Until recently, the joint between the wall and the bathroom was sealed with a cement-sand mixture. The result was a completely sealed space, which, however, looked unaesthetic. In addition, if font replacement was required, then it was necessary to carry out quite serious dismantling work. But the technology of repair work is developing rapidly, and to the delight of all the housewives, an attractive bathroom border tape that did not require serious work appeared on sale. The accessory allows not only avoiding the spill of water between the joints, but also protects the walls and corners from the formation of mold. In addition, the decorative element will be the final touch in the design of the bathroom.
How does she look
The border tape for the bathroom is designed to protect the joint between the sanitary product and the wall from water. Its large accumulation provokes the multiplication of fungi and the appearance of mold. Therefore, the product is made of smooth, waterproof and water-repellent materials.
It is a self-adhesive tape, which is made of polyvinyl chloride. The material is resistant to not only moisture, but also alkalis, acids and oils. Reliable clogging of the joint and tightness are ensured by water resistance. To repel insects and prevent the propagation of pathogenic fungi, the tape contains fungicides that are harmless to human health.
In order for the product to serve and fulfill the declared operational properties for a long time, its inner side is treated with butyl glue. It is not only completely resistant to water, but also withstands significant temperature extremes.
Specifications
The self-adhesive border tape for the bathroom can even be mounted on an uneven surface due to its elastic structure. An applicator applied at the edges ensures complete fixation to the wall. To avoid stagnation of water at the junction, the tape is attached at a small angle, which allows moisture to drain down. Judging by the reviews, each sample has its own declared service life. If you purchase not the cheapest option, but focus on a product from a trusted manufacturer, then the bathroom border tape remains elastic for a long time. She does not pass water and does not crack.
To carry out installation of a border tape for a bathroom, it is necessary to get the following set:
- directly the tape that comes in rolls and comes in different sizes and colors;
- corners (often included);
- applicator;
- knife for cutting (you can use any suitable one).
When purchasing a product, it is necessary to measure the required length and choose according to needs.
Benefits of using
Judging by the reviews, self-adhesive border tape for the bathroom is in great demand. In addition to the ease of installation and the ability to do this on their own, users identified a number of other advantages:
- reliable and durable sealing is provided;
- the elasticity of the material makes it possible to glue the tape on an uneven surface, corners and wave-like lines;
- the standard service life is at least two years, but the price is low, and dismantling does not require much effort;
- the product is resistant to mechanical damage, it is not afraid of bumps and scratches;
- provides an attractive appearance.
At the same time, the housewives note a simple care and the possibility of using any cleaning products. But it is better not to use abrasive-based powders because solid particles can damage PVC.
Significant flaws
An increasing number of consumers are choosing a border tape for the bathroom. Reviews still show that this material has flaws that should be considered. Among the most significant can be noted:
- The service life is less than that of a plastic curb or made with ceramic tiles. Depending on the manufacturer, it is about 2-3 years.
- To replace the old tape, the old one must be removed and the place cleaned of traces of glue. It is important to degrease the space and completely dry.
- Do not use acid-based silicone for grouting. Otherwise, the tape will quickly peel off and lose its elasticity.
But, despite the shortcomings, the border tape for the bathroom is indispensable when it is necessary to complete the installation yourself, quickly and without significant material costs.
Types of tight borders
There are no significant design differences with this product. Their varieties are distinguished on the basis of any sign:
- Shade of PVC. Most often, the white version is in demand. However, a colored border tape for the bathroom will be needed in the case when the font has a different shade and compatibility is needed. Most often on sale you can find a ribbon of green, orange, beige and pink.
- Tape size. This parameter is selected depending on the perimeter of the bath and the width of the joint. The most common product is a length of 3.2 to 3.5 m. If necessary, the tape can be easily cut. Width can be: 2, 4, 6 cm. It is necessary to select the necessary parameter taking into account a small margin. But there is no need to take the widest option if the joint is small. In this case, the aesthetic appearance suffers.
- The presence of embossing. Curly curved tape for the bathroom has an uneven edge. But to meet such an option is extremely difficult, because the tape is not in demand due to the high cost and difficulties in care.
As practice shows, white curb tape is most in demand for bathtubs. Most often, consumers choose a similar shade of plumbing, so it fits perfectly into the interior.
Choosing the right option
The tape performs not only a protective function, but also a decorative one. The product gives the room a fully finished look, and a color or figure pattern adds originality. To choose the right tape, it is worth considering several points:
- Estimate the width of the gap and purchase a tape 10-15 mm more. Too small will not provide complete tightness, and too wide a border looks ridiculous.
- A standard tape is 3.2-3.5 m in length. This length is enough to close the joint on three sides of a regular font. However, if the plumbing is angular, has asymmetric shapes or unusual sizes, you will need to purchase two rolls.
- If the bathtub is white, then only the white version of the tape should be considered. To emphasize the grace of colored acrylic fonts, color options will help. But with curly patterns it is worth being careful. They are difficult to maintain and require more careful handling.
So that the choice does not subsequently disappoint, it is necessary to evaluate the integrity of the package and pay attention to the production time. The fact is that with prolonged or improper storage, PVC can lose its properties. Strength is broken, and flexibility becomes less pronounced.
How to install yourself
Before buying, you need to study the question of how to glue the curb tape for the bathroom. It should be remembered that installation is possible only on completely dry and degreased surfaces. If this rule is not observed, then the product will not lie down tightly, with time it will lag behind and will let water through. Room temperature is also important. If a wide tape is used, then the bathroom should be at least 10 degrees. In addition, the temperature regime is important during drying.
The main installation is carried out after surface preparation. For this, the adhesive base is gradually released and the tape is pressed in segments for 10-15 seconds. It is important not so much time as the force of pressing. Only after complete drying is allowed to wet the border with water and clean it.
Commit sequence
In order to reliably fix the border tape and provide complete sealing, a certain sequence of actions must be performed.
Clean the joint, the surface of the bath and the wall. They must be free from any contamination and completely dried. If another tape was pasted before, then you will need to remove the remaining glue and sealant. To degrease the surfaces, acetone or solvent can be used. It is forbidden to use turpentine. The tool destroys any coating of the bath, especially acrylic.
After cleaning, it is completely dried and the sealant is applied. The walls and surface of the bath should be protected. To do this, it is recommended to use masking tape, which is then removed without consequences.
Before gluing the tape, it is necessary to cut off the necessary piece. However, it is recommended to do this at the end of the fixation, because the material may not be enough due to the peculiarities of the output corners. Gradually unwind the roll and make its sticker.
Wall sticker
When processing corners, it is recommended to increase the elasticity of the border. To do this, you can use a building or household hair dryer. The tape needs to be heated, folded and applied close to the corner. Do not intentionally stretch the tape, otherwise gaps may form after drying. You just need to firmly press it to the surface, which is enough for a complete and reliable fixation.
In conclusion, the tape is trimmed and a check is made so that moisture does not enter until it dries completely. Only after one day it will be possible to verify the result of work. To do this, you can try to move the curb to the side. If this was not possible, then all the actions were carried out correctly and water procedures can be taken.
Terms of use
To quickly close the joint between the wall and the bathroom, a curb tape for the bath is useful. In this case, it is important to derive the angle most accurately, because it is the weak point of the product. However, the border is elastic, therefore, it can be fixed on any uneven surface.
It should be remembered that the PVC tape is short-lived. After the expiration of its operation, it will most likely have to be changed. Therefore, if a longer-lasting option is required, then you can consider plastic or ceramic products.
Yet the tape has its fans. Popularity and demand is ensured by high sealing properties, simplicity of the sticker and affordable price. But you should be careful not to use the tape after its failure.
conclusions
No matter how close the bathtub is to the wall, a small gap always remains between the surfaces. Even a small gap will accumulate water, which will lead to damage to the coating, the multiplication of pathogenic organisms and the appearance of mold. To ensure sealing and complete the interior of the bathroom, self-adhesive borders are used. You can choose a tape depending on the shade of the font, the color of the floor or wall. There are smooth and textured options. But, as practice shows, the latter are less common and require more careful care. That is why they are not so in demand and popular.
To find the optimal size, you must accurately find out the width of the gap. The tape should be slightly wider than the existing joint. Moreover, the installation process is so simple that even a beginner can handle it. The main thing is to comply with the rules of fixation, then the curb will serve its life.