Help, we don't know what to do with our shower!

Question

We have started remodeling our bathroom and are now in the shower section, we don't know what to do with it. Initially we wanted to simply spray our shower frame with oil rubbed bronze spray paint, but the frame is in such a bad condition that I rather go with something new. However, the bathtub is right next to the shower and there is no room to build a half wall, so we can install frameless glass doors. I am also thinking about new tile instead of only using the tub and tile paint from rust-oleum. But I am worried that that the wall behind will need to be replaced if we can't take the tiles down smoothly.
Do you guys have any suggestions, on a budget friendly and easy remodel for my bathroom shower area??? PLEASE HELP
(p.s. sorry for the mess in the shower!)

Do you guys have any suggestions, on a budget friendly and easy remodel for my bathroom shower area??? PLEASE HELP
(p.s. sorry for the mess in the shower!)

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

A frameless glass wall can be installed in that configuration. I have seen this many times before. The advantage is it will keep making the area look larger then it is. You can use a smoky tint to accent the grays on the wall also but I would stick to a clear glass.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Click on pros at the top of the page and do a search in your area. I do not get into Texas very often and when I am there its for horse shows. I am sure there are some Texans looking at this post that can offer some help along that line. 
In any case, most glass shops provide these services. At least they do around in the NJ area.

Pat Dollar · Answer

Delta makes glass paint that stands up to a dishwasher so it should serve you well to use on the gray tiles in your shower and the small bottles of glass paint would be extremely economical and could match your bathroom beautifully. Just mask off the area well with a good painters tape like Frog and apply the paint with a quality tight nap roller or sponge on for a different look. I agree with the frameless glass enclosure suggested by @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com and the use of a glass installer.

Tculisa · Answer

Bettina, check out Angie's List. It's been a wonderfulsource for finding reputable companies for repairs and such, and you get toread reviews - positive and negative - so you know what you can expect.

Jeanette S · Answer

This shower is small but certainly great to have. I would put up a clear glass enclosure. Since gray is so 'in' now, I wonder why you don't just play into that...???? Good luck.

CapStone Home Renovations · Answer

Don't paint the tub and shower. That's not going to work. There is no cheap fix. Demo it and start over if you don't like the tile. Replace the backer board and waterproof that also. If you absolutely have to refinish it, at least get a really good tub finisher, that only does tub refinishing. That over the counter junk will never last, and it is difficult for a trained specialist to prep the surface correctly and get the epoxy to bond. As for a shower door, any glass shop could build one to work. Do it right and have a trouble free shower.

Luba · Answer

Actually, I beg to differ on the comment that painting the tub and shower won't work. My cousin has a similar tub and shower and they had it 'professionally' painted over 8 years ago. They use the tub and shower daily and there is not even one little nick or any of the paint coming off. It DOES WORK and I am going to be doing the same. The key is to find a reputable company that does this - in my case the company my cousin used has been in this business for 40 years so they know what they're doing.

Demo might be an option but its an expensive one, so if budget is an issue I would recommend finding a company that can do the painting.

An FYI - I had them come out and quote for my bathroom......I have a 50's bathroom with tile on the floor, half way up the wall, around the tub. The quote I received from them for EVERYTHING was $1300. The quote I received to demo the same was $4300. Not a hard decision for me........

Betty @ Oh Everything Handmade · Answer

oh wow, thanks for the tip. I will try to find someone on Angies' list for painting the shower. THANK YOU

Tculisa · Answer

You're very welcome!! I can also send you the name of a FABULOUS handy man that did tile work for a good friend of mine if that'd be helpful. I don't think he could help with the glass, but he did flooring, work in the attic, and everything else she's ever needed him to do

Minuet Stephens · Answer

I painted my bathroom see here -http://28gumtrees.wordpress.com/ - but if you can afford to retile (even if you only remove the two lines with the grey) then do it.

TheKimSixFix · Answer

I installed frameless doors on mine. The before is lot like yours.. I retiled, but you wouldn't have to do that.. you can get an idea of the frameless door (and i have the cost listed as well!) http://www.thekimsixfix.com/2013/01/master-bathroom-reveal-80s-to-awesome.html Good luck!!

TheKimSixFix · Answer

Reading the other tips.. I ALSO did have tile professionally reglazed in my other bathroom.. :) I actually have a hometalk post on it here: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bathroom/budget-bathroom-makeover-featuring-tile-reglazing-2909080

Bettina Johnson · Answer

Hi Kim @TheKimSixFix I just looked at your blog, OMG I love your shower. That's exactly what we want to do. So far we have completed on side of the bathroom. But we really have no clue what to do with the shower and bathtub area.

Wamsher Construction · Answer

I have remodeled bathrooms for 22 years. Primarily in a commercial/dormitory environment which has it's advantages. One year in a dorm is like 7 years in a home or as I say dorm years = dog years! 
I've seen and participated in 100's of stall refinishes as a superintendent. They are hit and miss it just depends , there are many variables like weather, installer,prep, product etc... As environmental restrictions tend to alter formulas I would choose an installer and a product that has been established unchanged if possible avoid re-formulations that aren't several years established or you are just a guinea pig for the new product. If you had ANY sign of water damage DO NOT paint and call it a remodel as this will lead exponentially higher costs when uncovered. Why not spend  600-700 on tile and add a little sweat equity. Save about 1000 for a custom installed tempered glass door and you'll be ahead in the long run. Painted surfaces are rather blah and more suited for something like a commercial application

Lawanda · Answer

Being a long time FIY'er and crafter of similar interests (my husband also has many years experience in remodeling/home building supplies, etc) I agree whole-heartedly with Wamsher Construction. Especially in our area of the country. We have so many more variables than some other parts of the country (ie. weather extremes, drought that affects the bones of the house) we have to be very careful of trying new things or shortcuts. If you have experience with all that you obviously do, you could easily do the remodel yourself and save money for professionals where they are needed. Good luck!

Tracy · Answer

We had the same 4' square tile in out 1959 bathroom that we just remodeled. It was in perfect shape. I had a tile repair company come out and scrape the white/yellowed grout out and regrout with a gray grout to match out new floor tile and granite on the cabinet top. They also deep cleaned the tile itself. It looks AWESOME! It only cost $495 and took 4 hours for them to do. I actually saw this in a new home 3 months before out bathroom redo. Just a new thought that I didn't see mentioned. Also put some paint on those walls and fabric on the window. I think with different color and textures you won't be drawn to the 'whiteness' of it all. I also agree with the frameless shower surround. Good luck!

Terrry T · Answer

You may be able to remove one row of the tiles and replace with an accent tile! Not a huge change but....

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