Painting around a new Shower???

Real

Hi All

Ive just fitted a new shower head to my existing bath where there wasn't one before. The tiles around my bath only come to about a foot over the bath rim. The problem is this:

I cant find new tiles to match the old ones to make my new shower waterproof.

Can I use some sort of water proof paint to stop the water from penitrating the 2/3 feet of wall above the tiles and around the shower head??

If not I was thinking of getting some clear perspecs (sp??) to put around it??

Anyone got any advice how to solve the problem without getting all new tiles??

Borzoi

Real wrote:

Hi All

Ive just fitted a new shower head to my existing bath where there wasn't one before. The tiles around my bath only come to about a foot over the bath rim.
Anyone got any advice how to solve the problem without getting all new tiles??

Common enough situation. Most of the big brand paint manufacturers produce a special paint for Kitchens and Bathrooms that is fairly waterproof. In my parents house we just used a Vinyl Silk for (donkeys) years and it was never a problem, but I think these newer specialist paints would probably be better.

Macy

Borzoi wrote:

Common enough situation. Most of the big brand paint manufacturers produce a special paint for Kitchens and Bathrooms that is fairly waterproof. In my parents house we just used a Vinyl Silk for (donkeys) years and it was never a problem, but I think these newer specialist paints would probably be better.

I think the do say not suitable for where there's running water though. Be worth checking though...

delly

Regardless of what some paint manufacteurs claim, i wouldn't leave it painted as i think you'd be setting yourself up for a problematic future.

rooferPete

Hi Macy,

I think "Egg Shell" is a step above vinyl silk almost an oil paint, I have had painters tell me egg shell is a very unforgiving paint to use, it has to be laid off (finished) in much the same manner as gloss.

You could use a gloss finish but if moisture gets behind it , it can peel off.

Have you looked a pvc tile panels ? I don't know the price but they are easy to fit and look very well.

.

gregos

Hi Real.

If your tiles only come to a foot above the bath, would you not consider taking them off and re-tiling the whole lot? It will save you money and hassle in the end, because you can't really depend on painting. Eventually, water will get through and cause damage.

If you don't feel confident about tiling, take a look at the product Pete is talking about. It looks great, it's waterproof and it's very easy to fit. The brand I can think of is Grosfillex, but there are several others.

Here's something for the lads. In one shower cubicle in my own house, when I was feeling especially broke, I sheeted it with pvc soffit instead of the branded product and it worked out fine, at about half the price.

Macy

rooferPete wrote:

Hi Macy

Not me, I'm turning into an expert tiler (not convinced that's a good thing!)

We used the Bathroom and Kitchen Paint in, eh, the ensuite and kitchen, just not where it'd be soaked. Not in long enough to make a real judgement, but certainly was hard enough to get off my hands compared with other water based paints.

Real

Thanks for the help everyone.

Re-tiling the area isnt really an option because the existing tiles match the other areas in the room as well as the house plus they are only there less than a year (new house).

Ill have a look at the PVC option plus take a trip to B&Q to see what paints they have.

If anyone else has a good / easy / cheap solution please let me know

Lex Luthor

These paints for Kitchen & Bathrooms are not designed for running water...they are not waterproof...they just are better at preventing mould growth than regular vinyl silk paint.

What about clear glass mounted on the wall in big sheets in the areas you are worried about? Or a big mirror ?

Real

The glass or tough plastic might be an option but the mirror isnt (im ugly enough without having to see myself in the shower )

But if water gets behind either of them that could lead to a bigger problem.

Any more suggestions anyone??

Victor

I would go for the PVC sheeting (plain white, not clear, make sure you get edging) or alternatively look for a water proof (not water resistant) paint.

Continue it all the way to the ceiling (to avoid having 3 finishes on 1 wall) on any walls that can be sprayed.