*
Hi guys, I hope you don’t mind me popping over here with a question. I just moved into a new (to me) house. It was built in 1947, and the previous owners have kept most of the interior true to the original style, which we like, and would like to maintain.
The bathroom is done about halfway up the walls not in tile, but in particle board (I’m guessing) molded and painted to look like tiles – this includes the area around the tub. Now, it’s remarkably free from water damage, considering, but still, we’re worried, especially because we intend to add a showerhead in there.
The obvious solution is to tear out the board and put in real tiles. The thing is, we really like the look of it as is. Putting in tiles would change the character of the bathroom. Is there any way to seal things, or any sort of paint we could use on the board that would provide enough water protection to keep it?
Replies
*
Hey, talk about timely. I just saw the wood in the shower thread. How come that didn't come up when I did a search?
Still, I welcome any additional suggestions specific to my slightly different situation.
*CM,The tiles you describe are most likely masonite with a tile pattern. They were and are available in 4 by 8 sheets and a variety of colours.Most likely an add on as well in the mid 50's.Ceramic tiles over a cement backer board will serve you better, last longer and be easier to clean.Gabe
*This is like trying to "restore" T-111. Jeez, the stuff is just pressboard for Christ's sake. Do yourself a favor and install some nice subway tile for an old fashioned look.
*Why would ou want to keep such an uncraftsman like design. Its not like there was much thought or work in those cheap tiles. Its kind of like keeping those plastic brick facing sheets on your kitchen wall. Those subway tiles are a good idea....especially the cracked glazed look to keep it real antiquey
*Thanks for the info Gabe. Was this stuff really manufactured for tub and shower use?Thanks for the opinions Scooter and Andy. I should clarify, it's not that we're devoted to making the interior absolutely authentic, but we like the feel of it as it's set up now, and we want to keep that. This includes the masonite in the bathroom. Normally I really hate paneling, but I do think in this case it's been quite tastefully done. Sorry to disappoint.Hmmm, maybe if I can match the color and size of the fake tiles, I could tile the tub area and still keep the board in the rest of the bathroom...
*Mostly as a tub and vanity suround. Can be found in the odd kitchen as well, as a back splash.It wasn't really intended for showers but has been used as such for decades. It was and is inexpensive and easily installed and replaced.Gabe
*CM, another option would be to have the masonite painted with the type of paint that is used to refinish tubs and appliances for an extra measure of durability. I have a friend who's been doing this over regular tile and plastic tile for years with good results, mostly to change colors w/o rippingout the old tile, but i could put you in touch with him to see if he's done it or recommends it over the masonite stuff. He does lots of work for gyms and swimming pools, and has done work for me still in decent shape after fifteen years. It should be cleaned with something like "Soft Scrub" however, not abrasive cleanser that i use.
*One more option if you can find someone who still does some "old way" stuff with plaster.I own an older home that the plaster work in the bathroom was "tooled" to resemble the subway tiles.The remuddler who I purchased the house from had painted them the same eggshell neutral color he painted everything. We repainted a high gloss bright white. Looks awsome, has held up well and cleans up easily.
*CM,Take a good look and see if there is a metal strip at each corner (looks like corner trim). If there is, do not install a shower with this stuff as the surround.It was used quite extensively many years ago around tubs, and on bathroom walls. It is easy to clean, looks good, and will last a long time, so long as it doesn't get exposed directly to a flow of water. When bathing in a tub, there was little concern about water getting above the tub rim and damaging walls. The metal strips are used to hold the two pieces of tile board (that's what we call it) together, and is not waterproof. It WILL allow water to penetrate behind the board. The face of the tile board is waterproof, but the sides and back are not. If the sides or back get wet, this stuff will swell, and disintegrate like sawdust. James DuHamel
*Our last house had this paneling with the metal strips at the corners and edges. Water had leaked in around the seams over the years, eventually soaking the studs and then causing the paint on the outside wall of the house to alligator. From the inside, however, the paneling looked intact. When we ripped the paneling out we also found that termites had moved into this picture perfect termite home. I really agree that the paneling should be replaced before a shower head is added. Or just get used to baths. ;-)
*Like I said in the other thread...I used to have wood in the bath all the time.I haven't had a good bath in a loooooong time.b : )
*Thanks again for all the info and advice.Splinter, I'd love to talk to your friend about what kind of paint he's using, and what he would recommend.Thankfully, there are no metal strips at the corners in the tub area. Outside the tub, yes, but inside it seems to have been caulked. As near as I can tell there's been no water damage to the wall. Now, I just need to keep it that way!Kevin, your plaster tiles sound beautiful.
*If you are going to turn the tub area into a shower area too, you need to get rid of the tile board in the tub area. Just because there is no damage now doesn't mean there won't be damage in the NEAR future. The tile board around the tub area has never been subjected to direct water flow before. Now it will. It will also be subjected to more expansion and contraction than it has ever had to endure before (because of the hot showers that you will be taking). It was never meant to be installed in this situation.For what its worth...James DuHamel
*CM, emailed you the info on my bathtub refinisher guru. Here's hoping...
*Thanks again. Another possibility would be to install a shower in the basement, and leave the bathroom with just a tub. Hmmm, so much to think about.
*
Hi guys, I hope you don't mind me popping over here with a question. I just moved into a new (to me) house. It was built in 1947, and the previous owners have kept most of the interior true to the original style, which we like, and would like to maintain.
The bathroom is done about halfway up the walls not in tile, but in particle board (I'm guessing) molded and painted to look like tiles - this includes the area around the tub. Now, it's remarkably free from water damage, considering, but still, we're worried, especially because we intend to add a showerhead in there.
The obvious solution is to tear out the board and put in real tiles. The thing is, we really like the look of it as is. Putting in tiles would change the character of the bathroom. Is there any way to seal things, or any sort of paint we could use on the board that would provide enough water protection to keep it?