Method of appliqueing tiles to a bathtub

Abstract

A tiled bathtub (B) in which tiles (T) are selected from among a variety of tiles and are attached to the side of the tub in a selected pattern. Once a pattern is determined and the tiles are selected, a bonding agent is applied to the tub. The bonding agent is an adhesive agent. After the adhesive sets, tiles are fitted to the side of the tub in accordance with the chosen design. Once the tile mesh appliquè is in place, attached and bonded to the side of the tub, a grout is applied between the tiles. After the grout has set a clear coat can be optionally applied over the tile to protect them.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of enhancing the appearance of a bathtub comprising:
 applying a bonding agent to the outer surface of the bathtub;   fitting tiles in place to the outer surface of the bathtub in a predetermined desired pattern, the tiles being held in place by the bonding agent; and,   applying a grout between the tiles to fill in any gaps between tiles.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  in which the pattern is a random pattern. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further including:
 dividing the bathtub into sections; 
 preparing a separate template for each section, the template used to determine a pattern in which tiles are to be applied to the corresponding section of the bathtub; and, 
 applying tiles to each section of the bathtub in accordance with the template for that section of the bathtub. 
 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  in which the tiles are selected from among glass tiles, ceramic tiles, plastic tiles, porcelain tiles, wood tiles, metal tiles, and mother of pearl tiles, with the type, size and shape of the tiles being selected in accordance with the artistic design for the bathtub. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  in which the bonding agent is an adhesive agent and is applied by painting onto a side of the bathtub, or by application with a trowel. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  in which the grout is one of a non-sandible, flexible grout, or a sandible grout. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  in which the method further includes applying a clear coat over the tiles and grout. 
     
     
         8 . An artistically designed bathtub made in accordance with the method of  claims 1 - 7 .