How to cut plastic panels at home

How to cut plastic panels

How to cut plastic panels

The better to cut?

Different tools can be used to cut the panels. These include both special professional devices and ordinary hand or electric tools used in everyday life for various purposes.

Cutter

This device is used by experienced craftsmen who are professionally engaged in finishing work.

The use of the cutter provides a perfectly smooth 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.

Jigsaw and grinder

Using a jigsaw is a quick, but not too high-quality way. It is unlikely that it will be possible to achieve an ideally even cut with its help, moreover, chips often form along the edge of the panel, so it is best to abandon this option, preferring the same grinder.

Using this tool will ensure an even cut, but only due to high speeds, the panel begins to emit an unpleasant odor and poisonous substances.

Hacksaw

This tool is present in any home workshop. For those who are not ready to spend money on purchasing a cutter, using a hacksaw may well be an option for solving the problem of cutting panels.

Yes, this method will take a little longer, but with a small amount of work, this will not greatly affect the period of wall cladding.

It is important to note that a hacksaw for metal is best for cutting panels, and if you use a tool for wood, then the blade should have fine teeth. for cross-cutting.

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 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 time and painfully;

It is 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 correctly?

To obtain a high-quality result when cutting, certain rules must be followed. Among them there are both general instructions and recommendations for working with a specific tool:

• It is unacceptable to work with material that was brought in from the cold. it must be warmed up before opening. Chilled PVC becomes brittle, leading to edge chipping.
• Wall panels should only be cut from the front side. Otherwise, the profile will crumple, and difficulties may arise during the installation process.
• The use of a grinder, jigsaw or hacksaw allows you to immediately cut a bundle of panels.

In this case, they must be laid on two supports so that they do not sag, and not the cut edge must be resting against the wall. this will prevent the panels from moving during cutting.

When using a power tool, it is advisable to wear protective goggles, since the likelihood of being hit in the face by fragments during work is quite high.

When working with a knife, it is worth using a guide on which the tool will rest during cutting.

This, as already mentioned, can be a square or a wooden lath. The guide is applied to the cut line, the panel is cut and cracked, after which the material is cut from the back side.

That’s all. The main methods of cutting PVC panels have been considered and it remains only to determine the most optimal option, the choice of which depends on the personal preferences and capabilities of the master himself.

For a convenient way to cut PVC panels with a hacksaw, see the video below:

What to look for when choosing an adhesive

Plastic panels should last a long time and please with an aesthetic appearance, which can be achieved only with the use of a high-quality and suitable adhesive. When thinking about how to glue plastic panels to concrete, it is best to stop the choice on compositions specially designed for working with this material. But there are other suitable options that will provide sufficient fixation reliability.

What should be the glue for fixing PVC panels:

• It becomes transparent after complete drying, so as not to be noticeable on the finish and not to spoil its appearance.
• Demonstrate high resistance to moisture, sudden temperature changes, high / low temperatures.
• It is desirable to quickly set.
• It is important to ensure the highest possible bonding quality.
• The glue must guarantee the durability of the fixation so that the coating does not have to be changed after a year or two.
• Taking into account the use of glue in a residential area, it must necessarily be safe, therefore toxic compounds with a strong odor are not chosen for these purposes.
• It is desirable that the glue contains antibacterial additives.

Liquid Nails

A popular fastener that is used in a variety of jobs during the repair process. The glue is also suitable for finishing works using plastic panels. Liquid nails are easy to use, they fix polyvinyl chloride reliably and with high quality both to the frame and to the concrete wall. But when buying, you need to pay attention to the composition of the adhesive, since some options are very strong and lead to swelling of the plastic surface.

Most popular liquid nails for PVC panels:

• 601 liquid nails. suitable for various materials, including PVC. The glue dries within 10 minutes, which makes it possible to correct mistakes in case of uneven fixing of the plate in time. Some masters argue that this glue should not be chosen for finishing a bathroom and a bathroom, as it is not moisture resistant enough and the panels may begin to lag over time.
• Liquid nails 901. the substance is suitable for finishing both outside and inside the premises. Its main advantages are strength, durability, versatility. Such compositions are capable of holding even fairly heavy coatings, and PVC panels will be fixed as reliably as possible.
• Liquid nails 915. this composition is well suited for the implementation of repairs in any premises (most often it is used where the level of humidity is increased). The composition does not allow water to penetrate the wall, reliably protects the room from the spread of mold and other problems.

The use of liquid nails for fastening plastic panels is quite justified. By following the instructions and performing the work carefully, you can achieve the best result.

Description of PVC panels

The abbreviation PVC is a short form of the word “polyvinyl chloride”. The term refers to a common plastic material, a plastic that has been molded into the desired shape during the manufacturing process. For many years, PVC panels have been actively used as a finishing material, which has a lot of advantages.

The main advantages of PVC panels:

• Long service life without changing characteristics and appearance. 10 years or more, which is an excellent indicator for a finishing material.
• Easy to clean. the panel is easy to clean from dust, it lends itself well to washing by any means (except abrasives).
• Environmental friendliness. they try to make modern PVC panels from safe materials.
• Moisture resistance is one of the most important characteristics, thanks to which the panels can be used for finishing bathrooms, bathrooms, and other rooms where high humidity is noted.
• Fire safety. good quality panels made in accordance with technology burn poorly and are non-toxic.
• Resistance to low and high temperatures, and therefore the material is suitable for finishing premises for various purposes.
• Excellent level of sound insulation.
• The ability to attach to various surfaces. including concrete.

Huge selection of panel colors, with various patterns, patterns. Such panels are great for quick and inexpensive repairs, but they should only be purchased from trusted suppliers that guarantee high quality products. Installation can be done at home by yourself.

The main ways of attaching plastic panels to concrete:

• On the frame. using screws, staples, nails. The crate is made of metal, wood, plastic. It is also allowed to glue the panel to the frame, which in this case performs the function of leveling the surface. Installation of the frame requires a certain investment of time and effort, and also takes a certain number of square centimeters from the room.
• Using glue is the easiest and fastest option, which does not reduce the space in the room. But to use it, the walls must be dry and even, and the composition must be selected correctly, taking into account the requirements of both materials (concrete and plastic) and other nuances.

To avoid the need to soon repair or completely redo the finish, you need to pay serious attention to the choice of glue.

Adhesive for PVC panels. which one is better?

The choice of adhesives is large, so you don’t have to decide for a long time how to glue metal to concrete or plastic panels to the wall. But some types of glue cannot be used with PVC, as they can deform the panel and spoil its appearance.

Which compounds are suitable for fixing PVC panels on concrete:

• Emficol 34012A is a viscous adhesive specially for PVC panels, which provides high adhesion and strength. Colorless, which is very important for plastic materials.
• Kleyberite 636 is moisture resistant and only needs to be applied to one side. Produced on the basis of synthetic resins, absolutely safe for the health and well-being of people.
• Moment Crystal is an expensive, but high-quality compound that will fix plastic plates on any surface. Colorless glue, it can be used for fastening PVC panels without fear.
• Liquid nails are also a good option, which is a separate paragraph of the article.

When choosing an adhesive, you need to remember that high cost is not always a guarantee of high quality and optimal choice. For finishing with PVC panels of concrete walls, many take the Moment of Installation and Titanium. But before buying, you must definitely study the packaging labeling, instructions, ask to consult the seller (if he has extensive knowledge, and does not just indicate the most expensive composition).

For plastic panels, it is advisable to choose the appropriate adhesives designed to work with PVC and concrete.

How to glue plastic (plastic panel, metal) to concrete at home

The question of how to glue plastic to concrete can become relevant when performing a variety of repair and construction work. PVC panels are quite popular and are widely used in cosmetic repairs. The explanation is simple: plastic panels are inexpensive, presented in a large assortment of colors and shades, easy to install and maintain.

How to glue plastic panels to a concrete wall

It is quite easy to glue plastic slabs to concrete. All work can be done independently, without attracting additional employees and without using any special tools, skills, knowledge. In many ways, the final result depends on the quality of surface preparation and the correctness of the selected glue. If the concrete surface is prepared correctly, and the glue is suitable for working with PVC panels, there should be no difficulties.

First, carefully and thoroughly clean the walls from paint, dirt, etc. It is desirable that the surface is smooth, without any scratches, pits, which significantly reduce the adhesion strength. If there are defects, they are carefully putty, and then the entire surface is covered with a primer, they are allowed to dry for a sufficient time.

Before starting work, PVC panels are cut out on the front side as they will be glued to the surface of the walls. The surface can be marked, the panels can be numbered to make it easier (if necessary). They begin to fasten in the direction from the corner or door. Glue is applied dotted or dotted. When using liquid nails, it is best to apply the mesh to the inside of the board. Further, the plate is strongly pressed against the wall (and it is desirable that the sheet does not bend much during operation).

If joints appear after fixation, they are carefully and carefully treated with a sealant. Only after the completion of all work, the protective film is removed from the material. For aesthetics and a more complete look, install floor and ceiling skirting boards.

Cutting rules

For safe work, you must clearly follow the following rules:

• When working with panels that were brought in from the cold, you need to wait a short period of time. This action is necessary in order to warm the material. If you do not heed the advice, then the plastic panels will break during the cutting process, thereby losing their neat appearance. Often there are cases when cracks appear on the surface that is cut along.
• In order to obtain several planks of the same length, it is necessary to lay them on at least 2 supports. This protects against sagging or displacement. It is recommended to abut the edge of the element that is not pruned against the wall. Thanks to this action, you can secure against their shift.

• You can make the process easier by marking with a pencil or felt-tip pen.
• It is necessary to cut correctly with the wrong side of the panel down, because during processing under the influence of the load, the profile of the strip changes and causes some inconvenience during the installation process. Microcracks often appear on the front surface, which appear in the future.
• When using a power tool, use protective goggles and gloves that can protect against debris and sawdust flying in different directions during the cutting process.

How to cut PVC panels: tool selection

• Application of panels
• Cutting rules
• What is needed?
• Cutter
• Hacksaw
• Jigsaw, circular and grinder
• Knife

Undoubtedly, tiles are considered to be a classic material for finishing a bathroom, however, PVC panels have an increased installation speed, and additional care of this material will not be required, because neither soap nor water is deposited on their surface. Initially, plastic panels worked well due to their ease of installation. To carry out such work, you will not need help from specialists and a complex tool.

Hacksaw

A hacksaw is considered more practical to use, and it does not matter whether it is for metal or for wood. The only requirement when using a hacksaw for wood is the presence of small teeth, which should not be divorced, because this way the surface of the material that needs to be cut into pieces is destroyed. Such a tool is often used for crosscutting.

The advantage of this tool is the ability to cut multiple panels at the same time. For this operation, you will need to stack the material.

For convenience, when cutting, it is better to have the planks facing the contractor. When subjecting the length of the panels to a decrease, care must be taken not to apply enormous efforts when pressing the tool, because this can break the PVC sheets.

Due to the plasticity of the material, it does not take much effort to cut off the excess part of the panel.

Cutter

This tool has proven itself well due to its low cost. Perfect for home use.

The tool has excellent performance and the cut surface looks smooth. It should also be highlighted the fact that no special physical effort is required to carry out the cutting. A huge advantage can also be called its compactness, in which it does not take up much space during its storage.

The disadvantage of the tool is the ability to cut only in a straight line, it will not be possible to round off the edges.

Application of panels

In the process of sheathing, it is necessary to initially decide on the tool used for cutting the plastic panels. This material is widely used for finishing balconies or bathrooms, because it has an excellent set of properties. We must also not forget about its practicality, which makes it even more popular. Plastic panels also attract buyers for their low cost and excellent appearance.

Each owner can independently finish the bathroom at home and at his discretion, because there are a huge variety of panel options that can be used for this. All PVC panels are manufactured with a standard length of 3 m.This is not always practical, because it needs to be cut into pieces to obtain the desired size.

Currently, a huge number of tools have been created, thanks to which it is possible to shorten the length of a particular material. When working with plastic panels, it is necessary to take into account many factors, among which the main ones are practicality, cutting speed, surface quality, as well as ease of use.

Jigsaw, circular and grinder

These tools dramatically speed up the length change process and also provide a superior cut edge appearance. These devices have proven themselves perfectly if you need to quickly slit a panel longitudinally.

In no case should we forget that when working at increased rotational speeds of the cutting tool on the surface that is being processed, defects in the form of melted edges may appear. At the same time, unpleasant odors and substances harmful to health are emitted into the work area. It is necessary to decide which circle to process. In view of this fact, at first all work must be performed at reduced speeds. With the help of a grinder, you can get not only straight cuts, but also curly.

Experts recommend using a regular jigsaw to obtain a high-quality surface, as well as increased productivity as a tool used when cutting. In this case, an excellent smooth edge is obtained, which does not have any creases, and is also very practical in the process of work. The tool has proven itself perfectly both for longitudinal cutting and when cutting across the bar.

When using a jigsaw, you need to remember that you need to use a file with a fine tooth. Particular attention should be paid to the cutting mode. the minimum speed is selected and the pendulum stroke is turned off. This tool is excellent for cutting multiple panels at the same time.

This tool is perfect for cutting small quantities of plastic panels. Applying it, you just need to know some little things that can help and facilitate the process of changing the length.

The least suitable for such work is an ordinary kitchen knife, which can be found in any kitchen. Difficulties in working with this cutting tool arise due to the width of its blade. Even when perfectly sharpened, a kitchen knife will not cut through wall panels.

The performer will have to spend a lot of time if he does not have the opportunity to use another tool. In this case, the installation process will take longer.

A stationery knife is considered a more suitable tool for this, because using it, the material is not completely cut. After drawing along the front surface of the material, a groove is obtained. Turning over the bar and pressing on the edges, the PVC panel clearly breaks off along it, and the resulting small fringe, which covers the surface of the fracture, will absolutely not harm the appearance of the room in any way, because in any case it will be hidden either under the curbs or under the skirting board.

a loaf knife made of ceramics can also carry out such work. It will do a great job with plastic panels due to the presence of a wavy cutting edge. Working with such a tool, it will not be difficult to obtain an element that will perfectly fit into the interior of the bathroom.

To learn how to cut a PVC panel using a clerical knife, see below.

Hacksaw

If, when performing finishing work, the question concerns how to cut the panels exactly, then for such a case, it will be correct to use a hacksaw. When the edge of the panels is hidden from the eye by the starting or corner finishing profile, then a hacksaw is used for wood. If the cut area remains in sight, then use a tool for metal.

When choosing what to cut plastic panels, attention is paid to the convenience of work. When using a hacksaw on wood, the workpiece will vibrate strongly and must be held firmly. And when using tooling for metal, the vibration effect will be little noticeable, but the tool will need to be held almost parallel to the plane of the workpiece. This is due to the thickness of the blade holder, which is larger than the blade.

In both cases, the panel is placed facing the cutting tool so that all chips and imperfections remain on the wrong side.

How can PVC panels be cut

Plastic finishing material can be cut both lengthwise and across. Of course, the main blanks are cross-cut. When you want the sewn surface to be completely covered, you have to use a longitudinal cut. Before starting work, it is determined how to cut plastic panels at home or at an industrial facility. The number of blanks required for wall cladding is of no small importance.

Using many years of experience in the use of PVC materials in interior decoration, we highlight what can be used to cut plastic panels:

• construction knife;
• hacksaw for metal;
• Bulgarian;
• jigsaw;
• cutter;
• hacksaw for wood.

The use of any of these tools will help solve the question of how to cut PVC panels, but each of them has features that must be taken into account when performing work.

Cutter

Such a device is convenient when speed and high-quality cut of the end face of the workpieces are important for solving the problem. The speed of such a tool is high, while the quality is better than any of the ones described above. But, when working, you need to carefully inspect the panel for possible chips and lay it inside out to the cutter, and face down to the supporting surface. This is due to the fact that the cutter can push the surface of the PVC workpiece by 2-5 millimeters.

The tool simplifies and speeds up installation work. Buying a cutter will forever close the question of how to cut off a plastic panel, and other methods will no longer be relevant. When using it, it is important to remember that such a tool will not be able to trim in place with such a tool.

Jigsaw

Using such a power tool will help to cope with cutting panels and reduce labor intensity, compared to a hacksaw or a construction knife. Convenient to use a jigsaw when preparing a large number of workpieces.

When performing work, the place of the cut is first marked on the front surface, and then smoothly cut to the required size, passing the tool along the marking line. Cellophane or other material is placed under the jigsaw support foot, which will prevent the possibility of scratching the PVC panel. In the case of simultaneous cutting of several blanks, they are fastened with plastic clamps or wrapped with transparent tape. At the same time, it is better to isolate the front surface from the adhesive tape (lay a sheet of paper).

How to cut PVC panels

Among the variety of finishing materials used in construction, plastic panels occupy a separate category. It is a modern coating that is used for interior and sometimes exterior walls. They are made from polyvinyl chloride by extrusion. Before performing installation work, it is important to decide: what is the best way to cut PVC panels. The assortment of tools and accessories offered on the market is full of offers, both general and special. Among all the inventory, you can choose what will cut the plastic panels.

Bulgarian

To carry out such work, it will be inconvenient to use a large-sized angle grinder, and it is useless. A small grinder with a thin disc for metal (0.8-1 mm) is best suited.

If it is necessary to simultaneously cut a large number of panels, they are fastened together, markings are applied. The cut is made from the front or back. The quality of the butt end is obtained without defects. Such a power tool allows you to cut a panel with high quality or several at once.

Construction knife

In any household, you can find a kitchen knife, sharpen it and use it to solve the problem than to cut off a plastic panel. But, to get a high-quality cut, it is better to use a construction or clerical knife. Replaceable blades, which are supplied with the tool, will allow you to get an even, smooth surface. Cutting with a knife is faster than using sawing devices. But, when you have to deal with the honeycomb structure of plastic panels, the use of such a tool becomes inconvenient.

When using a construction or clerical knife, the panel is marked out, then laid on cardboard or the cut part is left hanging. After that, pushing through the front and back sides of the finishing material, they separate the unnecessary parts. If a large area of ​​unclaimed plastic part remains, then it is better to put or substitute a support under it, in order to avoid kinking or skewing the workpiece.

Having studied the features of the use of certain devices, how they differ and how they are used, in order to cut the panels, the consumer can measure the need for a particular tool. Looking into their own stores, for sure, they will find one of the listed devices and make a small number of cuts with a knife or hacksaw.

If you need professional installation of wall plastic finishing material, everyone is able to independently understand the need for the required tool and determine what, in his case, would be better to cut the panels.

Material features

PVC panels are one of the modern types of finishing materials that are made by extrusion and are used both in the bathroom and in the living room. The main raw material in the production of such products is polyvinyl chloride, which is used to fill the mold. To give the panels the desired color, a certain amount of crushed natural chalk is added to their composition.

Decorating PVC panels can be done in one of the following ways:

• staining;
• thermal printing;
• offset printing.

Thermal printing is applied to the plastic surface using a special roller heated to high temperatures, which presses the film to the surface of the product. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to quickly and clearly apply a pattern without losing the brightness of the image. The panel itself does not need additional varnishing. Offset printing is used much less often due to its high cost.

Power tool

For quick sawing of PVC panels, a power tool at hand is best. For this purpose, you can use almost any device, which will help to significantly reduce the time spent on preparing for installation.

Often, cutting is performed using the following devices:

How to easily cut plastic sheets by hand

• jigsaw;
• grinders;
• circulars.

To work with plastic material, it is allowed to use only low revolutions, because with significant heating it begins to melt and release fumes that are toxic to the human body, and the cut in this case will turn out to be torn.

Using a jigsaw will help make the process of preparing PVC panels for installation much faster than using a hand tool.

However, with such a method of processing, the following nuances must be taken into account:

• even before starting work, it is necessary to turn off the pendulum stroke;
• a file with as small teeth as possible should be used;
• you need to set the lowest speed of movement of the file, which will avoid excessive heating of the plastic at the cut.

Using a jigsaw is very convenient to cut stacks of panels, but you should make sure that their height does not exceed the length of the file installed in the tool.

The grinder is recognized as the most convenient and practical power tool with which you can cut PVC wall panels. By installing a cutting disc, you can make not only straight, but also curly cuts on the surface of the plastic. When processing plastic around the grinder, it turns on only at low speeds, which will avoid damage to the material due to melting of the edges.

In the absence of more practical and convenient tools, PVC can be cut with a knife.

To solve this problem, the following types of cutting products are suitable:

• Kitchen knife. This tool is suitable for cutting multiple panels in the process of repairing or replacing them. For large-scale wall decoration, such a procedure is unnecessarily long and painful.
• Construction knife. Among hand-held cutting tools, such a device is one of the best options for achieving a straight cut with relatively little effort.
• Stationery knife. Using a wooden ruler or square, this tool allows you to achieve a perfectly even cut of the panel, therefore, it is often used to cut them.

Basic cutting rules

So that the efforts on cutting PVC panels are not wasted, and the result of the work meets expectations, experts recommend adhering to a number of rules for working with plastic. These little secrets will help not only to significantly reduce the amount of spoiled material, but also save the master from unnecessary financial expenses and injuries.

When carrying out work during the heated season, do not start cutting panels that have recently been brought into the room. The plastic should naturally warm up to room temperature, which is achieved in at least 12 hours. The fact is that at low temperatures the plastic panel becomes fragile, and therefore it can crack and break off in large fragments.

Regardless of the chosen method of processing the material, it should be placed with its front side facing you, which will avoid deformation of the panel and difficulties during its further installation. When cut from the seamy side, you can find microcracks on the front part, which will manifest itself over time and significantly spoil the interior.

It is necessary to mark in advance a straight line of the planned cut, which can be done with a simple pencil and a stationery ruler.

To speed up the process of preparing the material for installation work, you can cut or saw several PVC panels at the same time. To do this, simply stack them in a pile and create a two-point support. It is best to rest the opposite edge of the stack against the wall, which will help avoid shifting the products, respectively, as a result, parts of the same length are obtained.

Choosing a cutting tool

Specialists in the implementation of repair work, who have to carry out the installation of PVC panels in their professional activities, know many secrets regarding the correct cutting of plastic materials up and down. After analyzing them, each owner who wants to make repairs on his own will be able to choose the most suitable professional tool for him or use the tools at hand.

The choice of a method for cutting panels usually depends on the tasks and capabilities of the master. Below are the types of cutting materials.

Hacksaw

One of the universal devices for cutting any material is a hacksaw, which is sure to be found in the arsenal of any craftsman. It is she who will help, if necessary, cut the plastic wall panel. Such work will take longer than using a special cutter, but with significant volumes of cladding, this will not significantly affect the total repair time.

When using a hacksaw, you should listen to the following recommendations of experts:

• for working with plastic finishing materials, you should use a tool with small teeth, which is usually designed for working with metal or wood;
• to shorten the PVC panel, there is no need to apply strong physical forces, which can lead to damage to the material;
• you can cut several parts at once with a hacksaw by folding them in a pile and securing them to avoid bending or displacement.

How to Easily Cut Plexiglass and Acrylic Sheets

To prevent the incision from being serrated, it is not recommended to use a tool with teeth set apart in different directions.

Cutter

If necessary, this tool can be independently made from available tools, for which it is enough to adhere to the following recommendations:

• it is necessary to prepare a metal strip, the thickness of which is at least 2 mm and the width is 1 cm;
• then one of the edges of the workpiece should be cut off at an angle of 45 degrees;
• it is necessary to sharpen the edge of a homemade product using a grindstone;
• the opposite side should be wrapped with electrical tape, which will allow you to protect your hand from damage during work.

A professional cutter for plastic has a relatively low cost, so its purchase can serve as a profitable investment, because thanks to such a tool, the process of cutting PVC panels becomes not only more convenient, but also quite fast.

How to cut PVC panels?

• Material features
• Choosing a cutting tool
• Cutter
• Hacksaw
• Power tool
• Knife
• Basic cutting rules
• Safety regulations

PVC panel is one of the most popular materials for interior decoration. Its use in the interior attracts not only by its appearance, but also by its affordable price, ease of maintenance and installation. Due to the listed characteristics, many people prefer PVC panels, rather than tiles, when decorating personal hygiene rooms.

How to cut plastic panels. three cutting methods

Thrifty homeowners know that there is no better and more practical material for bathroom and toilet wall cladding than decorative PVC panels. They perfectly replace ceramic tiles in cases where there is not enough money or time for a full repair.

This material is also loved because it can be easily assembled with your own hands. However, the standard panel length is 3 m, which exceeds the ceiling height in typical high-rise buildings. In this regard, inexperienced craftsmen who decided to sheathe the walls of the bathroom with their own hands, the question arises of how to cut plastic panels at home. In this article, we will talk about a special tool for sawing plastic and improvised tools that can be used for this operation.

Cutter

Experienced craftsmen, who have in their arsenal a whole set of special tools for processing plastic, are used to cut PVC panels for wall cladding with a special cutter. This useful tool makes an absolutely straight cut on plastic without the use of physical effort.

Craftsmen may well make that tool with their own hands according to the following instructions:

• It is necessary to take a strip of metal sheet with a thickness of at least 2 mm. The width of the strip should be 1 cm.
• One edge of the metal strip is cut at an angle of 45 degrees.
• One side of a homemade cutter is sharpened with a whetstone.
• The opposite side is wrapped with electrical tape so as not to injure the hand during work.

Note! A cutter for plastic costs 700-1500 rubles, it may well come in handy in the future. We advise you to purchase this useful tool, as it significantly speeds up the process of cutting PVC panels.

Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a versatile tool that any craftsman has in his arsenal. It can easily cut plastic wall panels, if it is not possible to purchase a special cutter. With a hacksaw, the cutting process takes more time, but with a small amount of work, this does not significantly affect the duration of the wall cladding.

When sawing plastic with a hacksaw, the following nuances must be taken into account:

• For sawing PVC, use a fine-toothed tool for wood (cross-cut) or metal.
• Sawing plastic does not require strong force, otherwise material may be damaged.
• With a hacksaw, you can cut several panels at once, folding them in a stack.

Please note that when processing plastic, the cut can turn out to be jagged if you use a tool with teeth set in different directions.

How To Cut Acrylic Sheet By Hand

Power tool

The most impatient can use PVC panels for cutting with a power tool. For these purposes, any device that the master has at hand is suitable. This method allows you to quickly cut plastic, saving a lot of time. Cutting is performed using:

Important! Sawing plastic is recommended exclusively at low speeds, since at high speeds it begins to melt, emitting toxic fumes, and the cut turns out to be torn.

There is one secret

When you have to harvest a lot of sticks, frame size. For example, you need to cut off 20-30 pieces at once.

And so as not to cut one piece at a time, but to increase the speed. You can resort to one secret.

You will need clamps (bench presses) as in our photo. Take several at once, usually 5 pieces. Adjust them so that they do not stick out each other and clamp them with bench presses. Two on each side of the panel.

And calmly saw. In this way, you can cut up to 5 panels at a time. You can cut more, but a Bosch file does not provide this opportunity.

You will speed up the cutting process five times and make your work easier.

Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a versatile tool that any craftsman has in his arsenal. It can easily cut plastic wall panels, if it is not possible to purchase a special cutter. With a hacksaw, the cutting process takes longer, but with a small amount of work, this does not significantly affect the duration of the wall cladding.

When sawing plastic with a hacksaw, the following nuances must be taken into account:

• For sawing PVC, use a fine-toothed tool for wood (cross-cut) or metal.
• Sawing plastic does not require strong force, otherwise material may be damaged.
• With a hacksaw, you can cut several panels at once, folding them in a stack.

Please note that when processing plastic, the cut can turn out to be jagged if you use a tool with teeth set in different directions.

Hacksaw

One of the universal devices for cutting any material is a hacksaw, which is sure to be found in the arsenal of any craftsman. It is she who will help, if necessary, cut the plastic wall panel. Such work will take longer than using a special cutter, but with significant volumes of cladding, this will not significantly affect the total repair time.

When using a hacksaw, you should listen to the following recommendations of experts:

• for working with plastic finishing materials, you should use a tool with small teeth, which is usually designed for working with metal or wood;
• to shorten the PVC panel, there is no need to apply strong physical forces, which can lead to damage to the material;
• you can cut several parts at once with a hacksaw by folding them in a pile and securing them to avoid bending or displacement.

To prevent the incision from being serrated, it is not recommended to use a tool with teeth set apart in different directions.

Molar knife

The easiest PVC cutting tool. But an unusual kitchen or shoemaker, here you only need a molar knife.

Its blade, while new, is very thin and sharp. And when it gets dull, the blade can be replaced instantly. By biting off a piece or inserting a new one. An ordinary knife is inconvenient, it cannot be sharpened quickly. Also, it will not be so thin.

The molar knife is limited in scope. You can cut the panel with it only along. Of course, you can try to make a cut and across. But nothing good will come of it.

How to cut panels lengthwise? This is difficult to explain within the framework of the article. However, the basic principle can be described.

The blade extends a short distance of 3 mm.

On the back side of the panel, select the place where the cut will be made.

Then we cut out a strip, from edge to edge (we are talking about the inner edges of the panel). A cut is made near the rib, then another cut is made near the adjacent one. We make cuts along the entire length.

A strip of plastic falls out, a groove forms.

Then, on the same back side, you need to make a shallow incision near the desired rib. And over it to break the body.

The molar knife has advantages: speed, noiselessness and simplicity. And its disadvantages are that the panels can only be cut along.

Universal cutter

The universal cutter has various names. He has many manufacturers. When we bought our tool, one of the leading manufacturers was Bosch.

The tool is not cheap. But having bought it, you will not be able to get by with something else.

The cutter, unlike all other tools, oscillates.

We mainly use two main types of files: wide. 25mm40mm and narrow 10mm20mm.

Very often during installation, it is necessary to cut the PVC panel in place. Often this can only be done with a Bosch cutter. No other tool can crawl into difficult places.

The cutter greatly simplifies and speeds up work. You can cut wall products along and across. You can even cut off the top or bottom layer of the panel.

Let’s talk about the cons. The price of the tool and consumables for it is off the charts. For example, a file for a jigsaw will cost 100 rubles, and a file for a cutter at 800 rubles. Files quickly deteriorate.

Plastic panels have a number of advantages that make them an indispensable material for quick and inexpensive renovation of bathrooms, toilets, loggias and garden houses. The panels are impervious to moisture, are low-combustible materials, resistant to mechanical abrasion, have a long service life and are relatively cheap. They can be used for finishing both walls and ceilings.

Cutter

Experienced craftsmen, who have in their arsenal a whole set of special tools for processing plastic, are used to cut PVC panels for wall cladding with a special cutter. This useful tool makes an absolutely straight cut on plastic without the use of physical effort.

Craftsmen may well make that tool with their own hands according to the following instructions:

• It is necessary to take a strip of metal sheet with a thickness of at least 2 mm. The width of the strip should be 1 cm.
• One edge of the metal strip is cut at an angle of 45 degrees.
• One side of a homemade cutter is sharpened with a whetstone.
• The opposite side is wrapped with electrical tape so as not to injure the hand during work.

Note! A cutter for plastic costs 700-1500 rubles, it may well come in handy in the future. We advise you to purchase this useful tool, as it significantly speeds up the process of cutting PVC panels.

Choosing a cutting tool

Specialists in the implementation of repair work, who have to carry out the installation of PVC panels in their professional activities, know many secrets regarding the correct cutting of plastic materials up and down. After analyzing them, each owner who wants to make repairs on his own will be able to choose the most suitable professional tool for him or use the tools at hand.

The choice of a method for cutting panels usually depends on the tasks and capabilities of the master. Below are the types of cutting materials.

How to cut PVC panels?

PVC panel is one of the most popular materials for interior decoration. Its use in the interior attracts not only by its appearance, but also by its affordable price, ease of maintenance and installation. Due to the listed characteristics, many people prefer PVC panels, rather than tiles, when decorating personal hygiene rooms.