FAQs

PRODUCT INFORMATION

What is the Mermaid Elite Range?

Our Elite range is our most advanced shower panel solution yet. With our patented technology, you can achieve completely seamless designs, with no trims required, thanks to our 100% waterproof core and Postformed Edges. A perfect alternative to tiling, the Elite range fixes securely to existing surfaces to achieve an unforgettable, modern looking bathroom that is equally practical. Our Elite panels come with postformed edges, creating a sophisticated, premium finish without the premium price tag. ​

What is the Mermaid Brilliance Range?

Our Brilliance range is ideal for anyone wanting to achieve a statement glass effect in their bathroom. Available in bold colours or contemporary geometric patterns, our Brilliance designs are created on acrylic sheets, meaning a beautiful glass look without the price tag. The Brilliance range is designed with colour coordinated trims* to complete the look you want for your bathroom

 *Not Geometrics

What is the Mermaid Timeless Plywood Range?

Our Timeless Trade range is the perfect solution for anyone looking to create a modern-looking bathroom without a huge price tag. With over 30 designs, our Timeless Trade panels are constructed using plywood to ensure a long-lasting solution, with no messy grouting required. Our antibacterial finish is also available on our Timeless Trade range, together with our 15-year watertight guarantee, offering you complete peace of mind. We offer black, white, silver effect or satin anodised trims to complete your desired look, leaving you with an easy to clean, modern bathroom.

What is the Metro Tiles Range?

Our Metro tile range are our shower panel range that look exactly like urban tiles.

As with our other ranges, no grout is needed which means there will be no mould. The Metro range has five stunning decors to choose from so you can achieve the look of metro tiles quickly and simply.  

Are Mermaid Panels really waterproof?

Yes, Mermaid is a waterproof system! Our panels are guaranteed to remain watertight and waterproof for 15 years from date of purchase, as long as they’ve been installed as per our instructions and maintained as per our recommendations (read our 15 Year Guarantee below for more information). 

What does the 15 year guarantee cover?

Mermaid Panels are guaranteed to remain watertight and waterproof for 15 years from date of purchase, as long as they’ve been installed as per our instructions and maintained as per our recommendations. Regular maintenance and care is required to ensure your system stays watertight, so make sure you follow our fitting instructions for the correct panel type, and read our care guide. We recommend replacing your silicone sealant every 18 months to ensure your system remains watertight and waterproof. Systems where the sealant has failed due to lack of maintenance will not be valid under our guarantee.

PANEL SIZES

What sizes are the Mermaid panels available in?

Shower Panel sizes vary depending on range. 

Mermaid Elite: 

    • 2420 x 1200 x 10mm postformed edge panel

    • 2420 x 1200 x 10mm tongue and groove panel

    • 2420 x 600 x 10mm tongue and groove panel

Mermaid Brilliance: 

    • 2440 x 1220 x 4mm square edge

    • 2440 x 900 x 4mm square edge

    • 2440 x 600 x 4mm square edge

Mermaid Timeless Trade: 

    • 2420 x 1210 x 11mm square edge

    • 2420 x 1185 x 11mm Tongue and Groove

    • 2420 x 900 x 11 mm square edge

    • 2420 x 880 x 11mm Tongue and Groove

    • 2420 x 585 x 11mm Tongue and Groove

Mermaid Metro Tiles: 

    • 2440 x 1220 x 3mm square edge

    • 2440 x 600 x 3mm square edge

PANEL DESIGN

Should patterns align when joined?

With the exception of Elite Tile collection, our decors are not designed to align across joints. The impact will vary based on the décor, on some it may be more evident than others. With our Elite tile collection, Acrylic patterns and Metro Tile panels, some onsite scribing may be required to ensure panels completely align.

CHOOSING SHOWER PANELS OR TILES

Why use shower panels over tiles?

Here are four advantages of shower panels over tiles:

  1. They will save you money

On average, you can save up to 25% on shower panels vs tiles. That makes some sense though; not only do you need two or three panels vs multiple tiles, but the longevity of our products means that there’s a saving on the full life cost, too.

2. No grout = no mould.

Imagine your shower wall as one expanse of easy to clean surface – no grout lines, no breaks in the elegant design. Without grouting lines, we’ve eliminated the breeding ground for mould that you get with tiles. What’s more, with our Mermaid Elite Range you don’t even need trims. Instead, we offer colour compatible sealant which creates an even more seamless, sophisticated finish.

3. They are quicker to install

If you think of tiling a bathroom enclosure as a 300-piece puzzle, then installing shower panels is an easy 3-piece puzzle. For you, that helps your installer get in and out quicker, meaning your bathroom gets back to being your bathroom sooner. Plus, you don’t need a specialist tiler to do the work, and any tradesperson will be able to fit and install your panels.

4. They’re easier to maintain and stay cleaner.

No grubby grout lines means no endless scrubbing. With their non-porous surface, shower panels can be cleaned using normal soap, water, and a soft cloth. A selection of our panels are also available in our Mermaid Antibacterial Coating which further enhances this cleanliness. The antibacterial coating is incorporated into the panel during the production process and kills bacteria as it comes into contact with the surface.

Can Mermaid panels be applied directly to tiles?

Yes! With the exception of our Mermaid Brilliance range, you can apply shower panels directly over tiles.

FITTING

When do I need to use adhesive, and which type should I use?

The primary fixing for Mermaid should always be our Mermaid adhesive which can be used with our Metro Tile, Elite and Timeless Trade panels.
Our Brilliance Acrylic panels should be used with Stixall Neutral Cure adhesive.

Check the installation instructions to be sure that you have the right adhesive for your panel.

Can I fit Mermaid Panels myself?

Yes, if you have reasonable DIY skills, it is possible to fit Mermaid panels yourself. However, you need to be completely confident with what you are doing and the product before you start your project. You only need normal tools and your Mermaid order will be delivered with comprehensive Fixing Guidelines. Alternatively, your Mermaid retailer may be able to recommend an experienced installer.

Does it matter which way up the Mermaid Panels are used?

When using our Timeless Trade or Acrylic panels, the edge details are the same on both the top and the bottom of the panel, so this means that the panels can be fitted either way up. This ensures that both panels have a square edge fitted into the corner, and the edge with the groove and fixing lip at the outside. The patterns used on Mermaid panels are generally random. So, although on certain designs there may be a slight difference in appearance if the panel is used upside down, any difference will be barely noticeable. This can generally only be detected if the panels are closely studied

When using more decorative and our tongue and groove panels, such as our Mermaid Elite range, the panels arrive with the design predetermined randomly connected to the tongue and groove or postformed edge – the layout will then dictate left hand right hand which sets design up or down.

When fitting Mermaid panels around the full bathroom, does it matter where you fit the first panel?

Due to the design of the internal corners, it is possible to start on any wall within the room and cut the panels so that they finish in the internal corners. For the best result, care should be taken to space the panel joints to avoid small difficult panel cuts near the corners or around doors and windows.

Should Mermaid panels be fitted after my bathroom sanitary ware is fitted, or can the Mermaid panels be installed before anything else?

It is important that the bath or shower tray is already securely in place and sealed appropriately before the panels are installed. Under no circumstances should the bath or shower tray be installed on top of the panels. All pipework should be pre-installed, leaving stub pipes at the positions where the equipment will be fitted. Other furniture and sanitary ware such as sinks and toilets should be installed after the panels have been fitted.

SAMPLES

Ordering Samples?

Sample orders are limited to 4 samples per order. When fulfilling orders if multiple orders are placed to a duplicate address we will only be able to fulfil the initial order. If you require additional samples please contact sales@shorelaminates.com