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How Securing the Tub and Surround?

Set the tub in place and level it. Carefully position the tub in the alcove so that the drain rests over the drain opening in the floor. Place a level on each side of the tub. If any spots are uneven, position hardwood shims underneath the tub and glue them in place. Some manufacturers may advise you to spread mortar on the floor and set your tub on the mortar to secure it in place.

Secure the tub to the studs. There will be a small flange, or vertical lip, around the outside of the tub. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to secure the flange to the studs in the wall. In most cases, you can use a hammer to drive roofing nails through the flange to secure it to each stud in the wall.

Fit a new tub surround. The surround is made up of the panels that protect the wall around your tub from moisture and mildew. First, dry-fit the surround and mark the location of the accessories, including the faucet and water handles. Ensure that the faucet will line up with the water lines in the wall. Then, cut out the accessory openings with a jigsaw.

Make sure you measure the location for accessories multiple times before cutting into the surround!A one-piece surround is the easiest type to install. Caulk the tub to the surround and secure the surround to the studs. Place a bead of silicone caulk around the entire perimeter of the tub on the ledge next to the flange. Then, carefully set the surround on top of the silicone caulk.

Next, use a drill to screw the surround into each wall stud. Aim to use a screw every 6 inches (15 cm) up the length of the surround. Be sure to choose silicone caulk meant for use in bathrooms.

How Fitting the New Tub and Installing the Drain?

Select a tub that will fit in the designated space. Measure the length and width of the alcove where you will install the tub. Also, measure the height and width of your bathroom doorway to make sure the tub will fit through the bathroom door! Take your measurements to a home improvement store to guide your purchase.

If you’re replacing an old tub, choose a new tub with a similar configuration and make sure the drain and faucets are on the same side and in roughly the same location to make installation easier. Make sure your tub comes with all the faucets, drains, and accessories you will need. Typically, you’ll need a faucet, water handles, and the drain, which includes the drain chute, strainer, strainer cover, trip lever, stopper, linkage, and overflow drain cover.

Dry-fit the tub in the alcove. To ensure the tub fits, place it in the designated area. Check that the drain hole in the bottom of the tub lines up with the P-trap in the floor underneath the tub. Ensure you have the right fittings to connect the water supply lines to the faucet you purchased, as well.

Set the tub somewhere safe after you make sure it fits so you can move onto installing a ledger board. Use caution to prevent scratches or other damage to your new tub! Install a ledger board. Cut a 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm) board to the length of the wall that the long edge of the tub will be placed against. Measure the height of the lip, or flange, of the tub, then mark that height measurement on the back wall.

Use a drill to screw the ledger board to the studs in the wall so that the top of the ledger board is just below the flange when the tub is sitting level in the alcove. A ledger board helps support the weight of the tub and ensures it can be securely attached to the wall.

How to Paint a Bathroom Vanity?

Painting your vanity is the perfect way to give your bathroom a facelift. To prep the vanity for painting, remove all of the drawers, doors, and hardware. Fill in any imperfections with wood putty, then sand and wipe down the surface. Apply primer for a smooth finish and leave it to dry overnight. Apply 2 light layers of paint and let them dry overnight as well. Once you’ve removed the tape and reassembled your vanity, the transformation is complete!

Patch up any surface flaws with wood putty, then let it dry. Fill in any dings, gouges, or deep scratches with wood putty and a putty knife. Make sure to overfill the imperfections so that when the putty dries down, it’ll still fill the damaged area. Wait for the putty to dry and harden before continuing your project.

For shallow imperfections that are less than 0.25 inches (0.64 cm), you can usually sand after 15 minutes. However, with gouges that are deeper than 0.25 inches (0.64 cm), you’ll need to wait 2-8 hours before sanding.

Sand down any extra putty, clear finish, or loose paint. Use 220-grit sandpaper to even out the level of the putty and rub off any gloss finish on the wood. You can also use it to remove spots of loose or damaged paint. Make sure to sand the inside corners of the cabinet as well. This will help create a good base for the paint to stick to.

Clean up the dust with a vacuum and a damp rag. Remove the sanding dust by gently vacuuming the vanity surfaces and the surrounding area. Use a brush extension and a low setting when vacuuming. Lightly dampen a rag with water and use it wipe down the vanity surfaces. This will help pick up any leftover dust. Let the vanity surface dry before moving on to priming.

Prepping the Vanity Before Paint a Bathroom Vanity

Empty out all of the cabinets and drawers. Take out all of vanity’s contents, such as personal products, towels, and styling tools. Set these aside where they will be out of the way while you work on the vanity. This will help prevent mess and damage from the paint.

Spread a dropcloth on the floor around the vanity. Use a plastic or canvas sheet to help protect against any paint drips or spills. Tape down the edges of the dropcloth with painter’s tape to keep it from moving around. To keep debris from getting trapped under the dropcloth and scratching the floor, vacuum the floor area before laying down the cloth.

Take apart all of the pieces of the vanity. Remove any drawers, doors, and false door fronts. Lay these on the dropcloth to paint separately. Remove all hardware, such as hinges and knobs, and store them in a plastic bag for safekeeping. You should also clearly label where each piece goes in the cabinet so they’re easy to replace once the paint job is complete.

Wash all cabinetry surfaces with dish soap and water. Wet a sponge or scrubbing pad and add a drop or 2 of dish soap to remove any built-up oil and grime. Make sure to wash all of the pieces, including the removed drawer fronts. Rinse at least twice with fresh water and a sponge. Let all surfaces dry completely.

Mask off areas you don’t want painted with painter’s tape. Place tape around the underside of the vanity top, any adjoining walls, the edge where the vanity meets the floor, and inside the cabinet frame. This will help keep these surfaces from accidentally being painted.