Installing a shower wall liner can be a creative DIY project if you follow some basic instructions. This installation is a cost saving feature for homeowners to update the look and functionality of a shower or a tub. A DIY shower liner installation project can give you professional looking, attractive results, without going through a big messy tiling job in a very short period of time. In fact, the longest time is needed for the joint compound, the adhesive, and the caulk to dry, which will put your shower out of commission for only about 24 hours.
Gather the Tools and Materials
Gather the following tools: liner panels; 4 foot leveler; adhesive; 2 sawhorses; drill and/or jigsaw; silicone caulk. Also, wear some protective glasses if you have to remove tile and for sanding the joint compound. You also might consider shoe coverings which saves you from tracking debris throughout the house.
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- Before starting any bathroom projects, turn off the water to the shower, then remove the plumbing fixtures.
- Inspect the condition of your existing shower walls because shower wall liners require a smooth, stable substrate surface. Many shower wall liners can be installed over existing tiles. Take your shower wall liner measurements to make sure that you have enough to cover the entire tiled area before you decide to place it over a tiled surface or before you remove your tiles.
- Prepare the shower walls for the shower liner installation process. If you have chosen to remove your existing wall tiles, make sure that the drywall is even and smooth to accept the adhesive and shower liners. If there are any weak wall sections or water rotten spots, remove them. Layer the entire shower wall surface, with a light coat of your joint compound and allow enough time for it to dry very thoroughly.
- Mark your plumb level lines from the facing edge of your tub or shower walls, where the liner panels will be installed. Use your 4 foot leveler as a straight guide because you want your liner panels to fit level and snug.
- Take your shower liner panels and hold them up to position them in place where your installation will be. If the tub, shower, or walls are not squared and level, then you will need to cut or file your panel liners again to perfectly fit the top and bottom areas before you press them into position.
- Prepare to position the first panel. Follow your shower liner's instructions to place either the corner panels, the end panels, or the center panels first. Apply your construction adhesive, according to the adhesive recommended by your liner panel manufacturer, to the back of the first panel. Position your panel and press it into place. Some manufacturers require you to pull the liner away, after one to three minutes to activate the adhesive compound, then firmly press the liner panel back into place.
- Measure the distance between the top of the tub or the shower basin to the center of each plumbing fixture. These measurements are used to mark the center of each hole that is needed on the liner panel. Lay your panels that will be installed onto your two sawhorses, for an accurate cutting measurement.
DIY shower wall liner installation needs to be measured exactly. - Use a drill or a jigsaw to cut out the plumbing holes, depending upon your panel circumference measurements. Install the plumbing wall panels, overlapping them if needed, according to your manufacturer's instructions.
- Caulk the seams between the overlapping liner panels, between the panels, the tub or shower basin, around the outside edges of the entire liner and around the fixtures. Silicon caulk is highly recommended for its ability to remain flexible at all temperatures, repel mildew growth, remain highly waterproof and bond to nearly everything. Give it enough time to dry thoroughly, then reinstall your plumbing fixtures before using the shower.