PVC Tile Trim

[normbourne]

Hi Guys,
As a complete new chum, I would appreciate some advice. My background is that I am a retired electrician and am about to embark on DIY tiling. My question is that I intend to install a PVC trim, as transition from wall to bath, I dont want to go down the silicone road because ultimately mould will grow, but i am wondering how too fix the tile trim. Do i just bed it, into the tile adhesive..? I did a job like this in my kitchen, probably about 20 years ago, and for the life of me I cant remember how I did it. Suffice it to say, whatever method I used, has been a success, it has lasted quite OK.
Anyway lads, I would appreciate you comments.
Many Thanks, Norm.

[doug boardley]

Norm silicon has moved on a long way since then, anti fungal silicons are the norm (no pun intended) now. If you use a trim water will seep behind it.
The best way is to leave a 2-3mm gap between your bath and bottom tiles (don't fill with grout) and then run a bead of silicon along it.

[Stewart]

As above...... A good silicone will always out perform a bath trim. The main problem with trims (apart from the the fact they're ugly) is you can't tell when they've failed until it's too late. You also need to make sure your bath has zero movement and is fixed firmly to the wall.

[timeless john]

Welcome Norm - hope your Spring weather is nice.
Tile trim around a bath does tend to look a bit out of place IMHO but if you are going down that route then fix it with rubber silicone to ensure a watertight fit.
You may find it better to fix it with a full bath of water to keep it at its lowest point till the silicone has gone off, otherwise fixing to an empty bath tends to leave a gap when you and the water are in - and if you have to share the bath because of drought or otherwise then that gap can become greater.
Its often worth supporting the bath with a frame underneath on the back wall and if its a wooden floor construction make sure its stable.
Have fun and keep posting from Townsville - we've got the Ashes coming up soon!

[Sir Ramic]

Moved thread to more appropriate forum.

[faithhealer]

welcome Norm, plastic trims always looks shabby after a few years. Silicon can always be replaced but as the lads say, a good quality silicon these days will last. Leave a 2mm gap, clean with a surgical spirit (do you have meths over there?) this ensures the silicon with stick and regular cleaning will keep it spotless because it is soap deposits that go mouldy. Get back with any other questions

[Mike]

ive been to rectify a few bathrooms recently where the trims have failed (not fitted by me) ive had to remove the bottom rows of tiles and trims and seal bath/shower tray with silicon then fit full tiles (2mm gap) to walls. grout and then fill bath with water then reseal with silicon. this is what you'll need to do in a couple of years if you fit them trims

[normbourne]

Thanks guys for your advice....!!! My next problem is that the original tiles to the side of bath, protruded beyond the edge the edge of the bath, and this was then codged up with tile cement. As you can imagine, the result was rather unsightly. I have removed the existing substrate (Fibro cement) but cannot do anything with the supporting framework. the existing substrate was 6mm thick. At present I am considering, replacing with galv. metal sheet, the problem now of course is to choose a suitable tile adhesive ..? Any ideas Guys ..?

[easyt]

Some photos might be useful.