- Next, Ron applied glue to the drywall patch that he had used as a template for the opening.
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- He pressed the patch firmly into the hole and onto the backer board.
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- Finally, Ron covered the seams with joint compound and paper tape, let it dry a few hours and then sanded it to a smooth surface.
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- After the first coat was dry and sanded, Ron applied a second coat, repeating the process.
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5. New countertop and sink:
- While they were waiting for the second coat to dry, they stepped outside to take a look at the new countertop and sink. The new countertop they chose was acrylic. Although sometimes referred to as cultured marble, it is really made out of plastic. The countertop was molded in exactly the shape they wanted it, and it was cut to just the right length to fit perfectly into the alcove. They also had the opening cut out for the new sink. Ron recommended having the openings precut whenever possible. This not only saves time, but also cuts down on costly errors.
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- The new sink was called a drop in. It was porcelain enamel and was designed to drop right into the hole that was precut into the countertop. They would later seal the sink edge to the countertop with silicone.
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6. Attach fixtures:
- Whenever Ron installs a new countertop, he always recommendings attaching the fixtures beforehand. It is much easier to see and reach everything this way rather than trying to do it later in a cramped space underneath the sink. In a matter of minutes Laura and Charlie had things ready to go. They returned inside to prepare the base cabinet for the countertop installation.
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7. Install new countertop:
- They ran a bead of silicone along the upper edge of the base cabinet and then laid a couple of wooden dowels across the bead. This would allow Charlie and Ron to slide the countertop across the dowels without disturbing the bead of silicone.
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- Once the countertop was in place, they pulled the dowels out and the countertop dropped in place on the sealant
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- Next, Laura ran a bead of white silicone around the sink opening.
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- They carefully lowered the sink into position.
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8. Reconnect plumbing:
- Finally, Laura went back under the sink to reconnect the plumbing.
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9. Replace mirror and light:
- Ron re-installed the mirror as simply as he removed it.
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- He then connected the wiring, mounted the new light fixture and attached it into place with screws.
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10. Paint wall patch:
- By this time, the wall patch was dry and ready for paint. Their mistake was finally covered up and forgotten.
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11. Mirror repair:
- The final step in Laura's vanity makeover was to deal with the chipped silver on the mirror. One option would have been to buy a new mirror, but the less expensive and more decorative option that Ron and Laura chose was to cover the chipped edges with wood molding. They applied hot melt glue to the back of the molding and pressed each section against the mirror creating a beautiful frame that completely covered the chipped edges.
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RESULTS:
Laura could not have been more pleased with her "new" bathroom. The fixtures coordinated beautifully with the new light. The vanity makeover brought modern style and function to her bathroom - but still reflected Laura's unforgettable, old-fashioned hospitality and warmth. A job well done!
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