Aluminum Shower Walls?
Aluminum Shower Walls?
(OP)
I would like to use sheet metal for the shower surround in a bathroom. I am after a brushed aluminum look and don't rally care what kind of material it is.
The idea is to apply it the same way as other more conventional shower surround materials - with Liquid Nails or such.
It has been very difficult finding info about that since it is not something that is used a lot. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
The idea is to apply it the same way as other more conventional shower surround materials - with Liquid Nails or such.
It has been very difficult finding info about that since it is not something that is used a lot. Any input would be greatly appreciated.





RE: Aluminum Shower Walls?
It could be done but I don't think you will like the results.
They make a S/S material that looks like burnished Aluminum.
RE: Aluminum Shower Walls?
RE: Aluminum Shower Walls?
S/S is burnished for mainly Architectural Finishes. The only problem is that burnishing like any finish makes a surface a little harder to clean.
There is also a brushed S/S, like with a Scotch-Brite wheel
We were looking for a S/S that wouldn’t finger print not long ago. It’s found on some refrigerators and sold as retro-kit for existing ones. Haven’t found a supplier yet.
Here are some of the finishes that S/S sheet comes in.
http://www.avestapolarit.com/template/Page____2483.asp
I'll try a supplier that I used for S/S roofing, not for myself too expensive. I think they have all types of S/S panels in stock.
RE: Aluminum Shower Walls?
To answer your questions:
Aluminum shower doors and frames are extrusions of fairly corrosion resistant alloys (usually 6063 or 6463) which are protected by anodizing. Checked my shower: the top & vertical surfaces are pretty good, but there is bad corrosion on the frame along the bottom of the glass, and minor corrosion at the bottom corners* and where galvanized screws hold the shower-side door handles. The aluminum appears to have had a light caustic etch for a satin finish prior to anodizing.
*Anodizing is done by the extruder, so no anodize where cut.
I would strongly advise against a brushed finish, as this is hard to clean and bad for corrosion (the smoother the better). With a corrosion-resistant alloy (e.g., 1100, 1350, 3003, 5005, 5657), an anodized satin finish and proper installation to avoid crevices and galvanic corrosion (what about the water taps?), I estimate a 20-25 year useful lifetime -- less if cleanser is used.