Home Garden

Plastic Bath Edging

Lets face it, caulking a bathroom is a lot of work and can be very messy. Plastic, or vinyl, bath edging offers DIY home owners a simple alternative to messy caulk that will still give the bathroom a sufficient waterproof barrier without the mess. Best of all, the barrier is made from long-lasting vinyl, so re-edging will not become a regular household chore.
  1. Components

    • Plastic bath edging is comprised of a vinyl outer layer. While originally only available in white, modern plastic bath edging is available in any imaginable color and can even be custom ordered for your particular bathroom colors. The vinyl has a natural crease in the middle, meant to fit snugly into the wall edge’s crack. Finally, there is a waterproof adhesive on the back of each strip along with an adhesive barrier for easy application.

    Uses

    • Plastic bath edging can be used for more than just the bath. Place the edging under cabinets where the flooring meets the cabinet for a self-adhering baseboard. Additionally, high-traffic areas in the kitchen will benefit from the tough wall protection. Finally, both bathtubs and showers can use this edging instead of caulk.

    Preparation

    • Sweep the surface completely clean of any dirt, debris and especially hair. All of these will stick to the adhesive and render the adhesive useless. Next, scrub down the surface with a sponge and warm, soapy water. You want to remove any dirt buildup. Dry the surface entirely with a towel and you’re ready to install.

    Installation

    • Remove the adhesive cover from the end of the plastic bath edging and press the edging into place along the wall. Continue rolling out the edging and pressing it into position as you go. Cut the edging at the corners for a tight fit. Finally, use a rubber roller to roll over the entire strip and firmly adhere it to the wall. Most plastic bath edgings require that you wait 24 hours before using the area, especially if it is touched by water. This allows the glue to cure.