Installing bathtub kit (wall surround)

[Chris]

I'm installing a Crane Plumbing wall surround kit in a shower soon and have a question about removing the existing laminant (formica?) material from the wall. I'm *assuming* that removing of this laminant may tear up the sheetrock that it's glued to forcing me to replace the sheetrock. My question is, does anyone know of a gentle means of removing this laminant? I'd really rather not replace the sheetrock if I don't have to when I install this surround. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

[Chris]

Not sure if it's formica - some sort of a laminant material. I've seen it in showers before but not much these days. The laminant material is in good structural shape, seems to be adhering well, etc. That's one reason I thought about just trying to scuff it, remove all the trim pieces from the corners and edges of the existing laminant and try to glue direct to the laminant. Directions on the new surround are to use an adhesive vertically every 5" or so (full length).

Have a picture of this project at

shows this 'laminant' surface with the trim I was mentioning removing (then trying to go onto the laminant. The material itself probably isn't more than 1/32" thick - pretty thin stuff.

[PipeDown]

Can you just leave it there. couldn't be much more than 1/32" thick. How is the new surround attached, adhesive all over or just something at the edges?

Formica in a shower, never seen that. waterproof enough but it must have gotten old looking real fast.

[PanHandler]

If it's sound and firmly fastened I'd say go ahead and glue the new surround to it. BUT - be sure to remove as much soap film as possible first! I've done many of these jobs, gluing the new material to what I believe is called tile board (a plastic-like finish over masonite). I've always used the blue label Liquid Nails specifically made for tub surrounds.

[Chris]