How to Trim Around Shower Wall Panels - DIY Borders and Trim
Written by Milan Jara on 29th Aug 2022
There are several ways you can finish off a bathroom to provide a more professional look. We teach you how to trim around shower wall panels.
When adding a border or trim to a shower wall panel, homeowners must be selective in what they use. Wood is often not ideal for this application as bathrooms are high in humidity and moisture, which can cause the wood to expand, contract, bow, mold, or grow mildew.
Suppose you don’t consider the heat and moisture when planning your bathroom remodeling projects. In that case, you may end up quickly frustrated - especially when the border is around your shower wall panel. A border or trim to this area frames the shower panels nicely and completes the look, providing a professional appearance.
Conversely, a plain trim won't last very long if your shower surround contains separations or gaps from your wall or the floor. You should trim the shower using composite molding instead. PVC molding, in this case, does well in the shower area. All you need to do is cut the material and install it like wooden molding.
How to Trim Around Shower Wall Panels
There are eight steps to successfully adding trim around your shower wall panels. This project doesn’t involve many tools. You can do it quickly, and it delivers spectacular results. Whether you want to finish your bathroom wall panels by capping them or replace existing ones, these tips will teach you how to do it efficiently.
Tools and Materials
- Miter saw
- Putty or utility knife
- PVC quarter-round trim ½ x ½ x 96”
- 1” pin nails
- Pin nailer
- Clear silicone sealant
Steps to Adding a Trim or Border to Shower Wall Panels
Most people add trim around shower wall panels for continuity, color scheme, and waterproofing. When countertops, trim, molding, and shower wall panels match, it ties everything together. You can also color coordinate with your bathroom colors to create a consistent look.
Applying decorative pieces or corners next to a horizontal panel can create a great look and add another waterproofing layer. To add a trim to your shower wall panels or tub surround, follow these instructions:
- Remove the Old Caulking. Using a putty or utility knife, scrape off any old silicone or caulking around your shower panels. If it has any other molding, pry this off using a putty knife.
- Set Your Miter Saw to 45°.Set Your Miter Saw to 45°. Swing the blade of your miter saw to 45°. Put one piece of molding on the miter saw. Quarter-round molding has a round face and uses a 90° back. The rounded side of this molding should be facing your body.
- Take Measurements. Measure across the bottom of your shower enclosure between each wall that you want the trim to go. Make right- and left-hand miters on your molding. You should take measurements from long points on both miters.
- Nail Your Molding into Place. Press your molding into a corner, beginning with the bottom of your enclosure with the 90° side. The round side should be facing outwards. Use your pin nailer to place a one-inch pin nail centered through your molding at a 30 downward angle to secure it to the floor adequately.
- Measure then Cut Your Quarter Round. Measure from one corner to the other along the vertical sides of your enclosure. Cut two separate pieces of quarter-round, one for each side, using right- and left-hand miters. You should measure it from the short points of your miters.
- Place Mitered Corners Together. Place one piece of your molding on either side. At the bottom, fit your mitered corners together. Gently press them in place in each corner. Shoot the pin nails through the molding at a 30° outward angle. It should hit the wall.
- Permanently Nail Your Miters. Measure from corner to corner across your shower where you plan to place the trimming. Use your measurements to generate right and left-hand miters on your quarter-round for the top. Then, cut the trim at the short points. Repeat this step, pressing the trim into the corner. Fit your miters together, then nail them into place.
- Apply Some Clear Silicone. Begin by applying a bead of clear silicone to both sides of your quarter-round trim around its perimeter. Smooth out your bead cut by wetting your fingertip.
Please note that you might have difficulties if the quarter-round molding is accidentally turned upside down while you are mitering. It will result in creating a backward angle. To prevent this, draw a line along one side and use it to designate the back or bottom of your molding.
For the best results, cut some scrap pieces for practice. Then, fit the pieces into your corners to test them. You can use them as templates for your remaining cuts. Showers are usually inset. If yours isn’t, using a quarter-round won’t work. Instead, use a ¼’ x ¾” PVC flat molding.
Additionally, always check your nail gun’s angle before pulling the trigger. Avoid hitting your shower with nails.
Trimming around tub panels is very easy, although it involves several specific steps. Examine your bathroom to see where the best place to use it is. Most people use it to trim existing tub wall panels, but you can add borders or stripes to finish the look and add interest. Crown molding will look great for traditional homes, and inside corners are a logical selection for added water protection.
There are many choices when incorporating trim for your shower wall panels. These trims will finish the look, making your bathroom look more professional.
