HELP!! The trim and outdated shower door

Chris
by Chris
The trim on my shower door is an outdated gold metal that never looks clean and the decal on the door is partially worn off which makes it even worse. What can I do to improve it short of buying a new one??

  5 answers
  • Allison Allison on Jun 25, 2017

    It can be spray painted. There are so many great quality spray paints, with built in primers to save you a step, out there that you do not have to live with something that drives you nuts....the caveat, the mess. If at all possible take the doors outside, not in full sun. Prep is the most important part for any painting job. Make sure all soap scum and rust (wire brush) are removed. Use a scrubby sponge and vinegar and let it dry very well. Rough up the surface with sandpaper, lightly, no need to gouge the bejeebers out of it. Wipe or blow off residual sandings, then have at it with the spray paint. Give is good amount of time to dry, at minimum the time it states on the can. I go longer, by several hours to avoid leaving my fingerprints in the soft paint. Reinstall, stand back, admire a job well done.

  • Dfm Dfm on Jun 25, 2017

    finish removing the decal. tape off the trim and paint the trim. metal or plastic covering paints are available.

  • Eileen Fredericks Eileen Fredericks on Jun 25, 2017

    I removed my door and its frame, cleaned off tile, filled screw holes with waterproof caulk and put up a beautiful shower curtain with a pressure rod. This was on a tub/shower, not a walk in.

  • Susan Bechamp Susan Bechamp on Jun 25, 2017

    Oddly enough, I have never dealt with just a shower door. I've replaced several over the years. Once was with a total remodel of the entire bathroom. The other time was to replace the new tub cause it cracked. In the course of professional removal the shower door broke. I was told it wasn't properly installed.

    My advice: inspect the current shower door to determine how it was installed before attempting to remove it for painting. Will you be able to re-install it after painting?

    Painting in place is risky since you can't get it cleaned as thoroughly as removal would allow. Insufficient prep leads to poor quality paint adhesion, and paint failure.

    Also, how well does the current door function? Does the door bind in the track when opening or closing? If the list of pro v. cons is in favor of repainting - go for it. If not-replace.

  • Jen Jen on Jun 25, 2017

    Agreed..we HATEd ours and took it off! Pain to clean..mold in places you cant reach......used a blow dryer to warm up the glue holding the metal and very slowly pried it up after removing screws. I dont know who thinks they are a great idea.