Sofia Martinez
Plastic shower walls can be installed as a single unit or as a series of interlocking panels. The latter is a more popular option for remodels as it is cheaper and easier to install than ceramic tile wall enclosures. Adhesive-type kits use adhesives to stick the panels onto the bathroom walls. Before installing, the surface must be clean, dry, and free of dust and flakes. The adhesive should then be applied to the wall and spread over the entire surface where the panel will go. The panel should be pressed firmly against the wall and repositioned if necessary. Any excess adhesive should be wiped off with a damp rag.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the wall surface
To prepare the wall surface for installing plastic shower walls, you should first ensure that the floor has been prepared and the shower pan or tub has been installed. If you have exposed wall studs, you can outline the area of the wall where the panels will go and cut out this area to make it easier to anchor the flanges to the studs. If you don't have exposed studs, you can use the panels as a template to outline the area of the wall where you will remove the drywall.
Next, you should remove any existing fixtures, such as the shower handle, trim cover, and spout. Turn off the water feeding the shower valve before beginning. Place a drop cloth or cardboard in the shower pan or tub to protect the finish.
If you have an existing shower wall, you will need to remove it. For glued-on panels, use a putty knife or razor blade to cut away any caulking around the edges of the panels. Heat the front of each panel with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive, and then use a putty knife or pry bar to carefully pull the panels away from the wall, being careful not to damage any surrounding tiles or wood finishes. If you have direct-to-stud panels, you will need to remove part of the wall to access the nailing flange.
Once the old panels are removed, use a vacuum cleaner with an extraction hose attachment to remove any dust particles. Inspect the wall surface and replace any damaged wallboard with new cement board. Painted surfaces should be roughened with sandpaper to ensure a stronger bond with the adhesive. The surface must be clean, dry, and free of dust and flakes.
Finally, dry fit a few panels to ensure a proper fit. Set the back wall in place, resting on the shower pan or tub, and use strips of tape to hold it in place. Place the side panel against the wall, and then the corner panel in front, ensuring the lip overlaps by about an inch.
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Apply adhesive
When applying adhesive to plastic shower walls, there are several steps to follow to ensure a strong and secure bond. Firstly, it is important to prepare the surface by ensuring it is clean, dry, and free of dust and flakes. This step is crucial as it ensures a smooth and strong adhesion process. It is also important to note that glue-up shower stalls and kits should only be installed over moisture-resistant drywall or similar solid surfaces like cement board. They are not recommended for use over existing tiles, plywood, or wallpaper.
Next, you should apply the adhesive to the wall using a trowel and spread it evenly over the entire surface where the panel will be attached. Try to keep the adhesive inside the lines to avoid any mess. You can also apply the adhesive directly to the back of the panel, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Wait a few minutes for the adhesive to become tacky. This step is crucial as it ensures the panel will adhere properly and securely.
Once the adhesive is tacky, it's time to position the panel. Firmly press the panel into place, ensuring it is aligned with the marks you established earlier. Use your hands or a roller to apply even pressure across the surface. If needed, you can reposition the panel quickly before the adhesive sets. However, be careful not to wait too long, as this may cause the adhesive to dry and result in a bumpy or poorly adhered finish.
For the corner panels, you will need to run a bead of sealant on the back edges to ensure a watertight seal. This step is crucial in ensuring that your shower enclosure is properly protected from moisture. After adhering all the panels, it is important to wipe down the walls with a damp rag to remove any excess adhesive and ensure a clean finish. Finally, allow the adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours before using the shower to ensure that the panels are securely bonded and to prevent any damage.
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Install back panel
To install the back panel of a plastic shower wall, follow these steps:
First, ensure that the surface is prepared. The floor should be ready, and the shower pan or tub installed. If you are using a glue-up shower enclosure, the wall should be moisture-resistant drywall or a similar solid surface, such as cement board. Painted surfaces should be roughened with sandpaper to ensure a stronger bond with the adhesive. The surface must be clean, dry, and free of dust and flakes.
Next, dry fit the back panel to ensure a proper fit. Place the back panel in position, with the bottom resting on the shower pan or tub, and the panel centered on the wall. Use strips of tape to temporarily secure it in place. Check that the lip of the panel overlaps the tub or shower base by about an inch.
Now, apply the adhesive. Spread shower surround adhesive over the entire surface area of the wall where the back panel will go, using a trowel to keep it inside the lines. Firmly press the back panel onto the wall, ensuring it aligns with any marks you established earlier. Reposition the panel if needed.
Finally, wipe down the installed back panel with a damp rag, applying pressure to ensure full contact and adhesion. Remove any excess adhesive with the damp rag.
If you are using interlocking panels, apply a bead of color-matched seam sealer to the tongue on the panel, then install the next panel, applying adhesive to its back. Wipe off any excess sealer with denatured alcohol. Ensure the panels are tightly joined, and consider using bracing boards if the adhesive is not holding them securely.
For direct-to-stud installations, position the back panel on the tub or shower base and level it. Drill pilot holes through the surround's flanges where the panel meets the center of the studs, and use nails or screws to secure it to the wall. Many models require a bead of silicone caulk to seal the bottom edge.
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Install side panels
To install side panels for your plastic shower walls, follow these steps:
First, ensure that you have prepared the floor and installed a shower pan or tub. If you are using a glue-up shower enclosure, prepare the walls by sanding painted surfaces for a stronger bond and wiping them down so they are clean and dry. Dry fit the panels to ensure a proper fit, using strips of tape to hold them in place if necessary.
Next, apply shower surround adhesive to the wall using a trowel, spreading it over the entire surface where the side panel will go. Firmly press the side panel onto the wall, ensuring it lines up with any marks you established earlier. Quickly reposition if needed. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp rag.
If you are using a direct-to-stud installation, the process may vary slightly. Ensure that you have the correct size of panels for the width of your shower or tub. If the studs are not exposed, you will need to strip the walls down to the studs. Cut out an area of the wall slightly larger than the surround, making it easier to anchor the flanges to the studs.
Position the side panel against the wall, locking it in place where it adjoins the back panel. Drill pilot holes and use nails or screws to secure the panel to the wall.
Finally, apply a bead of seam sealer or silicone caulk to the corners and edges of the side panels for a watertight seal.
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Sealant and finishing
When it comes to sealant and finishing, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust and flakes. This step is crucial in achieving a strong bond between the adhesive and the wall. It is also important to note that glued-to surfaces should be sealed around any openings before mounting any controls.
After applying the adhesive, use a trowel to spread it evenly over the entire surface where the panel will be attached. Keep the adhesive inside the lines to avoid messiness. Firmly press the panel onto the wall, ensuring that it aligns with the marks you established earlier. Reposition the panel if necessary.
For corner panels, it is important to run a bead of sealant on the back edges to ensure proper adhesion. After installing all the panels, wipe down the walls with a damp rag, applying pressure to the panels to ensure full contact. This will remove any excess adhesive and help create a smooth finish.
It is recommended to allow the adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours before exposing it to water or moisture. This waiting period ensures that the panels are securely bonded to the walls, preventing any loose areas or bulges.
Additionally, when working with a shower wall kit, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Some kits may have specific requirements for nailing intervals and caulking, so it is important to refer to their guidelines.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to prepare the floor and install the shower pan or tub.
The wall surface must be clean, dry, and free of dust and flakes. Painted surfaces should be roughed up with sandpaper to ensure a stronger bond with the adhesive.
Use a trowel to spread the adhesive over the entire surface where the panel will go. Press the panel onto the wall and make sure it lines up with the marks you established earlier.
Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp rag. Allow the adhesive to dry for 24 hours before exposing it to water or moisture.
Yes, an alternative method is to use a direct-to-stud installation, where the panels are anchored directly to the framing or studs of the wall.
