Walls & Ceilings
Posted: Aug 24, 2010 | Category: BathRoom Sink FaucetsBathroom wall and ceiling treatments must be able to withstand moisture, heat, and high usage. These surfaces also go a long way toward defining the overall impact of your bath. Below, we survey the options.
Wall coverings
In addition to the shower and tub-surround areas, your bathroom will probably include a good bit of wall space. Here are nine popular treatments.
Paint. Of course, everybody thinks of paint first. But what’s best for the bathroom? Your basic choices are latex and alkyd paint.
Latex is easy to work with, and best of all, you can clean up wet paint with soap and water. Alkyd paint (often called oil base paint) provides high gloss and will hang on a little harder than latex; however, alkyds are harder to apply and require cleanup with mineral spirits. In general, high resin content is the mark of durable, abrasion-resistant, flexible paint the kind you need in a bathroom. Usually, the higher the resin content, the higher the gloss; so look for products labeled gloss or semi gloss if you want a tough, washable finish. An excellent choice for bathroom cabinets and woodwork is interior/ exterior, quick drying alkyd enamel; it has a brilliant, tile like finish that’s extremely durable.
Faux finishing. Faux (literally, false) painting finishes produce the appearance of other patterns or textures. In one version, many closely related pastels are built up in subtle layers with brush strokes, by stippling, or with a sponge. Other faux finishes are bolder including layers of textured paint and/or contrasting colors to mimic anything from traditional wallpaper to modern art.
Ceramic tile. Tough, water-resistant tile is always a good choice for a bathroom, and the range of colors, textures, shapes, and sizes opens up many creative possibilities.
Wall tiles are typically glazed, and offer great variety in color and design. Generally lighter than floor tiles, their relatively light weight is a plus for vertical installation. Ceramic mosaic is one of the most colorful and versatile materials in the tile family. Tiles sold under this name are generally small 2 by 2 inches or less. They come in sheets, mounted on thread mesh or paper backing or joined with silicone rubber. You can install mosaics on curved surfaces, too. Once they’re in place, you grout these sheets like any other wall tiles.
Stone. Marble, slate, limestone, and granite, whether as 8- or 12-inch tiles or wider sheets, can perform a similar role to ceramic tile. Though these natural materials can be costly, there’s no reason to break the bank: a small accent can go a long way. Try a dash of stone along the tub pedestal, along the backsplash, around the shower, or as wainscoting on one prominent wall.
Most stone, especially marble, should be thoroughly sealed for wall use; untreated, it can be stained or eaten away by acids in cleaning supplies or even household water.
Glass block. If you’re looking for some ambient daylight but don’t want to lose your privacy, consider another old timer glass block. It provides a soft, filtered light that complements many bath designs.
You can buy 3- or 4-inch thick square blocks in many sizes; rectangular blocks are available in a more limited selection. Textures range from smooth to wavy, rippled, bubbly, or crosshatched. To locate glass block, look in the yellow pages under Glass Block Structural, Etc. You may be able to special-order blocks through a regular glass dealer.
Wallpaper. A wallpaper for the bathroom should be scrub able, durable, and stain resistant. Solid vinyl wallpapers, which come in a wide variety of colors and textures, fill the bill. New patterns, including some that replicate other surfaces (such as linen), are generally subtle; wallpaper borders add visual punch to ceiling lines and openings. Good ventilation is crucial to keep wallpaper from loosening.
Fabric. Although upholstered walls probably don’t leap to mind, consider them for powder rooms where there’s no shower or tub. Upholstered walls can add a dash of style, and also a measure of soundproofing.
Plaster. The textured, uneven, and slightly rounded edges of plaster give a bathroom a custom, informal look; plaster is especially popular for Southwest theme designs. The only drawback: if the surface is too irregular, it’s hard to keep clean.
Wood. Tongue-and-groove wood paneling natural, stained, bleached, or painted provides a charming accent to country schemes. Wainscoting is most popular, separated from wall¬paper or paint above by the traditional chair rail.
Moldings are back in vogue. Specialty shops are likely to have a wide selection and will often custom-match an old favorite to order.
You’ll find a wide selection of materials in deck-mounts: vitreous china, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, enameled cast iron, and enameled steel are most common. Fiberglass is lightweight and moderately priced, but tends to scratch and dull. Vitreous china
Typically of vitreous china, these elegant towers are easy to install and clean around; the pedestal usually hides the plumbing. Some models have old-style vanity legs.
Materials and styling are along the same lines; in fact, some designs are available in either version.
