Does anyone have an idea of how I should redo my bathroom walls?

Kari
by Kari
The fiancé says they are melamine. Anyone ever tried to cover it up before? Or should I embrace the 50/60s look and keep it? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!
  39 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 10, 2016
    Are you sure that is not wallpaper?
  • Cindy Cindy on Oct 10, 2016
    Try painting
  • Cindy Cindy on Oct 10, 2016
    Or. Take it off. , And put up ceramic tiles,. And Wayne's coating on bottom. Tiles on upper wall
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Oct 10, 2016
    He is right, it is melamine, very durable, easily washable walls, like linoleum counter tops, for 50's bathrooms. if not damaged, I might switch out the fixtures, vanity, sink, etc...and go more modern if you can live with it, and it is really not that bad in itself, but the fixtures, etc really date the look. But I would not paint or paper it, you will never be happy with the re-finish as it will peel, chip, and crack from that surface. As it is like a wallboard, it could be removed or walled right over with new wallboard.
    • Kari Kari on Oct 12, 2016
      Thank You Johnchip! I don't think I will paint it...worried about paint bubbling and chipping in this bathroom because it is a humid house to begin with...already had bubbling paint this year in the bedroom...
  • DP DP on Oct 10, 2016
    why not leave it and put something like a wanes coat on the bottom half to break it up with a trim along the top of the waynes coat.
  • Debi53 Debi53 on Oct 10, 2016
    You can definitely paint it. I do like the idea of wainscoting on the bottom half. Just be sure and prep the surface by sanding the rough up the surface and I would also use liquid sandpaper to further make the surface tacky. Then use a really good bonding primer. Don’t cheap out on this step. I would use two coats of primer. Then any paint you want.
  • Myra Myra on Oct 10, 2016
    The melamine is not bad, if you combine it with darker colors. A black mirror and cabinet would give it contrast and classic look. Or, if preferred, try wallpapering over it. Keep in mind it would have to be scrubbable wallpaper, when using in a bathroom. Keep the same lights, for a victorian look, change the globes for a different look or change the lights themselves, for a more contemporary look.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 10, 2016
    Honestly everyone could give advice,however you have not mentioned your style.So in fairness comments should not be made until you say what exactly the style you are trying to achieve.Decorating is truly very personal.
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    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 11, 2016
      It takes time to decide on a style.I would recommend thinking about this for awhile. Look through images on sites such as Houzz. HGTV, Remodling shows etc. Good Luck with you outcome.
  • Suzette Suzette on Oct 10, 2016
    For the best of both worlds, you could use a beautiful peel and stick glass tile 36" up the wall with a nice trim. Your only prep would be to make sure the walls are clean! Update the lighting with a tall sconce with a great bronze finish to balance out the mirror. That mirror is great! I would get some pewter or silver "Rub n Buff", lightly go over the high points of the trim on the frame so that the gold still shows through, but gives the mirror an updated, fresh look. Hope this helps! :)
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    • Suzette Suzette on Oct 11, 2016
      I did too Kathy!! I smile and think, "Yeah" every time I walk in there. :)
  • Lamecow Lamecow on Oct 10, 2016
    If you really want to change it, start with automotive primer - it sticks to anything, and everything adheres to it. Then repaint with any color kitchen/bathroom enamel to keep it mildew-proof and easy to clean.
  • William William on Oct 10, 2016
    I agree with paint! Lightly sand to remove any gloss and create a tooth for paint. Prime with KILZ, BIN, or Zinsser. Then paint with your color. Then you can take it from there whether you want to upgrade anything else. Painting the mirror, changing or painting the lights, adding wainscoting. Depends on your style and preference.
  • Cindy Roe Young Cindy Roe Young on Oct 11, 2016
    It looks suspiciously like formica (the same stuff countertops are made from) which was common in that era as a bathroom wall finish. I agree with the above ...decide on your style first. If you truly can't embrace it with some finishing upgrades, then I would ask Lowes/Home Depot/Ace/a counter-&-cabinet specialist about the paint especially for countertops. You will have to have patience though since it is vertical mount: the paint will want to run/drip/fishtail.
  • MadameRã MadameRã on Oct 11, 2016
    Yes..firstly the wall is lovely, what would make that bathroom 'pop' is your basin re-painted in a cross deep brown/purple, & you can get the appropriate paint to do it yourself.. Use a oil bend mix paint & colour match & trim paint the mirror..dark purple & ivory wire wrapping parcel tape would look lovely artistically wrapped around rims of taps & even underneath sink, it also is durable & it won't matter if water goes on it.. That little bit of work & you will have an amazing bathroom thats beautiful & original, unlike so many basic coppies of whats called 'cool' now a days.. Things are only as lovely as others promote it, where as getting a tad original not only doesn't cost a fortune, but you WILL have others amazed... How about some little matching coloured pots with Air fern around the bathroom also, the green says everything is alive & looks gorgeous against the deep purple hues... Happy crafting from a pro Artist for sales of ideas to those wanting difference, not same same. Heart thoughts M.Rã
    • Kari Kari on Oct 11, 2016
      Thank You Madame.Ra111. What great ideas you have! I am new to home talk and appreciate everyone's comments and ideas!!
  • Kari Kari on Oct 11, 2016
    Thanks to all of you for your thoughts.....I really like the idea of some sort of tile to break up the look....and to add color to some of the items!! Maybe a few plants like some have suggested....I am new to home talk, but really appreciate all of your opinions! It makes me feel motivated to start doing things!!!
  • Sal10822870 Sal10822870 on Oct 11, 2016
    i love the new look of shiplap. i have never in my 78 years seen a wall like this. oh my. i would be afraid to remove it. but i would have to solve my curiosity. good luck with what ever you chose to do.
  • Amelia Amelia on Oct 11, 2016
    This is a great thread. I just bought a camp built in 1978 with the same blue paneling. Thanks for sharing your ideas everyone!
  • Jan Jan on Oct 11, 2016
    I saw a demo of Annie Sloan Chalk paint that covered all kinds of materials and the finished projects looked great.
  • Pat Pat on Oct 11, 2016
    we put this in our bathroom in the 60's. Found it so easy to keep looking nice and so easy to clean...I think I would just change the fixtures and mirror. .
    • Steven Jones Steven Jones on Jun 20, 2018

      Do you know the name of the design?we had it in my bathroom as a kid and I've been looking everywhere for it or at least a picture of it

  • Cindy Cindy on Oct 11, 2016
    I have this same crap in my basement bathroom. It's big 4x8 sheets of plastic stuff with a cheap thin wood back. I wouldn't try to paint it. I will be replacing it with shiplap when I redo it.
  • Brenda McKenzie Brenda McKenzie on Oct 11, 2016
    I had a bathroom with this on the walls about ten years ago. What I did to mine was sand it to give it "tooth". Then I floated joint compound on it to make a plaster effect. After it dried I painted it. It turned out really nice. Sorry I don't have any pictures.
  • Judith Watson Judith Watson on Oct 11, 2016
    Go to a paint area in a store like Menard's, Lowe's, or Home Depot. Ask them what is the best primer for this product and if you need to prep the walls someway first. Then once that is all done, paint it with a satin finish paint. Or cover the walls with shiplap, or beadboard and paint a light color, such as off white, cream, light gray...as these colors will make the room seem larger and lighter. You can add color with towels, accessories, and a shower curtain.
  • Rho9415982 Rho9415982 on Oct 11, 2016
    Rustoleum makes a paint for laminate. I had the exact covering on my counter tops and back splash . It was inexpensive , no primer needed . Good luck!
  • Jennifer Purdy Jennifer Purdy on Oct 11, 2016
    If you don't care for the look, I would either paint it or beadboard it. If you want to get more extensive, you could try removing it, but like paneling, you don't know what might be hidden underneath. Also check into wallpapering it
  • Yel9288462 Yel9288462 on Oct 11, 2016
    There is a paint that covers formica counter tops (been around since at least the early '70's) and it works great! I'd give that a try.
  • Mam12004671 Mam12004671 on Oct 11, 2016
    i have painted walls like this. My son's bathrooms had the same type of walls. First wipe down and dry. Next paint the walls using a Benjamin Moore product called Stix. You only need one coat and put on as regular paint. Drys in an hour. You can paint any surface if you prime it first with Stix. Next paint. Your room will look great. Mary Ann
  • Arlene Arlene on Oct 11, 2016
    Wallpaper it and use vinyl to vinyl paste even on pre pasted paper. I've seen white wallpaper with raised design, that is made to be painted.
  • Pat Kelley Pat Kelley on Oct 11, 2016
    if you don't want to paint it wall paper is a good way to transform the look.
  • Diane Diane on Oct 11, 2016
    There is a paint that works. Or mask off a design like tiles and paint that way.
  • Kari Kari on Oct 12, 2016
    A lot of opinions were given to me
    • See 1 previous
    • Kari Kari on Oct 12, 2016
      I will post pics when I finish it!
  • Sal10822870 Sal10822870 on Oct 12, 2016
    i love the idea of wallpaper. i hope you have fun doing the wall and it turns out magnificently. sallie newman
  • Ese8934807 Ese8934807 on Oct 12, 2016
    Keep it just update lighting and vanity , mirror
  • Kari Kari on Feb 11, 2017

    If I were to use beadboard as a wainscoting should I go mdf, hdf, or pvc?

  • Jimmy Hardy Jimmy Hardy on Feb 18, 2017

    Leave it alone, I take it you are not married yet This is most likely a starter home, save your money, live in the house as is, Enjoy life, then in Time Sell it, cause short of a complete remodel, the next buyer want like It either, but it want be a deal breaker

    • See 1 previous
    • Julie M. Julie M. on Mar 03, 2017

      Agreed. Time to put your own stamp on it. I would take it all down and put up painted shiplap if that appeals to you ;)

  • TrishR TrishR on Feb 19, 2017

    I would Embrace them! Just change out the lights for a brushed or satin nickel or brass since that's back in. You can also find great spray paint for the lights too if you like them or are on a tight budget. I'd definitely paint the mirror too but probably black and black goes with any other color you use. Just think about it like this, a lot of people are paying a lot of money to have marble in their bathrooms and while it's not marble it has that look. Good luck with what ever you choose!

  • Pat Pat on Feb 19, 2017

    We had this in our farmhouse bathroom...found it practically indestructible...I would leave it for now and change mirror (or is it a medicine cabinet?) and put some different scounces up...Or paint mirror frame and scounces that you have now and look for new chimneys

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Feb 20, 2017

    I'm with Jimmy, save your money for now. You can pick up inexpensive glass globes to update the lighting, and maybe take the mirror apart and spray paint the frame. Best of luck.

  • B Brown B Brown on Feb 21, 2017

    One thought would be to prime it & paint it using Ralph Lauren "suede" if you like texture. Also if you're not afraid of whats behind it, remove & use bead board for the bottom 36" or 48" (sheets come in 48" I think) and paint the remaining walls. Obviously it time for new lighting fixtures.

  • Teresa Teresa on Mar 01, 2017

    I have the same ugly paneling. I wallpapered mine but that was 20 years ago. Am going to remove and prime and paint until we gut our bathroom and remodel. Good luck. Don't worry bout the connecting strips on the panels. You can paint or work them with whatever you cover the walls with.

  • Steven Jones Steven Jones on Jun 20, 2018

    PLEASE does anyone know the name of the designed wall pictured above, we had it in my bathroom as a kid and I've been looking everywhere for it,or at least pictures of it