Facing surfaces with PVC panels is a finishing method that many choose today as the most optimal. After all, it is fast, simple and relatively inexpensive.
But in the course of the work, the question necessarily arises: how to cut the PVC panel? Here several methods are possible, having considered which you can choose the most suitable option for yourself.
What are they made of?
The raw material for PVC wall panels is polyvinyl chloride, which under high pressure is poured into a die (mold).
This method is called extrusion. To colorize the material add ground natural chalk, the amount of which is usually not more than 40%.
In addition to dyeing, the decoration of panels is carried out using thermal printing or offset printing, but the latter method is used less often, because of its higher cost.
Thermal printing is applied on a special machine using a hot roller, which presses the thermal film to the surface of the product. Thus, it is possible to achieve a quick transfer of the picture and a clear and bright print, and the panel itself does not need to be varnished, as opposed to using offset printing.
You may be interested in an article on how to decorate a bathroom with plastic panels with your own hands.
What is better to cut?
For cutting panels different tools can be used. These include both special professional devices and the usual hand or electric tool used in everyday life for various purposes.
Cutter
This fixture used by experienced craftsmen, who are professionally engaged in finishing work.
The use of a cutter provides a perfectly even cut and allows you to shorten PVC strips without much physical effort.
Having bought such a tool, you can be sure that there will be no problems with high-quality cutting of panels.
Electric jigsaw and angle grinder
Jigsaw Applications. fast, but not too high-quality way. It is unlikely that it will be possible to achieve an ideally even cut with it, moreover, chips are often formed along the edge of the panel, so it is best to abandon this option, preferring the same angle grinder.
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Using this tool will ensure a smooth cut, only because of the high speed the panel starts to highlight unpleasant odor and toxic substances.
Hacksaw
This tool is present in any home workshop. For those who are not ready to spend money on a torch, the use of a hacksaw may well be an option for solving the problem of cutting panels.
Yes that way take a little longer, but with a small amount of work, this will not affect the term of wall cladding too much.
It is important to note that a hacksaw for metal is best suited for cutting panels, and if you use a wood tool, the blade should have small teeth. for transverse sawing.
Several options are possible here:
Simple kitchen knife
Although this tool is the least suitable for cutting PVC products, one or two strips can be cut off in case of repair and replacement of panels. But with large-scale work, it is impractical to use it. the process will take a long and painful;
Construction knife
Stationery knife
Often used for cutting panels. Using a square or a flat wooden plank used as a ruler, it is possible to achieve an even cut.
How to cut PVC panels?
To get a quality result when cutting certain rules must be followed. Among them there are both general instructions and recommendations for working with a specific tool:
- Inadmissible to work with material, which was brought in from the cold. before cutting it must be warmed. Chilled PVC becomes brittle, which leads to chips along the edge of the cut.
- Wall panels should only be cut from the front. Otherwise, the profile will hesitate, and difficulties may arise during the installation process.
- Angle grinder, jigsaw or hacksaw allows you to immediately cut a pack of panels.
In this case, they need to be laid on two supports so that they do not sag, and the non-trimmed edge must be abutted against the wall. this will prevent the panels from moving during cutting.
When using a power tool, it is advisable to wear safety glasses, since the likelihood of splinters getting into the face during operation is quite high.
When working with a knife, you should use a guide on which the tool will rest during cutting.
This, as has been said, may be square or wooden lath. A guide is applied to the cut line, the panel is cut and cracked, and then the material is cut from the back.
That’s all. The main methods of cutting PVC panels are considered and it remains only to decide on the most optimal option, the choice of which depends on personal preferences and capabilities of the master himself.
A convenient way to cut PVC panels with a hacksaw, see the video below: