Shower surface options

[Lin]

The bus has a combo shower/mini tub constructed about of some type of panel and painted.  The last paint job, although it looked fine, barely adheres to the walls.  I was able to pull most of it off in sheets.  The key word here is "most" because there is plenty of spots that will require more aggressive tactics.  I am trying to decide how to refinish it.  Painting, of course, remains an option, but I would like to do something that guarantees it will never leak.  I am not interested in doing tile.  I have not done it before, this would be a difficult project to learn on, I do not want to add much weight, etc.  I have thought of getting it fiberglassed or coated with something like Rhinoguard.  I have even considered painting it with an elastomeric roof coating.  What do you think?

[Airbag]

Hello Lin
I also have a 5A, I have a tiny little bath tub that is a nightmare to use. I would like to replace with a shower someday but do not know much about the subject.

I don't think roof coating would be good. Tile requires a very good substrate and probably leak over time. Maybe an epoxy paint?

The problem with fiberglass is it would be very difficult to get a smooth flat finish. Most Fiberglass showers come out of a mold and the back side is rough and that is what you would end up with. It can be done but very labor intensive.

There might be some pre fabricated fiberglass panels available that can be cut and joined.

I would be curious to see some pictures of your shower. These 5A's are not big on head room.

Sorry I am not much help, for I'm more or less in the same boat.

[Dallas]

Lin,

What about using FRP or Kemlite?

Waterproof, bullet proof, and other than Brian's problem with it, is maintenance free.

Cost is around $15-$20 for an 8X10 sheet.

Seal with tub and tile caulk or a polyurethane sealer.

Good Luck!

Dallas

[Airbag]

Lin,

What about using FRP or Kemlite?

Waterproof, bullet proof, and other than Brian's problem with it, is maintenance free.

Cost is around $15-$20 for an 8X10 sheet.

Seal with tub and tile caulk or a polyurethane sealer.

Good Luck!



Dallas

Hello Dallas
I found Kemlite has been bought by Crane. they have a good website just follow to RV section and find several products available.

http://www.cranecomposites.com/INDEX.ASP

[belfert]

Waterproof, bullet proof, and other than Brian's problem with it, is maintenance free.

Cost is around $15-$20 for an 8X10 sheet.

I would like a source for first quality non-surplus FRP 4x10 for $15 to $20 a sheet.  FRP is going for $25 and up for 4x8 sheets at your local home improvement center.

I would have no problem using FRP in a shower.  My issue revolved around getting the back side wet.  The back side is not intended to get wet and will not get wet with proper installation.  The stuff I got at a local lumberyard was surplus material that was banged up on the edges, but it was not swollen up when I got it.

[Dallas]

Waterproof, bullet proof, and other than Brian's problem with it, is maintenance free.

Cost is around $15-$20 for an 8X10 sheet.

I would like a source for first quality non-surplus FRP 4x10 for $15 to $20 a sheet.  FRP is going for $25 and up for 4x8 sheets at your local home improvement center.

I would have no problem using FRP in a shower.  My issue revolved around getting the back side wet.  The back side is not intended to get wet and will not get wet with proper installation.  The stuff I got at a local lumberyard was surplus material that was banged up on the edges, but it was not swollen up when I got it.

Sorry Brian,

I meant to type 4X10 sheets.

The last I bought was at HD in Myrtle Beach, SC about 6 or 8 months ago, 2 sheets came to a grand total of $41.93 with tax.
I used it in a shower for my brother in law who was disabled by a stroke and cannot use a tub.

Dallas

[H3Jim]

The home box stores should have a shower / tub enclusure kit.  Marlite, or just plastic.  Come with corner p;ieces or a way to make water tight in the corner.  Cut it to fit, construction adhesive to install, caulk around the edges to water proof.  The botton should overlap over a ridge in the tub or pan so it the causl leaks, it still drains into the pan.

I've done showers in rental units this way that lasted 20 years.  And they are lightweight too.

Of course my first choice would be tile, and its not that difficult to install, but the surround kits look pretty good and are easy to install as well.  You would want to sand whatever wall you have so the contruction adhesive sticks well.

[belfert]

I meant to type 4X10 sheets.

The last I bought was at HD in Myrtle Beach, SC about 6 or 8 months ago, 2 sheets came to a grand total of $41.93 with tax.
I used it in a shower for my brother in law who was disabled by a stroke and cannot use a tub.

I knew you meant 4x10, 8x10.  I didn't even notice the 8x10 to be honest.

I was at Home Depot this morning and 4x8 FRP sheets are $27.97.  They don't carry 4x10 sheets.  I would love to get the stuff for $20 a sheet or less.

[Lin]

I guess I was not clear in the original post.  The wall structure of the shower/tub are fine.  I was just looking for a good way to re-surface it.  I could use a good epoxy paint, I guess. If I made sure to do a good prep, it should hold better than the PO's last try which appears to have been painted over the glossy panel itself.  I found a bed liner place that say they can spray it for about $425.  I think that would be a solid finish, but may want to point that cash elsewhere.  Instead of putting new panels over the existing ones, as some suggested, I have also been thinking about "papering" the whole surface with some sort of plastic sheeting or wall covering.

[paulcjhastings]

A friend of mine has a business called Tub Medic(he specializes in this type of work), I'm assuming you are not local to the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area, but perhaps there is someone local to you that does something similar.

[H3Jim]

Sometimes its a lot easier and better to just give it a new surface, hence the new panels over it, rather than try to repair or paint it.  Some of those panels are really not that expensive either.  The best way to resurface is to put a new surface on it, not to try to paint it or goop it up.

Over 30 + years of owning apartments, and being on a budget, and trying to make something look nice and last till the next moveout - I would not use paint or any spread on product.