DIY shower guard

I recently stripped and replaced the caulking around the bathtub in our bathroom. Our landlord offered to do it, but after I realized that new caulking had been laid over old caulking the last time he “fixed” it, I decided to do it myself. I like things to be done right the first time.

So I stripped the old stuff off, cleaned up the mildew and soap scum and let it dry. Once that was done, I filled the bathtub with as much water as it would hold (this apparently helps mimic the gravity of bodies and water in the tub when it’s in use which allows the caulking to contract and expand properly) and then recaulked everything. It looks awesome now.

Unfortunately, I also had to remove a plastic shower guard to properly redo things. The old shower guard had at least three layers of caulking  – are people not aware you can’t recaulk in the same manner that you would give a wall a new coat of paint? – and some sticky stuff holding the guard to the tub ledge and wall.

A little Goo Gone, some elbow grease and a few swear words and it was done. Nice clean tub for a fresh start.

So, this morning I went out and bought a plastic shower guard. I tore open the package, removed the backing from the sticky part and laid it lightly on the tub’s ledge and congratulated myself on being such a fantastic DIY-er.

Just as I got ready to press the guard firmly into place, I realized the wall had an inch of tile going up the wall. The guard would have to be hacked up to accomodate the tile. Dammit.

I do not have a fine tooth saw capable of such a job and I had no intention of going back out to buy one, but I didn’t let lack of tools stop me! I improvised!

Tools of destruction

As you can see a marker, paring knife, scraper and file are all you need to horribly mangle repurpose a shower guard to fit your tub!

I call my approach “resourceful and innovative” – Joe, had he been here, probably would have called it a potential trip to the emergency room. I won this one: I only needed a small bandaid on the pinky finger of my right hand where I nicked myself with the scraper.

Now I just have to wait for the tub ledge and wall to be completely dry before I stick the guard on and caulk around it.

I’m sure I’m not the only person using whatever happens to be lying around the house for DIY projects – what resourceful and innovative measures have you taken to beautify your home?