Installing vinyl shower walls requires a lot of preparation before you can actually begin. You’ll need to clean the walls thoroughly and make sure that they are completely dry. You’ll also need to fill any cracks or holes with caulk or sealant. It’s also important to leave about a quarter-inch expansion gap in the wall so that the vinyl can expand and not buckle. You’ll also need a jigsaw or vinyl cutter to cut the vinyl.
Easy to install
There are two ways to install vinyl shower walls. The first is to peel off the backing paper. This is a relatively easy process that requires both hands. It’s best to let about six inches of paper come off to create a large enough sticky surface. Once you’ve removed the backing paper, trim the edges with a utility knife to give them a nice, tidy finish. Another way to make sure that the vinyl adheres firmly is to use a clean roller. This way, you’ll be able to avoid lifting the edges.
Before installing vinyl shower walls, remove any existing fixtures. If possible, sand the surface to make it level. Then, use a small drill bit to drill pilot holes. Be sure to drill the holes at least 8 inches in centers. When installing the wall panels, make sure to screw them into studs on the vertical sides.
Easy to clean
If you want to keep your vinyl shower walls in pristine condition, you can use homemade cleaners to remove stains and grunge. The combination of baking soda and water is an effective way to get rid of stubborn stains. You should leave the mixture on the stained area for at least 3 hours before rinsing it off. If necessary, you can add some dish soap to the mixture.
Fogged shower panels are often difficult to clean. But, you can find fog-proof panels that won’t stain and will not require special cleaning products. Fog-proof panels mimic the look of natural wood or Italian slate. The best part is that they are cheap and durable. To clean them, you only need a cloth and water. You will rarely need to do a deep cleaning.
If you don’t want to spend the money on grout-based shower walls, consider installing a tile insert grate. These grates sit over the waste and have a cutout tile in the middle. Grout-free shower walls are easier to clean, and the gaps between the tiles are less visible. However, if you want to keep your grout-free shower walls looking as pristine as possible, you should consider purchasing a larger tile size.
Easy to repair
Vinyl shower walls can be easily repaired by following some simple steps. First, remove the damaged tiles and grout. If the tiles are on drywall, remove the drywall and treat it for mold or dry rot. Once the drywall is removed, install a new underlayment, preferably cement fiber board. Tape the seams with the appropriate product. Once the patch is dry, sand it down. Finally, buff it with a soft cloth or a buffing pad.
Then, use a two-part epoxy compound to repair the damaged area. These compounds harden to match the strength of the surrounding material. You can also use a basic colorant to match the color of the patch. However, note that a perfect match is not always possible. If possible, try to match the color of the patch with the color of the original tile. Many manufacturers have kits that match common colors. To ensure the proper match, know the manufacturer and model number of the fixture you’re repairing.
Another common problem is a leaky shower wall. The leak may have started from one of the fixtures or water connections hidden behind the walls. To repair the leak, first check for loose shower head connections. Loose screws can also lead to leaks. Tightening these connections should fix the problem.
Cheap
If you are looking for cheap shower walls for your tub, you can buy a single sheet of PVC that you can install by yourself. These panels are strong, waterproof, and lightweight. The material is also easy to install. However, they can be easily scratched, and you should be sure to buy a new set in case there is any damage.
Another advantage of using vinyl planks for shower walls is that they are inexpensive. They can be easy to install and are waterproof, but you need to make sure that you caulk them correctly. Also, you should keep in mind that they are not suitable for extremely hot environments, as high heat can damage the adhesive. It is recommended to carefully clean and level the wall before installing the planks.
Conclusion
Another good option is porcelain tiles. If you want a shower floor that is easy to clean, you can choose glazed ceramic tiles. These tiles come in a variety of designs and colors, and can be purchased cheaply. However, the quality of porcelain tiles will affect their durability.