Looking for bath panel ideas and inspiration? A bath panel that's unique to your bathroom can transform a plain room into a bespoke space. Revamping a plain white tub with a bright bath panel is easy to do and a quick way to refresh a tired-looking scheme, injecting pattern and colour. Here, we take you through the steps of this easy DIY hack so that your new bathroom can get a brand new look (almost) instantly.
If you're starting your bathroom design from scratch and you don't know where to begin, make sure you head over to our feature of bathroom ideas for heaps of inspiration.
- How to design a bathroom
- After some more weekend projects? Head over to our hub page.
You will need:
- A splashback panel (opens in new tab) (2mm smaller all round than the MDF panel, below)
- MDF or plywood panel, the same size as your existing bath panel (DIY stores will cut to size)
- Tape measure (opens in new tab)
- Sandpaper (opens in new tab)
- Low modulus sealant (opens in new tab)
- Microfibre cloth (opens in new tab)
- Spacers (opens in new tab) (tile spacers will do)
- Masking tape (opens in new tab)
Step one: measure up and order
For this bath panel idea, measure your existing panel for the MDF backing and new bath panel. For the new bath panel, we've actually used a splashback panel from Genie Splashbacks (opens in new tab). These come in either glass or acrylic, and in a wide range of designs. Simply enter your existing bath panel's dimensions online, to get one that's the right size. You could also order a splashback panel that matches to sit on the wall behind the bath. Perfect for a co-ordinated look.
Step two: remove the existing bath panel
Remove an existing plastic bath panel. Or, if your bath already has an existing MDF bath panel, carefully remove any raised mouldings from it. Otherwise, fix the new MDF bath panel in place, recessing it by around 5mm from the front lip of the bath.
Next, test fit the acrylic panel against the MDF panel, allowing a 2mm expansion gap at either end between the panels and the wall.
Step three: key the rear of the acrylic
Lightly key the rear of the acrylic panel with sandpaper, wipe clean with a microfibre cloth, then evenly apply beads of low modulus silicone. Use spacers between the panel and floor.
Step four: press bath panel on with your hands
Press the new panel on to the MDF with your hands and allow the silicone to cure for a day before removing the spacers.
Step five: apply masking tape to the edges
Apply masking tape around the edges of your panel to protect it, then seal the 2mm expansion gap with sealant. Remove the masking tape and allow the sealant to dry. Stand back and admire your new statement bath panel.
