Repair in the toilet and bathroom requires significant financial and moral costs. However, the process can be accelerated by using a special self-adhesive film. It does not cost too much and at the same time makes it possible to create a unique design. We will talk about this interesting material, its pros and cons in our article.
Description and scope
Many are sure that repairing a bathroom requires large financial investments, and only professionals can perform it qualitatively. In most cases, this is true. However, in some situations, self-adhesive tape may come to the rescue. It helps to renew the room quickly and economically.
Film is a thin material for surface finishing. In order to maintain its appearance for a long time, it must be moisture resistant. Outside, it is made of PVC and has a thin layer of polyester. It is he who makes the surface shiny and performs a protective function. Inside, there is a special adhesive layer, but it does not interfere with quickly removing the material if necessary.
It should be noted that this method of updating the interior of the bathroom appeared not so long ago, but has already managed to become popular. Experts believe that the rather low cost of the material played an important role in this. In addition, it is offered in different colors and textures, which makes her choice rich.
The width of the rolls can be different and ranges from 45 to 90 centimeters. The length of one roll can be from 2 to 15 meters. Therefore, there are no problems with the choice of parameters, you can easily choose the option that will satisfy the consumer’s needs as much as possible.
In general, such a film is universal. She can paste over both walls and furniture. In addition, the material is used not only at home, but also quite suitable for use in public places. It is often found in swimming pools, kindergartens and clinics.
Kinds
Specialists distinguish cork, fabric and self-adhesive film. It can be matte and glossy, with or without a pattern, it can have a 3D image or a fluorescent effect. Can choose smooth or rough texture, interesting coating like a mirror or metallized. And also imitation of various surfaces, such as a stone or a tree, is in demand.
When choosing a film for the bathroom, you may need to consult the seller. The fact is that visually after application it may turn out to be completely different from what it seems. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the marking.
As for the marking, its presence on the roll is mandatory. In order to be paid attention to, it is represented by icons. First of all, you need to look at the waves. One wave means that the film is moisture resistant, two means that it can be washed, and the presence of three waves indicates that the material is superwashable.
A brush next to the wave means that it is acceptable to use a brush and light detergent when cleaning. The same icon, but with three waves, will mean that you have a durable material that can withstand mechanical stress and finely abrasive cleaning compounds.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before deciding in favor of finishing the bathroom with a self-adhesive film, you need to carefully study all the advantages and disadvantages of the material. The undoubted advantage is that it is waterproof. This means that the material is able to protect the walls from moisture. Some people prefer to replace washable vinyl wallpapers with foil.
It is worth noting that the material is resistant to high temperatures and feels great when the room is less than 80 degrees heat. In addition, the film tolerates temperature changes without sacrificing its own condition. It can be fixed to a wide variety of surfaces, from ceramic tiles to glass or metal.
There are a lot of design options, because the range of products offered is very wide. The difference in colors and textures is truly huge. If there is a child in the house, you can choose the option of photo wallpaper with your favorite cartoon character, so that water procedures give even more pleasure.
Facing can be done with your own hands. Since the canvas has a self-adhesive base, installation does not cause any difficulties. There is no need to buy glue.
We can not say about the excellent performance. Care for such a surface is practically not required. In addition, cost plays a large role. If desired, you can quickly and inexpensively update the bathroom.
However, with all of the above pluses, there are also disadvantages to such canvases. Note the main ones.
First, it’s worth saying that the surface on which the coating is glued should be as even as possible. In the absence of this condition, all the irregularities of the wall will appear through the material, which is quite thin. Therefore, before proceeding with the installation of the film, you need to process the surface.
The service life is much lower than that of tiles. When it comes to the bathroom, experts guarantee only about three years of presentable appearance. However, for high-quality materials, this figure increases to 10 years.
And also the owners of the room should know that the coating does not let air through. Accordingly, condensation forms under it, and increased humidity is present. This leads to mold and mildew.Films containing fungicides do not exist, therefore, to prevent a similar problem, the walls must be treated with special compounds.
How to stick?
Before gluing, prepare the surface. It is processed in a way that is necessary for each specific material, for example, the wood is polished and varnished on top, and the metal is primed, after which it is degreased.
The film from the roll needs to be cut into the necessary parts. You should navigate by the small squares on the inside. It is better to make a minimum supply. After that, the material is attached to the wall. Paper should be separated gradually.
The part that is already glued is smoothed out with a felt spatula. After that, the paper substrate is disconnected, and the canvas is simultaneously smoothed. In the event that air bubbles remain under the film, this place should be carefully pierced with a needle. Rough areas are re-glued.
It takes several hours for the material to completely dry. Irregularly shaped surfaces are dried with a hairdryer.
How to choose?
Such a film is one of the best ways to update the interior of the bathroom, making it brighter, or, conversely, calm. However, before proceeding with the selection, some recommendations should be considered.
First of all, you need to know that film color or pattern should be compatible with the rest of the bathroom. Ideally, they should make up the overall stylistic picture. If the task of the film is to stand out and focus on yourself, do not allow sharp contrast with other elements.
Frosted film gives the effect of roughness on plain walls. It combines very well with chrome fittings. Plumbing is better to use earthenware. If you apply a self-adhesive film to not the entire bathroom, but only a certain area of it, this will visually expand the room.
Very often, consumers use a film that depicts the sea or beautiful coastal landscapes. If the room has a cast-iron bathtub, you can update it with a film with metal effect. Sometimes you can seal the ceiling, the sky with clouds will look especially good there. And also in demand and photo drawingsHowever, it looks quite bold and is not suitable for everyone. White color visually emphasizes purity and freshness.
Care Rules
Caring for a film of this type is completely uncomplicated. She is completely capricious, therefore wet wiping from time to time will be sufficient. If contamination occurs, you can use ordinary light detergents, in more complex cases, alcohol or vodka will help. However, aggressive formulations, solvents, or hard broths can damage the delicate surface and should therefore not be used.
It is safe to say that self-adhesive film is becoming a great design option. It has an affordable price, a rich assortment, and is easy to maintain and operate.
Next, watch a video with tips on how to properly stick a film in the bathroom.