Ideas needed

With moisture issues in a bathroom, I would want to avoid possible mold infestation. Paying for mold remediation is far more expensive than the original project. If the room has adequate ventilation, a window to open, exhaust fan, I would try a small area first to see how it performs.

Waterproof your self-stick tile by adding grout and caulk to the joints before sealing the entire surface.

Hi Tammy, you could apply peel and stick self-adhesive wallpaper, then apply a clear marine paint to make it more water resistant. This cold last quie a long time if you do the marine paint well and apply a couple of coats. You could do the same with the peel and stick tiles., since you don't want to do the ceramic tiles.

You really need to have the walls covered with waterproof backing board and ceramic tile. Anything else will cause mold and mildew.

They do make waterproof peel and stick wallpaper that is vinyl or PVC. Home Depot, Lowes, or Amazon.

Hi Tammy, peel and stick tiles or wallpaper are not really suitable for a shower. The glue will deteriorate over time with all the water and it will come down. Can you patch the walls and paint them instead?

I saw on this site black paint over white wall using a Stencil as pattern. It was used for a kitchen backsplash.

Sorry I missed the walls are in bad shape.

you’d better get walls taken Care of to prevent mold damage.

Hello Tammy,

Use Plexiglass or Specialist Wall board for Showers.

You can buy a shower surround resin kit, that goes up on the wall, and gives a nice new shiny white finish and easy to clean.... its glued on, and then caulked around seams. I like mine.... goes up 7: and has a towel bar and bottle holder build-in..... https://www.homedepot.com/p/Aquatic-Acrylx-Applied-Acrylic-30-in-x-60-in-x-55-4-in-3-Piece-Direct-to-Stud-Alcove-Shower-Surround-in-White-AX6030FWS1-WH/300836798?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-300836798-_-N can be cut around windows and also comes shorter for tubs

You can purchase tileboard that is water safe. It comes in 4x8 sheets and similar to paneling but looks like tile. I used to have it around my shower and replaced with tile a few years ago. It lasted from 1987 - 2010 before it began to show signs of wear.

Related to tile board are Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic panels. 100% waterproof, can be scrubbed aggressively and are stocked in gray, almond & white. If doing any cutting, one must wear full PPE for the fiberglass.

There are thinner cheaper plastic wall panels that can be cut with strong shears, but they telescope the wall imperfections.

I would go to a camper supply store and purchase the bathroom tileboard and use that. It is waterproof, which you need and will cover the walls that need repair. Or I would tile it with ceramic tiles. I would use subway tiles as they are the easiest to work with.

I wouldn't do peel and stick wallpaper in the shower. It should be fine in the rest of the bathroom just not where water will come in contact with it.

Shower walls need to be sealed... I might try a Good mould resistant bathroom paint. Several coats and make sure all corners have good caulking. The biggest thing with getting the area wet, is you must wipe dry after every use.....

I am not an expert so you definitely want to do some research, but in a shower, tub, bathroom, basically areas that are going to have water usage it’s best to install durock. It’s a cement board.

Also, I have never used the peel and stick tiles but wallpaper in a shower...possibly, personally it just sounds like a bad idea.

Again I am not an expert these are only my thoughts and opinions.

Hi Tammy, here are a few ideas that you may like to try,

https://igloosurfaces.com/domestic/3-attractive-alternatives-to-tiles-in-the-bathroom/

You could also do, weathered barn wood, cedar, or a vinyl peel and stick. To keep the wall dry during the occasional shower, try hanging a tension rod along that side and put a vinyl shower curtain to pull out when you want to shower.