How to Waterproof RV Shower Walls?

August 2, 2022

Have you got the summer blues? Well then, it is the perfect time to clean the dust off your RV and go on a refreshing road trip with your family. After all, nothing solves boredom better than a road trip experience through the country. But before you even think about setting off on your adventure, you must prepare your RV for the troubles you might face ahead.

We are talking about a thorough inspection of the entire vehicle. Things like checking the tires and readying the engine. But, most importantly, waterproofing the RV’s floor and shower walls.

RVs that come with a shower cabin isn’t usually waterproof. They are water-resistant, and resistance only works for so long. When the barrier breaks water leaks into the other compartments, spoiling everything in its way.

1Ways you can waterproof the walls and floors of your RV’s shower cabin

2Step by Step Waterproofing Process

3Sealing the Gaps

4How To Seal Walls?

5FAQs

Ways you can waterproof the walls and floors of your RV’s shower cabin

Getting Professional Help

The easiest yet one of the most expensive ways is paying a professional to do the work for you. These guys are trained and experienced in their work. So, there are almost no chances of things going wrong. The only downside is that professional services are costly, and not everyone can afford them. In such a case, it is best to do the job yourself.

Using New Material on the Existing One

When the old shower walls deteriorate, and water starts to leak through the seams, you need stronger caulking to cork the leaks. You can remove the old material entirely and install a new one. But one of the cheapest ways out is applying new material on top of the old one. This way, you give the walls and the floor some extra protection. Plus, you get a chance to remodel the showering cabin to fit your RV theme.

Using Water Proof Paint

Another great way to customize and improve the showering area is by using waterproof paint. It is easy to apply, it’s available almost at every paint shop, you can choose any color you want, and you can paint yourself. In other words, it is the most convenient option.

But before you begin, use masking tape on the edges to avoid painting any unwanted areas. Once you have taped the edges, use a roller to cover the larger part of the walls and a small paint brush to fine-tune the difficult areas. As soon as the paint dries, you can have a worry-free shower in your RV.

Moreover, if the paint starts to come off one area, you can re-do the specific section without painting the entire cabin. Not only does that save money but also your valuable time.

Waterproof Wall Panels

If painting isn’t your cup of tea, you can explore other options. One of them is installing pre-built waterproof wall panels. You can find these at a dedicated RV store or home store in your area. They are easy to install and require no extra effort on your part. The only hectic job is measuring the shower cabin and buying the panels based on those measurements.

The panels come in various materials, like acrylic and PVC. You can choose the one you like best, but we’d recommend going for the acrylic option since it is strong and sturdy. Moreover, acrylic panels are resistant to cracks and fading. So, it’s one of the best options for those looking to save money.

Step by Step Waterproofing Process

Waterproofing Process

Now that we have talked about the different ways you can waterproof the shower cabin, it is time we discussed the whole process.

Gather the Materials

Once you have decided on the type of waterproofing you want, you must acquire all the necessary tools from the market. This includes paint brushes, nails, a hammer, a drilling machine, paint (if you opted for that), and a roller. The tools will remain largely the same regardless of the type of waterproofing you install.

Prepare the Location

You will need a lot of old newspapers, some masking tape, and some old clothes to do the job. Begin by spreading old newspapers all over the area and applying masking tape on the edges. Then you can begin with painting or installing the panels.

The aforementioned materials will protect you and the RV from getting dirty. In other words, it would be less of a cleanup job for you after the waterproofing.

For Waterproof Paint:

Begin Painting

Now that everything is prepared, you can start with painting. Start by pouring some paint into the roller tray. Spread it out evenly and dip the roller in the paint. Let it soak up the solution for some time, and then begin painting.

Use the roller to spread the paint evenly in the entire shower cabin area.

Use the paintbrush to reach the difficult corners and cover the cabin entirely.

Apply a Second Coat

It is better to be safe than sorry, which is why you should apply at least two coats of waterproof paint. You might have missed some sections, or the coat is too thin in some places. Regardless, applying two coats is always good practice.

If there is a need, you can go for a third coat, but it is not usually needed.

For Waterproof Paneling:

Measure the Shower Cabin

Shower walls are pre-made, so all you need to do is measure the area and buy the panels based on that measurement.

Remember to keep the measurements accurate to the last centimeter, or else an entire panel could go to waste.

Select The Material

Next up is choosing the right material. As we mentioned, there are quite a few to choose from. You have acrylic, wood, and even PVC walls.

Acrylic works the best, but it is a bit expensive. In that case, you could go with PVC or wood.

Installation

It is easy to install the shower walls if you have the right measurements and you follow the instructions provided.

If you still find it difficult, ask a friend to help or hire the help of a professional. You could also search the internet or watch videos on YouTube for advice.

Sealing the Gaps

You should leave no gaps unsealed, except the one at the bottom. The small crevice is there to allow air behind the panels. But why is that important? That is because the air flowing behind the panels helps them dry. It also prevents the build-up of harmful bacteria. The last thing you want is mould and other fungi developing behind the shower walls. Not only are there health risks, but they also make your RV smell bad.

How To Seal Walls?

You will need caulking to seal all the seams and crevices in the shower area. Caulking is usually silicone-based, and it holds well against any kind of water pressure. Thankfully, RVs do not have too much pressure, so you shouldn’t worry too much.

Once you have applied the caulking, you must wait for a few hours to let it dry up. Then you can start enjoying showers worry-free!

FAQs

What to use for RV shower walls?

Several materials are available, but the best one is acrylic. You can also go with wood or PVC.

How To Protect Shower Walls from Water?

You can use waterproof paint and apply it to the walls. Make sure to get more than two coats in for the ideal result.

What to use to seal RV shower walls?

You need caulking to seal off the seams and edges. The silicone-based solution helps prevent water leakages.

Citations

https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f217/shower-walls-waterproof-103694.html
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/23983284/print/true.cfm
https://www.rvforum.net/threads/water-proofing-the-shower.132783/
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f46/how-to-waterproof-my-shower-170133.html

Andrew Kuttow

+ posts

Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by travel. I inherited this passion from my parents. Since my college years and to this day, I have had a passion for traveling in a motorhome. I am here to share my experiences with you.