What to use above the tub surround?

Bud Cline

Okay... that comment sounds definitive the way it is stated as if you knew what you were talking about.

But, when challenged you once again (as in other comments in other threads) start to back-down from your comments and now say:

My point here is accuracy for DIY'ers. I have challenged you in the past in other threads and you have back away from your statements there also.

In my humble opinion your credibility is again in question. Shooting from the hip will get DIY'ers in trouble and cost them money they can't afford to waste. A lot of DIY's come here for usable information and when they get nonsense, some of them believe it.

Stanchek

Lafarge Watercheck® is specifically designed as a tile backer, though it may also be used in non-tile applications. The board is enhanced with a wax emulsion to offer moisture protection for interior walls in residential rooms where a degree of moisture may be expected, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. It is not for use in shower and bathtub areas.
Drywall designed for applications in moist areas has long been popularly known as "greenboard" due to the green facing paper used for the interior-facing (tiled) surface. After proper surface preparation, Watercheck's green, recycled-paper facing will accommodate a variety of decorative treatments, including ceramic tile, paint, and paper.

I got this off of the manufacturers website. I really just confirms what I think most of us know about green board. It's for high moisture areas, but not to be used behind tile in a shower, or other areas that have direct contact with water. In the OP's case, I would say its a good choice at a minimum.

jimmy21

If im not 100% sure what im talking about, i make it clear that im only offering up suggestions. I am in fact 100% sure that you should not plan on getting greenboard wet, because it is not water resistant, it is mold resistant. I apologize if my original statement was only mostly accurate

Bud Cline

Actually some companies that label their greenboard "MR" intend for that designation to mean "Moisture Resistant". It's been that way for decades.

"Mold Resistant" boards are boards receiving an additional treatment to the surface of the board and actually fall into yet another category. They carry a different terminology such as "Mold Tough", "XP" "M-Bloc" etc. Each company has it's own branding for mold-resistant boards whereas MR (Moisture Resistant) is a somewhat universal and generic term of the industry.

Green board in my experience has never been known to be "water resistant" and I know of no companies that make that claim using that terminology. "Moisture" is the word used most of the time. The use of the term "water resistant" when referring to a greenboard gypsum (MR) product is simply a lack of knowledge on the part of the person using the terms.

paul100

If you look at the link I provided earlier for the mold tough board you will see that it is also moisture resistant

jimmy21

What i got out of what bud wrote is that mold resistant is a step above moisture resistant

Bud Cline

I don't see where Bud said that.

jburchill

Reading this topic has been entertaining.


I'm in the same boat as OP. I am installing tub/shower and will put purple board above the shower. Top foot and a half to two feet. I plan on using a good primer. Such as Kilz. Then paint. The plumber who installed it said that is all I need to do.

For me, that is what I am going to do. I do not plan on using this bathroom much as I just need to get it done so I can possible sell the house and claim two full bathrooms.