Tub surround

[ECkcs]

I searched, but couldn’t find this in previous posts...
Has anyone had to resurface their tub/shower surround? Our 2008 is VERY yellowed, and we are thinking about trying some sort of paint-rather than ripping it out and replacing?

[Chris P]

Welcome from New Jersey, How yellow is it? Is the entire thing evenly yellow? Try soft scrub on a small spot to see gets lighter? Picture?

[ECkcs]

A little worse on the plumbing end, but pretty consistent yellow. I assume that’s because of where the sunlight pours in from the skylight? I installed a cover over that, so now it lets in light, but not as direct.

[Chris P]

Yes it looks consistent across it, Probably correct about the sun changing it, Don't think soft scrub will help! Painting may be the only option,but not sure what to use.

[notanlines]

EC, if you believe the yellowing bothers you, just wait until the 'paint' starts peeling and you look down and it has clogged the drain.....Don't do it.

[chuckster57]

The surround is held in place by those plastic rivets and double sided tape, Fairly easy to replace.

[Hblick48]

I'm thinking that the epoxy used to refinish porcelain tubs would work so long as it is properly prepped. Mine has yellowed like yours. Let us know what you end up doing and how it works. It may be one of my next projects.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by Hblick48

I'm thinking that the epoxy used to refinish porcelain tubs would work so long as it is properly prepped. Mine has yellowed like yours. Let us know what you end up doing and how it works. It may be one of my next projects.

I believe those epoxy kits rely on a RIGID surface, the shower surround is definitely not.

[Hblick48]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I believe those epoxy kits rely on a RIGID surface, the shower surround is definitely not.

You have a point. Here's a link to a company that sells "flexible epoxy" that may do the job, would need to call them to find out it it would work.

https://www.epoxyproducts.com/flex.html

They add flexible additives to automotive paint so it will work on flexible bumper covers.

[flybouy]

There are paints specifically formulated for plastics. Many automobiles have many plastic exterior panels ( I think Saturn started that). But to me here's the thing. To do a proper job it's all about the prep work. In my thinking, that would require removing the faucet and all penetrations, then remove the surround itself. I can't imagine using chemicals that may run into the holding tank, much less masking everything up and painting in such a confined area.

If I was going to all that work I'd throw the old surround in a dumpster and install a new one.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by flybouy

There are paints specifically formulated for plastics. Many automobiles have many plastic exterior panels ( I think Saturn started that). But to me here's the thing. To do a proper job it's all about the prep work. In my thinking, that would require removing the faucet and all penetrations, then remove the surround itself. I can't imagine using chemicals that may run into the holding tank, much less masking everything up and painting in such a confined area.

If I was going to all that work I'd throw the old surround in a dumpster and install a new one.

^^^^^and there you have it IMO!!

[notanlines]

As soon as I get done shaking my head I will get off this soapbox! Let's ignore my 35 years in industrial paint and coatings, we'll ignore my company's work at DuPont, J M Smucker, Kelloggs, FedEx, UPS and major military bases in a three state area. I could go on and on.
Instead, we'll pull up one of our favorite long-time members, CrazyCain (Tom) who has been in the coating business for @$%%& years, and is STILL in the business.
I maintain vehemently that coating this thing is a bad idea. Either replace it, a cost you will never in your life live out, or ignore the yellow.
I'll PM him and I'll side with his opinion. Yes, while staring at the floor with my hat in my hand.

[CrazyCain]

As few guy guys have already stated, yellowing on the plastic is for sure caused by the UV rays coming from the sun, think your Sky Light.. The old red and yellowcar paints had zero UV protection in them, thus the fading and such. I could go on and on about the advancement of coatings chemistry, but i just woke up from a nap and do not want to fall asleep again..

Yes, you can repaint plastic liners, but the steps are awful with the sanding for adhesion, bonding agent, priming and then painting.. NAH!!!!

So as Sourdough (Danny), Flyboy ( Marshall) and my paint buddy Notanlines, Jim recommend, just replace it...so Jim, no waxing the steps on the old folks home is necessary..

I got curious about an RV shower and bath, found this, but gezzzzzzzz....

https://youtu.be/pWEIzWkcR20

I would stii replace it.....

[travelin texans]

Buy yellow towels to match the shower & call it good.
You could spend 100s of dollars repairing/replacing the shower & won't increase the value of your RV one cent.

[CrazyCain]

^^^^^^^^^^ that too^^^^^^^^^^^