Can I simply paint RedGard over my tiled shower to avoid removal costs, even though the only issue seems to be an unsealed floor?
Asked by Marlice Santos 
4 months ago
Last Updated: August 3, 2024
Has anyone ever tried painting redguard over a tiled “finished” shower? I can’t afford to remove or replace it, so I’m wondering if I can just apply a lot of redguard instead. The only issue is that the floor isn’t properly sealed in one spot, but the drain is fine.
Are you dealing with a leak on the floor and considering using redgard to fix it?
It’s more like going through. The leak is above my garage, so I can see the pipe and know that it’s not what’s causing the leak. It seems to be somewhere under the tile, closer to the floor near the drain, about 3 inches away. The leak is very small. I’m okay with the color red, I’m just wondering if it’s effective and feasible.
I’m not entirely convinced that redgard will stick properly to the tile and other materials. It might be worth trying, but honestly, switching to a fiberglass pan would probably be a better option… I know redgard is expensive, and if it doesn’t work, you’ll have wasted that money. In my opinion, using redgard is risky; I believe your money would be better invested in a more long-lasting solution.
Okay, I understand what you’re saying about . If I were to install a fiberglass one instead of ripping up the tile, how would I go about doing that?
Hey there anonymous participant, you might end up having to remove it. I understand it may not be your preferred choice, but if redgard doesn’t do the trick and there’s additional damage, it could end up being more expensive in the long run. Dealing with mold and water damage is never fun.
I think redguard would be really tough to clean, and I have doubts about its durability against regular wear and tear. Plus, there’s no guarantee it will stick to the tile surface.
Is debating between epoxy and silicone for the floor specifically, not the walls or drain, which are not an issue.
OK, so here’s the idea: assuming the tile currently in place is sturdy and there’s a leak, you could try using some modified mortar to cover the tile (after thoroughly cleaning it, of course). Essentially, this would involve redoing the shower pan. After that, you could apply Redguard and then re-tile. When dry, Redguard acts like rubber, so I doubt it would withstand physical wear and tear.
Ship it
Just accept it. Should you come across a suitable option, make the purchase.