If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, you may be looking for alternatives to fiberglass bath and shower surrounds or wall tiles and the grout that comes along with them. Mermaid Shower Wall Panels are a great alternative! But how will they hold up?
Let’s talk about the durability side of things, how your bathroom looks years from now is just as important as how it looks when the renovation is first completed.
Built from the inside out.
Mermaid panels feature a fully waterproof composite core. This core makes the panels completely waterproof from the inside out. They will not swell, warp, or soften over time no matter how much steam or water they are exposed to. I went as far as submerging a piece of Mermaid Wall panel that was cut with the core exposed in water for more than 24 hours without any change to the integrity of the piece.
As strong as it is attractive.
Mermaid panels are finished with a high-pressure laminate (HPL) surface — the same kind of durable material used in commercial countertops and wall cladding. It’s non-porous, so it doesn’t need sealing, and it’s designed to resist scratches, impact, and stains. When I was trying to scratch the surface of a panel I ended up needing to use a razor blade and a little force to scratch it, and even then, it did not penetrate much below surface level. This is more than durable enough to handle the occasional falling shampoo bottle or bath toy thrown by a toddler.
The surface also cleans easily — just a soft cloth and mild cleaner. The company explicitly warns against abrasive scrubs or harsh chemicals, but that’s standard advice for almost every surface. Follow the care guide, and your panels will keep their sheen for years.
Taking things to the extreme.
The core of Mermaid Shower Panels is not only waterproof, but it is also very strong. To test the durability of the panel further than normal use would account for I did what I could to snap a piece off. The first thing I tried was putting the piece over my knee and pushing down both ends as hard as I could, the panel barely budged. To get the panel to snap I ended up having to lean
the piece at an angle and stomp on it as hard as I could. That isn’t a level of stress that will reasonably be placed on a panel once installed but it’s good to see how far you can push it. Speaking of pushing things, I even tried to set the panel on fire, but it would not light. Though I do not recommend trying that one at home.
So, Are Mermaid Panels Durable?
The short answer is yes, they are.
- The laminate surface is tough and scratch resistant.
- The core is fully waterproof and built for longevity.
- With proper installation and care, Mermaid panels can easily outlast a decade of daily showers while still looking new.
If you’re after something that’s stylish, low-maintenance, and genuinely durable, Mermaid shower wall panels are a solid choice.
Written By:
Scott Korpal – Residential Territory Manager
248-520-1478
skorpal@oldenkamp.com
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