Painted plasterboard bathroom ceilings fail. Steam gets into the paint layer, moisture soaks into the plaster below, and within 18 months you're seeing paint flakes, brown patches around the extractor fan and black mould in the corners. Every time you re-paint, the problem comes back — because the underlying material still absorbs moisture.
PVC ceiling panels are the permanent fix. Water can't pass through PVC — it's the same material as your shower panels, just cut for ceiling coverage. Fit them over your existing ceiling (yes, over painted plasterboard, over Artex, over anything sound), and you're done. No more re-painting, no more mould-scrubbing weekends.
And because they slot together with hidden tongue-and-groove joints, the finish is smooth and continuous — no visible screws, no seams to catch dust. See our full Install Guide for the step-by-step.
| Factor | Painted Plasterboard | PVC Ceiling Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | ✗ No — absorbs moisture | ✓ Yes — 100% waterproof |
| Mould resistant | ✗ Grows mould in corners | ✓ Nothing for mould to grow on |
| Cleaning | Scrub with anti-mould spray | Wipe with damp cloth |
| Re-paint cycle | Every 18-24 months | Never |
| Fits over existing ceiling | Rip out first | Yes — cladding straight over |
| Hides Artex / damage | Skim & re-plaster | Yes — smooth PVC surface |
| Fitting time (avg bathroom) | Full day + drying | 3-4 hours |
| Long-term cost | Paint + labour every 2 years | One-off from £24.95 / 4-pack |
Yes — that's actually one of the main reasons customers choose them. Batten out the ceiling first (25 × 50mm timber at 400mm centres) so the panels sit on a flat plane, then fit as normal. No need to scrape or skim the Artex — it stays hidden forever.
Yes. Mark the fan position, drill a starter hole, cut a circle with a jigsaw or hole saw to match the fan flange. Seal the cutout with sanitary silicone. Same process for downlights.
Panels themselves are 8mm. If you batten out first (recommended for uneven ceilings), you'll lose around 30-35mm total. In a typical bathroom that's imperceptible — worth it for the flat, waterproof finish.
Yes — the same waterproof, wipe-clean qualities that suit bathrooms work in kitchens too. Grease wipes off easily. Not for use directly above a hob (heat) — see our Kitchen Splashback Guide.
PVC isn't designed to be painted — most paints won't adhere properly and will peel. Choose the finish (matt white, gloss white, ash wood) that suits your room from the start.
Decades. There's no material breakdown from moisture (unlike plasterboard) — the main long-term concern is UV fade in south-facing sunny bathrooms, and only over many years. Most installations look as new after 10+ years.
