Is it possible to have a suspended ceiling in the bathroom? Photos, pros and cons

Is it possible to make a suspended ceiling in the bathroom?

The modern market offers a large selection of cloths intended for the bathroom, which are made on the basis of film, taking into account the humidity and steam formation in the room. This material has the following properties:

increased moisture resistance;
resistance to temperature changes;
compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards that prevent the formation of fungi;
protection in case of flooding.

Subject to proper installation and proper operation, ceilings will last up to 15 years. Therefore, when choosing a suitable material for finishing a bathroom, you should definitely give preference to tension structures.

Tips for choosing a ceiling

To harmoniously fit a tensile structure into the bathroom interior, you need to choose the right texture and color. According to the degree of gloss of the material, they are divided into glossy, satin and matte.

Glossy ones have the most reflective surface. For small bathrooms, it is better to choose this type, as they will add light and volume to the room. This is an undeniable advantage, but when choosing lighting fixtures, you need to make allowances for the fact that the surface will reflect their light. The most suitable type is built-in lamps.

Satin has a noble silky shine, but is inferior to gloss in terms of reflection.

Instagram @natyajnie_potolki_olimp

Instagram @titova_katherina

Matte ones do not shine, so there are no restrictions on their use. They fit into any interior without distracting attention. Photo printing looks good on canvases of this type - extra glare does not distort the picture, allowing you to see it in all details. Fans of non-standard solutions will like panels imitating marble, wood, leather, plaster or silk.

Instagram @interior_plus_

Instagram @lisina.larisa

The color is chosen according to the taste of the owner, taking into account the rest of the decoration of the room. The general rule is that warm colors (yellow, orange, red) optically make the room smaller. Cold (blue, green, purple), on the contrary, increases it. Classic white suits any style.

Instagram @titova_katherina

Instagram @lisina.larisa

Pastel colors (sand, light green, pink, light gray) are suitable for small spaces. The traditional design of bathrooms in a water theme allows the use of blue-green tones (blue, turquoise, emerald) in the decoration. Dark shades hide height, so they are recommended to be used in spacious rooms.

Instagram @lisina.larisa

Bright rich colors are used in the bathroom with caution so as not to create emotional tension in a small enclosed room. The ceiling should be thoughtfully combined with the rest of the room's design. You can make one wall an accent, decorating it to match the top, and leave the rest neutral for the background.

Small rooms
8 Bright Colors That Will Make a Small Room Look Larger

Which suspended ceiling is suitable for a bathroom?

There are two types of ceiling coverings on the market. Some are made from synthetic fabric, others from polyvinyl chloride film (PVC).

Fabric ceilings are made from polyester threads impregnated with polyurethane. Despite the small thickness, the canvas is very durable. The disadvantage of the fabric is its inability to repel water, which is undesirable for rooms with high humidity. Excessive condensation in the ceiling space can cause mold and mildew to form. Therefore, fabric material is not recommended for use in the bathroom.

PVC ceilings are resistant to constant changes in temperature, humidity and, most importantly, do not allow entry at all. Therefore, it is better to use film material for a suspended ceiling in the bathroom.

Additional benefits

When considering the pros and cons of a suspended ceiling for a bathroom, you should also pay special attention to the possibility of hiding engineering structures in a hollow internal space. Ventilation, wiring, alarms and fire detectors can be hidden under a stretched plane.

Another quite important factor is that the original surface does not require additional finishing. It may be covered with peeling paint, old wallpaper, or even whitewashed. If necessary, you can place a sound and heat insulator between the base and the film, which will not be visible from the room.

Stretch ceilings in the bathroom and toilet can be installed in just 5 hours or less. In such a short period, no other ceiling can be installed. If a simple fabric is stretched in one level, then about 3 hours will be enough for this. No construction waste is generated. You can stretch the ceiling even in a room where renovations have already been done, wallpaper has been pasted and there is furniture. The main thing is to free up space near the walls by 0.6 m so that the master can approach this area.

Pros and cons of a suspended ceiling in the bathroom

PVC film has both positive and negative sides, which you should be aware of before installation.

pros

Durability. Being moisture-resistant and waterproof, PVC sheets will last much longer than any other ceiling covering.
Hygienic and environmentally friendly. Fungi, mold and other unwanted microorganisms do not form on the surface of the stretch ceiling.
Leak protection. The bathroom is often subject to flooding from residents of the upper floors. PVC sheets will not allow water to pass through; the structure can withstand weight up to 100 kg. In the future, the water is easily drained, and the ceiling takes on its previous appearance.
Good sound insulation. It is a definite plus for residents of apartment buildings.
Ease of use. The coating is washable with gentle cleaning agents and does not absorb dirt and plaque.
Durability. The tension structure lasts for more than 15 years and does not lose its original appearance over time.
Self-installation. You can stretch the ceiling yourself, without resorting to the services of specialists, which will help save a significant amount of money.

Despite a number of positive properties, PVC canvases have disadvantages that can force the owner to choose a different material.

Minuses

Air tightness. If there is no forced ventilation in the room, installation will become a big problem. Fungi and mold will form in the ceiling space, which is harmful to human health.
Low heat resistance. PVC-based ceilings are non-flammable, but quickly and easily deform when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, it is better to use another material if there are heating elements nearby.
Reducing the ceiling height. Such designs are only suitable for rooms whose height exceeds 2.5 meters. Since the ventilation must be located in the ceiling space, when installing the tension fabric, you will need to mount it 30-40 cm below the main ceiling.

Read more: Pros and cons of stretch ceilings

Is it worth using a suspended ceiling in a damp room?

The answer to the above question is a resounding “yes”. However, there are some nuances here. When choosing a tension covering, you should pay attention to PVC material. This ceiling is suitable for difficult operating conditions, because it does not absorb moisture, which means it does not create a favorable environment for mold and mildew to develop. Such a coating today is an ideal option for the bathroom, because it has excellent technical characteristics and allows it to be used in the most humid rooms, where steam settles on the surface of walls and ceilings.

Design options

Thanks to the variety of colors, textures and the possibility of applying images to the canvas, there are many options for decorating the ceiling in the bathroom. For design, you can choose single-level or two-level structures, and also use patterned coverings.

Single-level ceiling

This option is best suited for small, low rooms, since multi-level structures visually reduce the space and reduce the height of the room. Single-level stretch ceilings have a number of advantages:

practical and easy to care for;
are characterized by low cost;
suitable for any interior;
quickly installed without contacting specialists;
can be easily dismantled if necessary.

A single-level glossy white ceiling will not only fit perfectly into any interior, but will also visually enlarge a small area.

Coverings are made in a single color, can combine two or more colors, and can also be designed using photo printing. If you want to diversify the ceiling, but the size of the room does not allow you to create more than one level, you can use different lighting options or apply a three-dimensional pattern to the canvas.

Two-level ceiling

Two-level stretch ceilings are multi-level structures. They are made using plasterboard. They look very stylish and create a unique design.

However, not every room is suitable for installing a multi-level structure. The bathroom should be tall and have a large area. It is also unlikely to be possible to decorate the ceiling in several levels according to all the rules without turning to specialists.

When installing structures, any shapes, colors and textures are used, depending on the interior design of the entire room.

With an image

Modern technologies make it possible to print any drawings and photographs on film. It is not necessary to make a photo print on the entire ceiling; you can select a specific area and place the picture in the center or in the corners. To print photographs, you need to select images with a high resolution, otherwise you may end up with a low-quality image.

A pattern printed in this way will not fade over time and will last as long as single-color ceilings. You can print on both gloss and matte canvas.

Using the image, some shortcomings of the room are corrected, for example, low ceilings or a small area. A glossy finish with a light image can visually increase the space of the bathroom, and prints of nature or plants will look more realistic on a matte canvas. However, when choosing this type of design, you should take into account its high cost.

Types of stretch fabrics

To the question whether it is possible to install a suspended ceiling in the bathroom, the answer will be in the affirmative. But in order to choose the right type, you need to understand their modifications.

They come in two types: film and fabric. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film is waterproof and can protect against leaks from above. In this case, the corner of the canvas is dismantled, the water is drained and the film is fixed back, maintaining its original appearance. The surface is not afraid of steam and does not become damp during bath procedures. Drops of water simply roll down or dry out, leaving no trace on the surface. At the same time, the color does not change throughout the entire service life. During installation, the film is heated with special guns, stretched and secured to profiles located along the walls.

Instagram @yut_potolki.ru

Instagram @vgceiling

The fabric consists of a weave of polymer fibers. Thanks to this, it allows air to pass through and provides natural ventilation to the ceiling slab. This reduces the risk of mold. Fabric ceilings do not require heating during installation, so you can install them yourself. However, such fabric is vulnerable to moisture, which is not very good in a bathroom where there is a high level of humidity. Therefore, film varieties are most often installed in bathrooms.

Instagram @_marina_ky

Instagram @72plitki.ru

If the height of the bathroom allows, you can make a multi-level design. It can be plain or contrasting. At each level, you can install lamps that highlight the differences in height.

Instagram @lisina.larisa

Instagram @abeon_st.ru

Ceiling
Sound insulation for suspended ceilings: types and installation methods

How to choose a suspended ceiling for a bathroom

When choosing a covering for a bathroom, the main attention should be paid to the size of the room, furniture and decorative elements that complement the interior.

Glossy or matte

Matte finish . This is the most budget and practical option. Ideal for both classic and modern styles. It does not create light glare and does not attract attention, which allows you to place the main emphasis on the bright details of the interior. The matte surface does not show stains from cleaning products. However, when choosing, you should take into account that the color palette is limited to light and pastel shades.
Glossy finish . It costs significantly more than matte, but there is a wide selection of colors available. The main advantage of gloss is the ability to visually increase space. White color can create the illusion of a high ceiling. It is because of this that small bathrooms are often decorated with gloss. In addition, it reflects light well, creating additional lighting. The most problematic part of operation will be maintenance. The stains are clearly visible on the gloss, so cleaning the surface takes a long time.

Color selection

The color should match the overall design of the bathroom and fit harmoniously into the interior. But when choosing, you should pay attention to several details:

For classics, pastel colors are best. In a large, high room with enough light, you can use both matte and glossy surfaces, but for small areas, gloss is better suited because it can reflect light well.
If the bathroom is large, with high ceilings, then you can easily use dark or rich shades.
A three-dimensional image in light colors can also visually enlarge the room. Such designs will look best on a matte finish.
If the main function of the bathroom is relaxation and relaxation, then it is better to choose green, blue or blue.

Lighting

For good lighting, it is important not only to choose high-quality lamps, but also to take care of their correct location. The decision on the location must be made before installation begins.

Lighting can be located on the ceiling, along the mirror area, around the perimeter of the bathroom or in the shower. Lamps on stretched fabric deserve special attention. Due to high humidity, moisture-resistant models are chosen. Such devices are marked with letters of the Latin alphabet IP.

There are several types of lighting in the bathroom:

Chandelier . It is located in the center and attached to the suspended ceiling using a mounting platform and a hook. The wiring will be hidden in the ceiling space. Since most often there is no natural light in the bathroom, the devices are selected taking into account the supply of a sufficient amount of light.
Built-in lights . The lamp power should not exceed 75 watts to avoid overheating and deformation of the canvas. Devices can be installed in any quantity and order. To install spotlights, you need embedded platforms for each lamp and special thermal rings that protect the PVC film from overheating and stretching.
Lighting based on the ceiling area . The lighting is placed around the perimeter of the ceiling and serves as an additional light source. In addition, it is important to have basic lighting. The power of the devices should not exceed 40 watts. This is an acceptable value at which the ceiling covering will not be damaged.
Glowing ceiling . To install such lighting, a special translucent film is used, and LED strips, which are installed behind the canvas, are used as light sources. The result is an interesting effect of a large lamp on the entire ceiling.

Organizing lighting in the bathroom is a complex process that requires certain knowledge and skills. If they are missing, it is better to entrust this matter to professionals.

What does a black glossy stretch ceiling look like?

For bathrooms, I would like to highlight the black glossy canvas. Thanks to the gloss, the ceiling has a “mirror” effect, visually increasing the height of the room. Therefore, gloss, not necessarily black, is very relevant for cramped bathrooms.

As for the black color, in combination with “mirror” it gives the effect of “bottomlessness”. In other words, it’s as if you can’t see the ceiling—there’s infinity above your head. Unfortunately, photographs do not convey this magnificent effect well.

If the design idea is “cozy crampedness”, that is, visual enlargement of the room is not welcome, then of course it is better to abandon the glossy canvas. Black color or matte finish can be used, but here you should take into account the main colors of the walls, furniture and accessories.

Features of installing a stretch ceiling in the bathroom

Installing a tension covering in an apartment is not difficult, it takes 3-4 hours and does not leave behind dust or a large amount of construction waste. Also, installation does not require preliminary leveling or puttying of the surface. But to install PVC film you will need a special heat gun to warm the room and the canvas.

When installing a stretch ceiling in a bathroom, it is important to consider some nuances:

If the walls are tiled, there is a risk of cracks forming when drilling holes to secure the structure. It is recommended to use a diamond-coated or spear-tipped carbide drill bit. Also, when drilling, you must retreat at least 1.5 cm from the edge of the tile. If a complete renovation of the room is planned, the tiles are laid below the level of the frame fastening.

Often water and gas pipes pass through the bathroom, and during installation it is necessary to carry out proper communications bypass. In addition, heating pipes have a high temperature, which will negatively affect the condition of the PVC ceiling. The most popular and simplest way is to make a plasterboard box that will completely cover all communications. The second popular method is to purchase special plastic pipes that match the diameter of the pipe. Reinforcing plates are glued to the canvas and protect the film from tearing and overheating.

It should be noted that when heated, the fabric will stretch by 5-7%, so after measuring the position of the pipe, an error of 0.93 cm must be added to the results obtained.

In order for the suspended ceiling to last a long time and not cause harm to the owners, it is necessary to suppress the possibility of the formation of fungi and mold due to excessive accumulation of condensation in the ceiling space. To do this, ventilation must work well in the bathroom. Natural does not require anything other than the installation of a ventilation grill. If the room is not properly ventilated, you will have to install a forced ventilation system. To do this, air ducts are attached to the ceiling with the channel leading into the ventilation shaft. Additionally, an exhaust fan is installed.

Features of black suspended ceilings

Still, black suspended ceilings are considered more capricious than light ones. Specks of dust on such canvases are immediately visible. Therefore, in small rooms you will have to compensate for this property by diluting the ceiling with light colors. For example, a combined ceiling: starry sky, milky way.

Black ceiling covering with comfortable lighting Source potolok-exp.ru

Under a black PVC surface, you need to carefully choose the interior style. The placement of furniture should look harmonious. The set should be chosen in light or contrasting shades: coffee, light brown, milky. Wall coverings can be smooth or structured. Ideally, it will be several tones lighter than the PVC film.

A black stretch ceiling with a matte texture makes the room look discreet and uniform. It is important to place the lighting correctly here. The use of not only central lighting is encouraged, but also the installation of soffits around the perimeter.

How to install a suspended ceiling with your own hands

It is quite simple to install a single-level stretch ceiling in the bathroom with your own hands, without resorting to the help of professionals. PVC sheets are mounted using the harpoon method. Installation requires the presence of a harpoon made of hard PVC, which is welded to the canvas in the factory. The harpoon is tucked into the baguette, fixed in it and holds the film in tension. This is the most durable and reliable method, which, however, requires an accurate calculation of the size of the material.

Let's consider the main stages of installing a stretch ceiling:

Step 1 . Surface preparation. Involves priming and treating the ceiling with an antifungal agent.

Step 2 . Profile fastening. The level on which the baguette will be attached is marked. The calculation is made from the lowest point of the ceiling. A minimum of 8 centimeters is required to hide wiring and other communications in the ceiling space. It is recommended to fasten the molding around the perimeter of the ceiling with 6x50 mm self-tapping screws and plastic dowels in increments of 12-15 cm.

Step 3 . Lighting installation. In places where lamps or a chandelier will be located, embedded platforms are attached and wires are connected to them.

Step 4 . Warming up the room. The canvas is suspended from the ceiling using clips. Then the room is heated with a heat gun to a temperature of 70°C so that the film stretches.

Step 5 . Fastening the canvas. Initially, one corner is attached and fixed to the baguette using a special harpoon. You need to tuck the canvas into the profile until you hear a click. In the same way, the opposite corner is fixed, then the other two. Next, the remaining sides are attached from the corners to the middle. After cooling, the film stretches and the surface of the ceiling becomes perfectly flat.

Step 6 . Installation of lamps. Using special glue, thermal rings for lighting are fixed in designated areas. After drying, holes are cut in the ceiling for lamps where lamps are inserted.

What do you need to know before installing a stretch ceiling?

There are no ideal materials, so stretch ceilings have their own small disadvantages:

After installation, the height of the room is reduced by at least 5 cm. With standard room sizes, this is not critical, especially if there are no very tall people among the residents. The reduction in height is compensated by the ability to remove all wiring and communications under the ceiling plane.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Metal siphon for sink: chrome, bronze, stainless steel

Before starting installation, you should think over the layout of the lamps; in the future, changing their mounting location is very problematic.

The surface of the canvas can easily be damaged during mechanical action. But in the bathroom this is unlikely.
Stretchable PVC film rarely has a width of more than 2 m. If the bathroom is large, you will have to look for wider rolls or make a seam on the ceiling surface. However, the size of bathrooms in most apartments is more than modest, so this situation arises extremely rarely.
The ceilings under the film are poorly ventilated. But by treating them with antifungal drugs in advance, you can close this issue for a long time.

Stretch ceilings are almost impossible to install with your own hands. This process requires not only specific skills, but also the availability of special expensive tools and equipment. So you will have to hire a team of professionals.
Quite a high cost. You have to pay for comfort; materials and installation services will not be cheap. But in return you will receive a beautiful and durable ceiling covering, installed in the shortest possible time.

Rules of care and use

Stretch ceilings will last a long time with proper care and proper use. It is enough to follow a few recommendations:

PVC ceilings tear easily even with little force. Therefore, it is prohibited to use sharp objects that can tear the material near the stretched covering.
Do not clean the tension structure with a hard bristle brush to avoid scratches. Also, you don’t need to make a lot of effort when cleaning, since there is emptiness behind the canvas. Matte ceilings just need to be wiped with a damp sponge dipped in soapy water. They are easy to clean and less susceptible to contamination. It is recommended to wash glossy fabrics in the same way as mirrors. In both cases, it is better to give preference to dry cleaning, wiping the surface with a damp cloth only when necessary.
It is important to protect the canvas from exposure to high temperatures to prevent deformation and melting of the film. For built-in lamps, only low-power lamps are allowed.
Regular ventilation or turning on forced ventilation will protect against the formation of harmful microorganisms.

Installing a PVC stretch ceiling is the most suitable option for a bathroom. Firstly, the material has a high service life and moisture resistance, secondly, it does not require special care and, thirdly, it diversifies the interior of the room.

PVC stretch ceilings

Plastic film is an excellent fabric option for a stretch ceiling, and it is most relevant in bathrooms. The canvas itself is a thin polyvinyl chloride film with a perfectly smooth surface (however, the smoothness directly depends on the degree of polishing).

Depending on the polishing, PVC sheets are divided into three types:

Glossy, which can reflect light rays and objects in the room;
Satin, reflecting diffused light;
Matte, without the ability to reflect light rays.

By and large, there is not much difference between the presented paintings. The main difference is resistance to dirt and dust. Thus, glossy canvases are characterized by the greatest smoothness, so dust practically does not stick to their surface. Matte ceilings, on the contrary, are most susceptible to contamination, and they are more difficult to clean. Satin canvases can be called the “golden mean” - they are well protected from dirt, and the appearance of such a ceiling inspires respect.

If we talk about the technical characteristics, they are absolutely identical - any PVC sheet is completely protected from the passage of moisture and can withstand a load of up to 100 kg per square meter. When flooded, water collects at the central point of the canvas and forms a kind of “drop”, which allows you to drain all the water without damaging the ceiling.

Black ceilings in the interior of different rooms

A black ceiling can add originality and chic. It will transform any room even with the presence of imperfections in design and renovation. In each room, the covering creates an individual atmosphere, which has its own characteristics.

Section of a glossy PVC ceiling in a bathroom Source obninsk.50potolkov.ru

In bathroom

The use of black suspended ceilings in the bathroom is a justified decision. This practice allows you to make the room bright and original. Despite the gloomy upstairs, the room is comfortable.

Glossy dark ceiling in a narrow bathroom Source sevremont-expert.ru

Decoration with PVC film looks ideal in rooms with irregular geometry: polygonal or rounded perimeter. In such spaces it is better to combine the ceiling surface with the walls. Use dark tiles in small quantities. Think over the ornament and scheme, make an accent on the wall that will match the ceiling.

The installation of multi-level ceilings with inserts of black PVC film is encouraged. Such additions will dilute plasterboard ceilings. In such structures, it is important to organize both perimeter lighting and main lighting. Preferably spot.

In the kitchen

In the kitchen, the black ceiling is successfully combined with contrasting tones of the walls and furniture. A tandem of black with ivory, beige, cream and other tones of the pastel palette will turn out to be practical.

Black matte ceiling with abstraction in the kitchen Source design-homes.ru

Traditionally, the installation of a black ceiling is performed for an interior in black and white shades. They practice the use of combined PVC fabric: with haze, colored waves, strokes, whitewash. The presence of such a composition on a stretch will allow you to visualize the extra length of the room.

Kitchen design with a stretch dark ceiling and plasterboard Source dekormyhome.ru

Matte finish is suitable for spacious kitchens. This design is complemented by a low branched chandelier with many light bulbs. Spotlights are used as decorative lighting. They are placed in a diamond, square or along the perimeter of the ceiling.

A black glossy ceiling with an image of the night sky will be spectacular. Small stars, under which the lighting is hidden, will give the space depth and infinity. This effect is ideal for a modern interior. Furniture should be chosen in a brown tone with a facade that imitates wood. The top of the cabinets can be ivory or creme brulee.

In the hall or living room

A black ceiling for living rooms is ideal. Especially if space allows. The nobility of such a palette will emphasize chic, wealth, and a sense of style. It is important to be able to complement the interior correctly: use a dark soft sofa, voluminous armchairs with decorative pillows.

Living room with starry black stretch ceiling Source yandex.kz

A hall in a spacious apartment is not complete without black PVC film for the ceiling. The individual design structured surface gives a special effect. A multi-level ceiling with pastel plasterboard structures and dark glossy PVC fabric evokes positive emotions. In such cases, lighting is done along the perimeter or along the length of the stretch.

Side lighting in a suspended black ceiling Source yellowhome.ru

The black ceiling may not occupy the entire area. The option of decorating with PVC film in the center looks beautiful. The side parts are made wide and lined with plasterboard. It is also recommended to install spotlights here. Glass or crystal chandeliers are installed in the center of the ceiling (stretched). The central lamp will emphasize the effect of lightness and naturalness.

In the hall

Sophistication of preferences will be achieved if you arrange a black ceiling in the corridor or hallway. PVC sheeting can be used over the entire surface or installed in fragments. The composition depends on the interior design: a variety of designs is suitable for modern ones, and standard installation without additional decoration is suitable for classic ones.

Ceiling with a black pattern made of PVC film in the hallway Source design-homes.ru

If the corridor is large enough, a “squeezing” effect is used. To achieve this, the ceiling and floor are finished in black mirror color. Floor tiles and a black glossy stretch ceiling visualize a squat atmosphere.

Black PVC ceiling for the hallway in a two-story apartment Source wolf-fliesen-spanndecken.de

In a room where black remains the predominant color, it is better to have a minimum of furniture. For the effect of lengthening the room, two-level ceilings are created, the middle is lined with PVC film. The width of the strip can reach 40-70 cm. Plasterboard structures are left closer to the baguettes.

In the bedroom

The bedroom is a quiet, peaceful place. Here the design of the ceiling should be moderate and restrained. The use of black in the ceiling area should be done correctly. It is better not to cover the surface completely, but to create several levels with an interesting structure.

Stretch ceiling in black for the bedroom Source yandex.uz

For spacious rooms, they practice a semicircular fragment of the starry sky strictly above the sleeping area. To do this, install a black PVC ceiling, the main part remains in a light palette. Around the circle of the “star” fragment, lighting is organized using backlighting or spotlights with a crystal body.

Bright bedroom with matte black stretch ceiling Source happymodern.ru

A ceiling with a matte texture with a floral print will be a masterpiece. This ceiling option looks great in a bedroom in Provence, country, or rustic styles. This design looks like a painting. Used for the entire ceiling area. The image on the film is done in delicate pastel shades.

Two-level ceiling with black PVC film in the bedroom Source happymodern.ru

Dark PVC ceiling in a modern bedroom Source premier-potolok.ru

Print and black combined stretch ceiling Source ceilings-podolsk.rf

Is it possible or not?

The main problem with gypsum plaster is the loss of strength when wet. Due to the high porosity of the structure, this construction material easily and a lot absorbs moisture, even from the air, not to mention direct contact with water.

Tile is a waterproof material, but after finishing the walls, numerous seams remain between the decorative elements. Through which moisture can penetrate into the leveling layer. The expected consequences of this are peeling of the cladding.

Over time, tiles can fly off from gypsum plaster if the base preparation technology is not followed.

At the same time, sheets of plasterboard are mounted under the tiles without any fear, although this material is popularly called dry plaster, made from a similar material. In fact, there are no particular contradictions here. It is enough to prevent the penetration of moisture inside the bathroom into the plaster layer:

create a film on the walls, at least in “wet areas” by applying waterproofing material;

Waterproofing all surfaces of the bathroom.
use a special grout with waterproof properties, ideally epoxy;

Waterproof grout for joints.
cover the seams decorated with regular grout with a special varnish.

Varnish for processing tile joints

In practice, the first method is most often used, since the SP contains similar recommendations for bathrooms, regardless of the wall material or leveling layer used. That is, waterproofing of wet areas should be done on concrete, brickwork, plaster layer, and drywall.

The bathroom is a place where hot water distribution, sewerage, and hot water supply accumulate. Therefore, there is always the possibility of leaks and pipe bursts. That is why the standards recommend lowering the floor 2 cm lower than in the corridor; a layer of waterproofing is applied around the bathtub, shower stall, and washbasin. But much more effective than lowering the floor level is installing a leakage protection system (electro-mechanical valve at the inlet, water sensors and a control controller).

Manufacturers' recommendations

Leading brands of gypsum plaster mixtures, of course, take into account the “hydrophobia” of the main binder component in their composition. Therefore, modifiers that improve properties are added to bulk products, increasing the water resistance of the finishing material, allowing the mixtures to be used inside the bathroom.

Putty packaging often uses incomplete, truncated information about the plaster mixture. Therefore, it is better to study the characteristics of finishing materials on the official websites of manufacturers or contact the technical support of these companies directly.

Below are quotes from the official websites of leading brands:

The German company Knauf produces two lines of gypsum mixtures. The first Fugen is a putty, the second Rotband refers to plasters. The scope of application of the universal composition Rotband is indicated below:

The Volgograd company Volma has created a product called Aqualit for bathrooms with high humidity, which is intended for sale in LeroyMerlin hypermarkets.

The Moscow region company Starateli produces mixtures based on Mixter cement, “Optimum GOST 31377” for bathrooms. A copy of the expert opinion on the scope of application of these products can be viewed on the website.

Unis Group of Companies offers two moisture-resistant gypsum mixtures Teplon Universal and Teplon Reinforced for initial finishing. Like most competitors, the official website contains instructions for use “only under tiles with grout.”

Finishing materials Bau Putz Gips and Prima Interier from the manufacturer Bergauf allow you to plaster enclosing structures in bathrooms for tiles and other types of wall coverings. As evidenced by the information from the site:

Other companies do not have such information; cement-based mixtures are offered for bathrooms.

Normative documents

The main document on interior finishing, mandatory for professional developers, is SP 71.13330.2017 (former SNiP 3.04.01-87). Paragraph 7.1.7 states that the base must be stronger than the finishing coating.

For gypsum plaster, on which it is planned to lay tiles, this condition is not met (as well as for cement). Therefore, the repair algorithm is used:

tiles of minimal thickness, small format within 200x400 mm are used;
the thickness of the plaster layer should be twice as large as the thickness of the tile together with tile adhesive;
The gypsum mixture is applied to the primed surface to increase adhesion to the base.

Gypsum in the leveling mixture acts as a catalyst for the corrosion process in fasteners and hardware that secure shelves, dryers, and utility systems to the walls of the bathroom. Therefore, a layer of soil on the base, then on the surface of the plaster, performs several tasks:

increasing adhesion between layers of structural and finishing materials;
preventing corrosion in metal elements inside walls;
reducing the hygroscopicity (absorbency) of gypsum;

If it is necessary to paint walls in bathrooms, it is necessary to use airtight, waterproof paints and varnishes that prevent moisture from penetrating into the plaster layer, for example, those based on acrylic or latex. Painting is carried out only after priming in two layers. A more detailed explanation of the compatibility of tiles and gypsum plaster can be found in the video.