DIY Network

Soft Contemporary (1 of 3): Acrylic Retro-Fit Tub From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-106

	This outdated bathroom with its old yellow sink, tub and toilet ...
	is renovated with a soft -- and smart -- contemporary style ...
	with an accent on luxury.

Materials for Demolition --

Gloves
Safety goggles
Hammer
Pry Bar
Reciprocating saw

Materials for Prepping Tub for Re-Bath --

Putty knife
Screwdriver
Utility Vacuum

Materials for Bath Installation --

Marker
Template tool
Jigsaw with medium-tooth blade
Drill with spade bit
Primer
Butyl tape
Silicone tape

Materials for Surround Installation --

Tape measure
Jigsaw
Safety goggles
Thermal expansion adhesive

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Installing Acrylic Bathtub

1. The homeowners (Kristen and Jake) removed the tile on the wall where they had the problem with a leak, put up the green board, and framed in the wall where the door to the guest room was removed. They also had a plumber come in and reroute the plumbing.

   
   Note: A moisture resistant drywall like green board is the best choice for high humidity applications.

   
   

2. The old tub has to be prepped to prepare for installation of the new tub. Remove the old caulk, the drain and fixtures, and then vacuum the tub clean.

   
   

3. The homeowners wanted to get rid of the old yellow bathtub, but it would have cost a lot to take it out and replace it. It is the only bathtub in the house, and they needed something that was quick to replace. Re-Bath is a custom made acrylic liner made to fit over any existing cast iron or pressed steel bathtub (figure A). The experts at Re-Bath came out weeks ago (the whole process takes four to six weeks) and took measurements and photos so they could make the liner. The liners come in different styles and colors.

   
   

4. The expert from Re-Bath set a template on the old tub (figure B) to get the overall size of the tub and the contours of the existing wall. He marked the areas where the template didn't fit flush against the wall, writing down the amount he needed to add when he cut the tub. The manufacturer adds excess shelf area to the tub so they can trim it when they install it so they will get a water-tight fit. He set 1/4" spacers to allow room for the thickness of the new tub.

   
   

5. When the template was ready, he placed it on the acrylic tub set and set the one-quarter inch spacers so that it is ready to be marked for cutting. A jigsaw, with a medium tooth blade, cuts through the acrylic like butter.

   
   

6. A pilot hole was cut with a spade bit for the drain and overflow in the new tub.

   
   

7. The new tub is placed down to check for fit and then the drain and overflow holes are routed using the old tub holes as a guide (figure C).

   
   

8. Once the holes are cut, a black primer was painted around the rim of the old tub and the bottom of the new bathtub. This serves as the surface for the adhesive tape.

   
   Safety Tip: Anytime you use paint inside the house, you should open a window to let the air circulate.

   
   

9. Strips of butyl tape were placed on the outline of the tub (figure D) to act as a sealant and adhesive. The tape is also placed over the entire base of the new tub, and then the tape backings removed.

   
   Note: Butyl tape is available at building specialty stores.

   
   

10. A generous amount of flowable silicone is applied to the edges of the tub (figure E).

    
    

11. The new tub is placed over the old tub and then the entire surface is walked on in order to adhere the new tub to the old tub, and to remove any air bubbles.

    
    

12. The drain and overflow (figure F) need to be put in quickly before the adhesive dries.

    
    Note: The installation of an acrylic liner is typically a professional job.

In the final segment, the surround for the tub is installed.

RESOURCES :

Tub and Wall Surround (Re-Bath)

Re-Bath Tub
Color: Biscuit
Brand name: Biltmore Style

Re-Bath Wall Surround
Color: Biscuit
Brand name: Gloss Surround
Where available: Visit the Re-Bath website, link below.
Re-Bath, LLC
Website: www.re-bath.com

GUESTS :

John Heckenlaible
Retro-Fit Tub Expert
Re-Bath, LLC
1055 S. County Club Dr.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Toll-free: 800-228-4882

Ron Cobb
Owner, Re-Bath of Minnesota
6316 Bass Lake Rd.
Crystal, MN 55428
Phone: 763-537-1355