Many homeowners feel entirely overwhelmed when trying to choose between the various options available for use as wall coverings. This often results in them simply giving the walls in question a coat of paint and then hoping for the best afterward. However, there is also the option of using vinyl plank flooring on walls, which has proven to be an excellent choice – especially in damp environments such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Below are a few hints and tips to keep in mind when using vinyl plank flooring on walls.
Ensure that Walls are Smooth and Clean
Before installing your vinyl plank flooring on any of the walls in your home, it is crucial to ensure that the surface it will be installed on is clean, dry, and smooth. This will enable the planks to be installed quickly and efficiently.
If your walls are currently textured, or there are tiles or glossy paint present on the walls, these will need to be removed from the wall before attempting to lay the vinyl floor planks. This will ensure that the planks can adhere correctly and that no lumps or uneven sections will show through the vinyl planks after they have been laid.
The best way to smooth your walls off before applying the vinyl plank flooring will be to sand them down. However, if you are not too keen on spending a lot of time doing this, placing 1/8-inch hardboard sheets over the wall is possible before attempting to lay the vinyl floor planks on it. If you choose to sand your walls, it is strongly recommended that low grit sandpaper is used in conjunction with an electric sanding machine.
Priming the Walls
If there is existing paint on the walls, it should be covered with primer. This will help the adhesive for the vinyl tiles to stick far better. It is also a good idea to have your primer product tinted to a color as close as possible to the color of the vinyl planks that will be installed on your walls. This way, if there is a gap on the wall for any reason, it will be relatively well disguised until a replacement plank can be installed.
Using the Right Adhesive
The correct adhesive product must be used to keep the vinyl floor planks on your bathroom walls. The adhesive should only be applied once the primer product has thoroughly dried. After applying the glue to the walls, it should be allowed to get a little tacky before using the tiles as well, as this will ensure that they do not move after being laid.
Hiring the Right Installer
Many homeowners make the mistake of trying to shop around for the lowest prices when they want to have vinyl planks installed on their bathroom walls. However, this can – and often does – result in them being saddled with an inexperienced contractor who has no idea how to get the job done correctly.
When searching for a contractor, it is crucial to verify that they are licensed, insured, and experienced. This will go a long way in ensuring that all work is completed according to current industry standards and requirements. Spending a decent amount of money on the vinyl planks and the adhesive and primer products is also a good idea. Using the cheapest possible products may not always produce a decent quality finish.