Monday, November 21, 2011

SHOWER FINISH

I’m always so surprised when I talk to builders and architects about shower stucco. It seems it is very hard to find and not widely known. Shower Finish was first made many years ago as a substrate for tile or in locker rooms and industrial kitchens. It was an effective way of stopping water; the concept was to have a durable waterproof material to paint or tile over.  Through the years people have found the product on our website and it is now most common as a “finished product”. I think people are tired of cleaning ugly grout in tile, and marble and granite are very expensive. With the resurgence of contemporary and “loft style” homes in the city the cement look inside has gotten very popular. Of course, some people add color to shower finish to match existing counter tops and décor. Super Shower Finish is a polymerized cementitious coating that can go over scratch and brown (typical underlayment for tile). It can also be easily retrofitted to make a bath into a shower or just upgrade existing. As with any other cement product there needs to be some suction for bond. A base coat over a cement board is typical and works well. When I did my daughters house we screwed Durock (USG) to the studs (3x5 sheets at 3/8 or ½ inch thick) and meshed the joints (2 inch drywall mesh works fine). Then a base coat of a polymer modified cement for extra strength (like Merlex Basex) and then two coats of Super Shower Finish. This is typically troweled smooth. The material can be carried out into the entire bathroom if desired. Be advised that when the material is wet you can see streaks as the water tends to absorb a small way by not evenly. When it dries it gets pretty consistent again. Also, as any other smooth cement based stucco expect some color mottling and variation. Of course, this is what most people want.



Any cement material is extremely high Ph so it is a natural biocide. Soap scum doesn’t build up and it’s as easy to clean as any smooth material. There are no joints or areas that require scrubbing. People often ask if a sealer is recommended over the Super Shower Finish. I actually tried that myself just to make sure it was water tight. I used MicroSeal II but couldn’t get it to go in. The answer is: “if it makes you feel better to seal it go ahead”. It works just fine without it.

I am convinced that if more people knew about this it would be used extensively. The material lasts for decades and is virtually maintenance free. Color is open to the imagination as some people add multiple “blend over” colors and get real creative. There are bathrooms that are now part of the “outside” that are carried into a private garden or courtyard. This works great as it can match the existing exterior stucco seamlessly. Design professionals and architects are really excited about using this product and I have been working with some designers in New York that just love it. It certainly is a different look so be sure it’s what you want. Most people do their own color. Although, Merlex will make matches and provide the color as well. It is highly recommended to experiment with the color and get the approval of the customer by using a mock-up before proceeding.

There is a frequently asked questions technical sheet at the Merlex site so if you’re interested in this product look at the Technical Data Sheet on Super Shower Finish and the FAQ.

Good Luck!!!


22 comments:

  1. I simply wanted to appreciate you yet again. I am not sure what I would have used without the type of information shared by you directly on such a subject. This was a very alarming setting in my view, however , spending time with a skilled mode you handled that made me to cry for fulfillment. I am just happy for this information and thus hope you are aware of a great job you are doing teaching most people using a blog. I know that you’ve never got to know all of us.
    stucco restoration in Albuquerque NM

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  2. I love the look of the shower finish stucco application. The photo of the kitchen looks great, I love the dark colors of the back splash. I hadn't heard much about stucco finishes for interior, mostly exterior. Is this considered a 3 coat process? Is there a scratch coat that needs to be applied first? My wife and I would love to remodel our home someday, this stucco finish seems like it would go great in our home. http://www.texturecoatingqld.com.au

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  3. Does anyone know a contractor who can do this near Fresno, California...oakhurst specifically

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  4. I did not even know there was a "shower stucco" type of mix available. I am a stucco contractor (in Grass Valley, CA)
    stucco contractor (in Grass Valley, CA) and am curious where I might find a distributor closeby.

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  5. I appreciate everything you have added to my knowledge base.Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer.Thanks. shower filter

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  6. I was reading some of your content on this website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up. shower filter for hard water

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  7. I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information.hard water shower filter

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  8. I used this product recently in my own custom shower. It turned out amazing! I can use some practice on application but bottom line is the finish is amazing! Waterproof, stain proof (I tested with red wine and soy sauce), soap scum proof! No more scrubbing!

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    Replies
    1. Hi,
      I want to do this in my home. Wondering if you have any contractor or stucco experience? The red wine/soy sauce test was brave and brilliant!
      Thanks.

      Delete
  9. Sounds Good,
    I like to read your blog. You shared a great information about Buy waterproof wall plaster. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Has anyone tried shower finish in a steam shower environment? Does application possibly crack at expansion joints required in cement board? I would very much like to use this on the wall to ceiling as well as bench inside my proposed residential steam shower.

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  11. Great article!! Thanks for sharing such an informative information.. https://davco-online.com.sg/index.php/all-products/waterproofing/bathroom-waterproofing.html 

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  12. Where do I find this product near NYC?

    Thanks

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  13. any Parex distributor in town can sell you the product.

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  14. Hi! Thank you for this write up! My dad and I are considering using this product on a bathroom renovation at a new home I bought for my family out in Texas. (My dad lives in Albuquerque and will come out to help). I was wondering if I could ask you for some specifics about the process, as it will be a first time DIY for both of us. Appreciate your help in advance, thank you so much.

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  15. Feel free to e-mail me directly at kniquii@gmail.com if that is easiest.

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  16. Hello,
    I am currently planning for some renovations of my own . I am obsessed with the idea of not having to clean a shower full of grout but am struggling with finding more information about a plaster shower. I have been reading about the super shower finish and have contacted the company to gather information. I wanted to get in touch with you to see how your shower if holding up, the maintenance, and cleaning. Curious if it is still as beautiful today as it was before. Also, I wondered if you might be willing to share the products that were used for the shower aside from the super shower finish. Let me know if you have any information as I would GREATLY appreciate it!

    Thank you!
    Jamie Barahona

    ReplyDelete

  17. Hello,
    I am currently planning for some renovations of my own . I am obsessed with the idea of not having to clean a shower full of grout but am struggling with finding more information about a plaster shower. I have been reading about the super shower finish and have contacted the company to gather information. I wanted to get in touch with you to see how your shower if holding up, the maintenance, and cleaning. Curious if it is still as beautiful today as it was before. Also, I wondered if you might be willing to share the products that were used for the shower aside from the super shower finish. Let me know if you have any information as I would GREATLY appreciate it!

    Thank you!
    Jamie Barahona

    ReplyDelete
  18. I wanted to thank you for this good read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to look at new things you post…

    Toiletsguide

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  19. Hi, we have this product in our bathroom shower and LOVE it but some areas are turning black like mold and nothing takes it off. Sort of rough areas seem to be turning. I use soap and water but wonder if I can use bleach? It is getting worse. Thanks for any input.

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  20. Schluter advises using regular drywall as the surface material underneath the membrane because the entire system is watertight. Since I've been using this system, there hasn't been a single failure. I tested the system by flooding the shower pan (referred to as a flood test) after all waterproofing was finished to make sure it did not leak. I do this by stopping the drain and filling the shower pan with 10 to 15 gallons of water. I wait 24 hours before checking for leaks. A Schluter shower system I have built has never leaked.

    shower waterproofing

    ReplyDelete