Asked on Aug 23, 2017

How to update plain fiberglass tub/shower surround.

Sissy
by Sissy
My hall bath has a builder's grade fiberglass tub/shower surround that I'd like to update without tearing the whole thing out & starting over with tile. Has anyone ever done anything like this?

  5 answers
  • Millions of people have the same dilemma. Including me. How about adding a row of pretty tile around the entire unit as well as across the top? Then if space permits, repeat the same tile around the sink backsplash. One really cool idea I saw somewhere was a crown moulding around the perimeter of the room. Just below, a row of pretty tile then more crown moulding.

  • KatAych KatAych on Aug 23, 2017

    Rustoleum Tub & Tile. Doesn't come in many colors, but if you want just a neutral, fresh look, I'd suggest that. Alternatively, you can paint it whatever you want and use waterproof, marine sealant to cover.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Aug 23, 2017

    As far as the work load, cost of materials and tools, and the results may not being up to meeting with expectations, if the tub/surround still functions properly, although it likely is plain, do not even think about touching it.


    The best bang for your buck to update a bathroom is to swap out the old dated light fixture with a new one that uses LED lightbulbs.

    Install a dimmer switch (regular light switch pops out, new dimmer goes into same space). The change in lighting will transform the room, and the dimmer will offer a wider range of atmosphere to the room.


    If the shower head is builder-standard, then replace it with a more higher end 2 part set-up (one fixed head, one removeable sprayer head). Do not waste your money on the style that uses the same one head for both the high head, and removeable one. Due to the force of gravity and constantly pulling it off and jamming it on again, these will always eventually leak, break off, crack.

    The separate sprayer head will make the tub sooooooo much easier to clean. Nothing is more uplifting than a clean, shiny, bright bathroom.


    Another way you can quickly update a bathroom without any building or construction is to paint the walls the lightest neutral color that you can live with, and add bright colors with new towels, and accessories.

  • Nancy Clark Jowers Nancy Clark Jowers on Aug 24, 2017

    I bought background trim and crown moulding from hardware store. This was a very light weight Styrofoam core with a wood grain covering. It s waterproof. I cut this and framed in sections in the tub surround. Used the crown molding to frame the outside and the mirror on the wall. It can be attached with construction adhesive or finish nails. It was not expensive and gave a very OLD fashioned wood trim to the bath. I used similar trim throughout the bath to continue that old world spa feeling. Sorry. No pictures. I sold my house 2 years later, it was still fresh looking.