Strip plinth and its installation
There are several options for gluing a strip corner to a bathroom.
Often this product already has a layer of a special fixing substance. However, if the owners are interested in the question of how to properly glue the baseboard to the bathtub, they should still choose a different sealant. If desired, the factory glue can be carefully removed from the polyethylene product. This is done using a knife. The main thing is to perform all actions carefully.
Sometimes such a fixing layer is left, but silicone sealant is additionally used.
The different widths of the tape will also help you choose the desired border. It is even easier to install than a hard corner. However, it is used in case of rigid fixation of the bathtub.
Features of installing a plastic border
There are two ways to install a border:
- Butt. This method is not the best solution because it creates a large gap at the top.
- Obliquely.
Instructions:
- Cut the border at an angle of 45 degrees - this mark appears on the miter box. The border is applied to the miter box in such a way that the hacksaw also cuts at an angle.
- Trim the remains using a utility knife.
- Apply sealant to the curb and spread it thoroughly. The layer should be thin and even.
- Attach the curb to the bathtub.
A good sealant will set within 10 hours. But it’s best not to take risks and not use the bathroom for 24 hours.
How and with what to glue a plastic corner in the bathroom
What to use to glue the corner in the bathroom? There are special types of glue designed for this type of work. In particular, the glue must be transparent, so that even if it protrudes beyond the edge of the corner, no traces remain.
The plastic corner on the bathtub will be glued correctly if:
- Choose the right glue;
- Do not violate the installation technology;
- The product will be of high quality.
When choosing a material on which to glue an acrylic or clinker border, you should also take into account what the bathroom itself is made of. Namely, compositions made on the basis of acrylic can glue plastic, but if the plumbing equipment is made of metal, then you can use the most ordinary liquid nails.
Plastic corner in the bathroom can be glued
To do this, you can use a sponge and a mild solvent. If the bathtub is made of a material for which the use of solvent is strictly prohibited, then the remaining adhesive is removed immediately after applying the corner, until the composition hardens.
If the corners need to be installed after the bathtub has been purchased, then the tile covering must be washed to remove dirt and dust. This can be done with a hard sponge and soapy water.
After this, the surface of both the bathtub and the tiles must be dried, since the glue will not adhere to a wet coating, and repeated installation work will have to be carried out. To degrease the tile surface, alcohol or white spirit is suitable. Too aggressive compounds cannot be used, as they can corrode the plastic corner. The glue is applied around the perimeter of the back side of the corner, but the line should be as thin as possible. To seal the seams between the bathtub and the wall, you can use silicone sealant or putty that is resistant to water and high humidity.
DOMOSTROYPlumbing and construction
How to glue a plastic corner between the countertop and the tiles in the bathroom? It is desirable that it is absolutely sealed and water from the washbasin does not get behind the furniture.
It is desirable that it is absolutely sealed and water from the washbasin does not get behind the furniture.
I usually use glue-sealant in such cases,
The surface must be prepared before gluing.
The tile must be dry, this is important, it is better to degrease the corner (alcohol, vodka, solvent, acetone, etc.), you can also go over it a little with sandpaper, this is if the tile is not matte (glossy), if matte, then additional roughness is not needed.
The sealant will immediately solve all problems.
Firstly, it will reliably glue the corner to the tiles and tabletop, and secondly, it will completely provide protection from moisture (this is its direct job).
It is better to immediately remove excess sealant with a slightly damp cloth.
It’s even better to distribute the sealant over the surface so that excess is not squeezed out.
The sealant can be applied in a dotted line; a continuous layer is not necessary at all.
It must be glued clearly the first time, with glue-sealant, not “liquid nails”, that is, tearing off and gluing again is not technologically provided.
For such a small job, you don’t even need a gun; you can squeeze the glue out of the tube with the handle of a hammer.
Since at the place of gluing, by definition, there will be moisture, and aggressive substances (grease, detergent), and temperature changes, and also physical impact, and even a requirement such as tightness.
You definitely need to look for a strong, water-resistant adhesive.
Along with a huge selection of sealants, universal and rubber adhesives, as well as installation compounds such as “Liquid Nails”, I would still recommend paying attention to Two-Component Epoxy Adhesive , there are modifications designed specifically for plastic in order to stick it to a wide variety of surfaces.
Don't take this as advertising, but here's an example:
"Epoxy adhesive for plastic EP-380"
An excellent option, it glues quickly and with very high quality, colorless and resistant to moisture and aggressive substances after drying.
Be sure to read the instructions, since the use of epoxy glue differs significantly from the use of universal adhesives and follow safety precautions, since epoxy compounds are flammable and harmful in a liquid state, for the skin, and also in vapors, they pose a risk of poisoning!
What are the benefits of corner-shaped borders?
In addition to its low cost, a plastic bathroom border has a number of advantages that often tip the scales in its favor.
Thus, there is no glue already applied to the baseboard, so you can choose the most suitable composition applicable specifically to your operating conditions. In this case, you will not have to scrape off the “native” glue, as often happens when using self-adhesive tape.
In addition, plastic bathroom borders in the form of a corner are very useful in cases where, as a result of installation, the gap between the wall and the edge of the washing container is quite wide.
A plinth made of self-adhesive tape is unlikely to close such a gap, and even if it is possible to cover the gap, then, most likely, such a border will come off quickly enough.
A plastic curb for a bathtub provides additional rigidity for fixing the bathtub, while it is practically not affected by vibrations and high humidity.
Corner Purpose
The plastic corner on the bathtub is installed to seal the connection between the pipeline equipment and the wall. It prevents water from flowing to the floor.
To understand how to properly glue the onbath corner, you should study the following technology. By performing all the steps correctly, you can reduce the humidity level in the room. It will not form fungus, and metal objects will not rust.
In addition, water leaking into the floor can seep into the ceiling of the neighbors below. This will ruin expensive repairs, which you will have to pay for out of your own pocket.
Choosing the best option for gluing skirting boards to a bathtub depends on many factors. These include the size of the gap between the wall and the plumbing, the type of surface finish, as well as the amount of funds that the owners allocated for the purchase of this accessory.
How to choose a corner
When choosing a corner to close the gap between the bathtub and the tiles, you must consider:
- type of sealing element;
- device manufacturing material.
Types of bath corners
The main types of corners designed to eliminate gaps in the bathroom are:
- soft corners, which are made in the form of a tape;
- rigid corners made from various types of materials.
The advantages of soft tapes are:
- ease of installation, since in most cases the tape is supplemented with a self-adhesive base;
- low cost;
- ease of care. There is no need to purchase specialized products to clean the tape;
- diversity. Ribbons are available in different colors, sizes and shapes.
Self-adhesive bath tapes
Manufacturers produce two types of tapes:
- corner tape, which is intended to eliminate gaps no larger than 3 mm - 5 mm;
- curly tape to eliminate large gaps.
Differences between types of self-adhesive tapes
A significant drawback is the short service life, since over time and when exposed to moisture, the adhesive base loses its qualities.
Rigid corner corners are different:
- variety. For the manufacture of sealing elements, various materials are used, varying in quality and cost. In addition, corners are available in different shapes, colors and sizes;
- durability;
- minimal care.
Bath border
To reduce the complexity of installing a rigid corner, you can use special fittings made in the form of corners, plugs and other additional elements.
Additional items for easier installation
Materials used for making corners
Soft corners are made exclusively from PVC, and for the production of hard borders the following are used:
plastic. The plastic corner is characterized by minimal cost, a variety of shapes and colors, maximum level of tightness, and resistance to temperature changes. To clean the corner, it is not recommended to use products that contain abrasive substances, as this will negatively affect the surface of the sealing element;
Assortment of plastic corners
ceramics. The ceramic corner is highly durable and resistant to various phenomena (temperature changes, mechanical stress, and so on). Unlike plastic corners, ceramics can be cleaned using any chemical composition and this will not affect the quality of the glossy surface;
Ceramic Bathtub Sealing Corner
Ceramic corners are not recommended for installation on acrylic bathtubs, since it is impossible to achieve maximum contact between the surfaces and, as a result, complete tightness.
- acrylic (a type of plastic). The acrylic corner has an aesthetic appearance, unlike other types of plastic, a variety of models, but at the same time a higher cost. However, the difficulty of cleaning acrylic elements significantly reduces the possibility of their use. It is recommended to install acrylic corners on bathtubs made of the same material. In this situation, there is no need to purchase additional surface cleaning products;
- natural and artificial stone (marble, granite, etc.). Stone corners are distinguished by their presentable appearance, maximum stability and durability, as well as their large size and high cost.
Marble bath corners
Which corner is better to choose? It all depends on the user’s priority and the size of the budget, as well as the decoration of the bathroom, since the best corner is a corner that is completely compatible with the design of the room.
Sealing options
Choosing a sealing method for a bathtub
Before making a rim in the bathroom, you need to select a suitable material that will not only perform sealing functions, but also match the overall interior of the room. Today, for decorative seam sealing, the following are used:
- polyethylene adhesive tape;
- plastic corners;
- ceramic corners.
Each of the listed options differs not only in cost, but also in the installation process, as well as in service life.
Ceramic borders
More recently, ceramic tiles have been an important finishing material for plumbing fixtures.
And if there was a gap between the wall and the bathtub, you had to figure out how to make a border in the bathtub from tiles. It was quite difficult and diligent work: I had to cut small squares from the tiles, which were then used to form the slope from the wall to the bathtub. If the work was done conscientiously, the effect was absolutely decent. Now there is no such need.
In many construction stores, when you buy tiles for a toilet, they can immediately recommend favorable ceramic borders. But often they still have to be purchased separately. When choosing such a frame, you need to work hard so that the border matches the color of the tile itself.
In exceptional cases, you should choose a white border, then merging with the plumbing fixtures, it will not stand out from the uniform design.
In fact, all ceramic products are considered quite strong and hard. And therefore, of all the options that have been considered, ceramic borders will especially last a long time; they are virtually not subject to deformation and can be used without replacement for many years.
But you need to remember about the disadvantages of this option: it has poor resistance to mechanical damage, i.e. with a strong blow, such an object may prick.
In most cases, this kind of trouble occurs when installing ceramics, and already installed borders add to their own hardness the mechanical strength of the wall and bathtub and are virtually invulnerable.
Working with ceramic components requires specific skills, and therefore the best option is to entrust this process to specialists. If, for example, you personally agreed to take on this task, then it will be useful for you to read how to make a border in the bathroom from ceramic profiles (or baseboards).
Features of installation work
To work, you need to purchase the required number of blanks. Buy borders with a reserve (in case of damage), and also calculate how many corner-type elements you will need. You will also need specialized tile adhesive (it must be moisture resistant), sealant and grout. All work consists of several stages:
- Surface preparation. They must be very thoroughly cleaned and dried.
- Sealing the gap. If it is small, you can get by with silicone sealant. If, for example, the gap is large, it is sealed with foam for installation.
- Preparation of glue (according to the rules).
- Laying the border itself. How to glue a ceramic skirting board to a bathtub? Using a spatula, glue is applied to the back side of the parts, and they themselves lie close to each other so that there is no gap. Special corner components are placed in the corners. You need to give it a day to dry.
- Grout. The finished grout removes small gaps between the parts, and also between the wall and the baseboard.
Any of these types of borders has both its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing an option for yourself, consider the entire interior of your bath. In any case, decorating your bathtub with a border will give it a complete and beautiful look.
Features of installing an acrylic border
Instructions:
- If there is a gap along the wall, you need to install a plastic corner there, glue 2-sided tape to it and secure it carefully. This will help avoid “sagging” of the sealant.
- One side of the curb should be sawn off at an angle of 45 degrees.
- Gently sand the material - this will help get rid of all the unevenness.
- Saw off the second part of the border, and fit both pieces well. If the border is applied to a not very even tile, then before gluing it you need to warm it up well using a hair dryer. The border becomes more pliable, flexible and easily takes the desired shape.
- Once again adjust the material to the size of the bathtub. To do this, use a miter saw. If this tool is not available, a hacksaw will replace it.
- Using hard sandpaper, sand all edges well.
- Apply sealant to both the curb and the surface to which it will be attached.
- Glue the border to the bathtub. For better adhesion, walk over the surface, lightly pressing on the border.
- Remove excess sealant with soapy water. If they have time to set, use a rubber spatula.
- Fill the bathtub with water to the brim and do not touch it for 24 hours. This is required so that the silicone stretches well and fills all the cracks.
Surface preparation and preliminary work
The technology for laying the border around the bathtub may be different, but preparation of the base is mandatory. You should clean the wall and edge of the bathtub with a good, high-quality detergent, then rinse with water and degrease. For the latter purpose, soda ash is used; if it is not available, regular soda or alcohol is used. Before gluing the baseboard, you need to make the surface dry. To do this, you can wipe the base with a lint-free cloth and dry it with a hairdryer. When you have to re-glue the headband, you must carefully scrape off the remnants of the old glue.
To glue the border, the following tools and materials may be useful (depending on the type of profiles, some will not be needed):
- glue or sealant;
- mounting gun;
- level, preferably laser;
- rubber spatula;
- sandpaper on a block;
- pliers;
- Bulgarian;
- roulette;
- construction tape;
- sharp knife;
- profiles of the required length.
Preparation for installation
Before you attach the curb to the bathtub, you must prepare the foundation. This process is especially important when replacing an old corner. It is carefully dismantled and traces of old glue are removed from the wall. To do this you need to use a knife.
It is necessary to thoroughly clean with dirt and old sealant to avoid damaging the bathtub and the coating on the wall. A wet rag should be thoroughly wiped off the area where the old baseboard was installed.
Then disinfection is carried out. This procedure is also carried out for new coating during renovation. You can simply use bleach. Today, there are many sanitary facilities for disinfection.
Clean the substrate thoroughly. You can use a regular hairdryer for this.
How to glue a plastic, tape baseboard to a bathtub, installation methods
Not a single wall in a building, including the walls in the bathroom, is perfectly straight - not to mention modern buildings. Moreover, during construction it is impossible to achieve absolute parallelism of opposite walls. Therefore, when installing a bathtub, there is always some kind of gap, a gap between the sides of the bathtub and the walls of the room, and as a result, water leaks on the floor and even higher humidity in the room.
There are many ways to seal these cracks. Every apartment owner comes up with something based on the circumstances. You can seal the gap, for example, with cement or some other suitable building material. However, the durability of such a “design” remains in doubt. The best solution is to glue a special baseboard to the bathtub.
This product is called differently: baseboard, border, bathroom corner. There are three main types of such skirting boards: tape, plastic and ceramic. There are also VIPs (made of marble, etc.), but they are a separate discussion, since they are not widely used.
Therefore, for self-installation it is better to use tape or plastic skirting boards. However, there are some differences in their installation, so we will briefly talk about each type of skirting board.
Plastic skirting board
It is considered the most economical and easiest to install type of borders. On sale there are not only straight skirting boards that are easy to cut, but also various corners. Therefore, with the help of such skirting boards you can reliably “insulate” a bath of any size and configuration. To fasten the plastic, liquid nails and silicone glue are used. The entire installation comes down to the correct marking of the elements of the overall edging of the bathtub and gluing them. One side is towards the bathtub, the other is towards the wall. Moreover, you can glue it both on the tile and “under” it (on the wall). This kind of work can be done by anyone, even an inexperienced person. The main thing is to then thoroughly seal the joints of the plinth strips and corners with sealant. However, you need to take into account that over time the edges of the plastic may “lift” and it will begin to let moisture through. Therefore, it is better to lay wall tiles on top of the baseboard.
General measures for both types of skirting boards:
- prepare surfaces;
- Pre-seal the gap with sealant;
- After drying, apply liquid nails;
- press the plinth (tape) tightly;
- seal the joints;
- thoroughly dry the gluing areas.
Why is it difficult to join materials?
The tiles do not absorb moisture. The slippery glazed top layer prevents the raw material from absorbing not only water, but also fixing substances. It is very difficult to attach a foreign part to a wall or floor, so professionals prefer to screw the elements. The design with screws looks rough. If the operator moves inaccurately or lacks experience, the ceramic under the drill may burst.
Connection difficulties Source kvartal-club.com.ua
Benefits of installing a corner bath
Bathroom design with a corner bathtub is becoming increasingly popular not only because of its ergonomics and aesthetic appeal, but there are many more benefits.
- Saving room footage.
- Easily fit into any interior style.
- Easy to install, does not require special skills.
- Surpasses traditional rectangular models in terms of filling capacity and displacement.
- The corner bath resembles a small swimming pool, where 2 people can easily fit, it can accommodate both lengthwise and crosswise.
Modern corner baths have built-in hydromassage, occupancy control and other useful functional additions.
A corner bath has a number of advantages
Corner bathtub is easy to install and does not require special skills
Modern corner baths have many different functions
Ceramic border
Ceramic border for waterproofing
A ceramic border for a bathroom is considered the most beautiful type of design and is durable, although its installation requires much more time. Previously, to decorate the joint and seal it, it was necessary to cut borders from the remaining tiles, but today this is no longer necessary, since the production of ceramic corners has been established at an industrial level.
Such a corner between the bathtub and the wall is sold today in almost every building materials store. The product has a wide range of colors and design variations, which allows you to choose a model for almost every interior style. The material is highly durable and durable, although its installation process is a little more complicated than previous ones.
Important! Before choosing corners for bathroom tiles, you need to remember that this method of sealing the joint is not able to withstand bending stress and deformation, since it is laid on tile adhesive. It is better not to use this option for acrylic or steel bathtubs, but only for cast iron ones
- Before starting work, purchase the required number of curb modules with corner joints;
- clean and dry the joint;
- then seal the gap using polyurethane foam or silicone, depending on the thickness;
Color options for ceramic borders
For your information. At this stage, you need to decide how to glue the corner in the bathroom. If you have an acrylic bathtub, then it is prone to expansion when heated, which means it is better to use a sealant for the corner, which will provide elasticity when dried. If the bathtub is cast iron, then this material practically does not expand and in order to securely fix the bathtub corner, you can use ordinary tile adhesive.
- mix the tile adhesive and apply it to the joint using a spatula, then tightly lay the curb modules, saving space for grouting;
- After installing the border on the bathtub is completed, you need to wait a day until the tile adhesive has completely dried and then apply moisture-resistant grout for the joints.
Having studied the information presented above, you already know how to glue a corner to a plastic or ceramic bathtub yourself, which will allow you to significantly save money on repairs. And to consolidate the material, we suggest watching a video clip that will answer many questions.
Glue the corner to the arch
A finishing element such as an arched corner is used to decorate curved structures. Such corners, like ordinary straight ones, protect corners, prevent paint from falling off and rubbing off, and clearly highlight the shape of structures.
The corner on the arch can be attached in the following ways:
- Glue with glue - the gluing pattern is similar to vertical corners;
- Secure with self-tapping screws;
- Secure with nails without heads.
The last two options slightly spoil the appearance of the corner, as they are noticeable and can leave cracks or bend the corner.
In addition to PVC arched corners, there are also perforated ones. They are attached as follows:
- The tightly pressed corner is adjusted to the surface with staples;
- Next, a solution of gypsum plaster is applied to it with a spatula, which is pressed tightly;
- After the plaster has dried, it is sanded with a mesh or sandpaper.
The gap between the wall and the bathtub and the choice of border
If the bathtub was installed after finishing the walls, a gap will inevitably remain between its side and the wall. Large or not very much depends on how smooth the walls are and whether the bathtub itself is level. In any case, it is better to seal this gap. Firstly, there will be no dampness under the bathtub, and secondly, the appearance is better.
To choose a border for a bathtub, you need to proceed from the width of the gap. Depending on the distance to the wall, the installation sequence changes:
- If the distance between the bathtub and the wall is up to 3 cm, you can immediately install the side. Only its bottom shelf should be wide - it should be 3 times wider than the slot. And one more thing - in this case, only hard corners - ceramic or plastic - are suitable. It is better to glue the border tape with a small gap of a few millimeters or pre-seal it with a cement-sand mixture.
- If the distance from the side to the bathtub is more than 3 cm, it must first be sealed. There are three options: Attach the formwork from below, fill it with concrete, after setting (at least three to four days) you can continue work.
Having decided on the technology for sealing the gap, you can choose a border for the bathtub. It's not as easy as it seems - there are many different options, so you can get lost.
Read here how to restore the cover of an old bathtub.
Self-adhesive border tape
Decorating and sealing the joint between the bathtub and the wall using a flexible border is carried out in several stages:
- clean all contacting surfaces from dust and dirt, wait until they are completely dry;
- treat the sides of the bowl, tiles on the wall with alcohol or another degreasing compound;
- Fill the existing gap with sealant and level the surface using a spatula;
- take measurements of the seam;
- mark the desired length on the tape, add 2-3 cm to the result and cut the border;
- bend the plinth along the fold line. Cut the part of the product that will be located on the side of the bathroom at an angle of 45 ⁰ (trimming is not necessary if you are using a curved baseboard - the product is equipped with decorative corners);
- mark the top border of the border on the wall by gluing masking tape; heat the tape with a hairdryer - this will ensure the flexibility of the product and a better fit to the base;
- peel off the protective film from a small area (up to 20 cm) and glue the plinth, pressing it firmly to the base. If you are installing a shaped product, then initially you need to fix all the corners;
- inspect the curb: if there are gaps in the joints of the tape, fill them with sealant;
- do not use the bath until the adhesive has completely hardened;
- Check the installation of the border after a day: if you find areas where the tape has moved away from the base, glue it with liquid nails or sealant.
Tips on how to install an anti-leak corner on a bathtub
Experts do not recommend using the bathtub until its edges have been sealed.
This can lead to:
- To mold;
- To the fungus;
- Excessive moisture.
The plastic border must be glued strictly according to technology so that the product fits tightly to the bathtub and to the wall. Only in this way can correct installation be carried out, in which the waterproofing will be correct and without defects. Due to the fact that the plinth is sold in large metres, when framing the bathroom you will need to first cut it into small elements. First, the corners are formed, then other parts are cut. Then fitting and gluing is required.
Corners or border tape on the bathtub must be glued strictly according to technology
The gap between the bathtub and the wall can be left free and closed with a corner, or it can be filled with silicone sealant to improve sealing. In this case, you will have to wait until the composition dries and only then install the corner. Special plugs are placed along the edges of the corner so that the finishing of the bathtub looks complete, and sharp cuts cannot cause a cut on the skin when using plumbing equipment.
Video description
Installation on an old bathtub
The procedure begins with removing the outdated corner. Use a spatula or knife to pry up the part, carefully disconnecting it from the bath. The joints are cleaned of old sealant. Mechanical scraping can damage the enamel surface, so it is better to use special solvents.
The sides and perimeter of the wall are treated with a mold repellent. The antiseptic eliminates and prevents the development of microorganisms on the ceramic wall. The space is degreased and covered with masking tape. The gaps between the bathtub and the tiles are filled with fresh silicone sealant, and the excess is removed with a spatula. The material dries in 2-3 days.
Using a meter, measure the length of the sides that are pressed against the wall. Pieces of corners are cut out according to the parameters, taking into account the side plugs. The parts on the bends are placed first, then they move on to the main ones. Glue is applied to plastic and tiles. The elements are pressed against the product for the period specified in the instructions. Alignment is carried out using a laser level. After complete drying, grout the cracks.
Installation on a new model
The sides of the bathroom are cleaned and degreased with alcohol. To prevent glue from getting on the ceramics, cover a distance equal to the height of the curb with construction tape. Painting material is applied around the perimeter of the bowl near the wall. Fill the cracks with silicone sealant and dry for 2 days.
The corner is cut according to the parameters of the bath. The fixing composition is squeezed onto the plastic and onto the tiles. The element is quickly and firmly pressed against the tile, allowing time for initial setting. After polymerization, you can begin to seal the cracks.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a plastic corner in the bathroom
Any building and finishing material is characterized by certain advantages and disadvantages that determine the possibility of its use in one capacity or another, its service life, as well as other distinctive features on the basis of which the consumer makes his choice.
For plastic corners or in other words - special skirting boards for a bath, the following indicators are the distinctive features below.
pros
- Low cost.
- Ease of installation work.
- Resistance to moisture and changes in ambient temperature.
- Plasticity, allowing for surface cladding that differs from straight geometric lines.
- Not subject to destruction when treated with chemicals (detergents).
- Easy to use and care.
- Reliability.
Minuses
- If installation is performed incorrectly, mold and mildew may form in the space between the corner and the elements of the enclosing structure (wall) and the bathtub.
- Limited service life compared to tile analogues.
Original solution
If you want aesthetics, plastic corners for the bathroom for some reason do not suit you, pay attention to... borders for kitchen units. Essentially these are the same plastic corners, they can be smooth or convex, equipped with corner elements and plugs to aesthetically cover the cut ends.
Their distinctive feature is that they all come with an elastic band, which additionally protects against leaks.
It is mounted in the same way as regular plastic corners.
The only drawback of such designs is that they cannot be bought everywhere. In kitchen showrooms, corners are often sold only as a set with the kitchen. But sometimes they can still be ordered separately. As an independent product, they can be found in large construction hypermarkets.
Tape variations
If you need to instantly and cost-effectively remove gaps between your bathtub and a wall or sink and give the room a great look, then curb tape is great for this.
But do not forget that this curb will serve you no more than 2 years, and therefore this option can only be analyzed as short-term. Such tapes have a thickness of about 2 mm and are available in different widths. High-quality curb tape has excellent performance properties.
It is made from polyethylene or elastomer. One side of it is covered with butyl glue. Many border tapes contain fungicides that protect the bathroom from the formation of fungi and mold. This border is completely waterproof, will not crack, is easy to use, and thanks to its plasticity, it can be bent at any angle.
Features of installation work
Of course, first of all you need to purchase a border strip of the required width. In order not to make a mistake, measure the largest width of the gap between the wall and the bathroom. And now, the tape has been purchased, where to start, how to stick the border on the bathtub? Let's consider all the work steps and their distinctive characteristics.
- You should carefully prepare the surface on which the tape will be glued. It must be cleaned of dirt and grease. You can use cleaning products and soda for this purpose. For degreasing, you can use gasoline or alcohol. If you are gluing the border a second time, then make sure that there is no old glue left on the surface of the wall and the bathroom. The surface must be completely clean and dry.
- If the cracks are wide enough, it is better to carry out preparatory sealing. Silicone-based sealant for acrylic bathtubs is excellent for this.
- When the silicone is completely dry, we begin gluing the border. As a rule, you can get by with the glue that is applied to the tape itself. To do this, you need to heat it with a repair hairdryer. But, this glue is not considered very durable. Also, when heated, the tape stretches somewhat, and when it cools down, it begins to shrink, which leads to its peeling off from the wall. And therefore it is better to use liquid nails for this. At this step, you need to stock up on this “miracle glue” and a gun for applying it to the planes.
- Then you need to prepare pieces of tape of the required length. Plus, you need to remember that this length must be a couple of cm longer than the length of the plot on which it will be glued. Apply a thin layer of glue to the base of the tape and press it against the bathtub, and the other edge against the wall. It is better to start gluing from the corner, slowly removing the film in small pieces. Since the quality of the entire work depends on the pressing force, it is better to perform it with an assistant. Each area must be pressed for 20-30 seconds.
- After finishing the work, it is necessary to seal the joints at the corners, and for 24 hours do not allow water to penetrate the curb.
If you follow everything exactly, you will get a beautiful look for your bathtub.
Glue requirements
Due to the special microclimate in the bathroom, the craftsmen are faced with the question of how to glue the plastic to the tiles in the bathroom. The fixing material must be resistant to constant sudden changes in temperature. Only a few brands of raw materials can withstand high humidity conditions.
A wet indoor microclimate becomes an excellent environment for the proliferation of microorganisms. Mold in the bathroom appears in the form of black areas that grow not only in the cracks between the tiles, but also in the adhesive joints. To prevent the spread of fungi, antibacterial additives are added to the fixing compositions.
Beginners mistakenly use acrylic or silicone sealants, which leads to peeling of the plastic. The products are only suitable for sealing cracks, but are useless for securely fixing problem surfaces. Stronger MS polymers are much more expensive than “liquid nails” and are therefore impractical to use.