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dodahman_gw

Backerboard for Silicone Adhesion Surrounds

dodahman
11 years ago

I have just about decided to go with an Onyx Collection wall panel for a tub surround.
http://www.onyxcollection.com/shower-wall-panels.html
This is an older cast iron tub with a finished front apron wrapping around one end, so a three sided surround kit is not needed and I want the sturdy feel of a solid surface; hence the Onyx.

Installation instructions state using silicone to adhere the panels to the wall.
http://www.onyxcollection.com/pdf/InstallShowerPanels.pdf

I have been reading forums for many days to decide on the backer wallboards. But most questions are dealing with tiles.

Onyx says "Wallboard Options: Onyx Panels can be installed onto sheetrock (water resistant sheetrock is preferred), HardiBacker, concrete board, and any similar wallboard material.
Priming or painting the wallboard will often help the silicone adhere, especially if the wallboard is "dusty" by nature."

I am tentatively ruling out Hardieboard and CBU because of posible dust contamination of the silicone.

I am leaning towards something in the Georgia-Pacific Dens� Gypsum Boards. My main reason for this choice is because of the fiberglass mat covering.

It seems to me the best surface for GOOD silicone adhesion. Any disagreements on this point?

But I am confused by whether I need:

DensShield (tile backer)
https://www.gp.com/build/DocumentViewer.aspx?repository=BP&elementid=4284

DensGuard (tile backer)
https://www.gp.com/build/product.aspx?pid=6388

DensArmour(green-board replacement)
https://www.gp.com/build/DocumentViewer.aspx?repository=BP&elementid=4816

Any and all thoughts and comments are appreciated. Especially concerning the adhesion of solid surface to backer-boards.

Tom

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