Are you trying to get rid of that unsightly gap between your shower and drywall? If so, then this post is for you! With the right supplies, the proper skills, and a bit of time on hand, narrowing the unwelcome space between these two materials will be easy.
In this blog post on how to fill gap between shower surround and drywall, we’ll discuss how to fill the noticeable cavity in straightforward steps. We understand from experience that no one likes having an eyesore living in unexpectedly plain sight – especially when it comes to the part of your bathroom!
That’s why we’ve decided to share our knowledge with those who are searching for advice; allowing anyone to tackle their own DIY challenge without fear or worry. So if you’re ready to take charge of this issue once and for all (and find out how!), let’s jump straight into it!
Needed Materials
Given below are the supplies and tools that you’ll need:
- Silicone Sealant
- Painter’s Tape
- Putty Knife
- Sandpaper or File Tool
Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Fill Gap Between Shower Surround and Drywall
Step 1: Clean the Area
Using a damp cloth, clean the visible gap between your shower surround and drywall. This will remove any debris or dirt and make it easier to apply the sealant later on. It also helps create a smooth and even surface for the sealant to adhere to. The cleaner the gap, the better your sealant will look after you’re finished. It’s especially important to clean the outer edges of the gap, as this will create a strong seal and ensure no water or moisture gets through. If there are any bumps or ridges, use a file tool or sandpaper to make them smooth.
Step 2: Apply Painter’s Tape
To ensure that you don’t apply too much sealant, place the painter’s tape on either side of the gap. This will serve as a guideline for applying it and help keep it neat and tidy. But make sure to leave a tiny space between the tape and the drywall so that you can fill it in with sealant. This will create a stronger seal and prevent any water from getting through. it. If you’d like, you can even use a thin line of painter’s tape to help keep the sealant from spreading too far when you apply it.
Step 3: Squeeze Out the Sealant
Starting from one end of the gap, gently squeeze out silicone sealant using your preferred putty knife or caulking tool. Apply an even amount of pressure when doing so; this ensures that the sealant is applied uniformly along the entire length of the space between your shower surround and drywall. But be sure not to overload it with too much sealant, as this could cause a mess and require you to redo it. It’s also important to note that you may need multiple applications of sealant in order to fill the gap completely.
Step 4: Smooth it Out
Using the same tool, carefully spread the sealant along the gap until you reach the other end. Make sure that you don’t apply too much pressure so as to not make a mess of your work. The idea is to keep it neat and tidy; this will make for easier smoothening in step five. It’s also important to make sure that you fill the small space between the painter’s tape and the drywall with sealant. This will create a stronger seal and prevent water from getting through.
Step 5: Smoothen Surfaces
Using sandpaper or a file tool, gently rub against the sealant on both sides. This will help remove any excess material and ultimately create a smooth surface for painting or staining later on. It’s important to do this with caution and not apply too much pressure so as to avoid causing any damage. Once you’re done smoothening out the sealant, you can remove the painter’s tape.
Step 6: Remove the Tape
Now that you’re done with smoothening out surfaces, it’s finally time to remove the painter’s tape. This should be done carefully so as to not lift any of the sealants off the gap and mess up all your hard work! If you’d like, you can also use a damp cloth to clean the area and make it look even better.
Step 7: Let it Cure
Depending on what type of silicone sealant you used, curing times may vary. Be sure to leave it for at least 24-48 hours before doing anything else – this allows time for it to dry and set properly. It’s best to check the instructions on the sealant you used for an accurate cure time. Otherwise, you may end up with a faulty seal that won’t last long.
Step 8: Inspect the Area
Before you call it a day, check if there are any issues that need to be addressed. This covers anything from bumps or irregularities to cracks in the sealant – all of which should be fixed before moving on. It’s important to do this step properly so as to ensure that you don’t have any water leakage later on.
Step 9: Clean Up
Using either water and detergent, wipe away any excess material from both sides of the gap – this includes silicone sealant and paint/stain drips. Take extra care when doing so; even a slight mistake here could ruin your entire work! This also includes wiping away any dust or sand that may have accumulated during the process.
Step 10: Admire Your Handiwork
Now that everything is done, step back and admire your handiwork! You can now be proud of yourself for successfully filling the gap between your shower surround and drywall – just don’t forget to take pictures of it! But most importantly, enjoy the knowledge that you now have for future projects.
Step 11: Enjoy a Job Well Done
Take a moment to celebrate your achievement and all the hard work that went into making it happen. Whether you give yourself a pat on the back or treat yourself with something special, enjoy knowing that you can now boast about being able to do basic maintenance and repairs all on your own!
That’s about it for this blog post on how to fill gap between shower surround and drywall. With these steps, we hope that you’ve managed to get rid of that unsightly eyesore in no time! Thank you for reading; until next time!
Do You Need to Use a Professional?
In some cases, it may be beneficial to use a professional for the job. If you’re not confident in your abilities or simply don’t have the time and resources necessary, it’s best to leave the task to those who are more experienced.
Professionals usually know how to fill the gap between shower surround and drywall with ease; they can also handle any underlying issues that come along with it. Plus, having a professional do the job will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is being done correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Long Does It Take to Fill the Gap Between the Shower Surround and Drywall?
A: Depending on the size of the gap, it should take anywhere from 10-30 minutes to fill it. This includes the time needed to get all materials together, apply sealant, smoothen surfaces, and inspect the area.
Q: Is It Possible to Paint/Stain Over Silicone Sealant?
A: Yes! While some types of silicone sealants are not designed for painting over, most standard varieties can be colored with a wide range of paints and stains. Just make sure that whatever you use is compatible with your chosen type of sealant.
Q: How Long Should I Wait Before Painting or Staining My Filled Gap?
A: We recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours before painting or staining your filled gap; this allows enough time for the sealant to fully cure and set. Doing this ensures that your paint will adhere properly and last longer.
Q: What Materials Do I Need to Fill the Gap?
A: To fill a gap between your shower surround and drywall, you’ll need silicone sealant, painter’s tape, sandpaper/file tool, putty knife or caulking tool, and water and detergent (for cleaning up). You may also want to pick up some paint or stain if you wish to change the color of your filled-in gap.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how to fill gap between shower surround and drywall, you can create the perfect shower surround by carefully following the steps outlined in this blog post. For an even better-finished product, especially if your shower is made of tile, make sure to use some silicone caulk to tightly fill any remaining gaps between the shower surround and the drywall. Of course, if caulking isn’t necessary, then you may be able to cut back on some costs while still achieving a beautiful finish.
For more ways to spruce up your bathroom or next DIY project, be sure to read our other posts—like our next one discussing how to put cubicle walls together! With these great tips and tricks at your disposal, you can achieve just about any look and feel for your bathroom or office space.
