Preparing the substrate for panels and vertical cladding

Before covering a wall with SPC panels, strips, or decorative modules, it's important to carefully check the condition and geometry of the substrate . Walls that are significantly out of plumb, crumbling plaster, old, uneven paint, or residual moisture can compromise the final result. The first step is always a diagnosis: check for cracks, hollow sounds, any leaks, and the evenness of the surfaces.

If you have deteriorated plaster or old skim coats that peel off easily, it's necessary to remove the loosely bonded layer and restore the base with new plaster or suitable skim coats. On out-of-plumb or very uneven walls, depending on the chosen system, you can use metal frames or battens to "detach" the cladding from the masonry, creating a new, perfectly vertical surface.

For SPC panels glued directly to the wall, the substrate must be solid, clean, dry, and free of dust, oils, waxes, and old adhesives . Light sanding, thorough cleaning, and, if necessary, the application of specific primers to improve the adhesive's adhesion are often performed. On highly absorbent substrates, the primer prevents the adhesive from being absorbed too quickly.

When cable runs, boxes, sockets, and light points are integrated into the cladding, preparation also includes work on the systems: tracks, pre-installations, flush-mounted or recessed boxes, so that the panels can both cover and accommodate the electrical elements without unwanted thickness.

For wooden strips installed on a substructure, the wall may be less aesthetically perfect, but it must still ensure the anchors and screws hold securely. In some cases, wooden or metal substructures anchored at precise points are used, which act as a "grid" on which to attach the strips, maintaining consistent alignment and spacing.

An often overlooked aspect is humidity management : in spaces like kitchens, street entrances, or cold walls, it's important to ensure there's no condensation or rising damp. Covering a damp wall with poorly breathable materials risks shifting the problem, not solving it. In these cases, dehumidification cycles or specific technical solutions may be necessary.

Carefully executed preparation is not directly visible in the finished covering, but it is noticeable over time: stable panels, aligned joints, no unexpected swelling, detachments or cracks.