Leo Martínez
If you're looking to paint your shower, you may be considering using green or purple board as a suitable material. Greenboard is a type of drywall that has been treated with a moisture- and mould-resistant coating, making it suitable for damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries. While it was once commonly used in showers as a tile backer, there are now other products that perform better in showers, such as cement board. Purple drywall, also known as XP Sheetrock, is highly resistant to mould, damage, and water and is commonly used in commercial buildings and shower applications. However, it is important to note that the manufacturer of purple drywall does not claim that it can be used in shower applications. Ultimately, the decision of whether to use green or purple board in your shower will depend on various factors, including the level of moisture resistance and durability required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Greenboard drywall | Moisture-resistant, waxy coating, can be painted, not waterproof |
| Purple drywall | Moisture, mould and mildew-resistant, resistant to scratches, scuffs, dents and sound, can be painted |
| Cement board | Waterproof when combined with a waterproofing sheet or coating, perfect for showers |
| DensShield | Waterproof, can be painted |
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What You'll Learn
Greenboard is not suitable for very wet locations
Greenboard is a type of drywall with a paper facing that has been treated with a waxy coating and chemicals that resist moisture and mildew. While it is well-suited for finishing walls in humid locations, it should not be used in very wet locations, such as shower stalls and tub surrounds.
Greenboard is not considered suitable for very wet locations for several reasons. Firstly, it is important to note that greenboard is not waterproof, only moisture-resistant. This means that while it can handle minor splashes of water and humidity, it is not designed to withstand the constant exposure to water and high humidity levels typically found in shower enclosures.
Secondly, greenboard has been shown to be weaker than standard drywall when it gets wet. The added thickness of greenboard helps compensate for this weakness, but if the board is subjected to excessive moisture over time, it can sag and even fail.
Additionally, the usage of greenboard as a direct backer board behind tiles in highly wet areas has been phased out since the 1990s with the introduction of cement board. Cement board, when combined with a waterproof membrane or a brush-on waterproofing coat, is now considered the code-compliant and superior option for backer boards in showers and above tubs.
Finally, individual communities can, and often do, prohibit the use of greenboard in very wet locations. Therefore, it is essential to check with your local building inspection office when choosing materials to ensure compliance with local codes and standards.
In summary, while greenboard can be a useful solution for damp areas of your home to prevent mold and mildew, it is not designed for very wet locations like showers. For these applications, cement board or glass mat panels combined with a moisture barrier are far better choices.
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Purple drywall is superior to greenboard
Secondly, purple drywall provides added benefits, including resistance to scratches, scuffs, dents, and sound. The soundproofing feature of purple drywall is superior to greenboard, as it uses a polymer between two layers to effectively limit noise transfer. Purple drywall's durability makes it especially useful in high-traffic areas or places where walls are prone to wear and tear.
Thirdly, purple drywall contains crystallised gypsum, which provides fire resistance. This is a significant advantage over green drywall, which lacks inherent fire resistance. Therefore, purple drywall is a safer option for areas exposed to heat or prone to fire.
While greenboard is widely accessible and more affordable, purple drywall is the superior choice for areas requiring high water resistance, mould prevention, durability, and fire safety. Purple drywall's versatility allows it to be installed in any room in the house, making it a more reliable and long-lasting option than greenboard.
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Greenboard is well-suited for humid locations
Greenboard is a type of drywall with a paper facing that has been treated with a waxy coating and chemicals that resist moisture and mildew. While it is well-suited for humid locations, it is important to note that it is not waterproof. Greenboard should be avoided in very wet locations, such as shower stalls or indoor pool areas, as it is only moisture-resistant.
Greenboard is commonly used in rooms with high humidity levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. It can withstand occasional splashes of water and minor damp conditions, making it suitable for areas with light dampness. Greenboard is also effective in preventing the growth of mold and mildew, which can negatively impact air quality.
The use of greenboard in highly wet places, such as behind tiles in bathtubs or shower stalls, is technically approved according to ASTM C 1396, Section 7. However, individual communities may prohibit its use in such applications. It is always advisable to check with the local building inspection office when choosing materials as local codes can supersede national standards.
While greenboard can be painted, it is important to reserve its use for non-tiled walls in bathtub alcoves or areas outside the shower. For tile backing material in wet areas, cement board combined with a moisture barrier or glass mat panels are preferred choices. Greenboard should also be avoided for outdoor use as it will eventually crumble and fall apart in very high humidity areas.
In summary, greenboard is well-suited for humid locations but not for very wet environments. It is a durable and cost-effective solution for areas with light dampness or occasional splashes, helping to prevent water damage and the growth of mold and mildew. However, for highly wet locations, alternative materials that are waterproof and specifically designed for such conditions should be considered.
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Greenboard can be painted
Greenboard is a type of drywall that is installed in homes and other structures over the beams in the walls. It is well-suited for finishing walls in humid locations but should be avoided in very wet locations, such as shower and tub surrounds.
Greenboard is commonly used in areas where the drywall may be subjected to light dampness, humidity, and the occasional minor splashes of water. It is only moisture-resistant and not waterproof. Hence, it is not a good choice as a tile backer in showers.
However, greenboard can be painted, making it a good choice for non-tiled walls in bathtubs that receive a lot of splashing water. Before painting, it is important to sand down any rough surfaces on the greenboard with medium-grit sandpaper. The smoother the surface, the better the paint will adhere and appear once dry.
After sanding, a primer should be applied to the greenboard. It is recommended to use a latex-based primer with a 4-inch wide flatting paintbrush. Latex primers are effective for use on drywall because they maintain a smooth surface. An oil-based primer, on the other hand, may raise the texture of the greenboard, resulting in an uneven and unfinished appearance.
Once the primer has dried, you can start painting. It is suggested to use a top-quality paint, such as those offered by Benjamin Moore, Pratt & Lambert, Sherwin Williams, or Pittsburg Paints. If you plan to paint with a high-gloss, highly pigmented colour, it is advisable to use a primer to hide the green colour rather than relying on the top coats.
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Cement board is perfect for showers
If you're looking to redo your shower, you may be wondering what the best material is for the walls. While drywall is a low-cost, easily obtainable material, it falters in areas with high humidity, like bathrooms. In the past, greenboard drywall was commonly used in showers as a tile backer. However, today, there are better options available that can handle the moisture and humidity of a shower.
Another method is to install the cement board directly on the studs without any plastic sheeting behind it. A waterproof sheet membrane, also called an uncoupling membrane, is then applied to the cement board with thinset adhesive. One such brand of sheet membrane is Schluter Kerdi. After the thinset has dried, tile is applied to the sheet membrane using thinset. This method is more expensive, but it offers the benefit of uncoupling the tile from the substrate, which can help mitigate tile or grout cracking.
It's important to note that cement board is quite brittle and can fracture easily if the wrong screws are used. Ordinary screws can also corrode if they are not designed for moisture exposure. So, it's crucial to use coated screws that are corrosion-resistant and can withstand high alkalinity, such as RockOn tile backer board screws.
In summary, cement board is perfect for showers because it is highly moisture-resistant and can be paired with various waterproofing materials to create a durable and long-lasting tile installation. By following the proper installation techniques and using the correct screws, you can create a shower enclosure that is both functional and attractive.
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Frequently asked questions
Greenboard is water-resistant drywall that can be painted. However, it is not suitable for use in the shower as it is not waterproof. It is more suitable for areas outside the shower, such as bathroom walls, kitchens, and laundries.
Purple drywall, also known as XP Sheetrock, is highly resistant to mold, damage, and water. While it can be used in shower areas, it is not recommended for tiled walls as the seams and cut-outs for valves and showerheads will need to be caulked, and caulk fails over time.
Cement board is often recommended for shower areas, especially when using tiles. Plywood is another alternative that is considered superior to any type of drywall.
