How to Fit Bathroom Wall Panels: A Step-by-Step Guide

One of the best things about bathroom wall panels is how DIY-friendly they are. There's no grout, no spacers and no specialist tiling skill required — just careful measuring and a bit of patience. This guide walks you through fitting Kartell K-VIT panels from start to finish.

What you'll need

• Your wall panels and matching trims (internal corner, external corner, end cap and H-joint as required)
• Fix & Forget adhesive
• A quality bathroom silicone sealant
• Tape measure, pencil and a spirit level
• A fine-tooth saw, jigsaw or sharp utility knife
• Sealant gun, cloth and a mild cleaner

Before you start

Make sure the wall is sound, dry and reasonably flat. In most cases you can fit panels straight over existing tiles, provided they're firmly stuck down. Let the panels sit in the room for a few hours beforehand so they acclimatise to the temperature, and plan your layout so you know where joints and corners will fall.

Step-by-step

1. Measure and plan

Measure the height of each wall and cut your panels to length, allowing a small gap at the top and bottom that trims and silicone will cover. Decide your starting point — usually an internal corner — and the order you'll work in.

2. Prepare the walls

Wipe the surface so it's clean, dry and free of dust or soap residue. If you're going over tiles, a quick key with abrasive paper helps the adhesive grab.

3. Fit your corner trims

Where you're starting in a corner, fit the relevant trim first — an internal corner or external corner — bedding it in adhesive. The first panel slots into it.

4. Apply the adhesive

Run vertical beads of Fix & Forget down the back of the panel, roughly every 20–30cm, plus a bead around the edges.

5. Fit the first panel — and get it level

Press the panel firmly to the wall, sliding its edge into the corner trim. Check it's perfectly plumb with your spirit level before the adhesive grabs — this first panel sets the line for every one after it, so take your time here.

6. Slot in the following panels

Each panel has a tongue-and-groove edge. Apply adhesive, then slot the groove of the next panel over the tongue of the last for a tight, seamless joint. Where two panels meet in the middle of a run, use an H-joint trim to bridge them neatly.

7. Cut around taps, valves and windows

Measure carefully and mark your cut-outs. Panels cut cleanly with a jigsaw or sharp knife, so openings for shower valves, taps and windows are straightforward. Cut slightly tight — fittings and escutcheons will cover the edge.

8. Finish the edges

Use an end cap to neatly finish any exposed panel edge, such as where panelling stops part-way along a wall.

9. Seal everything

Run a neat bead of silicone along the bottom edge where panels meet the bath, shower tray or floor, and around any fittings. This is what makes the installation fully watertight.

Tips for a professional finish

• Get the first panel dead level — everything follows from it.
• Match your trim colour to your brassware: chrome with chrome taps, black with black fittings.
• Don't cut cut-outs too generously; leave fittings to cover the edges.
• Wipe away excess adhesive and silicone before it skins over.

Aftercare

Leave the silicone to cure as per its instructions before using the shower. After that, maintenance is easy — just wipe down with warm water and a soft cloth. No grout to scrub, ever.

When to call a professional

Panels are well within reach for a confident DIYer, but a full wet-room installation, awkward layouts or extensive cut-outs are sometimes best left to a fitter. If in doubt, it's worth the peace of mind.

Ready to get started?

Browse the full Kartell K-VIT range of panels, trims and adhesive. New to panels? Start with our complete guide to bathroom wall panels, or see how they compare in wall panels vs tiles.