A bathroom splashback is a protective panel placed behind and around bathroom sinks, tubs, and shower areas to keep the walls safe from water splashes, soap scum, and daily moisture build-up. While splashbacks have traditionally been made from tile, contemporary splashbacks use more modern materials, including glass, acrylic, and engineered composites, where each provide better performance and greater design versatility.

In a bathroom splashbacks can serve a dual purpose. They can prevent water damage to plaster or paint, mold growth, and provide a protective wall surface that is easier to keep clean and provide a clean surface. However, the more splashbacks that can be seen, the more important it is that the splashback design be aesthetically pleasing. A splashback can be a design feature adding color, texture, or a more luxurious look that complements the other design elements of the bathroom.

Why would you use acrylic for bathroom splashbacks?

Acrylic splashback panels (popularly known by the brand names of Perspex and Plexiglass) are lightweight, shatterproof, and fully waterproof, and unlike bathroom tiles, there are no grout lines to clean. Because of this and additional design and cost benefits, acrylic splashbacks are predicted to be an increasingly popular bathroom upgrade in the coming years.

Why Are Acrylic Bathroom Splashbacks Better Than Traditional Tiles?

Acrylic bathroom splashbacks excel traditional options for a good reason.
100% Waterproof and Seamless Design
Unlike traditional tiles, acrylic splashbacks have no grout lines for bacteria and mold to grow in.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle
Acrylic panels make a great DIY project because their weight is much lower than glass and heavy tiles. You can install them yourself!
Shatter-Resistant
Acrylic is up to 17 times stronger than glass. It will not shatter into dangerous shards making it great for a family bathroom.

Customizable Aesthetics
From solid colors and translucent tints to high-gloss, matt finishes and even marble/wood-effect prints, acrylic splashbacks come in a great variety of options to match your design needs.
Cost-Effective
Because no specialist tiling skills are needed for installation, acrylic splashbacks can be cheaper than expensive tiles and glass.
Quick DIY
Many DIY projects can be completed in a single day – making acrylic splashbacks a great choice for minimizing bathroom downtime.
These benefits make acrylic panels an intelligent choice for contemporary renovations, primarily when you want a luxurious appearance at an affordable price.

Bathroom Splashbacks Design Ideas

Acrylic bathroom splashbacks have limitless creative potential.
Solid color accents: select invigorating hues like reds or relaxing colors like greens for a spa-like ambience.

Marble or stone effects: Imitate costly natural stone without the burden or price.

Translucent or tinted panels: behind the sinks, let natural light stream through for a softly glowing effect.

Patterned or Printed Designs: Personalized Abstract art, geometric designs, or even custom images.

Full shower wall coverage: with large panels, you can seamless shower surrounds eliminating tile grout.

Glossy surfaces provide a mirror-like brightness while matte finishes create a soft look. At Wholesale POS, we offer custom acrylic sheets so you can mix and match.

Acrylic bathroom splashbacks: A diy installation guide

In general, installing a splashback, regardless of the material, is a simple and easy process. The following is a general guide incorporating best practices.

Step 1: Measuring the Walls
Measure the height and width of the wall in the area behind the sink, bath, or shower.
Make a note of any wall-mounted accessories, pipes, faucets, or mirrors.
Determine the desired thickness of the panel (splashbacks normally range from 3 to 6 mm) and the finish.

Step 2: Collect Supplies & Tools
Acrylic panel (splashbacks custom-cut from Wholesale POS)


Waterproof adhesive (high-strength silicone is one, or a construction adhesive like “Serious Stuff”)

Edge silicone sealant (clear)
Tape measure
Level
Pencil
Masking tape (for trapping guidelines), spacers (2-3 mm for expansion)
Caulking gun, utility knife
Soft cloth, Mild Cleaner
Safety gear (gloves and goggles)



Step 3: Surface Prep

Wipe the wall to remove any debris, and if there are old tiles that need to be removed, do that. You can install the splashback over old tiles if they are flat and stable.
Make sure the wall is smooth and dry, and free of any dust or grease.
If you are working near electrical components, turn the power off.

Step 4: Marking & dry Fit

Lay the panel (with protective film) to check for any fitting issues.

Step 5: Adhesive Application

When applying adhesive to solid panels, create vertical lines or zigzags on the back.
For translucent panels, use screws or other fixings so the adhesive isn’t visible.
Work quickly; the adhesive dries quickly.

Step 6: Panel Installation

For this step, angle the panel and first contact the bottom edge. Then, tilt the panel upward.
Make sure to even and firm the pressure. Use a level to check vertical alignment.
While the adhesive sets, which typically takes 24 hours, secure the panel using masking tape or clamps.

Step 7: Sealing and finishing

Use silicone sealant to water-proof the edges, including the cut-outs.
Using a soft cloth, peel the protective film.
Always consider time when doing this. 2 to 4 hours is a reasonable expectation to install a standard sink splashback. For shower panels, tongue-and-groove styles offer easier alignment.

Long lasting tips

To keep the acrylic bathroom splashback in ideal condition, use warm, soapy water or a cleaner specifically meant for acrylic.
There should not be the use of abrasive pads, ammonia, or solvents. Those things are meant to help the splashback but they can actually scratch or break the surface.
Buffing the splashback with microfiber can help reduce scratches and improve shine.
Acrylic panels need care. If care is given, the panels will not lose their gloss or clarity.

When installing DIY Splasbacks, some of the mistakes occurring are:

Skipping on Measurements
Any time taking the time to measure your space and the splashback will assist you in being able to find the best fit for your space.

Using wrong adhesive
Make sure to use a waterproof and non-corrosive adhesive.

Ignoring expansion gaps
When acrylic gets warm, it expands, which will make the gaps disappear.

Installing over uneven walls
Make sure the surface of the walls are leveled first.

Rushing curing time
Make sure to set the adhesive before you start using it.

Be sure to avoid rushing any of these to ensure a great fit and finish.

Bathroom Splashback Project

We have many different finish options that are great for all of your splashback needs and custom splashback options. Other than our competitive pricing and quick time frames, we also provide cut to size services and provide you the ability to have. cutouts to fit your plumbing or electrical outlets. Whether it be for a commercial fit out or for a home reno, all of our materials are high quality and provide a professional finish.

Bathroom Renovation
Upgrading your bathroom with customized DIY Splashbacks and with wall acrylic panels will provide you with a modern, clean space that will last for years. You will be able to say goodbye to struggling with grout and instead have a seamless, clean and hygienic look that we will be sure will give you the new, clean and modern look that will give you a space you will love to use and that will be years to come.

To get started, Weight on Wholesale POS to get your acrylic sheets that are of high quality and have custom options. You will be able to transform your bathroom with acrylic sheets that are each custom designed to your needs.