It was a lot of work, but you can leave the existing tub. I refinished mine with a Rustoleum epoxy product, but that’s another story. Basically, depending on the tub, I would take everything down to the studs, and start with a good masonry board, and any possible structural/plumbing changes you might need. ‘

Can you remove tub surround without damaging?

Removal isn’t difficult, but just ripping the tub surround from the wall can cause significant damage to the wall behind it. The proper method of removing a tub surround is tedious and time consuming, but it ensures that you can remove the surround with minimal damage.

How do you remove a glued tub surround?





Dip a sponge into rubbing alcohol and use it to swab difficult-to-remove patches of the adhesive. Allow the alcohol to dwell for about five minutes on the adhesive to loosen the bond between the adhesive and the tub surround. Scrape away the loose adhesive using the razor blade.

How do you remove tub surround panels?

Starting at the top outside corner, tap the putty knife behind one of the corner panels and pry out the corner. Keep tapping the putty knife deeper until you can grasp the edge of the panel with your fingers or with pliers. Keep tapping and pulling until the panel comes off and then move on to the other corner panel.

Is a tub surround a good idea?

The greatest advantage of bathtub liners and wall surrounds is cost. Installing a surround over existing walls is a cost-effective way to remodel or update a bathroom. Simple, low-end surrounds can cost as little as $50 (in early 2011) plus the cost of installation tools and materials.

Can you tile over a tub surround?

For a shower enclosure, extend the tile and the backerboard at least 6 inches above the showerhead. For a tub surround only, install the backerboard and tile 12 inches above the tub. When tiling around a tub, mark the first layout line at the vertical edge of the tile next to the tub.

Can you reuse a shower surround?





It may be possible to reuse your shower enclosure. It will have to be removed very carefully to prevent destroying the materials or breaking the glass. The opening where the enclosure is installed will need to be nearly exactly the same in order for the old materials to work.

How do you remove glued on shower panels?

Use your knife to pry away larger pieces, then apply a chemical wallpaper remover. Wallpaper removers are available in liquids and gels. For a vertical surface like your shower wall, a gel will cling longer, allowing it more time to dissolve the adhesive.

How do you replace a tub surround?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Start by removing your fixtures and thoroughly clean the area next create a cardboard template for your fixture holes transfer the markings to your panel. And cut out the holes.

How do you remove acrylic shower wall panels?

After the edge of the panel comes off the wall, insert the tip of a crow bar under the panel. Then, pull and push the free end of the crow bar to remove the panel. Use your hands to apply more tension to the panel for easier removal. If the panel doesn’t come out, use the chisel to tear the adhesive off the wall.

How much does it cost to replace a bathtub surround?



The average cost to install a tub surround is $600 to $1,800 for the materials and labor. The labor cost to replace a tub surround is $300 to $600. Basic acrylic and fiberglass tub surrounds cost $200 to $1,000, while solid surface surrounds cost $600 to $2,000, plus installation.

Can you put a new tub surround over an old one?

Tub surrounds can sometimes be installed over existing tile, but only when conditions are right. The old tile area needs to be smaller than the kit and you’ll need to build up the surrounding wall to the level of the tile, usually with 1/4-in. drywall. All things considered, removing the tiles is often a better option.

How long do tub surrounds last?

Expect a life span of 30-plus years. Some brands include a lifetime warranty. The composite units mount directly to studs with screws and clips; the solid-surface panels glue to either walls or studs.

What goes behind tub surround?



Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don’t use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.

What is better a tub surround or tile?

While wall tiles are easily chipped and cracked, with proper care a tiled shower wall can last for the life of your shower. Acrylic surrounds are resistant to scratches and chips, and a quality surround that is installed and maintained properly can last as long as a tiled wall.

Do you put drywall behind a tub surround?

The short answer to the question is, “It’s not recommended.” However, this answer only really only suffices if you’re converting a room that was never a bathroom into a wet space. Drywall on its own is not suitable for use in bathrooms because it is prone to absorbing moisture and thus losing structural integrity.

Should I insulate behind tub surround?

The insulation behind the tub or shower should be equivalent to the insulation in the rest of the exterior walls and should be covered with an air barrier of cement backer board, rigid foam insulation, or non-paper-faced drywall that is sealed at the edges and seams to provide a continuous air seal.

How do you fill the gap between shower surround and drywall?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Everything needs something to bond to mix up some 20-minute speed set joint compound. And press it into the gap keeping it flush with the drywall.

What should I put above my shower surround?

Any sort of artwork that won’t be damaged by humidity can be hung above the shower surround to create an inviting atmosphere. For example, hand-painted tiles can be hung individually by attaching picture hangers to the back with epoxy-based glue, or by using small plate hangers.

Should shower ceilings be tiled?

If your bathroom tends to get humid or you are installing a steam shower, you should tile the ceiling to help protect it from moisture. Otherwise, the best time to install tile on the ceiling is if you are doing an accent wall in the shower, and want to extend the tile overhead.

What can I cover my shower walls with?

Shower Walls – What are the Options?

  1. Glass Tile. Glass tiles are exactly what they sound like, they are translucent tiles that give an extra shine to your bathroom. …
  2. Stone Tile. Stone tile is tiling that looks like a natural marbling. …
  3. Ceramic. …
  4. Acrylic.