One of the newest materials for finishing indoor walls is laminated plasterboard. If you take a closer look, this is an ordinary gypsum board, with the only difference that a vinyl film (PVC film, paper-fabric laminated layer) is applied to its surface on the front side.
This type of material is called differently: LGKL, gypsum vinyl, acrylic, vinyl, colored plasterboard. Photos of this material can be viewed on the websites of companies selling it. The material is distinguished by its richness of colors, patterns and textures, and can imitate various natural materials, such as wood, stone, marble.
The decorative layer of LGKL is reliably protected by a film that protects the material from damage during storage, movement and installation, which is removed only after installation is completed.
One of the most popular brands of gypsum sheets of this type are Gipsolam wall panels.
Characteristics of the new finishing material
Mass production of gypsum panels was established in America in 2008. Finished products quickly became popular. And all because they made it possible to design large surface areas in the shortest possible time.
Initially, gypsum panels were used to decorate public institutions
Original decoration for a store window
At first, this finishing material was used exclusively to decorate shopping and entertainment centers. Using it, designers created additional volume. The presence of a relief pattern provided an interesting play of light. Such decoration invariably became the center of attraction of the eye, it was memorable and aroused interest.
Volumetric decoration always attracts the eye
A few years later, the technology for making gypsum panels came to Europe. It came to Russia only in 2011, when the experience of using gypsum panels for decorating living space was formed. During this time, new technologies have emerged that make it possible to create a relief surface with a 3D effect on them. This finish has its advantages and disadvantages.
Wall panels - a tool for zoning large spaces
Positive sides
Environmentally friendly raw materials are used to produce the material. Basically, to create them you need plaster, water and molds. They determine the size of one canvas, thanks to them the texture of the front layer is formed. Gypsum panels do not emit hazardous volatile substances into the air during operation. They are not afraid of temperature changes, do not melt in the sun and do not crack in the cold. The material does not burn in fire and does not contribute to its spread.
Fireproof decorative finishing
The panels are attached to the wall using special glue. In order to provide additional security, they are also secured with dowels and nails. There are products on sale that can then be painted with aerosols, brushes and rollers in any color. Panels are sold in the manufacture of which the color is added to the gypsum solution. After it hardens, the product is painted evenly throughout its entire thickness.
Gypsum panel for painting
The panels solve both aesthetic and practical problems. They are used for zoning rooms, creating partitions, hiding wall defects and masking communications. Installing panels allows you to quickly and easily arrange your interior, making it original and memorable.
Interior zoning with gypsum panels
If installed correctly, this finish will last for several decades. If during this time you get tired of it, it can be easily dismantled. This does not require much effort or special construction equipment.
The most durable type of finish
Thanks to the wide range, it is possible to select colors and textures to suit any interior. Installing gypsum panels enhances the sound insulation of the room.
Colored wall panel
Negative sides
The material has one significant drawback - gypsum is afraid of moisture. Where there is a lot of it, the panel swells and loses its attractive appearance. Therefore, you can use gypsum panels in the interior of a living room, bedroom, or children's room, but such finishing is not suitable for decorating a bathroom.
Plaster products are only suitable for decorating “dry” rooms
Gypsum panels are a fragile material and may be damaged during transportation. Manufacturers are constantly updating their collections; if you select and install just one canvas, if a large fragment is damaged, it will be difficult to find a replacement and restore it. We'll have to completely change the decor. But it is possible to hide minor damage and defects with ordinary gypsum putty.
Minor defects are corrected in the same way as seams are hidden - with putty
Gypsum panels are not the cheapest finishing option, although their durability fully pays for the cost of their purchase. It is difficult to fit such products into the interior style if there is no experience in drawing up and implementing a design project. It is better to use the services of a professional designer.
A plaster panel is a bright decorative element
See also: Catalog of house projects for the finishing of which fiber cement panels were used
Important points
When using any method of installing laminated plasterboard sheets, it is necessary to take into account some of its features:
- Laminated plasterboard is not used for finishing basements and bathrooms and shower rooms. This is due to the high humidity inside these rooms. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that drywall cannot be fixed to walls whose humidity is higher than 25%.
- When forming and finishing door and window openings, only special waterproof glue should be used.
- When forced to cut a piece of drywall in the corner of the room, the cut is sealed with adhesive tape. The bottom of the cut sheet is treated with waterproof glue.
- Walls and ceilings covered with laminated plasterboard can be washed. But for this you need to use only liquid detergents and a soft foam sponge. Under no circumstances should you use cleaning powders, gasoline or various solvents.
Panels in different interiors
Today, gypsum panels for walls in the interior are used mainly to place accents and highlight functional areas. But in different rooms this element “works” differently.
Neutral embossed background
In the living room
It is important here to create an atmosphere in which it will be comfortable to gather after a working day, relax with your family, and sometimes receive guests and delight them with your hospitality. The design of the room must correspond to the designated tasks and remain as functional as possible.
Gypsum panels for stucco molding
Manufacturers of wall panels produce collections specifically designed for decorating living rooms. Among them there are products that can fit into any style. For classics, a finish that is similar in texture to stucco is more suitable. Reliefs of waves and geometric shapes have been developed for modern interiors. Non-standard patterns are the highlight of a vintage or eclectic interior.
Geometric shapes for a modern interior
As for the color scheme, the most daring experiments with mixing bright colors and contrasting colors are permissible in the living room. The photo shows how beautiful light furniture looks against the background of a black accent wall.
Dark background for light furniture
Designers willingly use gypsum panels with textures like “concrete”, “leather”, “marble” in the interior of the living room. If you choose the right colors, they fully reveal their decorative properties and significantly change the visual perception of the interior.
Concrete finishing is a new fashion trend
With the help of panels, you can create various optical illusions, visually make the room larger, or, conversely, create the atmosphere of an enclosed chamber space. Large horizontal lines or waves lift the ceilings, but vertically located complex patterns visually make the room smaller.
A vertically positioned pattern will visually raise the ceilings
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in finishing and facade materials
There are many options for using gypsum panels in the living room interior. Most often, they decorate a television area or completely cover a wall, next to which a set of upholstered furniture is then located.
Popular design for television zones today
Using gypsum panels you can create beautiful panels for local decoration. Manufacturers' collections include a wide range of finished products for every taste and color. The photo shows one such panel from. The product is called "Rose and Flora".
Panel from
Designers who love non-standard solutions use gypsum panels to decorate ceilings. They completely cover the surface of the slab or decorate one fragment of it.
Plaster panels on the ceiling
The transition from the wall to the ceiling of one decorative structure looks very original. In office establishments, hotels, bars and restaurants, the reception area is often decorated with gypsum panels.
Transition of finishing from wall to ceiling
Original design of the reception area
In the bedroom
It is important to create an atmosphere of complete peace and tranquility here. This is only possible with careful design planning. The relief of gypsum panels should not be noticeable or cause persistent irritation. Usually they decorate the wall, near which the head of the bed is then placed.
Volumetric decor in the bedroom
WINAL wall panels with acrylic coating based on plasterboard (GCR)
Fire hazard class: KM-1.
A budget option for low-flammability wall panels. These panels are made on the basis of plasterboard (GKL) with a high-strength acrylic coating, painted in industrial conditions. Painted drywall (GKL) is resistant to mechanical stress, withstands temperature changes ranging from -50 Cº to +80 Cº, is not susceptible to the formation of mold, fungi, does not contain harmful chemical additives and does not emit dangerous toxic compounds into the atmosphere, has low coefficient of water absorption, optimal parameters of sound and heat insulation, multilayer acrylic coating with an external protective layer of varnish is resistant to ultraviolet exposure, is not subject to fading and does not require specialized care during operation, painted drywall (GKL) is distinguished by the possibility of a wide choice of colors, easy installation (refusal to plastering, leveling and painting).
Installation Features
Before installing gypsum panels, you need to decide which wall they will be on, take its measurements, and only then go buy the product. The material can be installed on any type of surface (brick, plasterboard, concrete bases).
The base is first leveled and primed. In this way, a reliable connection of the finish is ensured. The panels are attached to the wall with glue, and then the dowel is nailed to secure it. The seams are covered with putty, and the selected decorative material (paint, enamel, glossy varnish) is applied on top.
WINAL wall panels with acrylic coating based on Glass Magnesium Sheet (GMS)
Fire hazard class: KM-0 (NG).
The material emerged as an alternative to drywall and chipboard. The glass-magnesium sheet surpasses them in a number of indicators - moisture resistance, strength, fire resistance, bioinertness.
The basis of the sheet is made up of several components:
- Magnesium oxide and chloride. Responsible for the strength of the sheet;
- Wood shavings play the role of filler and micro-reinforcement;
- Perlite provides fire resistance, heat and sound insulation properties;
- Fiberglass mesh provides spatial rigidity and resistance to cracks.
Thus, you purchase an already decorated, vandal-proof panel with a highly wear-resistant surface, which only needs to be attached to the wall.
SML panels have the highest class of non-flammability, SML panels have high strength (from 1000 kg/m3), flexibility, good sound insulation, good thermal insulation, good moisture resistance, environmental friendliness (there is no formaldehyde, asbestos, phenol), mold and mildew do not grow, it do not eat insects and rodents, light weight (30% less than gypsum board), LSU panels are easy to maintain (can be washed, wiped), a variety of colors (any color from the RAL, CAPAROL, Tikkurila catalogue).
Useful tips
Specialized stores provide a wide range of finishing materials. In order for gypsum panels to last a long time, it is worth purchasing products from trusted manufacturers. High-quality MDF products are produced by the Italian company, bamboo panels are produced by the Wallart concern.
Products made from gypsum belong to the “Artpole” trademark
The best gypsum products belong to the Artpole brand. Its range is very widely represented on the domestic market. The purchase of such materials guarantees the absence of chemical compounds hazardous to human health in the panels. Purchasing a popular collection will allow, if necessary, to easily find a suitable piece for restoration and make inexpensive repairs in the shortest possible time.
Gypsum panels from the “Venice” collection
If you want to get to know the products better, you shouldn’t do this by flipping through photographs of advertising catalogues. It is impossible to appreciate the layout of the relief even if you hold small fragments of panels in your hands. Only a live installation helps you see all their beauty. It is presented at the stands of specialized stores. Looking at it, it’s easy to make sure there are no chips or cracks.
Collection "Gypsum fibers"
Lightweight structures are suitable for finishing residential premises. To decorate shopping and gaming centers, panels of a different design are made.
Note! Experts advise buying gypsum panels from those sellers who provide turnkey installation services with a guarantee.
Advantages of using decorative plasterboard laminated boards
- Thanks to the spectacular outer layer, this type of gypsum board does not require additional finishing. Due to this, a decorative wall made of plasterboard is erected very quickly, which allows you to reduce the time of construction work (by about 35%), as well as save on finishing materials and wages for workers.
- The finish retains its original spectacular appearance for many years of use - more than 10 years.
- It is highly resistant to damage and can withstand chemical and mechanical influences.
- Cleans well, the material is easy to maintain.
- Decorative finishing of walls with plasterboard is a cleaner renovation option: during finishing the room is minimally polluted (virtually no dust).
- Easy installation, the work requires a minimum number of specialists.
- Decorative plasterboard walls have a wide range of solutions. This allows you to choose an individual style and image for a wide variety of interiors.
- Suitable for covering both ceilings and walls.
WINAL wall panels with acrylic coating based on gypsum particle board (GSP)
Fire hazard class: KM1 (G1, D2, V1, T2). GSP panels have good heat and sound insulation, Resistant to wear and shock, Resistant to pathogenic bacteria, fungi, rodents, Convenient, practical and safe for installation, Multi-layer acrylic coating with an external protective layer of varnish is resistant to ultraviolet exposure, is not subject to fading and does not requires specialized care during operation, Painted GSP is distinguished by the possibility of a wide choice of colors, Easy installation (no need for plastering, leveling and painting). But a significant disadvantage of panels based on GSP is the varying thickness of the sheet. This often leads to an uneven paint finish.
