Laminated drywall: advantages, application and installation methods

One of the latest materials for wall decoration indoors is laminated drywall. If you look closely, this is an ordinary GCR, with the only difference being that a vinyl film is applied to its surface from the front side (PVC film, paper-fabric laminated layer).

This type of material is called by different names: LGKL, gypsum vinyl, acrylic, vinyl, colored drywall. Photos of this material can be viewed on the websites of companies involved in its sale. The material is rich in colors, patterns and textures, it 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.

One of the most popular brands of gypsum sheets of this type are considered to be Gypsolam wall panels.

The use of LGKL

The scope of this material is quite diverse. With its help, you can quickly create an original and durable interior of any room. Most often, laminated drywall is used for the following purposes:

1. Installation of interior and zoning partitions.
2. Assembly of cabinet furniture of a classic or non-standard type.
3. Creation of an original and non-standard interior of an apartment or room.
4. Wall and ceiling cladding.
5. Finishing door and window slopes, giving them the desired shape.
6. Creating individual designer designs or decor elements.

Advantages of laminated drywall

Laminated drywall has a number of advantages.

One of the main advantages of LGKL is the lack of need for additional decoration or processing of walls covered with laminated material. They do not need to be puttied, polished and painted, which means that extra time and money are not wasted.

The other undoubted advantages include the following properties of drywall with lamination:

• The ability to install laminated drywall on absolutely any surface, whether it be concrete, brick, metal or wood.
• Significant reduction in the timing of finishing work inside any room.
• Using drywall, you can hide all existing external flaws on the walls and ceilings.

• You can fix such drywall on the walls by two different methods: without installing a special frame and the frame method.
• Drywall surfaces retain heat better. The soundproofing of the room increases significantly. The levels of these indicators depend on the density of the laminated film on a cardboard sheet.
• Strength and durability of laminated drywall sheets. It is much higher than normal GKL.
• Large selection of colors, patterns and surface textures.
• Ease of subsequent leaving - the material can be washed, it does not absorb dirt.
• Refers to environmentally friendly materials.
• Resistance of drywall to external environmental conditions, such as increased humidity, sunlight, high temperature.

The price of laminated gypsum boards is quite reasonable and affordable for every customer.

Installation Methods

The basis of all types of drywall is exactly the same (gypsum core). But since the laminated material has a finished decorative coating that cannot be damaged by self-tapping screws, its installation differs significantly from the installation of a conventional gypsum board. Let's find out how to properly fix it to the surface.

Frameless installation method

The main condition for the possibility of applying this method is a smooth and smooth surface. The fastening process itself can be divided into the following steps:

1. Surface preparation. They must be thoroughly cleaned of all possible contaminants and degreased.
2. Drawing on a wall of bilateral adhesive tape. In this case, it must be ensured that the adhesive tape is glued evenly. Its stripes should be parallel to each other. They should never be torn. The recommended gap between the strips is 120 cm.
3. Gluing drywall to the surface. A special glue is applied to the back of the laminated boards. Then they are brought to the base surface so that they exactly hit the tape, and they are pressed tightly.
4. Each plate is checked with a level for evenness of installation.

Wireframe method

This method compared to the previous one is more time-consuming and requires experience. It can be divided into the following stages:

1. Marking and formation of the metal frame of the future structure. Assembling the frame is not so difficult as it might seem at first glance. They begin to collect it immediately after all the calculations and determining the necessary dimensions of the frame. For assembly, guides and rack profiles are used. The gap between the racks of the frame should be no more than 50-60 cm.
2. Securing double-sided tape on racks. This is done for additional fixation of drywall. Adhesive tape is glued just before the very beginning of the work on the skin of the frame.
3. Installation of drywall boards directly on the assembled frame. It starts from the inside corner. The first sheet is fastened with an L-shaped profile, which is attached to the frame rack. The distance between the fasteners is 40 cm.
4. The next sheet is attached, and between it and the first sheet a special omega-profile is inserted, which is also attached to the frame. Subsequently, a decorative strip is placed in it that closes the joint.
5. Processing external corners. It is performed using the F-shaped profile, which is attached before the installation of LGKL.

Important points

When using any method of installation of laminated drywall sheets, some of its features must be taken into account:

• Laminated GCR is not used for finishing basements and bathrooms and showers. This is due to the high humidity inside these rooms. You must also take into account the fact that drywall can not be fixed to walls whose humidity is above 25%.
• When forming and decorating door and window openings, use only special waterproof glue.
• When forced to cut a piece of drywall in the corner of the room, the cut is sealed with duct tape. The bottom of the cut sheet is treated with waterproof glue.
• Walls and ceilings covered with laminated drywall can be washed. But for this it is necessary to use only liquid detergents and a soft foam sponge. In no case should you use cleaning powders, gasoline or various solvents.