sleek, waterproof PVC construction, a shower panel is practical and looks good. Whether you’re renovating or sick of scrubbing grout, switching to shower panels is a good idea.
But the installation has to be precise. Get it wrong, and water finds its way into places it was never invited. Get it right, and you’ll have a watertight finish that looks professional.
Unlike tiles, which require precision cuts and patience with grout, panels give full coverage with minimal effort. But cutting corners – literally and figuratively – can be a mistake. A well-installed shower panel gives you a seamless, waterproof barrier, free from ugly gaps and lurking mold.
This guide takes you through the process from start to finish. No shortcuts – just carefully considered steps. Follow these steps, and it will be as painless as possible.
Preparing the Walls
Before installing shower panels, ensure the walls are clean, dry, and debris-free. Old tiles, adhesive, or paint can cause problems down the line by interfering with adhesion and creating weak points where water can seep in.
That means sanding down rough patches and filling in deep holes to get a smooth surface. That smooth surface is what you need for a professional finish. A well-prepared wall makes installation a whole lot easier, and that, in turn, extends the life of the panels.
Measuring the shower area accurately is vital. A mistake at this stage will cost you materials and your sanity. Each panel needs to be cut to fit snugly, considering those awkward corners or fixtures.
Check whether your wall is even on a spiritual level. If it’s not, walls will require battens to be packed out to get a flush fit. If your walls are damp or prone to mold, apply a waterproof primer to prevent future headaches.
Once the walls are well prepared, buy high-quality shower panels from a reputable supplier as per your requirements.
Cutting the Shower Panels Correctly
Measuring is key. Get it wrong, and you’re left with a panel that’s too short, too narrow, or with a gap that no amount of sealant can cover.
Take your time measuring the walls. Note the obstacles: pipes, fixtures, and corners that need more trimming. Transfer those measurements onto the back of the shower panel with a pencil and a straight edge.
Measure twice and cut once. Overconfidence here can be costly. One misjudged cut, and you’ll have a panel you can’t salvage and an unplanned trip to the store.
A fine-tooth saw, or a sharp utility knife will give you a clean cut. Don’t force it. Heavy-handedness results in jagged edges that even the most generous bead of sealant can’t hide.
Before you apply the adhesive, dry-fit the panels to the wall. That way, you can make last-minute adjustments and ensure everything is right. You can’t fix a misplaced cut once you’ve committed to the saw.
Applying Adhesive
A good adhesive is the key to any shower panel installation. Choose a waterproof adhesive with a strong grab to hold the panels in place without excess clamping or support. Apply that adhesive all over the back of the panel in vertical or wavy lines so it’s evenly spread.
Start from one corner, press the panel onto the wall, and then apply steady pressure as you smooth out from the middle to get rid of air pockets. Having an extra pair of hands is helpful at this stage. Panels have a habit of moving just as you step back to admire your work.
Hold the panel for a few minutes to let the adhesive set. If needed, use some temporary supports to hold it in place while it sets. There’s a fine line between confidence and recklessness here – apply too much pressure, and the adhesive will ooze out and make a mess that’s hard to clean.
Sealing the Joints
A watertight finish depends on how well you seal those joints. Even pros can mess that up if the joints aren’t sealed properly. You’ll want a good-quality silicone sealant on all panel edges, corners, and joints. A sealant gun helps you apply it evenly, minimizing the mess that comes with excess sealant.
Applying that sealant along each panel’s edge before you fix it in place gives you an extra layer of protection. That stops water from seeping behind the panels, where it can cause damage and encourage mold growth. A smooth bead of sealant along all seams looks and works better.
When smoothing out the sealant, use a finishing tool or your finger to give it that professional finish. Leaving gaps or not sealing correctly can cost you down the line.
Proper sealing makes the difference between a watertight, durable finish and a disaster.
Installing Finishing Trims
Trims are not just for aesthetics; they’re a barrier to stopping water from getting in. Without them, even the perfect panels would look unfinished. Before you cut, measure twice, especially at corners, where mismatched angles can ruin an otherwise seamless look.
Once cut to size, apply a strong adhesive to the back of the trim and press it onto the panel edges. A steady hand is key – misaligned trims are annoying and hard to reposition once the adhesive sets. Wipe away excess adhesive immediately to prevent build up.
Fixtures like showerheads and taps must be reinstalled carefully to ensure all connections are watertight. Silicone sealant around the fittings adds an extra layer of protection. Properly fitted trims and fixtures complete the look and prevent leaks, so they’re non-negotiable.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Inspect every panel, trim and seal carefully. Those tiny imperfections, like a loose edge or an uneven joint, can quickly become major headaches once your shower’s been exposed to steam and running water for a few weeks. Press along the edges to make sure that the adhesive has taken hold. Double-check that all trims are flush against the panels.
When you’re satisfied with how everything fits together, it’s time to clean. A non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth will eliminate lingering adhesive smudges or fingerprints without damaging the surface. You don’t have to use harsh chemicals or scouring pads on your shower panels; they’re waterproof but not invincible.
The temptation to test the shower right away is understandable. But resist that urge. Adhesives and sealants need a little time to cure fully. Waiting 24 hours before exposing your shower to water will save you from undoing all your hard work.
That little wait now will pay off in the long run.
Bottom Line
A shower panel installed properly doesn’t just make a bathroom better; it makes life easier. No more grout lines to scrub or water damage sneaking into unseen areas. A good installation means a waterproof, smooth finish that lasts.
Whether this was a weekend project or a long overdue upgrade, stepping into a fresh shower is always a treat. And with low maintenance, the reward isn’t just in the installation; it’s in every shower that follows.