Forum,

I own a 1954 era house. It's bathroom originally did not come with a shower just a bath. Some owner prior to me put in a shower, my guess is mid 60's.

I have 3 pictures of the tub area. The gray tile is PLASTIC TILE which is how I'm aging the installation of the shower fixtures.


Two pictures are trying to get closeup of the stuff glued to the wall above the tile. I have multiple tiles popping out. I've glued many back multiple times and at the moment can't afford a full renovation of the bathroom.





I've purchased this product Product @ Menards.com I'm not an expert at getting stuff done ... but am darned good at 2nd guessing ( guess what stage I'm at ) Now the product I bought I know isn't the same but the building center said that the product was the right one. The panels I bought feel like HARD PLASTIC where as the stuff on the wall looks more vinyl (ly) looking.

Now I also saw this Another wall covering at Menards.com which I thought looked closer to what is on my wall all ready, however, the description on the shelf did not say water proof.

Does anybody know and have links to a better product or the right product that more closely matches what I have on the wall... I understand that if it was done in the 60's that i'm 40 years from it and technology has or might have moved on.

As always thanks to those who stop and give their $0.02. If you have a different product a link to it would be greatly appreciated. I have in my area access to "DOITBEST.COM" HomeDepot Lowes and Menards a product from one of these would be even better.


Regards,
B

 

That's FRP and it's fiberglass, so you have the right stuff. Texture may not mat h the existing exactly but it's the same stuff.

FRP = fiberglass reinforced plastic / panel / polymer

 

XSleeper,

Thanks for stopping. I get that it's a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic, but it's been in my garage for a day now and I've been back and forth between bathroom and garage trying to convince myself it's the product.

The second product link I posted This was 2nd Product I saw but did not buy. and I didn't buy it because the description states but it does not state waterproof even though the picture looks like a shiny waterproof finish.

The 2nd product also looks to be cuttable with a utility knife. I've had to go out and buy a plywood saw blade for my circular saw just for this FRP panel. That being said the bathroom stuff looks like it was/is utility knife friendly.

I thank you for your advice and will drive on ... won't begin tearing out the shower tiles till tomorrow or Sat .... plenty of time if someone other Handy Andy has additional sage advice ... or just says .... Go with the Sleeper....

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I like those plastic tiles. Very groovy baby.

Both materials you linked are essentially the same thing. One is a brand name and the other is not. You really can't cut it with a knife but it can be scored and snapped with a box cutter. There is a special scoring tool that works better though it's not necessary. Both can be cut with a circular saw. I install the blade backwards in the saw which helps prevent it from chipping the FRP. When cutting advance the saw slowly to further avoid chipping. Cutting is really loud and an annoying pitch so I always wear ear plugs.

I would remove the old FRP if you want to have an exact match with the new. You should remove it anyhow if removing all the plastic tiles and doing everything in FRP. It will look better and avoid a horizontal seam all around the surround area. Using new everywhere would also allow you to use plastic trim molding if you want.

Be ready for whatever you find behind the old tiles. You may need to install new sheeting depending on what you find.

When measuring for and cutting your FRP do not assume that anything is vertical, horizontal or a perfect 90° angle. So, you may have to measure at a couple points, mark your sheet and cut at a slight angle to avoid pie shaped gaps on the wall. Sometimes it's helpful to make a template which also allows you to test fit the template before you cut the FRP.

Have you gotten adhesive to glue the FRP to the walls and caulk?
Will you be using any of the plastic trim moldings?
Do you have hole saws for the faucet holes?

 

P. Dane

Ok. So checked out a local lumber yard, I live in a very small town, it's associated with the Do It Best website. This link is the product that I'm going to go with. It feels like it will match the existing stuff on the wall. I took the stuff from Menards back .... Just wasn't feeling the love with that product.

On to the other stuff you mentioned. As far as what's underneath. Lathe / Plaster are my walls. Thus far underneath all my tiles the walls are in top notch shape. Barring hidden gotcha ... just scrape the old glue from the tiles off .... I'm going to wipe them down. Maybe use some rubbing alcohol and should be good to go.

Just going to remove the gray tiles. Leaving the old FRP as is. Will live with the seam will cover it with caulk. I'm just trying to get rid of the taped up garbage bags ... we're gonna get a full bathroom renovation .... quite soon.

As far as cutting the sheets. Yup been caught once or twice assuming straight lines ... Will cut to fit probably won't put the soap holder in so that's one less hole to cut. I've got hole cutters here somewhere but if I have to step out I can get them in town. Picked up a "cross line" laser level so that will help ... You know how it is ... New project gets me new tools.

I picked up the "END TRIM" pieces wasn't sure I liked how the inside corner pieces were. The old panels are just butted and caulked. Now that I think about putting the end trim on the top I realize I have't bought enough pieces of trim. Will have to pick up a couple more. Was only going to put the trim on the top horizontal but not the bottom, but after some thought thinking how the end trim will hide any SNAFU created when cutting to fit.

I bought caulk. I bought adhesive ( in the caulk style tubes 3 ) which but now that I think of it .... This is the same adhesive I put the tiles on with .... and some of them popped off again ( hmmmmmmm will have to think about this ) wondering if This Stuff would be better. I just don't have a notched blade.

Well Dane thanks for stopping and sharing tips, tricks, and other minutia.