How to Install Bathtub Surrounds
A bathtub surround is a cheaper and easier way to redo your bathroom wall than demolishing it and completely replacing the tile. Surrounds, which are usually plastic or vinyl and instead fit over existing walls, allow the water to easily roll off of them and are very easy to clean. It's a good way to update a bath in as little as half an hour, minus the required drying time. There are very few materials needed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver Carpenter's level Pencil Tape measure Silicone caulk (in caulking gun) Bathtub surround panels X-acto knife Paper Scissors Saber saw (optional)
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Unscrew and remove any fixtures, such as faucets and knobs. Place your carpenter's level on the two back corners of the tub and run a pencil along it to draw straight lines from the top of the tub to the top of your tile. This will help insure that you don't hang crooked surround tiles.
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2
Put one corner piece of your surround in each back corner to see that each fits flush against the wall. If not, sand the pieces as needed. Once you have the proper fit, turn the surround pieces so that their backs are exposed. Trace the outer edge of each with silicone caulk, starting about a half inch in so that the caulk won't seep out when you attach it to the wall. Make your caulk lines shallow and about a quarter inch wide.
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3
Press a surround piece into each back corner. Gently smooth them onto the wall with your hands, concentrating on the edges. Let them dry for about 20 minutes.
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4
Use your tape measure to determine the distance between the right edge of the first corner panel and the left edge of the second. Then mark the exact center of this distance with your pencil. Place the center of the back panel exactly at this spot. Then apply caulk around the edges of this panel using the same method as in Step 2. (This panel can overlap the two corner panels. In fact, this is expected.)
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5
Apply the side panels in the same fashion, using your X-acto knife to cut holes for the knobs, faucet and shower head as needed after you attach the panels to the wall. Before you attach the panels, measure the exact locations where the holes need to be and their sizes. Then mark them with paper templates. Apply caulk around the edges of these holes. It won't show when you reattach the fixtures.
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6
Reinforce all seams with a half inch of clear caulking. Allow 24 hours for drying time before using the tub.
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Tips & Warnings
If the end panels are too thick for the X-acto knife to cut, score them with the knife and then cut them with a Saber saw.
Make sure the walls are completely dry before you begin installing the bathtub surround. Otherwise mold or mildew could get trapped underneath.
